In its fourth edition, the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, was announced at a live awards ceremony on April 29, 2025 at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. This was the first year that the awards ceremony was held in Canada, and it continues to spotlight the region as a leader of the global cocktail scene. The annual ranking features bars from across North America, including the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy is crowned No.1 for the second year in a row as The Best Bar in North America and The Best Bar in Mexico, sponsored by Perrier. Mexico City’s hip speakeasy has moved premises since it first opened in 2023 and is now ensconced within the NH Hotel in the Colonia Juárez district, but it continues to showcase its excellence by offering guests an unforgettable, luxury cocktail experience. While the cocktail menu is minimalistic, head bartender Eric Van Beek fuels an everevolving lineup of batch cocktails, boundary-pushing creations served on draft, and drinks that are much more complex than what meets the eye. The craftsmanship behind many of the cocktails takes about two days to create from start to finish, including the bar’s unexpected and innovative flavors. Handshake Speakeasy has been on the global stage since opening, including being named No.1 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list and The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list.
New York City’s Superbueno is ranked at No.2, retaining the title of The Best Bar in Northeast USA, sponsored by Naked Malt. Mexico City’s Tlecān follows at No.3.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, says: “This year’s list is a powerful testament to the relentless drive, creativity, and world-class talent that define the cocktail industry today. These bars don’t just serve drinks – they set global standards, push boundaries, and shape the future of hospitality. Cheers to Handshake Speakeasy and head bartender Eric van Beek for excelling in the craft, hospitality and ingenuity that continues to crown them No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Bars. We extend our congratulations to all the other incredible bars on this year’s list that spotlight pioneers and visionaries who are redefining excellence, one extraordinary cocktail at a time."
Special Awards:
- Julie Reiner of Clover Club and Milady’s receives the accolade of Roku Industry Icon
- Bar Pompette from Toronto is named The Best Bar in Canada, sponsored by Torres Brandy
- Library by the Sea is named The Best Bar in the Caribbean, sponsored by Scrappy's Bitters
- Civil Works from Toronto is named the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award
- Clemente Bar (No.11) from New York earns the Three Cents Best New Opening Award
- Thunderbolt (No.24) in Los Angeles earns the title of Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
- Lemon in Chicago is named as the Campari One To Watch
- Carry On in Phoenix wins the Best Bar Design Award, sponsored by St-Germain
Complete 1-50 List of Best Bars in North America:
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
- Superbueno, New York
- Tlecān, Mexico City
- Jewel of the South, New Orleans
- Sip & Guzzle, New York
- Overstory, New York
- Bar Pompette, Toronto
- El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
- Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
- Kumiko, Chicago
- Clemente Bar, New York
- Mírate, Los Angeles
- Café La Trova, Miami
- Bar Mauro, Mexico City
- Martiny’s, New York
- Pacific Cocktail Haven, San Francisco
- True Laurel, San Francisco
- Employees Only, New York
- Double Chicken Please, New York
- Baltra Bar, Mexico City
- Civil Liberties, Toronto
- Aruba Day Drink, Tijuana
- Service Bar, Washington DC
- Thunderbolt, Los Angeles
- Best Intentions, Chicago
- Botanist Bar, Vancouver
- Arca, Tulum
- The Keefer Bar, Vancouver
- Selva, Oaxaca
- Library by the Sea, Grand Cayman
- Cloakroom, Montreal
- La Factoría, San Juan
- Maison Premiere, New York
- Bijou Drinkery Room, Mexico City
- Hanky Panky, Mexico City
- Atwater Cocktail Club, Montreal
- Bar Mordecai, Toronto
- Meadowlark, Chicago
- Bisous, Chicago
- Kaito del Valle, Mexico City
- Yacht Club, Denver
- Katana Kitten, New York
- Angel’s Share, New York
- Mother, Toronto
- Allegory, Washington DC
- Dante, New York
- Café de Nadie, Mexico City
- Silver Lyan, Washington DC
- Bekeb, San Miguel de Allende
- Cure, New Orleans
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