Canon Seattle Review: Spirits, Hours & Reservations

Canon is a small restaurant and cocktail bar in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, built around one of the deepest spirits collections anywhere.

The official Canon Seattle site currently describes the backbar as America’s largest spirits collection, with 4,000 labels and counting. The room is intentionally small, and ordinary parties are limited to four guests or fewer.

Key details

• Address: 928 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
• Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until at least midnight
• Age: 21 and older
• Dress: Casual
• Access: Primarily walk-in; a limited number of reservation tickets are offered for parties of two to four

The spirits collection and drinks

Canon’s defining feature is its spirits library. Its official site says the collection has reached 4,000 labels and counting, and it publishes a current spirits list for guests who want to explore it before visiting. Because both the cocktail menu and the bottle list change, use those live files rather than relying on an old list of signature drinks or prices.

The scale of the collection makes Canon especially useful for curious whiskey drinkers, but the bar is not limited to whiskey. The practical approach is to tell the team what styles, base spirits, or flavor profiles you enjoy and let them guide you through the current list.

Current hours and happy hour

Canon is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until at least midnight. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

The official site currently lists happy hour on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5–6 p.m. and 11 p.m.–midnight, with 50% off food, wine by the glass, and draught beer. Promotions can change, so check the live site on the day of your visit.

Walk-ins and reservations

Canon says 90% of the room is walk-in only, with waits uncommon outside Friday and Saturday. A handful of tables are offered by reservation for visitors who are only in town briefly.

Reservation tickets are for two to four adults and currently cost $25 per person. That amount is credited to the bill when guests arrive on time. Tickets are final, non-refundable, and cannot be changed; they may be transferred to another guest. Tables are held for 10 minutes, and reserved seating is limited to three hours.

Parties larger than four cannot be handled as a normal reservation. The official guidance directs groups of five or more to the private-events options instead.

Private events

The official site currently lists a full buyout for up to 48 guests and a partial buyout of the Copa-Quoin Room for up to 28 guests. Both are bespoke formats with tailored cocktails and food. Event deposits and spending minimums vary by day, so confirm the live figures directly with Canon before committing.

What to know before you go

Bring valid identification, keep the ordinary party to four or fewer, and expect a compact room rather than a large-format bar. For the reliable planning, check Canon’s current menu, spirits list, reservation page, and same-day hours directly on its official website.

FAQs

Does Canon Seattle require reservations?

No. Canon describes itself as primarily walk-in, with 90% of the room reserved for walk-in guests. Limited prepaid reservation tickets are available for parties of two to four.

How large is Canon’s spirits collection?

The official Canon Seattle site currently says 4,000 labels and counting.

Can groups larger than four visit?

Not through the normal seating or reservation process. Groups of five or more are directed to private events, including partial and full buyout formats.

Where is Canon Seattle?

Canon is at 928 12th Ave in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.