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Interior of Saint Peter restaurant in Sydney, Australia
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

’24 World’s 50 Best Restaurants: 51 to 100

2024 World’s 50 Best Restaurants: 51 to 100

by David Klemt

Interior of Saint Peter restaurant in Sydney, Australia

Saint Peter restaurant in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, number 98 on the 2024 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, numbers 51 through 100.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is excited to announce numbers 51 through 100 on this year’s list ahead of the awards ceremony in Las Vegas on June 5.

Those who are curious or in need of a refresher can click here for last year’s 51 through 100. Our coverage on numbers 1 through 50 from 2023 is here.

More than 1,000 independent voters—consisting of chefs, journalists, and foodies on the go—helped to form this year’s list. These same experts cast their votes to create the 2024 World’s 50 Best Restaurant ranking, numbers one through fifty.

But let’s get back to restaurants 51 through 100. Twelve of the extended list are new entries to the list. That means that a quarter of the back 50 restaurant are new to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Along those lines, three are re-entries. These restaurants are Mil in Cusco, Peru; Willem Hiele in Oudenburg, West Flanders, Belgium; and Indian Accent in New Delhi, India.

Just three of the restaurants on the extended list are in the US, with one in Chicago and two in New York City. Unfortunately, none are located in Canada. Hopefully, at least one restaurant in the Great White North will find itself ranked somewhere among the top fifty.

Now, I don’t often defer to a press release to provide you with more information. However, everything you could want to know about not just this half of the list but also the awards ceremony on June 5 in Las Vegas is included in the official press release below. This includes how to watch the awards live as each restaurant and their position is revealed.

Congratulations to restaurants 51 through 100 for 2024! And cheers and good luck to numbers one through fifty!

A landscape-orientation chart of the 2024 World's 50 Best Restaurants, numbers 51 through 100

THE WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS ANNOUNCES THE 51-100 LIST FOR 2024

The extended list is unveiled ahead of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 awards ceremony in Las Vegas on 5 June

22 May 2024 – The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, today reveals the list of restaurants ranked from No.51 to No.100, ahead of this year’s awards ceremony, which takes place in Las Vegas on 5 June. The extended 51-100 list features restaurants across six continents and is compiled from the votes of 1,080 independent experts from the world of gastronomy, from food journalists and globally renowned chefs to travelling gastronomes. Each has contributed their votes to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, with the full list to be revealed two weeks from today, live on stage.

The 51-100 List in Numbers

  • The 51-100 list includes 12 new entries from 11 different cities, ranging from Berlin and Mumbai to Seoul and Sydney
  • The 51-100 list includes restaurants in 23 territories across six continents
  • 13 entries are from Asia, 23 from Europe, six from North America, five from South America, one from the Middle East, one from Africa and one from Oceania
  • The highest new entry in the 51-100 list is Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler in Brunico, Italy, at No.52

Europe gains six new entries to the list this year, including Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler (No.52) in Brunico; Coda (No.62) in Berlin; Bozar (No.63) in Brussels; Le Doyenné (No.70) in Saint-Vrain; Restaurant Jan (No.84) in Munich and Mountain (No.94) in London.

France leads the way with four further restaurants, including: Flocons de Sel (No.76) in Megève; La Grenouillère (No.77) in La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil; Alléno Paris Au Pavillon Ledoyen (No.79) in Paris and Ceto (No.85) in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin also represented. Four further restaurants in the UK are represented on the extended list, with Brat (No.65), The Clove Club (No.80), Lyle’s (No.87) and Core by Clare Smyth (No.97) all claiming a spot.

Germany boasts a total of four entries in the ranking, with Ernst (No.75) in Berlin and Tantris (No.88) in Munich, also placing. Three restaurants from Spain are voted into the extended list: Enigma
(No.59) in Barcelona, Aponiente (No.72) in El Puerto de Santa María and Mugaritz (No.81) in San Sebastián. Italy is also represented by Le Calandre (No.51) in Rubano, while Belgium’s Willem Hiele, in Oudenburg, returns to the list at No.83. One restaurant from Denmark and Turkey each place in the ranking, in the form of Kadeau (No.54) in Copenhagen and Neolokal (No.91) in Istanbul, respectively.

