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Mon-Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
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Great refreshing drinks!
I came here the other day after a late night class to grab some drinks. Small cozy place near broadway. When I entered the place was full...not overly packed but it seemed like this was the place to be on a rainy Seattle night.
I had the regular black label whiskey, price $7 about average. My friend had a Manhattan made with fresh fruit which tasted great! I've heard they make all their drinks with fresh fruit which is really nice.
The place just gave me a good vibe, a close settings sets you up to have a great conversation without worrying about some load mouth next to you.
Only rant is the parking sucked, especially when it was raining, but it was well worth it!
People thought this was:
This is a classy joint!
I've only been to Sun Liquor a handful of times because it's far off on the other side of the hill from mt other hangouts. But .. it's location is just about the only thing keeping me from being a regular.
The drinks are awesome, the staff are friendly, the bathrooms are OK and the atmosphere is great for a conversation with some friends, fellow barflies or even a date! Their bartenders can really make a mean cocktail and their variety of liquor is pretty extensive.
Another teeny, tiny downside? This is a popular spot and tables and stools fill up fast!
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Oh, how adult of me, I had drinks at Sun Liquor. And...I liked it.
My date and I arrived in time to catch the last half of their happy hour on a Friday evening. We walked into a small bar that was packed to the brim. Every seat in the bar was full, which lead to a surprisingly loud atmosphere for such a tiny room.
As soon as happy hour ended, the place dramatically quieted down and most of the tables were occupied by couples or small groups sipping on some of Sun Liquor's finest citrus based cocktails. Dim lighting, a hip interior and skilled, friendly bartenders helped create a perfect atmosphere for a conversation over drinks.
A perfect bar to play grown up.
People thought this was:
This is a nifty little place that is generally pretty crowded. Nice atmosphere and wonderfully knowledgeable bartenders! I generally stick to beer, but this place has no beers on tape and the mixed drinks here just proved too alluring. With the juices made right in front of me, I was not disappointed.
Cool place! Stopped by here on the way to the Hideout last night, and I couldn't recommend it enough. I can't speak for the drinks (I had a whiskey and beer), but the staff are very friendly and the ambience was great.
I just moved down the block from this place and I can't get enough of it. The bartender is fantastic, the drinks are fantastic, and ambiance is fantastic! Everything is fresh squeezed right in front of you and if you talk to the bartender he (at least the nights I've been) will take you on a tour of classic drinks.
I'll see you all there!
Both times I've been, I've sat outside, just because it's been such lovely weather. The inside is cozy and dimly lit and has a nice intimate feel to it. The best part is this: they HAND SQUEEZE fresh juice IN FRONT OF YOUR EYES and make the most delicious, authentic, flavorful cocktails. I ordered what the guy in front of me was having, and to be honest couldn't for the life of me catch the name of it, but the guy squeezed the lemon juice on some sort of juicing apparatus, and then crafted a beautiful garnish from its peel. Somehow I just enjoy things more when I have seen them be created so deftly from real, fresh ingredients. Mmm!
I've only lived here 4 months, but Will's already my favorite bartender in town. While only having popped in a handful of times, the staff remembers my name, is always rad, and we have great conversation...whether the bar is busy or not.
and bless those fellas...I've never left sober. the drinks are too tasty!
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I'm such a fan of Sun Liquor. The bartenders are friendly and genuine, make a good cocktail, and just generally give great service. I have run into my Sun Liquor bartender another night at another bar, who recognized me, remembered my drink, and was friendly and nice outside of work. They chat with people at the bar, but aren't in your face with the schmaltz in a see-through attempt to earn better tips--they actually seem to like you. And if they don't, and can fake it that well, kudos to them.
The cocktails are delicious. Fresh squeezed juice makes a huge difference, and since I'm trying to be all concious about avoiding HFCS as much as possible (I know, it sounds really obnoxious of me but I want to be healthy!), it makes me doubly happy.
The bar is always full of people, but they don't let it get TOO packed. At Sun Liquor, they'll only let you in if they have a place for you to sit, which is a double-edged sword. Sure, it sucks when you show up and can't get in, but it also means that there is, at any given moment, a totally manageable amount of people there, everyone has a place to sit, you don't have to squeeze your way through a crowd to get to the bar, and it isn't impossible to get into the bathroom.
