About the List

About The 50 Best Bars North America

The 50 Best Bars North America (formerly North America's 50 Best Bars) has reflected and celebrated the best of the region's drinks industry since 2022. The list represents the ultimate guide to the region's top bars and drinking destinations.

Thanks to its panel of more than 300 drinks experts, as well as its structured and audited voting system, the annual list of North America's finest bars provides a snapshot of the best destinations for unique drinking experiences, inspiring people to travel, unveiling up-and-coming bartenders and industry trends, and showcasing the subtlety and complexity of various cultures – with many more still to discover and celebrate.

Incorporating every style of bar, from grand hotel bars to neighbourhood hangouts and everything in between, The 50 Best Bars North America list is a celebration of the diversity and universality of drinks culture and a reflection of new bar scenes developing all over the region.

The history of The 50 Best Bars North America

The 50 Best Bars North America awards ceremony is the drinks industry's most anticipated night of the year. It brings together the best bartending talent from around the region, with a live countdown of the list, culminating in the announcement of The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Perrier.

The first list was announced from New York City in 2022; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (2023 and 2024) and Vancouver (2025 and 2026).

In 2026, North America's 50 Best Bars evolved into The 50 Best Bars North America.

The strength of the ranking lies in the relevance of its geographical network and the level of expertise of its voters, who together comprise The 50 Best Bars North America Academy. We are dedicated to transparently sharing our voting mechanics and methodology, and to continuing to evolve it, with structural improvements being made every year. You can read more about the voting process and the Academy and consult our FAQs.

The 50 Best Bars North America voting academy is comprised of seven voting regions: Canada East; Canada West; Central America & the Caribbean; USA Midwest; USA Northeast; USA South and USA West.

Each year, the celebration creates a unique opportunity to connect an incredible community, recognising the very best and inspiring more people to come together through the shared experience of extraordinary hospitality.

But The 50 Best Bars North America is more than just the rankings and awards, with our extensive editorial, social content and consumer experiences uncovering the stories behind the places and people shaping global hospitality.

The 50 Best Bars North America is part of The 50 family.