Off The Rez

Complete Guide to Off The Rez Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Off The Rez Seattle—History and Cultural Significance

Seattle’s Off The Rez stands as a vibrant testament to Indigenous heritage and culinary innovation. Located within the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture on the University of Washington campus, Off The Rez began in 2011 as the city’s first Native American-owned food truck, founded by Mark McConnell (Blackfeet) and Cecilia Rikard. The café has since evolved into a permanent fixture, offering a unique fusion of Indigenous food traditions, cultural storytelling, and community engagement (Off The Rez Official Website, Burke Museum). By celebrating authentic Native American dishes and fostering educational connections, Off The Rez is a cultural hub that enhances both the museum experience and Seattle’s food scene.

Visitors can sample signature dishes such as bison fry bread tacos, wild rice bowls, and cedar tea—each crafted with locally sourced, tribal ingredients. The café’s partnership with the Burke Museum amplifies the impact, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the region’s Indigenous history through food, art, and interactive exhibits. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know for a meaningful visit: hours, location, accessibility, menu highlights, travel tips, and more (Atlas Obscura, Eater Seattle).

Discover Off The Rez: Seattle’s Premier Indigenous Café Experience
Location and Getting There
Opening Hours and Admission
Menu Highlights
Accessibility and Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Visual and Cultural Experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Practical Tips for Visitors
Notable Photo Opportunities
Burke Museum: Overview and Visitor Information
Decolonizing Dining: Culinary Education and Community Advocacy
Visitor Information Summary and Recommendations
References

Discover Off The Rez: Seattle’s Premier Indigenous Café Experience

Off The Rez is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indigenous culture, cuisine, and Seattle’s contemporary food landscape. Nestled inside the Burke Museum, it seamlessly integrates traditional Native foodways with modern dining, providing an educational and flavorful experience for all.

Location and Getting There

Address: 4300 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, on the University of Washington campus.
Accessibility: Reachable by King County Metro buses and the U District light rail station. Paid parking is available in nearby UW lots and garages. The area is pedestrian- and bike-friendly, especially for those staying in the University District.

Opening Hours and Admission

Off The Rez Café:
- Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed (Check official website for holiday and event hours)
Burke Museum:
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Mondays

Admission to the café does not require a Burke Museum ticket. If you wish to explore museum exhibits, general admission is required and available for purchase online or at the entrance.

Off The Rez’s menu is a celebration of Indigenous flavors and sustainable sourcing, honoring both pre-colonial and contemporary Native American cuisine:

Frybread Tacos: Braised bison, chicken chile verde, or BBQ pulled pork on handmade frybread.
Wild Rice Bowls: Customizable with local vegetables and proteins, reflecting ancestral diets.
Seasonal Specials: Smoked salmon chowder, pumpkin frybread with whipped cream.
Sweet Frybread: Cinnamon sugar, honey, Nutella, or lemon curd.
Cedar Tea: Infused with white or red cedar tips, sometimes blended with blackberry leaves.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, with most dishes priced between $8–$15 (Seattle Food Truck, Atlas Obscura).

Accessibility and Amenities

Fully wheelchair accessible (café and museum)
Service animals welcome
Dine-in seating and accessible restrooms
Major credit/debit cards and mobile payments accepted
Free Wi-Fi available
Family-friendly (high chairs, kid-friendly menu options)
Branded merchandise and eco-friendly takeout packaging

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit to Off The Rez by exploring the surrounding cultural and natural sites:

University of Washington Campus: Beautiful grounds, public art, and additional museums
Seattle Arboretum: Scenic walking trails
Henry Art Gallery: Contemporary art exhibitions
University Book Store: Local bookstore with regional flair

Visual and Cultural Experience

Off The Rez’s café interior features Indigenous art by local artists, cherry wood accents, and large windows overlooking the University District. This contemporary yet welcoming design deepens the cultural immersion and complements the dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: No, seating is first-come, first-served. Groups of six or more should contact the café in advance.

Q: Can I visit the café without a museum ticket?
A: Yes, Off The Rez Café is open to the public and does not require Burke Museum admission.

Q: Is the menu kid-friendly and allergy-aware?
A: Yes, and vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available. Ask staff for specific dietary accommodations.

Q: Is Off The Rez open on weekends?
A: The café is currently open Monday–Friday. Check the official website for the latest updates.

Q: Does Off The Rez provide catering or operate a food truck?
A: Yes, catering is available, and the food truck serves various Seattle locations. Schedules are posted online and on social media.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Times: Weekday afternoons are quieter. Arrive early during university events or special museum exhibitions.
Payment: Major cards and mobile payments accepted.
Souvenirs: Purchase T-shirts, tote bags, and other branded merchandise.
Safety: The area is generally safe; follow standard urban precautions.
Photography: Capture the café’s interior, Indigenous artwork, and exterior museum architecture—be mindful of privacy and respect staff and guests.

Notable Photo Opportunities

Off The Rez’s contemporary café design and Indigenous art installations
Burke Museum’s striking glass-fronted architecture
Outdoor exhibits and scenic university campus views

Burke Museum: Overview and Visitor Information

The Burke Museum is Seattle’s preeminent institution for natural history and Indigenous culture (Burke Museum Plan Your Visit). Founded in 1899, it houses extensive Native American collections, fossils, and artifacts that narrate the Pacific Northwest’s past and present.

Visiting Hours:

Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Mondays

Admission:

Adults: $19
Discounts: Youth, seniors, UW students
Children under 4: Free
Tickets: Online or at the entrance

Accessibility:

Wheelchair accessible, assistive listening devices, accessible restrooms
Family amenities: Stroller rentals, quiet spaces, on-site dining, museum store

Nearby Attractions:

Wing Luke Museum, Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), University District shops and parks

Photographic Spots:

Gallery spaces with Indigenous art, natural history displays, and interactive exhibits

Decolonizing Dining: Culinary Education and Community Advocacy

Off The Rez stands at the forefront of Seattle’s movement to decolonize dining, centering Indigenous ingredients and stories in its offerings (Eater). The café’s synergy with the Burke Museum allows for a holistic experience—combining food, art, and historical context. Partnerships with tribal suppliers (e.g., bison from Montana, salmon from the Muckleshoot tribe) and collaborations with Indigenous artists and cultural leaders further reinforce this mission (All Roads North).

As one of Seattle’s few Native-owned restaurants, Off The Rez provides crucial visibility for Indigenous chefs and entrepreneurs, influencing the rise of similar establishments and expanding public understanding of Native cuisine (Cool Hunting).

Visitor Information Summary and Recommendations

Off The Rez is an essential stop for locals and visitors seeking a genuine, educational, and delicious experience rooted in Indigenous traditions. For current hours, menu offerings, and special events, check Off The Rez’s official website and the Burke Museum’s visitor information. By dining at Off The Rez, you support Indigenous entrepreneurship and help preserve Native foodways.

Key Recommendations:

Plan your visit during weekday afternoons for a quieter meal.
Explore both the café and museum for a comprehensive cultural experience.
Support Native-owned businesses by purchasing from the café or booking catering.
Engage respectfully with staff and exhibits to deepen your appreciation of Seattle’s Indigenous heritage.