by Jamie Peha

To most Seattleites, Canlis is a special occasion restaurant and not the place for your average weeknight meal. I beg to differ. Not, that it isn’t a great spot for a special occasion dinner, but that it is the perfect spot to do a drop in visit any night of the week – just belly up to the bar for a fabulous experience.


Live piano music, a great view and perfect lighting set the tone for a fun evening for a weeknight meet up with friends for cocktails and appetizers. The selection of handcrafted cocktails along with diverse wine, beer and special liquor offerings delivered first class rounds.

Owner Mark Canlis stopped by to say hello and offered us a private tour including the back staircase that showcases the colorful history of the icon restaurant with black and white photos lining the walls. Peter Canlis, Mark’s grandfather and creator of Canlis, is a restaurant legend. Former Canlis chef and owner of the soon-to-open Restaurant Marché on Bainbridge Island, Greg Atkinson, was part of our group and offered his insights on how Canlis has grown and changed throughout the years.



An amuse bouche, compliments of Canlis chef and James Beard Award Winner Jason Franey, arrived for us to enjoy. Soon our table was full with both contemporary and traditional dishes selected from the bar menu. Each dish was a work of art fully appreciated by the flavor explosion that followed.


Personal touches like offering to divide the check for our party of seven, warming the inside of our coats by the fire before helping you on with it and the magic arrival of your vehicle just as you are ready to leave are what make Canlis the place to go any night of the week; bar none.

Canlis is located at 2576 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98109. No reservations are needed for the bar so you can drop in anytime. For dinner reservations or private dining call (206) 283-3313. www.canlis.com