An In-Depth Look at North America's 50 Best Bars Extended Rankings for 2026
In a much-anticipated reveal, North America's 50 Best Bars, powered by Perrier, has released the extended rankings listing bars from 51 to 100 for 2026. This year, the list features 14 new entries and celebrates a vibrant community of bars across an impressive array of 28 destinations. The unveiling provides a broader view of the cocktail culture in North America, allowing more establishments to shine in the limelight.
The rankings are established through a voting academy comprised of over 300 independent experts in mixology, acclaimed bartenders, educators, and beverage writers from across the region. Each of these professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that the ranking process is both fair and comprehensive.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
Top Highlights
The list is dominated by bars from the United States, with a notable 25 bars making the cut. Some of the most celebrated cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Houston, Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, and Honolulu are all well represented.
Canada and Beyond
Canada makes a strong appearance on the list as well, with 19 establishments from cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Victoria, some making their debut this year. Mexico is represented by four bars based in Mexico City, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. Additionally, bars from Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands also have a place on the list, further highlighting the diverse drinking culture in the region.
All in all, these rankings are a countdown of North America's thriving cocktail scene, leading up to the much-anticipated announcement of the top 50 bars, set to be revealed in Vancouver, Canada, on April 22.
Celebrating Diversity in Cocktail Culture
Emma Sleight, Content Director of North America's 50 Best Bars expressed excitement about the extended list, stating, "The 51-100 rankings allow us to celebrate an even wider variety of bars and the incredible diversity within the drinking culture across North America. The bars featured exemplify the creativity and passion that define the region's hospitality scene. With 28 destinations represented and a variety of styles highlighted, the list showcases how vibrant the cocktail community has become, and we are thrilled to acknowledge their achievements."
Noteworthy Entries
Leading the new entries is
Aruba Day Drink from Tijuana, ranking at 51. Here are a few other noteworthy mentions:
- - Café de Nadie ranked at 60
- - Arca at 61
- - Zapote Bar at 95
This year also includes a rich representation of bars from the United States that exhibit diversity in both their location and their offerings, including:
- - Father Forgive Me from Detroit, ranked at 83
- - Hecate Bar from Boston at 88
- - Julep from Houston at 84
- - Ticonderoga Club from Atlanta ranks at 85
Canadian bars highlighted include:
- - Cry Baby Gallery in Toronto at 69
- - Bagheera in Vancouver at 59
- - Cloakroom in Montreal at 56
- - Proof in Calgary at 78
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the North America's 50 Best Bars extended rankings from 51 to 100 for 2026 shines a spotlight on the amazing bars across North America. This list is a call to cocktail enthusiasts everywhere, encouraging them to explore beyond the usual hotspots and discover new and exciting drinking experiences throughout the continent. The countdown to the top 50 continues, promising to bring even more surprises and innovations in the cocktail scene.