Michelle Conner Credit: CALIBURGER
Michelle Conner
Caliburger Michelle Conner

Whether you’re fleeing a shitty frat party at 2 a.m., grabbing a bite between classes, or just needing a break from the standard cafeteria fare, Seattle’s college hoods have plenty of food offerings that won’t break the bank.

University District

The University District is laden with affordable food options at any time of day. Hangry after class? Get a gyro. Stoned out of your mind? Get a gyro. It’s practically a neighborhood requirement for Huskies to go to Aladdin’s Gyro-cery and Deli (4143 University Way NE) at least once during their university career. This cash-only hole-in-the-wall has plenty of options for veggies and carnivores alike. Their falafel is never dry, their service is always friendly, and their baklava is always stupidly delicious.

For a sweet-tooth fix, head up the street to Mee Sum Pastry (4343 University Way NE). Pick up warm and fluffy pineapple and custard buns alongside your favorite type of bubble tea. (Pro tip: Get custard, not tapioca balls.) Fellow California transplants can satisfy their In-N-Out fix at CaliBurger (4509 University Way NE), a strangely accurate imitation of the CA-based chain. Their “Cali fries,” aka animal-style fries, make for the best drunchies (that’s drunk munchies, y’all).

Ana Sofia Knauf reports on Neighborhoods for The Stranger. When she’s not commuting to work by bus, she’s worrying about Seattle’s rising rents, giving herself headaches thinking about race, or trying...