I love the low lighting with small red accent lights, the murals on the walls, the light fixtures at the bar, and the slightly mismatched chairs. I wish this bar was in my neighborhood! As it is, it's worth a trip across town.
People thought this was:
This is my type of place. My husband and I went for happy hour yesterday. We got there at 5:30 or so and were delighted that everyone else there was our age. I'm sure the place fills up with the young'uns later in the evening.
I ordered a cocktail off their list and honestly I didn't like it too much. It was like it was missing an ingredient and so it wasn't sweet at all. My husband tried a sip and noted the same thing. But since we were enjoying ourselves and talking to the bartender, I did not mind that it wasn't perfectly mixed.
For my second drink I got smart and engaged the friendly bartender in some discussion about what house-made liquors they currently had. He suggested the black tea rum, which sounded great to me. So he made me an "iced tea lemonade" that was one of the best cocktails I've ever had.
The bill was $15 for my two cocktails, my husband's beer, and a dish of nuts. Wow! I could see the two cocktails easily being $15, but they were just $5 each!
I'm definitely going back. Again. And again. And again.
I love this place; perfect for a cozy date, there are dark corners and people will leave you alone if you wish. The Eastern theme gives it an interesting detour from the standard bar; it's almost like a dive-bar, except for the cosmopolitan vibe.
Bartender was patient and made some STRONG drinks. Awesome that this place is only 4 blocks from me. Will return!
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Eugene C. so wisely said "This place will get you laid!"
While you could very well get some by bringing a date here, there's no need, since this place is even better than some action. I swear. It just might be my new, favorite place to go for a drink.
It's sort of tucked away on a quieter street on the hill and when you step in to this quiet, small bar you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The decor is dark, sophisticated and inviting. The bar is heavy and really anchors the location, and my friend was ecstatic that there were hooks on the bar so she could hang up her purse.... something I've never really thought of, but useful I suppose.
The bartender (who was also the manager) was very welcoming and friendly and set us up with some awesome cocktails. I was one of those picky people who didn't really know what I wanted and basically asked him to make me something with vodka. The four drinks he made were all winners! The first two had a great, spicy, gingery flavor and the other two were citrusy and slightly fruity. The thing I like most about this place is that they squeeze all of their juice in front of you. The fresh fruit they use create one wicked awesome drink. Even a screwdriver with well vodka tasted heavenly.
Throughout the night the bartender was attentive, talkative and friendly. It's so rare that a bartender is able to make small talk and it feels genuine, but he truly mastered the art of conversation. His amazing demeanor, perfectly mixed cocktails and the (still warm) roasted nuts will keep me coming back again and again!
People thought this was:
This is my spot. I drag my friends through the streets of Seattle walking blocks and blocks to my hands down favorite venue in the city of Seattle. The 70's decor rocks. Although the Asian side on the other side is laughable (I'm half Chinese) and the calligraphy is clearly done by a non-Asian, or elementary writer. Doesn't matter to me. I've been coming here for about 6 years off and on. The vibe has changed a bit, but all the bartenders are laid back and chill. I love it. Fresh squeezed drinks are excellent! If only the outdoor seating was larger.
I will say, a few times I've been annoyed with the attitude from the ID check lady, but it's not that serious. Love this place.
People thought this was:
There are few places I like more in town for one-on-one conversation and drinks. The bartenders are all incredibly nice and on it and I've had a few excellent wines there by chance.
It is a perfect mix between privacy and being out with people. The noise level never hits annoying and it's never too packed.
People thought this was:
I was not permitted the privilege of trying Sun Liquor.
We had plans to meet a couple here before our outing. We circled and circled for parking. Back up. "Is that a spot?" "Oh wait, no. That's a driveway." Finally find parking. We walk up.
To be dismissed.
Our friends are inside enjoying their cocktails, but the bar is full. It is a weeknight. We will not be granted entry because there are no seats or stools available. "We can stand" I say. The doorman looks at me like I'm a silly child. There will be none of that. Apparently admittance is limited to the number of seats available, with no exceptions.