Asia welcomes new entries from Masque in Mumbai (No.78), as well as Mosu (No.86) and Onjium (No.96), both in Seoul, alongside a return for New Delhi’s Indian Accent (No.89). Three Japanese
restaurants feature on the list: Narisawa, Tokyo (No.56), La Cime, Osaka (No.66) and Sazenka, Tokyo (No.93). Mainland China is represented by Fu He Hui, Shanghai at No.69, while Singapore has three placements, including Burnt Ends at No.68, Labyrinth at No.92 and Meta at No.95. Two Thai restaurants place in the ranking with Potong at No.57 and Nusara at No.74, both located in Bangkok.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants continues to recognise North America’s flourishing gastronomy with new entries Smyth, in Chicago, at No.90 and Fauna, in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, at No.100. Two further restaurants from Mexico feature: Guadalajara’s Alcalde at No.67 and Mexico City’s Sud 777 at No.82. From the US, Le Bernadin in New York is at No.71 while Cosme, also in New York, is at No.99.

South America claims five entries on the extended list. Bogotá’s Leo – from The World’s Best Female Chef 2022, Leonor Espinosa – places at No.53. Mérito, Lima comes in at No.55, while Cusco’s Mil is at No.73. Lasai in Rio de Janeiro is at No.58 and Nuema, Quito – home to The World’s Best Pastry Chef 2023, Pía Salazar – is voted No.61.

Cape Town’s Fyn, winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023, places at No.60, while Dubai’s Orfali Bros Bistro is at No.64. Australia is represented in the extended ranking by Sydney’s Saint Peter, led by chef Josh Niland, which places at No.98.

William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, comments: “This year’s extended list is a true representation of global gastronomy. With restaurants located across six
continents, we’re thrilled to see so many new entries from exciting names that are making their mark on the dining world. Huge congratulations to all the restaurants and teams on this year’s
extended list; we look forward to celebrating their successes together at next month’s awards ceremony in Las Vegas.”

The Voting Process

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list is voted for by 1,080 international restaurant industry experts and well-travelled gourmets who make up The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. The
gender-balanced Academy comprises 27 separate regions around the world, each of which has 40 members including a chairperson. No sponsor from the event has any influence over the voting process.

Professional services consultancy Deloitte independently adjudicates The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, including the ranking from 51-100. This adjudication ensures that the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting lists are protected.

Results

The awards ceremony for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 is being held in Las Vegas on Wednesday 5 June and will also be streamed live on the 50 Best Facebook channel via the link here
and the YouTube channel via the link here. The announcement of the list and individual awards can be followed via the 50 Best social media channels, with the livestream beginning at 20:25 (Las Vegas time) and 04:25 UK time.

50 Best Social Media

Follow on Instagram: @TheWorlds50Best #Worlds50Best

Follow on X: @TheWorlds50Best

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50BestRestaurants

Subscribe to the YouTube channel: 50 Best Restaurants TV

About The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

Since 2002, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants has reflected the diversity of the world’s culinary landscape. The annual list of the world’s most prestigious restaurants provides a snapshot of some of the best destinations for unique culinary experiences, in addition to being a barometer for and a pioneer of global gastronomic trends. The 50 Best family also includes Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Hotels, The World’s 50 Best Bars, Asia’s 50 Best Bars, North America’s 50 Best Bars, 50 Best Discovery and the #50BestTalks series, all of which are owned and run by William Reed. 50 Best aims to bring together communities across the hospitality sector to foster collaboration,
inclusivity, diversity and discovery and help drive positive change.

About the host city: The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide and with operating the 4.6 million square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). With nearly 155,000 hotel rooms and more than 15 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space in Las Vegas alone, the LVCVA’s mission centres on attracting leisure and business visitors to the area. The LVCVA also owns the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop designed and operated by The Boring Company, and also owns the Las Vegas Monorail, an elevated 3.9-mile system with seven stops throughout the resort corridor. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com, www.visitlasvegas.com or www.vegasmeansbusiness.com.

About the main sponsor: S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are the main partners of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are the leading natural mineral waters in the fine dining world. Together they interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of excellence, pleasure and well-being.

Our partners:

