U District's "Ave" has become bubble-tea central

1. Shinka Tea, 4727 University Way N.E.: Don't let the smaller tapioca pearls fool you, Shinka Tea makes the best bubble tea (also called boba) on The Ave. Drinks made from premium loose tea leaves, mostly oolong tea.

2. Turquoise Boutique, 4730 University Way N.E., Suite 101: Like Forever 21. Only more expensive.

3. Citra, 4730 University Way N.E., Suite 105: One of the newest frozen yogurt stops on The Ave, with a second branch coming in Queen Anne soon. This city's version of the popular Pinkberry and Red Mango chains.

4. Upper Playground, 4730 University Way N.E.: One of the city's best hip-hop stores, with T-shirts designed by graffiti- and urban artists. This San Francisco-based chain also features an art gallery in the back.

5. Lucky, 4742 University Way N.E.: One of many vintage stores on The Ave. This store focuses mostly on clothes from the 1930s to the 1980s.

6. Valley of Roses Boutique, 4748A University Way N.E.: Was supposedly once Bruce Lee's martial arts studio, hence the collection and books about Lee, in between military uniforms and moon boots.

7. Grand Illusion Cinema, 1403 N.E. 50th St.: One of the city's oldest movie theaters, featuring lost classics and independent films.

8. Star Life on the Oasis Café, 1405 N.E. 50th St.: Still one of the Ave's best kept secrets. A great place to just bring your laptop, order a cup of joe and just hang out.

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