So I guess I really don't have much to say about Sun since we never made it through the door. But it would have been nice to at least let our friends know that we could not gain access. Instead we were reduced to embarrassment to text them from the sidewalk outside to let them know we couldn't get in.
Meh. If it's like that, I don't think I really wanna go there anyway.
People thought this was:
I'll admit it. I came here because EVERYONE seemed to love it. Yelp company included. So was it worth the hype? Did it make me swoon?
Yes.
And here is why. The drinks were great, the price was reasonable, and the bartender was not a dick. And you know what? That's what I need in a bar. I don't need fancy decor, or music that makes my head think *boots* *boots* *boots* *boots*, or even other people. Just those three things. And I got them, and it was good.
This place will get you laid! (no guarantees.)
Perfect date spot if you can find parking that is. I really mean that. It is almost impossible to find parking here on friday or saturday. Midweek or sunday it's not too bad.
The decor is on point. It's really cozy, meaning small, so it naturally brings people together. Also it's pretty dim, which makes you want to lean in when you talk. The bartenders are all pretty chill from what I've experienced. I heard they make some mean cocktails, but I'm more of a beer drinker, and I haven't been disappointed in their collection of beers either. It also doesn't hurt they are located right next to Top Pot, so you can always duck over for one of those heavenly donuts.
To recap: Bring date here, smooth talk, nice cocktails, get lucky!
People thought this was:
I came here with my boyfriend on his birthday, the bartender Will remembered our names and all the drinks we had during the evening. My favorite drink is a classic Manhattan, and this was the best I had ever had. When my boyfriend mentioned something to Will, he not only told us how he made it, but showed us the labels of the bottles so we could look for the ingredients on our own. Pretty great service in a very crowded bar with only one bartender! Later in the night, we asked him to make us a surprise drink, and he chose a drink based on our preferences throughout the rest of the evening and it was to die for! All the ingredients are fresh, they have a juicer on the bar for all the mixers! Best service, best drinks, and a pretty awesome atmosphere too. 5 stars to Will and Sun Liquor!
People thought this was:
I love Sun. They have the absolute most delicious cocktails. I don't think I've ever actually sat down and ordered something off the menu... I end up with menu items, but only because the bartender for the evening recommends it!
I am totally indecisive when it comes to food and drink. So any bar that caters to my vacillating whims gets mad props from me!
The bar is small (which means cozy!) and dimly lit, but it really suits this place. I've never had trouble getting a seat, although I've also never been on a Fri/Sat. They have a teeny outside seating area, but it's better than nothing!
Sun would be a great place to take a date or to just to chat up the friendly bartenders.
Also... Congratulations Sun on your first 3 years!
People thought this was:
I haven't even been to Sun Liquor in a couple of months but was sitting here thinking about how much I miss it and had to reminisce.
A dozen things make this place so outstanding it would be difficult to keep my review palatable in length however I will attempt to cut to the chase.
1. Bartenders: highly skilled at the art of tending bar (and mixing stiff drinks), socially adept, and admirably crowd-control-oriented. I mean, c'mon!?! How many bartenders learn your name after the first time you order...given, they appreciate the cheater of you leaving your visa so they can cue themselves if memory falters on a particularly busy afternoon...but nonetheless...it's genuine. And, a personal favorite of mine is how they keep the line in order...you will never see some douche crowd through the bar stools and wave a bill to get attention..."The line starts over here!"
2. Drinks are spot on! From the specialty cocktails to the old favorites to the minimal but perfectly cast beer selection, whatever level your drinking takes will be satiated at Sun.
3. Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Yeah, I'm sure you can get this at a ton of different places...but no other place has inspired me to go out and buy an industrial juice press in the image of the massive press at Sun Liquor. But, no matter how many times I try, I just can't mix a greyhound the same at home (but I'm close).
I guess this means I'll have to keep coming back.
note: parking sucks...but that's to be expected and is in no way Sun Liquor's fault...and if you really plan to enjoy yourself, you shouldn't be driving anyway.
People thought this was:
The only thing not to love about this place is the lack of parking on Cap. Hill and that it can be hard to get a table on weekends. I love the fresh-squeezed fruit juices and respectable quality of alcohol.
People thought this was:
The bartenders are nice and have good suggestions. The bar can get crowded and the parking on Cap. Hill can get bad. The drinks are good and the atmosphere is cool. Sun Liquor is a dimly lit bar also seating is limited but the drinks are very tasty so it's worth the wait.
I have to say that there are many good, hearty words that come to mind when I think of Sun Liquor. Words like; snowball fight, concoction, bliss, master mixer (say that fast, 10 x's!!) and naturally, DRUNK. Coming here with Scott K. (the infamous signature psychic), on the first snow day of Dec. last year led to a night of debauchery. A playfulness filled the air outside and you could feel the static of excitement from all the friendly regulars in the bar.
An epiphany came to me later that night as I reread "Sun Liquor" and realized, I'd never been in a place that represented it's title so accurately! This patch of goodness emanates warmth and comfort easily, as if your on your own little island and know everyone around you. Forgetting your in Seattle is easy inside this haven and I've felt a little shock walking out of the bar to the realization that I wasn't on vacation. I come here to get away and to talk up friendly people b/c here, it is that simple.
New Years came around and jaded my view of Sun Liquor by revealing one single fault. It's little. Bringing 8 people with me to meet 5 more people didn't quite jive with their capacity regulations. All but myself were turned away from entering and I had to hustle half of my people to the adjacent bar next door. I know I can't blame Sun Liquor but I've got to knock a star off from pure disappointment. Get bigger. Although I did get plenty of exercise going between both bars to mingle with each set of friends, I have to say it's rather hard to be in two places at once when that count down begins.
People thought this was:
Small little neighborhood bar, not one I'd go out of my way to get to but did this night and was slightly disappointed. You are greeted by a tatooed lass reading a book who looked pained to be there and was a bit of a nazi about our ID's of which wasn't the best first impression. It's quite obvious that we hit 21 over a decade ago so this seemed pretty rediculous. The place is decorated in a 40's kitchy-este Asian post war theme complete with bamboo/rattan furniture and asian print wall paper.
There was a menu of 5 special cocktail options, none of which really caught my fancy as they seemed to be tryin too hard. Thus I went for my usual stand by, a Greygoose Martini. They have tables but in order to actually "order" you have to make the trip to the bar which kind of irked me. The hubster placed our order and by the time he made it back to me, the drink was a bit warm for my liking. Plus there was too much vermouth. So my theory is that if a bar can't make a core drink like a Martini right, then it's time to move on.
People thought this was:
NOT FOREIGNER FRIENDLY!
We were there to celebrate my brother visiting from Australia. We were ready for a big night and Sun Liquor seemed like a low key place to get started.
They asked my brother to leave since all he had was an Australian Passport for ID. He is 25 years old.
Who doesn't accept foreign passports for ID? What do they think a foreign visitor will have for ID other than a passport?
And the drinks are expensive!
We went next door to the Summit Pub where his passport and our business was gratefully accepted.
Sun liquor- YOU SUCK!
Thank you for NOT making my brother feel welcome. I'll never spend a dime in your crap bar ever again.
You are a great representative for American hospitality.......
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I've been meaning to finish this review for a while.
Charming but loud. The friendly and knowledgeable mixologist makes up for it. Definitely a cocktail joint. Nice selection of rye whiskey. The Old Overholdt was $6 compared to $4.50 at Hazelwood in Ballard. The dark laid back decor w/ the little temple to the tools of bartending above the vintage windowed reefer behind the bar make Sun Liquor feel like the little hidden gin joint that it is.
People thought this was:
So I had heard mixed reviews about this place... alot of people told me it was pretentious and the bartenders were semi rude. Maybe it was just the time of day that I chose to go or maybe I just had a nice bartender, but I found it neither pretentious or with rude barstafff.
We came for Happy Hour (2$ off cocktails). They have a great little pink champagne number that I quite enjoyed and my friend got this delicious drink that tasted like a kicked up mojito called the South Side I believe. The liquor they use is quality stuff and they freshly squeeze their juices. The place was pretty empty when we arrived and filled up rather quickly in about a half hour. The bartender was super friendly and made our experience great.
