Sip & Guzzle topples Handshake as Best North American Bar
The 50 Best Bars in North America 2026 list has been revealed, with New York’s Sip & Guzzle taking the top spot.
Handshake Speakeasy, which had held the title of Best Bar in North America for two years running, fell a surprising 11 spots to 12th position. The Mexico City hotspot was the World’s Best Bar in 2024 and fell just behind Bar Leone for the global title in 2025.
Despite its decline, the bar won the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award.
The second spot was given to Bar Mauro from Mexico City, which also bagged the Best Bar in Mexico award, sponsored by Torres Brandy.
A remarkable 15 bars made their debut on the list, with the highest ranking being New York’s Bar Snack in third place. The bar therefore took home the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award.
Bar Snack was swiftly followed by another new entrant from New York, Schmuck, in fourth spot.
A few upsets
Many bars saw their rankings fall by double digits, with the worst being Miami’s Café La Trova, which fell 29 places to 42nd place; Mexico City’s Baltra Bar, which fell 28 spots to 48th; and New York’s Employees Only and Overstory, which both tumbled 27 places to 45th and 33rd position respectively.
Other significant declines were seen by San Francisco’s Pacific Cocktail Haven (41st); Library by the Sea on Grand Cayman (49th); Washington DC’s Service Bar (39th); LA’s Mírate (28th); and New York’s Double Chicken Please (35th).
Many bars fared more positively, with New Orleans bar Cure jumping 29 spots to land in 21st and being given the Nikka Highest Climber Award. Bekeb in San Miguel de Allende also rose 25 spots to 24th position, while Toronto’s Mother rose 22 places to 22nd.
This year’s list features 28 US bars, 11 from Mexico, eight from Canada and three in the Caribbean.
The Best Bar in Canada award, which is sponsored by Monkey Shoulder, was given to The Keefer Bar in Vancouver, which came seventh overall.
Meanwhile, La Factoría in Puerto Rico was named the Best Bar in the Caribbean, sponsored by Noam.
Individual awards
As well as the rankings, the 50 Best Bars in North America ceremony featured a number of individual awards.
These included the Roku Industry Icon Award to Chris Hannah of Jewel of the South in New Orleans (6th).
Identitad in San Juan, which placed 73rd on the extended list, was named the Campari One To Watch.
The Three Cents Best New Opening Award also went to Schmuck (4th), while the Library Bar in Toronto (19th) earned the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award.
Washington DC’s Allegory (57th) won the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award.
Elsewhere, Daydream Rum Bar from Albuquerque won the SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award, and Bar Kumiko (11th) from Chicago earned the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.
The final prize went to Freddy Andreasson of El Gallo Altanero (10th), who bagged the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.
The list and awards were announced at a live awards ceremony yesterday (22 April) in Vancouver.
Emma Sleight, head of content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, said: “This year’s list reflects the incredible creativity and talent shaping cocktail culture. From recognised leaders to exciting new openings, these bars redefine what a world-class hospitality experience is.”
Related news
London tube strikes could slash on-trade bookings by 67%
