CNN asked asked cocktail aficionado Jim Meehan to pick his 10 favorite new bars across the country, and he singled out Canon on First Hill. The self-proclaimed “whiskey and bitters emporium” employes some of the city’s most respected bartenders, which could explain this high praise:
At this genius spot, you can get gorgeously made cocktails like the gin-based La Bicyclette, served in a handy glass flask that you’ll get in trouble for if you don’t drink from it. In a marked change from many bars you’ve probably been to, this one has an outstanding bathroom. In fact, it won a best bathroom award in 2011 from Eater.com.
Yes, the best bathroom in town. And when Canon won that award, its bathroom got a wager-induced scrubbing from the owner of Canlis.
We recently threw together a list of other good watering holes around the city. Take a look, and tell us what we forgot.
BEST WINE BAR: BLACK BOTTLE — Good wine, good food, not much pretension. Whether you know a lot about wine or just a little (that you like it), you’ll probably find something to love. Website: blackbottleseattle.com (Grant M. Haller / seattlepi.com file photo)
BEST MUSIC BAR: THE TRACTOR TAVERN — Granted, you’ll probably like this Ballard bar better if you’re into country rock or folk music. It has a small stage and a big reputation. Website: tractortavern.com (Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com)
BEST THROW-BACK BAR: THE VIKING TAVERN — This Ballard bar will remind you of how Seattle used to be before the tech industry put it on the map. Luckily, it’s far enough off the main drag in Ballard to avoid the non-resident crowd that invades every Friday and Saturday night. Website: thevikingballard.com (Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com)
BEST BREWERY: BIG TIME BREWERY — The University District alehouse has an on-site microbrewery and grumpy hour instead of happy hour. For a bar on “The Ave,” it’s surprisingly college-student free.Website: bigtimebrewery.comCreative Commons photo
BEST SPEAKEASY: BATHTUB GIN — This dark, brick-walled, speakeasy-style bar in Belltown makes drinks like they used to — before cocktails started turning pink and neon green. Creative Commons photo
BEST HISTORICAL BAR: BLUE MOON TAVERN — This University District bar opened in 1934, back when state law dictated students had to trek a whopping mile from campus to buy a beer. Sure enough, it’s a mile from the University of Washington. Website: bluemoonseattle.wordpress.com (seattlepi.com file photo)
BEST ENTERTAINMENT: THE CAN CAN — Oh, the sights you’ll see at this cabaret-style burlesque bar in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. Website: thecancan.com (Mike Urban / Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
BEST GEEK BAR: CHAO BISTRO — This Capitol Hill bar brought you the Barcraft fad that’s sweeping the country, showing Starcraft matches instead of professional sports event. Only in Seattle… except, that’s not exactly the case anymore. Website: facebook.com/chaobistro (Courtesy photo)
BEST BAR YOU HAVEN’T HEARD OF: THE GRIZZLED WIZARD — This hard-to-spot bar in Wallingford is small, but rotating taps and an extensive bottle selection show the owners really know their beer. Website: grizzledwizard.comCreative Commons photo
BEST TEQUILA BAR: THE MATADOR — This isn’t your spring-break tequila, unless you drank good tequila on spring break. This bar and restaurant has locations in Ballard, West Seattle and Tacoma. Website: MatadorSeattle.com (file photo / Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
BEST PUB: THE GEORGE AND DRAGON — British beer, British football (that’s soccer to you) and British grub. Website: georgeanddragonpub.com (Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com)
BEST GAY BAR: RE-BAR — On any night of the week, you can bet this bar has something fun happening. It’s home to Dina Martina and Tuesday poetry slams. Website: rebarseattle.comCreative Commons photo
BEST KARAOKE BAR: THE ROCK BOX — You haven’t done karaoke until you’ve done it like they do in Japan. This bar has 11 private rooms in which you and your friends can warble into the wee hours of the morning. Website: rockbox.com (Getty Images)
BEST TINY BAR: SAMBAR — This Ballard bar is small, but worth the wait. Good cocktails, good food and great atmosphere. Website: sambarseattle.com (file photo / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER)
BEST BAR THAT ISN’T REALLY A BAR: CHUCK’S 85TH MARKET — Chuck’s in North Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood looks part bar, part convenience store. If you’re looking for the best beer selection in the city, you’ve found it. Website: Chucks85th.com (Getty Images)
BEST COCKTAIL BAR: THE ZIG ZAG CAFE — Near Pike Place Market, the Zig Zag makes drinks you didn’t know existed. If you’re nice, they might even tell you how it’s done. Website: zigzagseattle.com (Amy Rolph/seattlepi.com)
SECOND-BEST COCKTAIL BAR: TAVERN LAW — They make them good and strong at this Capitol Hill bar. Here’s the not-so-well-kept secret: The Speakeasy-style place you’ve heard about is Needle and Thread, located upstairs. Website: tavernlaw.comCreative Commons photo
Visit seattlepi.com’s home page for more Seattle news. Contact Amy Rolph at [email protected]. Find more of her stories on Twitter via @amyrolph and @bigblog or subscribe to her updates on Facebook.
CNN asked asked cocktail aficionado Jim Meehan to pick his 10 favorite new bars across the country, and he singled out Canon on First Hill. The self-proclaimed “whiskey and bitters emporium” employes some of the city’s most respected bartenders, which could explain this high praise:
