New York Leads North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026
By Daniel Quintero (IG @danielquintero)
New York leads the 2026 edition of North America’s 50 Best Bars, reaffirming its position as the region’s cocktail capital. The city not only claims the No. 1 spot but also strengthens its footprint across the ranking, growing from 12 bars last year to 13 this year while taking control of the top tier.
Sip & Guzzle, at No. 1, sets the tone for a list shaped by New York’s range and influence. The city places three bars in the top four, alongside a strong showing across the top 50, combining established names with impactful new entries.
Among the standout bars:
No.1 Sip & Guzzle – The Best Bar in North America
No.3 Bar Snack – also Highest New Entry Award
No.4 Schmuck – Best New Opening Award
No.9 Superbueno
No.15 Clemente Bar
No.23 Martiny’s
No.31 Angel’s Share
No.33 Overstory
No.35 Double Chicken Please
No.36 Bar Madonna (new entry)
No.37 Attaboy (re-entry)
No.40 Maison Premiere
No.45 Employees Only
From long-standing institutions to new openings, New York continues to define the standards of modern hospitality and cocktail culture. Its influence is not only visible in numbers but also in its ability to consistently shape the industry's direction.
Latin America’s Influence Runs Deep
While New York leads, the 2026 list also highlights the sustained influence of Latin talent across North America’s bar scene.
Mexico stands out as a major force, with a strong concentration of bars, particularly in Mexico City, that continue to compete at the highest level.
Mexico – Top 50 Bars:
No.2 Bar Mauro (Mexico City) – The Best Bar in Mexico
No.5 Tlecān (Mexico City)
No.12 Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City) – Legend of the List Award
No.13 Form + Matter (Mexico City) (new entry)
No.18 Mecenas (Mexico City) (new entry)
No.20 Licorería Limantour (Mexico City)
No.25 Kaito del Valle (Mexico City)
No.48 Baltra Bar (Mexico City)
Other Mexican cities:
No.10 El Gallo Altanero (Guadalajara)
No.43 Selva (Oaxaca)
This reinforces Mexico City’s role as the only city that consistently rivals New York in both density and influence, combining tradition, technique, and a strong sense of identity.
Although smaller in number, the Caribbean maintains a distinct presence, led by Puerto Rico:
No.26 La Factoría (San Juan) – The Best Bar in the Caribbean
No.73 Identidad (San Juan) – Campari One to Watch Award
San Juan represents a different kind of influence — one rooted in local ingredients, Caribbean identity, and a growing emphasis on regional narrative.
Special Awards: Recognizing Excellence Beyond the Ranking
In addition to the main list, the 2026 edition highlights individuals and venues shaping the industry through its Special Awards — offering a broader view of where innovation, hospitality, and culture are heading.
Among the most notable recognitions:
Industry Icon Award: Chris Hannah (Jewel of the South, New Orleans)
Highest New Entry Award: Bar Snack (No.3, New York)
Best New Opening Award: Schmuck (No.4, New York)
Highest Climber Award: Cure (No.21, New Orleans)
Sustainable Bar Award: Library Bar (No.19, Toronto)
Art of Hospitality Award: Kumiko (No.11, Chicago)
Best Cocktail Menu Award: Allegory (No.57, Washington, D.C.)
Legend of the List Award: Handshake Speakeasy (No.12, Mexico City)
Best Bar Design Award: Daydream Rum Bar (Albuquerque)
One to Watch Award: Identidad (No.73, San Juan)
These recognitions reinforce a broader shift: today’s bar scene extends beyond drinks to encompass design, sustainability, storytelling, and the overall guest experience.
A List That Sets the Pulse, But Raises Questions
Lists like North America’s 50 Best Bars remain a strong barometer for the industry. They track momentum, highlight emerging talent, and reflect the evolving conversation around bars.
At the same time, they also expose structural tensions within the broader 50 Best ecosystem. The “Best of the Best” category at the global level, designed to retire former No. 1 Restaurants and keep the ranking dynamic, without this system, the list can create inconsistencies compared to regional results.
It is difficult to reconcile how Handshake Speakeasy, ranked No. 1 in the world in 2024, can later appear at No. 10 in its own region while doing the same or even better work than before. The gap raises valid questions about consistency, voting context, and the alignment of global and regional rankings.
This does not diminish the importance of the list or Handshake Speakeasy; their work is influential and undeniable. But as the system expands, so does the need for greater coherence. Because if these rankings aim to define excellence, they should also do so consistently.
You can watch the whole ceremony here: