canon

"Canon is the Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory of cocktails. The encyclopedic menu has pages upon pages of classic mixed drinks and original ones with flashy schtick like smokes, syrups, rinses, and/or pop art-printed foam floating on top. Some are served in whimsical vessels like light bulbs, Russian nesting dolls, glass hearts you wear around your neck, or IV bags that drip into your glass. It’s not just for show—these drinks also walk the walk. Watch the bartenders gather the ingredients from the bookshelves of liquors so massive they need their own Dewey Decimal System, and be aware that one sip may compel you to sign a lease to live in Seattle immediately. Also be aware that the cocktail prices range from $16 to $750." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"The term world-famous gets thrown around a lot, but Canon has appeared on best bars in the world lists, and not near the bottom. Boasting a 181-page list of spirits that includes decades-old vintage bottlings, the place is a veritable Smithsonian of booze, and the drinks are often as attention-grabbing as they are creative. A luxe food menu includes bites like Taylor Shellfish oysters and salmon tartare, as well as larger portions like lamb chops and steak." - Meg van Huygen, Mark DeJoy, Eater Staff

"Nobody can argue that Canon makes the best cocktails in town. Here, it's an experience that feels like a trip to Willy Wonka’s Factory, only there are no irritating children, and you’re sampling outstanding drinks instead of candy that alters your chemical makeup. The space is also impressive—it has one of the best Secret Patios in town and the shelves of liquor behind the bar are so massive that the bartenders need a ladder to get to the top-shelf stuff. The best thing about Canon, though, are the cocktails, and they’re all a spectacle, down to the vessels themselves. Like the “DK Ain't Got Sh*t On Me,” which has Japanese whiskey, rosé aperitif, banana, and chapparel served in a Donkey Kong game cartridge. Or the "Mrs. Eale's Receipt" with bourbon, dark rum, oloroso sherry, vanilla, and ceylon served in a cone topped with a bubble of ginger smoke resembling a scoop of ice cream that spontaneously pops, sending gingery smog everywhere. The theatrics are an essential part of what makes Canon an incredible bar. Just prepare to spend a significant amount of money." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"You might already know that Canon is home to Seattle’s best cocktails. Here, you’re in for an experience that feels like a trip to Willy Wonka’s Factory—only there are no irritating children, and you’re sampling outstanding drinks in theatrical vessels (like ceramic bathtubs or IV bags) instead of candy that alters your chemical makeup. Order from the encyclopedic menu, get a Pimm's cup slushie, or trust the bartender to whip something up from the wall of liquor so massive that they need a ladder to get to the top-shelf stuff." - aimee rizzo

"Leave it to Canon to make a simple Pimm’s cup entertaining. One of Seattle’s best craft cocktail bars serves a frozen version in a tennis ball-shaped mug—and it's basically the Novak Djokovic of slushies. There’s a pleasant tartness and consistency that’s hard to beat. And we’re pretty sure it would win over the competition at Wimbledon. " - gabe guarente, aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley