North America’s elite mixologists and industry leaders gathered in Vancouver for one of the most anticipated nights in the beverage industry: the unveiling of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026.
From the high-energy streets of Mexico City to the hidden speakeasies of Manhattan, this year’s list proves that the continent’s cocktail scene is more creative and resilient than ever. While the rankings saw 15 ambitious new entries make their debut, one venue rose above the rest to claim the ultimate title.
Sip & Guzzle Takes the Crown
New York’s Sip & Guzzle has officially been crowned The Best Bar in North America. Celebrated for a drinks program that masterfully balances technical precision with boundary-pushing creativity, the venue has rapidly become a defining force in global cocktail culture.
The 2026 Top 10: Elite Destinations
The upper tier of the 2026 list highlights a diverse range of styles, from Italian pastificios to high-end charcoal grilling.
| Rank | Bar | Location |
| 1 | Sip & Guzzle | New York |
| 2 | Bar Mauro | Mexico City |
| 3 | Bar Snack | New York |
| 4 | Schmuck | New York |
| 5 | Tlecan | Mexico City |
| 6 | Jewel of the South | New Orleans |
| 7 | The Keefer Bar | Vancouver |
| 8 | Bar Pompette | Toronto |
| 9 | Superbueno | New York |
| 10 | El Gallo Altanero | Guadalajara |
Regional Leaders: Best in Class
The awards celebrate regional dominance, ensuring travelers know exactly where to find a world-class drink in every corner of the continent:
- Best Bar in Mexico: Bar Mauro (No. 2), Mexico City.
- Best Bar in Canada: The Keefer Bar (No. 7), Vancouver.
- Best Bar in the Caribbean: La Factoría (No. 26), San Juan.
- Best Bar in Midwest USA: Kumiko (No. 11), Chicago.
- Best Bar in West USA: True Laurel (No. 14), San Francisco.
- Best Bar in South USA: Jewel of the South (No. 6), New Orleans.
Special Honors & Industry Icons
The ceremony also recognized individual brilliance and specific excellence in bar operations:
- Roku Industry Icon: Chris Hannah (Jewel of the South), honored for his mentorship and dedication to New Orleans’ cocktail heritage.
- Three Cents Best New Opening: Schmuck (No. 4), New York.
- Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award: Library Bar (No. 19), Toronto, for its low-waste practices and seasonal sourcing.
- Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu: Allegory (No. 57), Washington DC, for its literary-driven storytelling.
- SevenRooms Best Bar Design: Daydream Rum Bar, Albuquerque.
- Rémy Martin Legend of the List: Handshake Speakeasy (No. 12), Mexico City.
City Focus: A Surge in Canadian Talent
While New York remains a powerhouse with 10 bars on the list, the hosting region of Canada showed significant growth. Host city Vancouver landed four spots, including June on Cambie (No. 17), Prophecy (No. 32), and Botanist Bar (No. 38). Toronto also maintained a strong presence with four entries, including Mother (No. 22) and Civil Works (No. 29).