Editorial by Citysearch

The Scene
Home to the second busiest Starbucks in the world, this immaculate, outdoor regional shopping center situated less than a mile from the University of Washington and features national and local retailers that attract yuppie shoppers as well as affluent and fashion-conscious students. Mercedes and BMWs abound and are rapidly filled with plush home furnishings, en vogue clothing and eclectic gifts.

The Goods
'U-village' is host to around 100 merchants in an open-air design. Familiar store names like Coach, Eddie Bauer, Victoria's Secret, J. Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch and Anthropologie are interspersed with local gems like European-inspired Rosanna and neighborhood-born Ravenna Gardens. One-stop-shopping in its finest form, the experience does not end without a relaxing massage, quick manicure or hair update. Patrons can also take a break from shopping and tantalize their taste buds with choices from Piatti's fine Italian cuisine to a walk down memory lane with Johnny Rockets' 1950s themed restaurant.

The Inside Scoop

  1. Parking - 800 free covered spots are available in the multi-level garage located near Crate & Barrel.
  2. Know Before You Go - Giant yellow umbrellas are available throughout the center for use during inevitable Emerald City downpours.
  3. The Extras - Gift cards accepted at all merchant locations are available through the University Village office located next to Radio Shack.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Insider Pages Reviews for University Village

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The Model for all Malls

by Rob S. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,827

Every new mall being built (see Kent) seems to be modeled after University Village. Huge Starbucks is a winner and I'm a big Ben & Jerry's fan - gotta have chocolate when shopping.

Posted 08/16/06 | Report Abuse

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One of the best

by Sue J. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 431

University Village is an excellent and fun place to shop. The variety of stores is terrific and it is a great place to get what you need and have fun while you shop. The restaurants are great also.

Posted 08/14/06 | Report Abuse

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Great Casual Shopping

by Christie M. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 388

University Village is a great place to walk around and casually shop. It does get really busy and parking isn't always very convenient, but it's nice if you're not in a hurry.

Posted 08/14/06 | Report Abuse

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My favorite shopping center

by T M. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 5,031

The stores at University Village are awesome. I love Land of Nod for great kids gifts, Crate and Barrel for home goodies, there is a Ben & Jerry's and a great Anthropologie. I love walking outdoors, and this mall has super independent stores to compliment the usual chain stores.

PROS: Variety and Outdoors too!
CONS: Not so swell on a rainy day

Posted 06/28/06 | Report Abuse

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GREAT LITTLE STORES

by Yvonne B. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,282

Okay, so sometimes it gets really busy, and the parking, well, that is not always so easy to come by. However, there are some great little shops to browse about, and you really can't go wrong if you just want to wander around on a Saturday. There's a Barnes and Nobles, a variety of restaurants, a personal favorite of mine--papyrus. Overall cool spot to hang out and do some leisurely shopping and walking.

Posted 05/22/06 | Report Abuse

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Perfect Outdoor Mall

by Kristen M. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 4,153

This mall has tons of great shopping such as Anthropologie, Coach, Victorla's Secret, Gap, Sephora and many more. Its all outdoors, and landscaped beautifully, but only for those sunny seattle days. Its a great place to walk around, and many good restaurants to eat at. There is also a QFC in the shopping area so you really are able to make a one stop shopping trip.

Posted 07/12/05 | Report Abuse

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

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Boutique shopping in Beautiful Setting

by seattleshopaholic

I love the U Village - It is my favorite shopping destination in Seattle. It has many unique upscale boutique stores, while having the convenience of a few of the more popular chain stores. The staff is always courteous, pleasant and helpful. The open air setting is relaxing and less oppressive than the fluorescent lights of enclosed shopping centers and there is lots of parking and complementary umbrellas to use on location when it rains. This is not a bargain shopping experience, but instead the perfect place to find unique one-of-a-kind personal and gift items.

Pros: unique one-of-a-kind items, boutique stores

Cons: moderately expensive, no bargains or discounts

Posted 11/08/08

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Wonderful Atmosphere

by cutebirdie

I love visiting the University Village for shopping. The many unique shops puts this outdoor mall above all the others. The stores I frequent have excellent customer service; especially the Starbucks. They have a continual influx of customers all day and yet, this young staff can maintain their professionalism without getting silly--like we often see with the younger generation that serves us in many businesses. Their inventory seems to be more specialized than their partners that are located in other malls. Plus, when they have a sidewalk sale in June, it's the best!

Posted 06/23/08

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It's ok

by kee22

I have a love-hate feeling about U Village. I love that it's so close to UW. I also like some of the stores and the open layout of the mall (tho..it's not that great when it's raining). I hate the fact that the mall is so expensive. It's definately not poor college student shopping. Also, some of the shoppers and customer service people are snotty. I would expect it in Bellevue, but not too much by the U. I don't think that you get that too much downtown seattle.

Pros: Nice mall, some good shops

Cons: expensive, kind of snotty

Posted 11/17/06

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Great Shopping

by sueland

The shopping at UVillage is wonderful! With the new parking garage it is much easier than shopping downtown. There's such a variety - you can find a gift for anyone and any age. UVillage is the best for holiday shopping.

Pros: parking, variety

Posted 10/07/03

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Half-and-Half

by evilgummibear

I personally dont enjoy shopping here that much. Many of the shops are expensive, and arent really that great for young people. They do have some clothing stores such as Abercombie and Fitch, GAP, Lucky Brand, and a couple others. I must admit that I love shopping at Sephora, a makeup store, but they are soooo expensive, many of their lip glosses ar 12-24 dollars. Their own sephora brand is relatively affordable though. There are also some neat resteraunts and candy shops like Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream, Starbucks in the Barnes and Noble, a Honeybaked Ham place, and a few other neat little resteraunts. I dont reccomend U-Village if your are on a tight budget though. :)

Pros: Lots of Shops, Cool Resteraunts

Cons: Expensive, Not many Teen Shops

Posted 09/08/02

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