  • The Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority (LVCVA) – Official Host City
  • Wynn Las Vegas – Official Host Hotel Partner
  • S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna – Main Partner & Official Water Partner; sponsor of The World’s Best Restaurant Award
  • Estrella Damm – Official Beer Partner; sponsor of the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award
  • Resy & American Express – Official Booking Platform and Credit Card Partner; sponsor of Resy One To Watch Award; presenting partner of 50 Best Signature Sessions
  • Gin Mare – Official Gin Partner; sponsor of Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award
  • Woodford Reserve – Official American Whiskey Partner, sponsor of the Woodford Reserve Icon Award
  • Sosa – Official Ingredients Partner; sponsor of The World’s Best Pastry Chef Award
  • Beronia – Official Wine Partner; sponsor of the Beronia World’s Best Sommelier Award
  • Aspire Lifestyles – Official Concierge Partner
  • Lee Kum Kee – Official Sauce and Condiment Partner
  • Dassai Sake – Official Sake Partner
  • Kaviari – Official Caviar Partner
  • Hwayo – Official Soju Partner
  • illycaffè – Official Coffee Partner
  • Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte – Official Champagne Partner
  • Tequila Ocho – Official Tequila Partner
  • The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. – Official Whiskey of the World Partner
  • Cinco Jotas – Official Iberico Ham Partner
  • Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur – Official Mexican Liqueur Partner
  • Three Cents – Official Mixers Partner
  • Highstreet World – Official Metaverse Partner, sponsor of the Highest Climber Award
  • Nude Glass – Official Glassware Partner
  • Jaén Selección – Official Olive Oil Partner
  • Resorts World Las Vegas – Official Welcome Dinner & Closing Party Partner
  • The Venetian Resort Las Vegas – Official Partner

Image: Saint Peter in Sydney, NSW, Australia

KRG Hospitality. Restaurant Business Plan. Feasibility Study. Concept. Branding. Consultant. Start-Up.

by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

TOTC Announces 2024 Agenda

Tales of the Cocktail Announces 2024 Agenda

by David Klemt

Tales of the Cocktail 2023 Jack Daniel's event with Julie Reiner

Tales of the Cocktail has revealed the 2024 agenda, and it’s absolutely loaded with incredible networking, health and wellness, and educational opportunities.

There’s an array of activations and special events lined up for this year. For example, the New Orleans Spirits Competition returns to Tales of the Cocktail for its third edition. To learn more about this event—including why people who want to participate need to line up early—listen to episode 115 of the Bar Hacks podcast. (Apple Podcasts link | Spotify link)

Of course, one of the biggest events is the 2024 Spirited Awards ceremony, taking place Thursday, July 25.

Truly, Tales is coming out swinging for 2024. For more information, please review the official press release below.

Cheers!

NOW LIVE: TALES OF THE COCKTAIL® 2024 CONFERENCE AGENDA AND TICKETS

TOTC returns to New Orleans from July 21-26 with an inspiring lineup of educational seminars, tasting and networking opportunities, wellness initiatives, awards programming, and much more

 

NEW ORLEANS, LA (May 13, 2024) — Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is pleased to announce that today, on World Cocktail Day, the Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) 2024 conference agenda and tickets are now live via the Foundation’s website. Toasting its 22-year legacy of honoring the craft, culture, and business of the global cocktail community, TOTC returns to New Orleans from July 21-26, offering an immersive experience created to “Inspire” both industry professionals and cocktail connoisseurs alike.

Beginning today, a variety of daily and weekly passes, discounted bartender passes, individual event tickets, and the all-new $10 Wellness Week Pass are available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete details about TOTC 2024 ticket options can be accessed on Tales’ ticketing platform.

“It’s an honor to unveil the 2024 Tales of the Cocktail agenda, and with it, invite the cocktail community to join us in New Orleans for the 22nd annual conference,” said TOTCF CEO Eileen Wayner. “Our dedicated team, along with the invaluable TOTCF Committees, Board of Directors, and partners have meticulously cultivated a conference agenda that’s brimming with educational programming, wellness and networking opportunities, tastings, awards celebrations, brand showcases, and more. The 2024 agenda guarantees an unparalleled week of discovery, connection, and above all, Inspiration, as we explore this year’s annual theme.”

TOTC has long been a love letter to New Orleans’ cocktail culture and a celebration of the rich tapestry of global cocktail traditions—both new and timeless. The 2024 conference lineup is no exception, featuring another stellar slate of curated educational seminars; Beyond the Bar activations; Brand-Hosted Events; Day of Service; Meet the Distillers; New Orleans Cocktail Tours; the annual Spirited Awards®; Tales Catalyst; and more.

Educational Seminars, Panels, Q&A Sessions, and More

Tales of the Cocktail will feature more than 65 educational sessions, including seminars, workshops, and tastings across Tales’ three educational streams—Business, Culture, and Beyond the Bar—which will be presented by 175 industry leaders. Chosen from more than 380 impressive proposals, the 2024 seminar lineup was hand-selected via a rigorous process by the Tales of the Cocktail Education Advisory Committee. This year, the TOTC seminar schedule is proudly led by over 48% women presenters, 30% BIPOC presenters, and over 33% international presenters from countries including the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, the UK, and more.

