Here's what it was like to be in the room for this year's ranking reveal in Vancouver.
As the fifth edition of North America's 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, landed back in Vancouver for its reveal, the Pacific Northwest city came alive with collaboration and celebrations. A series of events across the city assembled the best and brightest in the region, starting with the Bartenders' Feast at The Pipe Shop the night before awards ceremony, and concluding with the Closing Party at Botanist inside the Fairmont Pacific Rim on the final day.
But all eyes were focused on Vancouver Convention Centre on Wednesday 22 April as the 2026 ranking was set to be unveiled. Here's what it was like to be in the room that night.
North America's favourite bartender gets surrounded (by his own face)
After being named winner of the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award in the weeks building up the awards ceremony, Freddy Andreasson of El Gallo Altanero (No.10) had the chance to celebrate his new title surrounded by his peers. Flanked on all sides by fellow Mexico-based bartenders adorned in commemorative masks of his likeness, Andreasson then took to the stage with his wife Alejandra de Aguinaga to soak in the applause.
Celebrations extend back to Mexico
Jose Luis Hinsotroza, one of the masterminds behind new entry Mecenas in Guadalajara (No.18) and Arca in Tulum (No.61), commemorated the bars' achievements by jumping on a video call and sharing the love with his teams back in Mexico. ¡Felicidades!
Big cheers for New York
The Big Apple reaffirmed its spot as the reigning cocktail capital of North America, with 13 bars included in the 2026 ranking – the highest tally of any city in the region. Among those included Brookyln's Bar Madonna (No.36, pictured left) – who brought artist KidSuper along with them to mark the bar's debut in the list – and Overstory (No.33), who celebrated together in the crowd.
Chicago is home to the region's best hospitality
Hailing the Windy City, Kumiko collected its crown as winner of the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award, thanks to its quiet yet powerful style of Japanese-American service, as well as its extensive community building amidst turbulent times. Ranked No.11, it also took home the title of The Best Bar in Midwest USA, an accolade it has held in every edition of North America's 50 Best Bars since its launch in 2022.
Canada puts on its best showing ever
2026 proved to be Canada's best year to date, with a total of 27 bars represented across the 1-50 and extended 51-100 rankings, and hometown hero The Keefer Bar becoming the highest ranked bar in the country's history at No.7. When it came to capturing the now-traditional annual Team Canada group photo, squeezing all the bar teams in proved more of a challenge than ever.
New entries storm into the top five spots
It was a big evening for high-profile openings across the region, especially in New York as Schmuck (No.4) and Bar Snack (No.3, pictured) made their debuts straight into the top five of the ranking. The team from Bar Snack was in disbelief as the neighbourhood joint famed for its snaquiris and spice bags also took home the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award 2026.
Handshake Speakeasy is a smiling success
After four years occupying the top five spots in the ranking, it was big smiles from Handshake Speakeasy co-owner Eric van Beek as the bar's tenure was rewarded with the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award 2026. Together with fellow co-owners Rodrigo Urraca and Marcos Di Battista, the team rightfully soaked in the bar's recognition as a pivotal institution in Mexico's ever-developing cocktail scene.
Sip & Guzzle is named The Best Bar in North America 2026
After years of their respective bars being featured in 50 Best rankings, it was Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider's sophomore team-up Sip & Guzzle in New York that landed them the coveted No.1 spot. Roars erupted in the crowd and tears were shed as the dynamic duo's dual-concept space was announced on stage.
Discover the full list of North America's 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier.
