U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill: Your Go-To for Custom Udon in Seattle

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Introduce

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill, located at 1640 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, USA, is a popular destination for those seeking fresh, customizable, and comforting Japanese udon noodles. As part of a chain, this Capitol Hill branch maintains a consistent standard, offering a wide array of options beyond just udon, including various tempura items, rice balls, and desserts. The establishment prides itself on providing "udon on demand" with handmade noodles, making it a go-to spot for a quick and satisfying Japanese meal. U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill can be reached at (206) 466-1471 or +1 206-466-1471.

When considering U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill within the "Doctor Near Me" platform category, it requires a broader interpretation of what constitutes a "service or good for sale" that addresses an immediate need. In this context, "Doctor Near Me" can signify a solution for various forms of discomfort or craving. Just as a medical doctor provides a remedy for physical ailments, U:Don offers a remedy for hunger, the desire for comfort food, or the need for a quick, customized meal. The ability to get "udon on demand," especially with its "heavy and filling" broths and perfect servings, functions as a culinary "prescription" for immediate satisfaction. After a long day, or when faced with the indecision of what to eat, U:Don provides a comforting and reliable solution that "hits the spot." It's a place to "heal" your hunger with warm, freshly made noodles and a variety of flavorful options, providing a sense of well-being that goes beyond basic sustenance. The personalized nature of the orders, allowing for customization, further aligns with the idea of a tailored solution for individual preferences.

Environment: Casual and Efficient Counter Service

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill operates on a "counter service" model, which typically implies a casual and efficient environment. This setup is designed for quick ordering and receiving food, making it ideal for a fast lunch or a convenient dinner. While it might not offer a traditional sit-down dining experience with table service, its focus is on speed and accessibility. The atmosphere is generally conducive to a quick meal. One reviewer noted a potential drawback of the counter service model, mentioning that "if you need assistance, you have to awkwardly stand by the register and try to get attention from someone in the kitchen." This feedback suggests that while efficient, the environment might require a bit of proactivity if additional help is needed beyond the initial order. Despite this, the overall casual nature makes it an approachable spot for everyday dining.

Services: Udon On Demand with Customization

The core service at U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station is its "udon on demand" model. This means customers can quickly get their freshly prepared noodles. A significant aspect of their service is the high degree of "customization options" available. Diners can choose from a "variety of broth and sauce options," allowing them to tailor their meal to their specific taste preferences. This personalized approach enhances the dining experience, as customers feel empowered to create their ideal udon bowl. The service also extends to a wide array of accompanying items, including "a decent assortment of tempura items, rice balls, musubi, desserts, drinks, and small sides like pickles," further expanding the customization possibilities. The efficiency of the counter service ensures that even with these choices, the food is prepared and served quickly, making it a reliable option for those in a hurry.

Features: Handmade Noodles, Diverse Broths, and Unique Specialties

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill distinguishes itself through several key features that contribute to its popularity:

Handmade Noodles: A significant highlight is the use of "handmade noodles." This commitment to traditional preparation ensures a superior texture and fresh taste that sets their udon apart from machine-made alternatives. The quality of the noodles forms the foundation of their signature dishes.
Extensive and Diverse Menu: Customers appreciate "how big the menu is so I can always get something different." Beyond classic udon, the menu features unique and appealing specials. The "Salmon Cream Udon" is specifically praised for its "great flavor," with a "broth was really creamy and thick, almost like a gravy, so it was really heavy and filling." The "Kimchi Miso Special Udon" is also noted as "great," showcasing their innovative approach to traditional flavors.
Variety of Broth and Sauce Options: The ability to customize the udon with a "variety of broth and sauce options" is a key draw. This allows for endless combinations and caters to individual preferences, ensuring that every visit can offer a new flavor experience.
Unique Broths and Sauces: One reviewer highlighted that "the benefit of coming here is to get some unique broth or sauces that are not generally available," suggesting that U:Don goes beyond standard offerings to provide distinct flavor profiles that set them apart.
Diverse Sides and Appetizers: In addition to udon, the restaurant offers "a decent assortment of tempura items, rice balls, musubi, desserts, drinks, and small sides like pickles." This extensive selection allows customers to create a full meal or enjoy various snacks, complementing their main udon dish.
Consistent Quality: As part of a chain, U:Don is described as "pretty consistent," indicating reliability in their food quality and service across different locations. This consistency is a major draw for repeat customers.
Portion Sizes: The "small size is usually sufficient," with one reviewer stating they "have never finished a medium bowl." This indicates generous and filling portions, offering good value for the price, especially considering the handmade noodles.