People thought this was:
I don't understand how you couldn't love this place. The bartenders are the most friendly and professional you can find on Capitol Hill. The citrus is fresh squeezed, so even a basic greyhound seems like the most delicious cocktail ever invented. Every evening I have been here, there is a sexy, friendly buzz of patrons; not too loud, not too dark, just an all around great atmosphere to get a superb cocktail.
People thought this was:
I frickin' LOVE this place. I frickin' love the VENETIAN PLASTER!!
The drinks are pretty darn good as well. A mean French 75 (no lip when I ask for extra bitters).
Wish I lived closer so I could go more often!
People thought this was:
YOU MAY NEED TO START GOING TO AA!
This place makes literally the best drinks I have EVER had! No crappy mixers or low quality booze here... only fresh squeezed juices made right in front you! The bartender is super fast too... and the nicest bartender I've ever met ( I'm pretty sure his name was Eric)! The prices may be a few dollars more than you are used to but it is so worth it. You get what you pay for which is a totally delish drink and a heavy pour! I will be coming back again and again! Oh... and with how drunk I got you'd think there would have been a killer hangover but there was no hangover in sight!
People thought this was:
Small, relaxing bar? Check. Close to my apartment? Check. Fresh-squeezed juice? HELL YES!
The most exciting thing about Sun Liquor is that every drink is made with fresh-squeezed juice and not artificial "mixers." Their drinks are pretty enjoyable - I had the Scarlet Lady, which involves pomegranate grenadine, gin, and champagne (in a perfectly chilled glass) and tastes of the Southside (which reminded me of a fancier gin and tonic) and their punch drink, whose name starts with a P but is escaping me.
If you're looking for a place to bring an out-of-town friend, or just somewhere to chill for a night, Sun Liquor would be a great place to check out. I know I'll be back to try some more fresh juice drinks.
(Just make sure that you don't confuse that little fake wall near the door with the door itself - I probably pushed it for about a minute before realizing, "Oops, this isn't the door..." and walking around it to the door - and this was after only half a drink - and a two hour hike earlier in the day, so maybe I have an excuse...)
People thought this was:
You know, the good thing about Sun Liquor is that it is stumbling distance from my friend's apartment. The very good thing is that the stumble is downhill.
Sun Liquor, formally (apparently, or so the bartender told us Monday night) both a laundromat and a grocery store (see the pictures in the right hand bathroom to prove it) Is a cozy little bar with table seating to accompany it. They are open every night, and have a nice range of specialty drinks to sample, along with a full bar with many different kinds of poison to tickle your fancy and your liver. The place is also gorgeously decorated, with this very "industrial vintage orient" look to it. I covet their ceiling lights so bad, and the mural on the back wall is nothing short of gorgeous.
Monday night was very quiet, with no more than 8 patrons in the bar the whole time we were there. However, it was rediculously loud in the bar, due to the 'super-hip' music that our bartender was playing. He also fell into the painfully hip category, but that is apparently very common on Capitol Hill, according to my friend.
We ordered a Mai Tai, and a Spanish Coffee, and the downside of the Spanish Coffee was that I was too far away to watch him set the sucker on fire. He also didn' t whip the cream enough for the drink, but he was so upset about it, that I didn't give him grief. This guy took his mixing VERY seriously, and it totally showed in the quality of his drinks. The Mai Tai was possibly one of the best drinks I have ever had. One of the definite reasons that this is the case is that they fresh squeeze the fruit juice for every single drink. I find that to be quite impressive. The fruit that they garnish their drinks with is also very tasty.
After downing my Spanish Coffee and another mixed drink on the menu (something with gin and champagne), he brings over some falernum that he was making, and since I actually knew what it was, he fixed us all a rum-based drink with the falernum in it, and that was dee-lish as well. He was very polite about announcing last call, and was upfront with us without being rude about having to finish our drinks before 2am. We paid, and stumbled back down the hill to my friend's place.
Minus one star for the over-hipness of the place, along with the semi-bitchiness of the door girl a couple of nights previous. I will totally return to Sun Liquor when I venture back to Seattle.
