"Jamie Boudreau's whisky library and James Beard-winning bar — visit Canon on Capitol Hill for rare pours and the Campfire in Georgia."
About Canon
Canon opened in 2011 at 928 12th Ave on Capitol Hill, the bar of award-winning bartender Jamie Boudreau. Styled as a Prohibition-era gentleman's library, it holds one of the largest spirit collections in the Americas — around four thousand labels, some 2,500 of them whiskey. The James Beard Foundation named it Outstanding Bar Program in 2019, after several years as a nominee.
It stands among the city's best places for a drink and a bite. Compare the warm neighbourhood room Communion, the long-running The Pink Door and Renee Erickson's How to Cook a Wolf, or browse the full Seattle dining guide.
The Kitchen
The draw is the bar. Boudreau and his team build an inventive cocktail list — the smoky Campfire in Georgia and the herbal Lawn Boy among the signatures — alongside rare and vintage pours pulled from that vast back bar. A short menu of small plates is built to drink with rather than to make a meal of, so come for the glass first and the plate second.
It is a mid-tier spend that climbs with the cellar: cocktails run roughly $14 to 20 and small plates around $10 to 20, with rare pours priced well above. There are no reservations, and the room seats parties of four or fewer.
The Room
The room is the point: chocolate-hued walls, antique wallpaper and thousands of bottles stacked to the ceiling in a cathedral-like back bar. It is dim, convivial and grown-up, paced for drinks and conversation rather than a sit-down dinner. Because it takes no reservations, expect a wait at peak times; the bar seats are the best in the house for a solo visit.
Best for cocktails and a night out in Seattle
Canon suits an easy night out — the cocktails and the library setting make it a memorable first date or sociable team night, and a fine bar for solo dining on Capitol Hill. For more of the city's rooms, see Communion or browse the full Seattle dining guide.
Not for
Not for large groups, anyone wanting a reservation, or a full sit-down dinner — Canon is a no-bookings bar for parties of four or fewer, built for drinks and small plates.
Frequently Asked
What is Canon known for?
It is Jamie Boudreau's Capitol Hill cocktail bar and whisky library, holding one of the largest spirit collections in the Americas — around 4,000 labels — and named the James Beard Outstanding Bar Program in 2019.
Does Canon take reservations?
No — Canon does not take reservations and seats parties of four or fewer; arrive early or expect a wait at peak times.
What should I order at Canon?
From the cocktail list, the smoky Campfire in Georgia and the herbal Lawn Boy are signatures; for spirits, ask the bar to guide you through the rare and vintage pours.
How much does Canon cost?
Cocktails run roughly $14 to 20 and small plates around $10 to 20, with rare and vintage pours priced well above.
Where is Canon?
At 928 12th Ave, in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Seattle.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Canon
Canon takes no reservations and seats parties of four or fewer; arrive early or expect a wait at peak times.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address928 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
NeighbourhoodOn 12th Ave in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Seattle
CuisineCocktail Bar
PriceCocktails roughly $14–20, rare pours higher; small plates around $10–20; no reservations, parties of four or fewer
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingA library-style bar and tables; no reservations, parties of four or fewer
ReservationNo reservations; cocktails and small plates, parties of four or fewer