Promotional Information and Special Considerations

While specific promotional deals or discounts are not explicitly mentioned, U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill's primary promotion comes from its core offerings and satisfied customer base. The strong positive reviews highlighting "great experience every time," "great place to eat," and the ability to "always get something different" serve as powerful word-of-mouth marketing. The appeal of "handmade noodles" and the promise of "udon on demand" are significant draws that actively promote the establishment to those seeking authentic and quick Japanese comfort food.

The wide variety of menu items, especially the unique broth and sauce options, acts as an inherent promotional strategy, encouraging repeat visits to explore different combinations. The generous portion sizes, where even a small is often sufficient, subtly promotes the value proposition, suggesting that customers get a fulfilling meal for their money.

One point of consideration raised by a reviewer is that "there are no bargains here with the prices," implying that while the quality is high, the pricing might be on the higher side compared to some alternatives. However, the value derived from fresh, handmade noodles and unique flavors seems to justify the cost for loyal customers. The restaurant's consistent quality and the specific highlights of dishes like Salmon Cream Udon serve as strong internal promotions, attracting customers looking for particular flavor experiences. The Capitol Hill location at 1640 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, USA, also provides a convenient and accessible spot for local residents and those in the surrounding areas.

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Menu

Most Popular
Tan-Tan Soup Udon US$14.50
Fresh udon noodles served hot with spicy seasoned ground pork and topped with house chili oil.
Ume Niku Oroshi Sauce Udon US$16.50
Fresh udon noodles served either hot or chilled. Lightly dressed with dashi-shoyu sauce and topped with fresh daikon radish, sukiyaki beef, and ume compote.
Niku Soup Udon US$15.50
Hot soup udon noodle topped with sukiyaki style beef and onions.
Goma Zaru Dipping Style Udon US$13.50
Fresh udon noodles served chilled with a savory roasted sesame dipping sauce.
On-Tama Sauce Udon US$13.50
Fresh udon noodles served hot or chilled. Lightly dressed with dashi-shoyu sauce and topped with a hot spring (soft boiled) egg.
Spam Musubi US$6.00
Spam and rice sandwich, "U:Don style" - house teriyaki sauce and Japanese mayo. 1 piece.
House Asazuke Pickles US$6.00
House made pickled vegetable assortment of cucumbers, carrots, daikon radish and nappa cabbage.

Soup Udon
Soup Udon US$12.00
Fresh udon noodles served hot in our original dashi broth.
On-Tama Soup Udon US$13.50
Topped with a hot spring (soft boiled) egg.
Oroshi Soup Udon US$13.50
Topped with grated fresh daikon radish. Can be made fully vegan upon choice.
Kitsune Soup Udon US$14.50
Hot soup udon noodle topped with seasoned fried tofu.
Niku Soup Udon US$15.50
Hot soup udon noodle topped with sukiyaki style beef and onions.
Curry Soup Udon US$15.50
Mildly spicy beef curry soup udon.
Tan Tan Soup Udon US$14.50
Fiery spicy seasoned ground pork and house-made chili oil.
Kakuni Soup Udon US$18.00
Tender soy-braised pork belly over handmade udon noodles. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
Kamo Nanban Soup Udon US$18.00
Handmade udon noodles in a hearty duck and leek broth, topped with tender slices of pan-roasted, marinated duck breast.
Katsu Curry Udon US$18.00
Handmade udon served in our mildly spicy beef curry soup, finished with a golden, panko-crusted pork cutlet.
Salmon Cream Udon US$18.00
Pan-roasted crispy Atlantic salmon served over house-made noodles in a rich seafood cream sauce. Garnished with green onions and sliced nori seaweed.
Spicy Miso-Kimchee Udon US$18.00
Fresh house-made udon noodles served in our original spicy miso broth, topped with a bold kimchee, calamari, and vegetable sauté, plus tender slices of roast pork. Pescatarian option available — ask to replace pork with Kitsune tofu!

Sauce Udon
Sauce (Bukkake) Udon US$12.00
Fresh udon noodles served either hot or chilled. Lightly dressed with our signature dashi-shoyu sauce.
On-Tama Sauce Udon US$13.50
Fresh udon noodles served hot or chilled. Lightly dressed with dashi-shoyu sauce and topped with a hot spring (soft boiled) egg.
Oroshi Sauce Udon US$13.50
Fresh udon noodles served either hot or chilled. Lightly dressed with our signature dashi-shoyu sauce and topped with grated fresh daikon radish.
Niku Sauce Udon US$15.50
Sauce udon noodles topped with sukiyaki style beef and onion. Can be served hot or chilled.
Tan-Tan Sauce Udon US$14.50
Fresh udon noodles served hot or chilled with our fiery spicy seasoned ground pork and topped with house-made chili oil.
Kakuni Sauce Udon US$18.00
Topped with tender sweet soy-braised pork belly.
Men-Tama Sauce Udon US$15.50
Topped with spicy pollock roe, mentaiko sauce, and a soft boiled egg.
Ume Oroshi Sauce Udon US$14.00
Grated daikon radish and ume compote.
Ume Niku Oroshi Sauce Udon US$16.50
Fresh udon noodles served either hot or chilled. Lightly dressed with dashi-shoyu sauce and topped with fresh daikon radish, sukiyaki beef, and ume compote.
Tomat-Uni Udon (Tomato & Uni Sauce) US$18.00
Handmade udon tossed in an Italian-inspired tomato sauce enriched with real uni (sea urchin), then topped with more fresh raw uni, shiso leaf, nori seaweed, and a drizzle of fresh cream. An umami-packed collaboration of Italian and Japanese flavors.

