Bar
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
Family owned and operated since 1980, Dimitriou's Jazz Alley is a Seattle jazz supper club hosting touring artists, with its own dining menu.
Canon
A small Capitol Hill bar and restaurant, Canon has a spirits collection of over 4,000 labels and has appeared on international lists of the world's best bars.
At a glance
- Type
- Whiskey and cocktail bar
- Area
- Capitol Hill, Seattle, United States
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- canonseattle.com
Good to know
- 4
- 000-label spirits collection
- Small restaurant
- Happy hour
- 21+
- Limited reservations
Why we recommend it
Canon is a small restaurant and cocktail bar on 12th Avenue in Capitol Hill, and it is one of the most decorated bars in the United States. It is best known for its spirits collection, which it describes as America's largest, at more than 4,000 labels and counting. Whiskey and bourbon lovers in particular make a point of visiting.
The awards tell the story. Canon was ranked sixth in The World's 50 Best Bars in 2014 and appeared on North America's 100 Best Bars list in 2025. It has twice won World's Best Spirits Selection at the Tales of the Cocktail awards, was a James Beard Award semi-finalist for Outstanding Bar Program four years running, and has been named among the best whiskey and bourbon bars in America by several publications. It even won Eater Seattle's Best Bathroom award in 2011.
Canon opens from Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm until late, and is closed on Monday and Tuesday and on several major holidays. There is a happy hour on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, from 5pm to 6pm and again from 11pm to midnight, with half-price food, wine by the glass and draught beer. Reservations are not required and most of the room is kept for walk-ins, although a limited number of tables can be booked online. Parties are limited to four people, and staff seat guests in the best available spot.
The bar is strictly 21 and over, and every guest must show a valid, current ID; visitors from outside the United States must bring their passport, as foreign driving licences are not accepted. Children are not admitted.
Canon suits couples, small groups of friends and serious spirits fans. It is a place to take your time, so allow at least an hour or two, and ask the bartenders for guidance through the collection if you are not sure what to try. Private buyouts are possible for small groups, and enquiries go to the bar by email.
Capitol Hill has many other bars and restaurants within a few blocks, so Canon works well as the start or end of a night out. The Unicorn on East Pike Street and Caffe Vita's flagship café are nearby, and the Capitol Hill light rail station links the area with downtown.
Canon FAQs
When is Canon open?
From Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm until late. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Do you need a reservation?
No. Most of the room is for walk-ins, though a limited number of reservations are available online.
How big can your group be?
Parties are limited to four people.
What ID do you need?
A valid, current ID proving you are 21 or over. Visitors from outside the US need a passport.
Is there a happy hour?
Yes. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5pm to 6pm and 11pm to midnight.
How large is the spirits collection?
More than 4,000 labels.
Can children come in?
No. Entry is only for guests aged 21 and over.
What awards has it won?
It ranked sixth in The World's 50 Best Bars in 2014 and won World's Best Spirits Selection at Tales of the Cocktail.