New York bars among North America’s most recognized at The 50 Best Bars
By Dan Q (@danielquintero)
Seven New York bars appear in the 2026 edition of The 50 Best Bars, with four in the top 50. Schmuck leads the group at No. 11, followed by Sip & Guzzle at No. 14, Martiny’s at No. 46, and Bar Snack at No. 49.
Announced October 7 in Milan, the ranking places New York alongside Hong Kong and Paris for the highest number of bars in the top 50. The list includes both new arrivals and established venues, underscoring the range of talent shaping the city’s bar scene.
Schmuck enters the top 50 at No. 11 and receives the Three Cents Best New Opening Award. Its combination of experimental drinks and relaxed hospitality reflects a wider shift toward informality in New York’s cocktail culture. This year, it stands as the city’s highest-ranked bar.
Sip & Guzzle, ranked No. 14, is a collaboration between Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider. The venue is split between Sip, a downstairs bar with Japanese influences, and Guzzle, an upstairs space designed for a more social experience. The dual concept offers guests distinct ways to drink under one roof.
Gokan also received the Roku Industry Icon Award. His work links New York to a broader international network, with projects in Shanghai and Tokyo, illustrating the exchange of ideas and talent among cocktail capitals.
Takuma Watanabe, recipient of the 2026 Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award, co-founded Martiny's at No. 46. The recognition highlights the skills and leadership shaping the guest experience.
Bar Snack rounds out New York’s presence in the top 50 at No. 49. With two new entries this year, the results reflect a scene open to varied personalities and approaches to hospitality.
THREE MORE NEW YORK BARS IN THE EXTENDED LIST
The 51–100 list, released September 23, features Double Chicken Please at No. 53, Superbueno at No. 61, and Employees Only at No. 78. The United States has five bars in the 51–100 segment, the largest national presence in that part of the ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Jewel of the South in New Orleans appears at No. 64, and Kumiko in Chicago at No. 70.
The extended list broadens the view of New York’s cocktail landscape. Internationally, the 51–100 selection spans 34 cities and introduces 13 new entries.
A GLOBAL PICTURE
The global results put New York’s standing in context. Bar Leone in Hong Kong holds the No. 1 position, followed by Moebius Milano at No. 2 and Alquímico in Cartagena at No. 3. Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, ranked No. 6, is named Best Bar in North America within the global awards.
That distinction applies to the October ranking. Earlier in 2026, Sip & Guzzle led the separate North America’s 50 Best Bars list. The two results reflect different lists announced at separate times during the year.
With 26 cities represented and 14 new entries, the top 50 highlights the diversity of the global bar scene. New York’s showing illustrates the range of experiences and influences that continue to shape the city’s hospitality landscape.
Discover the full list:
