America's 25 Best Bars of 2026 Revealed

If you're planning a night out in New York City, you could meet for drinks at any old bar-or at America's very best bar.

On Wednesday, the highly anticipated list of North America's 50 Best Bars-an offshoot of The World's 50 Best Bars-were announced at a ceremony at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where the United States ruled by occupying 28 spots on the list, including the No. 1 bar: New York City's Sip & Guzzle.

"The bars on this year's list are exemplary in their ability to push boundaries and influence hospitality not only in North America, but across the globe," said Emma Sleight, head of content for North America's 50 Best Bars. "From established leaders to exciting new entries, the bars featured continue to push the standard of what a world-class drinks experience can be with their talent, creativity, and resilience."

What Is America's Best Bar for 2026?

Sip & Guzzle, located on Cornelia Street in Manhattan's West Village, is a dual concept bar that is half upscale cocktail lounge (a.k.a. Sip) and one part down-and-dirty tavern (a.k.a. Guzzle). It earned the No. 5 spot on last year's list. It's just one of 13 New York City bars that made the final tally, leading North America's 50 Best Bars to declare the city a longtime "global cocktail capital," with three of the top five spots located in the Big Apple.

Other New York City hotspots on the list included newcomers Bar Snack (No. 3), Schmuck (No. 4), and Bar Madonna (No. 36). Stalwarts Superbueno (No. 9), Clemente Bar (No. 15), Martiny's (No. 23), Angel's Share (No. 31), Overstory (No. 33), Double Chicken Please (No. 35), Attaboy (No. 37), Maison Premiere (No. 40), and Employees Only (No. 45) also made the final cut.

Which American Cities Have the Best Bars?

Chicago proved its boozy mettle with four picks on the list: Kumiko (No. 11), Best Intentions (No. 16), Gus' Sip & Dip (No. 27), and Bisous (No. 30).

New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. also logged two spots apiece, while Houston entered the chat with Bandista (No. 47), a speakeasy-themed lounge located at the Four Seasons hotel in the city's downtown district.

Where Else are the Best Bars in North America?

Given that the awards crown North America's 50 Best Bars, not all of them are stateside. Beyond the United States' borders, "Mexico City remains a powerhouse," according to the publisher, with seven bars making the cut, including: Bar Mauro (No. 2), Tlecān (No. 5), Handshake Speakesy (No. 12), Form + Matter (No. 13), Licorería Limantour (No. 20), Kaito del Valle (No. 25), and Baltra Bar (No. 48).

As the awards ceremony itself was hosted in Vancouver for the second year in a row, it's hardly a surprise that Canada has made its presence known as well. Vancouver's The Keefer Bar (No. 7), June on Cambie (No. 17), Prophecy (No. 32), and Botanist Bar (No. 38); and Toronto's Bar Pompette (No. 8), Library Bar (No. 19), Mother (No. 22), and Civil Works (No. 29) were all rewarded prime placements.

You can view the entire list of North America's 50 Best Bars in the graphic below:

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 10:56 AM.