People thought this was:
The location is kind of odd: it's basically in a residential neighborhood, but it happens to be half a block from a friend's house, so it was convenient. The drinks are a little pricey and the service wasn't spectacular.
However, I'm a bit of a drink snob (or at least pretend I am) and when I feel like challenging a bartender a bit I order one of my favorite drinks: a Gin & Sin. Without fail, no one ever knows what it is, but the bartender at Sun Liquor the night I was there graciously admitted to not knowing it but said he'd look it up online or in his book and would bring it out to me. What he brought out was the most delicious Gin & Sin I've ever had. So, all other complaints aside, I was overly satisfied.
People thought this was:
In terms of drinks.... you can't get any better. They have a great gin selection and can mix you anything from a simple Gin and tonic to a Moscow Mule. It is a scratch bar as well, which is fun to watch and pretty impressive, definitely adds to the quality of the drinks as well.
The Bartenders were really nice to us, apparently they are only mean to mean people. My only ding on the place would be the price, which ran up very quickly. Other than that it is one of the best, if not the best cocktail bar I have been to!
People thought this was:
I remember now, I have been here before!
Great little bar in Cap Hill where they serve my favorite gin. Service is great, drinks are too and what else do you need to satisfy a night out having an anti-traditional holiday - or any day for that matter?!
Solid bar I look forward to remembering, again...
People thought this was:
i really don't understand why people rave about this place...i was there last weekend & found it to be too loud so we sat outside one of the curbside tables...the drinks were also okay, nothing special
This is a really, really, really good bar. I love this bar.
The bartenders are rad. They remember your name, and your drink, and they are not douchebags. That is hard to come by.
Also, they all make really, really, really fucking good drinks. They don't use any pre-made mixers, it's all fresh squeezed juice.
One time I left my bag at Sun Liquor. The next day, I came back with my friend who was there with me the night before. I walked in, the bartender saw me and said "Oh! I'll be right back." A second later he returned with my bag. I didn't even have to say a word. I don't know this man, he doesn't know me, but he cared enough to put my bag in a safe place, and he cared enough to remember my face. This is what I call good service.
People thought this was:
Wow. I dragged my feet going in here, whining the whole way about being removed prematurely from the Summit down the street. Summit = dark and divey and my type of bar. Sun Liquor = no beer on tap, actual decorations, no dogs - in short, everything that I fear in a bar. But then I let the bartender make me whatever he wanted, after specifying no gin (long story, one that I don't think Moon Temple will forget anytime soon either) and holy hell that was one hell of a drink. A glass of liquor with an ice cube floating in it is the best description I can come up with.
I staggered up to the bar after I finished it (no small feat, I assure you) and ordered a beer in a bottle only to be met with derision from some gentleman who had just taken shots.
Hey, they said. What do you think you're doing, ordering beer, they said. Take a shot and prove yourself, they said. I opened my mouth to defend myself but the bartender stepped in to defend my honor before I even got the chance. He pointed at their shot glasses and then pointed at the giant glass in my hand and told them that unless they were prepared to chug that much straight liquor to prove their masculinity they should leave me alone. His ending words were, "she's doing fine!"
It's still not my type of place but the bartender was awesome enough to warrant a four-star review and should my friends drag me here from the Summit again, I probably won't whine. As much.
I haven't been here enough to give a full review, but so far I really like what I see.
I got here right when it opened at five on a Friday evening, which was perfect for me because I was easily able to find a table and order drinks with no waiting. Their ordering system is interesting, but I can see how it helps out when it gets crowded in there.
I had the "Redhook" on their specialty menu which was very tasty. A traditional Manhattan was second, and that was right on the money too.
I will definitely be coming back!
People thought this was:
Haven't been in a while, but this place is super cool. It is a low key place with a grown up atmosphere and fresh, strong drinks. Real fruit juice folks! The bar tenders here are also very accommodating and creative with requests. I need to get back here!
Sunday FUNday Happy Hour…
Neighborhood: Ballard
TWO Happy Hours!
Seattle, WA
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Ballard
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: First Hill
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Category: Bars
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