Dipping-Style Udon
Zaru Udon Dipping Style Udon US$11.00
Fresh udon noodles served chilled with a fragrant bonito infused soy dipping sauce on the side.
Goma Zaru Udon Dipping Style Udon US$13.50
Fresh udon noodles served chilled with a savory roasted pure sesame dipping sauce.
Tan Tan Goma Zaru Dipping Style Udon US$15.00
Fresh udon noodles served chilled with our roasted sesame dipping sauce and spicy tan tan pork.
Oroshi-Pon Zaru Dipping Style Udon US$13.50
Fresh udon noodles served chilled with grated radish and a citrus-soy dipping sauce on the side.
Kamo Zaru Dipping Style Udon US$18.00
Chilled or hot udon noodles with sliced roasted duck breast and served with a rich duck and leek infused broth soy dipping sauce.

Tempura
Green Beans Tempura 5 Pieces US$1.29
5 pieces of Green Bean tempura.
Broccoli Tempura US$1.50
Tempura broccoli floret. 1 piece.
Japanese Eggplant US$4.85
1 Piece.
Vegetable Kaki-Age (Mixed Veggie Fritter) US$6.00
Tempura battered "fritter" of sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, green beans, broccoli and onion. Tear apart and enjoy with your favorite udon bowl. Very popular and traditional Japanese tempura item. 1 piece.
Mushrooms Tempura US$3.00
Button mushroom tempura. 3-4 pc skewer
Kabocha Pumpkin Tempura US$1.50
Sweet Japanese pumpkin tempura
Satsuma Potato Tempura US$1.50
Japanese sweet potato tempura.
Potato Croquette (1 Piece) US$3.99
Panko breaded and fried mashed potato cake with peas, carrots, corn and onion.
Zucchini Tempura US$0.99
Green zucchini squash tempura.
Veggie Spring Roll (1 Piece) US$0.99
1 piece. Crispy spring roll filled with vermicelli, cabbage, carrots, onion, edamame and spices. 1 piece.
Crispy Tofu (1 Piece) US$0.99
Deep fried fresh tofu. Gluten free item.
Karaage Chicken (1 Piece) US$1.50
Marinated Japanese style boneless fried chicken.
Shrimp Tempura US$1.85
1 piece.
Ebi Fry US$1.85
Panko breaded and fried shrimp. 1 pc
Chikuwa Tempura US$3.50
Fish cake tempura, 1 piece.
Crab Tempura US$1.20
Imitation crab meat tempura
Takoyaki (3 Pieces) US$3.50
Octopus filled savory donut with Takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo and seaweed.
Fried Gyoza (1 Piece) US$0.49
Crispy fried pork filled dumpling. 1pc
Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) US$9.00
Panko breaded and fried pork loin cutlet.
Shrimp Shumai Skewer US$4.00
4 pieces fried shrimp dumplings on a skewer.
Agedashi Tofu US$8.50
Four pieces of crispy fried tofu with grated daikon radish, grated fresh ginger and sliced nori seaweed. Comes with a warm dashi-soy sauce to dress over tofu.
Renkon (Lotus Root) Tempura 1 Piece US$0.99
Crunchy Lotus Root (Renkon) Tempura. 1 piece.
Chee-Chiku Tempura 5 Piece US$8.50
Crispy Chikuwa (fish cake) balls filled with velvety rich Camembert cheese, dusted with aonori seaweed. A luscious and cheesy delight! 5 pieces per order.
Kaki Fry (Breaded Oysters) 4 PC Set US$8.50
4 pieces of panko breaded fried oysters.
Una-Ten Skewers (2 PC Set) US$9.50
Crsipy tempura fried broiled eel skewers. Dusted with aonori seaweed flakes and served with a sweet soy glaze on the side.
Shiso Cheese Spring Rolls 1 PC US$1.75
Golden, crispy spring rolls stuffed with rich, melty mozzarella and aromatic shiso leaf (Japanese perilla), adding a bright, herbal twist to every bite. Served with your choice of house-made raspberry soy sauce for a sweet-savory kick, or spicy mentaiko mayo for a bold, creamy finish.

