Interested in getting intel on the newest restaurant and retail additions to the University District? From a popular bubble-tea chain to a vegan cafe, read on for the newest spots to open in this Seattle neighborhood.
Ding Tea Seattle
4725 University Way NE
Ding Tea Seattle is the first Seattle outpost for international bubble tea chain Ding Tea, which also has U.S. locations in Renton and throughout California.
On the menu, you'll find hot and iced teas in flavors ranging from chocolate to peach to taro, available with boba or without.
With a four-star Yelp rating out of 17 reviews, Ding Tea Seattle has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Thao T., who reviewed Ding Tea Seattle on June 6, wrote, "There are so many bubble tea shops here that it was hard to pick and choose. I chose Ding Tea, because it's my go-to boba spot back in SoCal. I was hoping the taste here would be the same, and [it] didn't disappoint me."
Yelper Mimi N. wrote, "If anyone is in the mood for something different, I think Ding Tea is worth the visit. Came here for a quick drink and overall, it was a pleasant experience."
Ding Tea Seattle is open from noon–10 p.m. daily.
Juicy Spot Cafe
5240 University Way NE, Suite B
Fans of Thai-style rolled ice cream will want to roll over to Juicy Spot Cafe, which specializes in the trendy dessert. Made by spreading thin layers of ice cream and toppings on frozen plates, then rolling them up, Juicy Spot's treats have already earned acclaim in New York and Boston. This is the company's first Seattle location.
On the menu, you'll find rolled ice cream sundaes like the Razzle Dazzle (yogurt ice cream base with raspberries, topped with blueberry, pomegranate, and raspberry drizzle) and the Ferre-roll Rocher (Nutella ice cream topped with crushed wafers, chopped hazelnuts, and Nutella drizzle). Build-your-own sundaes and juice drinks are also available.
Juicy Spot Cafe currently holds 4.5 stars out of 23 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Michelle C., who reviewed Juicy Spot Cafe on June 6, wrote, "What better way to cool off in the summer heat than with a cup of Thai rolled ice cream? New to the neighborhood, Juicy Spot Cafe is a welcome addition to the dessert scene in Seattle."
Marie B. noted, "I didn't see Chocolate Chip Espresso in time, so I ordered #8, Cookies and Cream. It starts with cream poured on a very cold surface and an Oreo is smashed then mixed, spread out, scraped, and finally rolled into portions arranged vertically in a cup. This is a fairly sizable serving, topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate swirl wafers, and a whole Oreo."
Juicy Spot Cafe is open from 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Hunan Chinese Kitchen
4507 University Way NE
Hunan Chinese Kitchen specializes in the cuisine of China's Hunan region, offering a variety of rice noodle dishes tossed with toppings like chicken, fish and braised pork intestines.
Signature dishes include the homemade chicken (crispy chicken with peanuts, jalapenos and peppers), pickled fish and spicy boiled beef. There's also a selection of cold dishes like cucumbers with garlic sauce.
With a four-star Yelp rating out of nine reviews on Yelp, Hunan Chinese Kitchen has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Zhe L., who reviewed Hunan Chinese Kitchen on June 6, wrote, "My wife and I ate here about two weeks ago during off-hours. The place was empty. We didn't order the noodles which is probably their specialty. The food was good, but little bit on the pricier side."
Yelper Nam N. wrote, "I heard that the homemade chicken was a specialty here, so we took the hit and ordered it. I'm glad we did, because it was great! I didn't know what to expect at all, but when the dish came out, it was tender pieces of fried chicken. The chicken was covered in jalapeños and peppers, with a nice crispy breading on the outside. Don't worry! Despite the peppers and jalapeños, it wasn't too spicy."
Hunan Chinese Kitchen is open from 11 a.m.–11:15 a.m. on Monday, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Thursday. (It's closed on Tuesday.)
Taste Of Xi'an
4523 University Way NE
Hunan Chinese Kitchen isn't the only spot dishing up regional Chinese fare: there's also Taste Of Xi'an, featuring dishes from its namesake region like hand-pulled noodles with hot oil, cumin lamb and paomo (a Shaanxi-style stew).
Green, black and boba tea are also available, as are fresh juices and snow ice desserts.
Taste Of Xi'an currently holds four stars out of 203 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Xin Z., who reviewed Taste Of Xi'an on May 16, wrote, "Good environment. Comfortable seats. Food quality [is] pretty good, very traditional [and] tasty."
Yelper Opal D. wrote, "Super authentic. Ridiculously delicious food, exceptionally poor service, brightly lit space, and a menu that makes you really excited (and a little scared as to what'll come out, if you don't read Chinese and have to rely on the fairly-rough English translation). I just left my lunch there and I already can't wait to come back and try all the other dishes."
Taste Of Xi'an is open from 11:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m. on weekdays and 11:45 a.m.–10 p.m. on weekends.
Broadfork Cafe
4757 12th Ave. NE
Once the U-District outpost of Chaco Canyon Cafe, Broadfork Cafe has retained its predecessor's focus on vegan food, but with new ownership. Menu options include toasts, sandwiches, salads and grain bowls. There's also a full selection of coffee and espresso drinks and fresh-pressed juices and smoothies.
With a four-star rating out of 22 reviews on Yelp, Broadfork Cafe has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Natalia C. noted, "I have only ever had the hippie bowl; I got stuck on the delicious dressing mixed with the seasoned marinated tofu, quinoa and fresh veggies. The flavor is perfectly balanced. One time I ordered it and I got it with brown rice instead of quinoa, which was a bit of a disappointment, since the texture and flavor is not the same. Maybe they were just out of quinoa that day?"
Yelper Elaine S. wrote, "Halfway through the grilled-kim-cheese and realized that I should probably do a review ... because it is SO DELICIOUS! The flavors are a perfect blend and there's a nice light-but-gooey-ness to the cheese."
Broadfork Cafe is open from 7 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekends.
