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‘All day, all knight,’ The Canterbury celebrates 35 years on 15th Ave E

That’s a lot of shuffle puck and brownie sundaes. And cheap beer and stiff drinks. And armor.

We take a moment from this week’s cavalcade of new upscale eateries and craft distilleries to celebrate a living legend of the Capitol Hill food and drink scene.

The Canterbury Ale & Eats is celebrating the anniversary of its glorious birth way back in 1976 with a weekend celebration promising “old school prices, food and drink specials and prizes!” In other words, a typical Saturday and Sunday at The Canterbury.

Congratulations to 15th Ave E owners David and Stefanie Roberge. Maybe you can go celebrate at one of those new fancy restaurants opening on the Hill tonight:


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Sandwich Crusader
12 years ago

1 and a half hours for a club sandwich.

Johnny888
12 years ago

The good ol’ Canterbury. 35 years old? Cool. First time I walked in that place was 25 years ago. I still go back from time to time. Good place to get drunk and have a good time :)

blueholly
blueholly
12 years ago

I hope they stock up for the celebration. I was there on Wednesday and more than half their regular taps were out. It was pretty disappointing to have so few options.

randolph
randolph
12 years ago

The Canterbury has been my go to neighborhood bar for 5 years now. Love the bar itself, but they have the surliest most unwelcoming waitstaff I have ever experienced. part of the charm?

danewood
danewood
12 years ago

I refuse to give them my business anymore because of the terrible, unfriendly and–dare I say–hostile attitude of their waistaff. Seriously the worst customer service I’ve ever experienced in a bar / restaurant.

Sluggo sez
12 years ago

Wow, these are pretty unflattering reviews, how the heck have they survived 35 years (I’ve never been)?

jseattle
jseattle
12 years ago

Like randolph says, part of the charm is they don’t give a fuck about some things and give a giant fuck about others. I like it.

sailorguitar
12 years ago

Happy Birthday Canterbury…. May you live longer and continue to prosper and do liver damage!!

KathrynM
12 years ago

Congratulations on your 35th! Canterbury has been a landmark on that corner for a long time.

Please smoke quietly
12 years ago

Some of the staff are brusque at times, but most are always friendly. I’ve never had slow service, and I’ve had little comped surprises served to me for being a sometime regular. It is so laid back that even hipsters become tolerable company after a few minutes. Excellent jukebox, strong drinks, nice beer selection. Hope they thrive and celebrate their 70th.

David Petersen
12 years ago

Many’s the pleasant hour I spent at the Canterbury for more than 6 years when I lived in the Pelican Bay artists’ co-op at 606 19th E.
Pelican Bay has been swallowed up by condos, but thank the universe the Canterbury remains intact. I trust the breakfasts are as delicious as always, and that Pat is still keeping a sharp eye on things. I miss it. Happy 35th birthday, old friend. Stay put ’til I get back to Seattle.
-dp-

Dotty DeCoster
12 years ago

For decades the Canterbury has been a warm place on a rainy day for me, and in it’s early days to my neighbors — the one’s who helped make the Seattle International Film Festival and Augenbite bookstore happen. The food is more warm than elegant, and the clientele more varied than most Hill places, but it remains a great place to meet a friend for a nice long visit.