North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025: Unveiled in Vancouver

On April 29th, 2025, the fourth edition of North America’s 50 Best Bars list was unveiled. This year’s awards ceremony took place in Vancouver, marking the first time the Canadian city hosted the event, highlighting its growing importance in the global cocktail scene.

Taking the coveted top spot for the second year in a row is Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City, also earning the title of The Best Bar in Mexico. This stylish spot, now located within the NH Hotel in Colonia Juárez, continues to impress with its unforgettable cocktail experiences. Head bartender Eric Van Beek and his team are known for their creative approach, crafting drinks that can take up to two days to prepare, featuring unexpected and innovative flavors. Handshake Speakeasy has certainly made a name for itself, having also been recognized on The World’s 50 Best Bars list.

The list features a diverse mix of bars from across the region. The United States leads the pack with 26 bars represented, followed by Mexico with 14, Canada with 8, and the Caribbean with 2.

New York City once again showed its cocktail prowess, with 11 bars making the list. Superbueno held strong at No. 2, retaining its title as The Best Bar in Northeast USA. Other New York favorites like Overstory (No. 6), Martiny’s (No. 15), and Employees Only (No. 18) were recognized, alongside exciting new entries such as Sip & Guzzle (No. 5), which also snagged the Highest New Entry Award, and Clemente Bar (No. 11), which was named the Best New Opening. Clemente Bar is noted for its unique blend of innovative cocktails, including a negroni piña colada hybrid, and offering plant-based dishes from Eleven Madison Park. Sip & Guzzle has a fascinating backstory tied to Japanese samurai visiting New York in the 1800s.

Mexico City had a strong showing beyond Handshake Speakeasy, with Tlecān coming in at No. 3 and Licorería Limantour at No. 9, which also earned the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award. Guadalajara’s El Gallo Altanero (No. 8) and bars from Tijuana, Tulum, Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende also highlight the growing cocktail scene across Mexico.

Up in Canada, Toronto’s Bar Pompette was celebrated as The Best Bar in Canada, landing at No. 7 overall. Toronto also saw Civil Liberties (No. 21) and Mother (No. 44) on the list, with Vancouver’s Botanist Bar (No. 26) and The Keefer Bar (No. 28), and Montreal’s Cloakroom (No. 31) and Atwater Cocktail Club (No. 36) also making appearances. Toronto’s Civil Works received the Best Cocktail Menu Award, recognized for its inventive use of water to enhance drink flavors. Bar Pompette also picked up the Art of Hospitality Award.

Representing the Caribbean, Library by the Sea in Grand Cayman (No. 30) was named The Best Bar in the Caribbean, and La Factoría from Puerto Rico (No. 32) also made the list.