Beverages
Ramune (Marble Soda) US$2.99
Popular Japanese soda in glass bottle with marble stopper in various flavors.
Cold Japanese Green Tea US$2.99
Cold Oolong Tea US$2.99
Calpico Soft Drink US$3.69
Popular Japanese milky soft drink in variety of flavors.
Royal Milk Tea US$2.99
Perrier Mineral Water US$2.50
UCC Milk Coffee US$2.99
Japanese sweetened milk coffee.
Coconut Water Natural (16.3 Fl Oz Can) US$3.99
CO2 brand all natural coconut water in can/bottle. 16.3 Fl. Oz Can.
Cold Jasmine Tea US$2.99
Itoen Jasmine tea
Pocari Sweat (16.9 Fl Oz Bottle) US$3.79
Popular Japanese sports ion supply drink.
Sakura Cola (Kimura) US$3.50
A unique Japanese soft drink with floral cherry blossom aroma and classic cola flavor. Refreshing and lightly sweet.

Desserts
Daifuku (Red Bean Filled Mochi) US$3.50
Soft mochi patty filled with sweet red bean filling. A traditional Japanese snack or dessert.
Purin (Japanese Flan) US$6.50
House made Japanese style egg custard flan with caramel syrup at the bottom.
Tiramisu Cake Slice US$7.00
Slice of delicate tiramisu cake with layers of coffee soaked sponge cake and marscapone cheese. Dusted with cocoa powder.
Pocky Cream Covered Biscuit Sticks US$2.75
Very popular Japanese snack biscuit sticks in Original chocolate cream, Matcha Green Tea cream, and Cookies & Cream flavors. Glico brand Pocky sticks in 2.47oz (15 stick) boxes.
Jumbo Cream Puff US$5.00
Orange brand Japanese vanilla custard cream puff.
Chocolate Custard Cream Eclair US$4.50
Chocolate covered vanilla custard cream filled Eclair.
Yuzu Rare Cheesecake Slice (House-Made) US$8.50
A light, refreshing no-bake cheesecake infused with Japanese yuzu citrus and made in-house. Bright and creamy with an airy texture, topped with a tart-sweet yuzu jelly made from real juice.

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Private dining room
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
University students

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Photos

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Picture 1

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U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Picture 5

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Picture 6

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U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Picture 9

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Location

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill

Washington King County Seattle Capitol Hill 12th Avenue

1640 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, USA

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – Capitol Hill Reviews

I’ve had a great experience here every time! The salmon cream udon is great! I really enjoyed the flavor. The broth was really creamy and thick, almost like a gravy, so it was really heavy and filling. The kimchi miso special udon was also great. I also love how big the menu is so I can always get something different.
March 11 · Caroline Hurley
It's nice to get udon on demand, especially with handmade noodles and the variety of broth and sauce options. This chain is pretty consistent and has nice customization options. In addition to the udon, they have a decent assortment of tempura items, rice balls, musubi, desserts, drinks, and small sides like pickles. The small size is usually sufficient for me, I have never finished a medium bowl.That said, there are no bargains here with the prices. And I've never felt like the udon soup was better than what I could get at most Japanese restaurants. I think the benefit of coming here is to get some unique broth or sauces that are not generally available, and the tempura selection.It's counter service so if you need assistance, you have to awkwardly stand by the register and try to get attention from someone in the kitchen.
April 28 · Zoe M
I got the small bowl and my partner got the large. I would say the small plus some tempura was more than enough food for me (and I’m a small but active person who generally eats a lot). The noodles were also perfectly bouncy and chewy. Very impressed with the quality, especially with how fast everything came together.
December 17 · Jane Y.
This was one of my favorite cap hill restaurants for years - you could get yummy noodles for around $9.Now the same dish is $15. There is no way a very simple bowl of noodles, sauce, and an egg is worth that much. Hell, you can go a couple blocks away and get noodles with more toppings and flavor for around the same price.For what you get, the cost doesn’t make sense… Especially also considering this is a counter serve restaurant with cafeteria style seating. Huge bummer the prices skyrocketed as I probably won’t return again
May 16 · Erin
This is one of my favorite places in Cap Hill, they have great portions and the food is always good. If you go too late, they might be out of certain toppings and they switch to takeout only at 8:30p. They also have great local fountain sodas and a selection of Japanese drinks. Also heads up if you’re a regular that they just did a big price hike from 50¢ to $2 increase depending on the menu item
March 08 · Emily Harvey