Hi J-term friends!
This guide is for students who stay at PLU in January and want food by walking!
Intersection of Park Ave S and Garfield St S (front of PLU)
Before You Go Out
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Winter days feel short. Try to walk back before it gets very dark.
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Take a warm jacket! It often rains.
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Walking times are just guesses. It depends on your speed and the weather!
1. 208 Garfield – Cozy Study + Soup Spot
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Type: Café and restaurant with coffee, tea, soup, salad, sandwiches.(208garfield.com)
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Walk: About 6 minutes from campus front.
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Vibe:
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Warm and calm.
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Many students study with a laptop.
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Good for J-term:
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Morning coffee before class.
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Lunch between classes.
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What to try:
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Soup of the day with half sandwich.
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Any latte, then sit near the big windows.
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Extra info:
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Open most weekdays from 8am–8pm; later start on weekends.(208garfield.com)
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2. Farrelli’s Pizza – Group Dinner Place
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Type: Wood-fired pizza, Italian-style food.(Farrelli's Pizza)
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Walk: About 7 minutes from campus.
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Vibe:
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Loud, fun, many TVs with sports.
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Good place for a team or club dinner.
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Good for J-term:
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“We finished our project” celebration.
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What to try:
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Large pizza to share.
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Wings or salad on the side.
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3. La CĂ CafĂ© – Vietnamese Food Close to PLU
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Type: Fast-casual Vietnamese food: phở, bánh mì, vermicelli bowls, spring rolls.(La Cà Cafe)
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Walk: About 5 minutes along Garfield.
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Vibe:
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Bright and modern.
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Easy place for a quick meal or a relaxed dinner with friends.
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Good for J-term:
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Warm soup on cold and rainy days.
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What to try:
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Grilled pork bánh mì.
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Spring rolls with peanut sauce.
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4. Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito – Anime-Themed Fun
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Type: Ramen, sushi rolls, sushi “burritos”.(Zen Ramen Brothers)
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Walk: About 3 minutes from campus.
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Vibe:
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Casual place with anime decorations.
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Good for ramen fans and people who like big rolls.
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Good for J-term:
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Comfort food after a long afternoon class.
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What to try:
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A house ramen bowl.
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A “Zen” sushi burrito if you want something different.
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5. Marzano Italian Restaurant – Special Night Out
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Type: Upscale Italian restaurant with pasta, meat dishes, desserts.(Marzano)
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Walk: About 2 minutes from campus.
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Vibe:
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Inside an old house.
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Cozy, romantic, quiet.
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Good for J-term:
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Birthday, date night, or “end of J-term” dinner.
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What to know:
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Dinner only, Tuesday to Saturday evening.
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Price is higher than other student spots, so think of it as a treat.
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6. Notes’ Coffee House – Bookstore-Style CafĂ©
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Type: Coffee house with books, games, records.(Pacific Lutheran University)
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Walk: About 4–5 minutes from campus, at Garfield and C Street.
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Vibe:
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Very cozy.
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Smell of coffee and jazz music in the background.
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Good for J-term:
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Reading day, journaling, or quiet talk with a friend.
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7. Lucky’s Drive-In – Classic Burger Bus on Pacific Ave
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Type: Old-school burger stand with fries, shakes, hot dogs, chili.(Lucky's Drive-In Parkland)
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Walk: About 20–25 minutes from campus down Pacific Ave.
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Vibe:
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Vintage 1950s burger-bus feeling.
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Fun stop during a long walk with friends.
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Good for J-term:
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Weekend walk plus lunch.
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What to try:
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A “Lucky Burger” with fries and a shake.
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8. Gyro / Seafood Cluster at 11814 Pacific Ave S
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Type: Gyro Real Kabob and Krab Kingz style places at one address, with gyros, kebabs, and Cajun seafood plates.(GYRO REAL KABOB)
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Walk: About 12–15 minutes from campus down Pacific Ave.
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Vibe:
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Casual, take-out-friendly food.
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Tip:
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Some shops at this address pause business or change concepts, so check Google Maps or Yelp before you walk.
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How to Use This Guide During J-Term
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Need quiet study + food → 208 Garfield or Notes’ Coffee House
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Want big group dinner → Farrelli’s Pizza or La CĂ CafĂ©
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Plan special night → Marzano
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Crave ramen → Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito
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Feel like a walk adventure → head down Pacific Ave to Lucky’s
Save this guide for January!
On a cold day, pick one place, grab a friend, and go explore Parkland food by foot 🥾🍜🍔
- Luna, ISS Intern