Highlights from this year’s seminar schedule include:

Business

  • Contemporary Employee Relations: Centering Dignity by Laura Louise Green with John B. Reyna, Andi Ryan, and Irene Shiang Li
  • More of the Same: Expanding Your Bar Concept by Meaghan Dorman with Indra Kantono, Gates Otsuji, and Laura Torres
  • Pouring Foundations: Financial Planning for Bar Upgrades and New Constructions by Matt Edgar with Hannah Cash and Johann Moonesinghe
  • Up Your Probability of Profit: Consumer Insights to Operate Smarter not Harder by Adrian Biggs with Rodrigo Leme, Nikki Hueckel, Andrew Hummel, and Simone Ventura

Culture

  • Akvavit 101 by Bex Almqvist
  • H2Know: Water in Cocktails 101 by Kate Gerwin and Martin Riese
  • Harmonies in Mixology: Exploring the Relationship between Music and Cocktails by Xavier Herit with Michael Aredes
  • In the Weeds: Wild Flavors Behind the Bar by Olivia Cerio with Danny Childs, Ektoras Binikos, and Tama Matsuoka Wong
  • What’s Cooler than Cool? Cocktails and Temperature by Jessamine McLellan with Dave Arnold, and Michael Capoferri

Beyond the Bar

  • Branding Up for Yourself: Strengthening Community and Equity in Brand Relations by Michael Holiday with Sullivan Doh, Phëlix Étienne, and Kapri Robinson
  • Flavors of Immigration by Alan Ruesga-Pelayo, Julio Cabrera, Faye Chen, Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez, Roberto Núñez Moreno, and Eric Vanbeek
  • I’ll Have What She’s Having: The Five Cocktails Defined by Women’s Right to Booze by Nicola Nice and Greg Benson
  • Mixing Motherhood: Navigating the Cocktail of Challenges in the Drinks Industry by Vivian Pei with Paula García, Carina Soto Velasquez, and Tess Posthumus

TOTC is pleased to present the inaugural “Futures Lab” series on Tuesday, July 23, which will immerse participants in short-format, thoughtful discussions on the future of the drinks industry, and all-new, curated Networking Sessions which will take place throughout the week of TOTC.

Futures Lab

  • The Future of A.I. and Hospitality – Gary Gruver, Director of Global Beverage Operations, Marriott International
  • The Future of Drinking the Planet Better – Stephanie Jordan, Avallen Spirits & Drinking Out Loud, Founder
  • The Future of Food & Beverage – Kat Kinsman, Food and Wine, Executive Features Editor and Host of Tinfoil Swans Podcast
  • The Future of the Industry – Matt Molino, Chief Strategy Officer Partner, NVE Experience Agency
  • The Future of Ingredients – Monica Berg, Tayer + Elementary, Muyu Liqueurs, Director, Owner
  • The Future of THC Beverages – Rachel Burkons, Smoke Sip Savor, Feast & Flower, Founder

Networking Sessions

  • First-time Tales Attendees
  • Journalists and Bartenders, Presented by Stray Dog Wild Gin
  • Meet in the Middle – Lessons in Distribution for Producers and Buyers, Presented by Independent Distributor Network
  • Parenting in the Industry

Marquee Programming: Brand-Hosted Events, Meet the Distillers, New Orleans Cocktail Tours, New Orleans Spirits Competition, Pig & Punch, Speed Rack Championship, Spirited Awards®, Tales Catalyst, Toast to Tales, and TOTCF Day of Service.

  • Brand Hosted Events: TOTCF’s brand partners are back in New Orleans dazzling guests with their legendary parties and activations in venues across the city and at the host hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Inviting guests to be awed and inspired by the creativity and festivity of some of the world’s leading brands, TOTC 2024 will feature more than 240 brand events across an array of Tastings, Happy Hours, Guest Shifts, Day Events, headlining Night Events, etc. Spirited Dining & Drinking events will feature partner brands immersed with New Orleans’ renowned food and beverage scene, highlighting local talent and guest bartenders.
  • Meet The Distillers: TOTCF’s signature trade show, Meet the Distillers (MTD), offers guests an up close and personal experience with their favorite spirits brands. Attendees will taste samples, meet the makers, and get a firsthand account of more than 20 distillations from across the globe. This year, MTD will be held on Thursday, July 25 from 10am-5pm, and is available to all with a Thursday Tasting Room wristband.
  • New Orleans Cocktail Tours: In collaboration with Wayne Curtis, the New Orleans Cocktail Tour series offers attendees a series of eight educational walking tours that provide a wealth of knowledge and keen insight into the city’s history and cocktail scene. Enlisting special guests to help guide the tours, Wayne (Author of And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails and frequent spirits contributor for The Atlantic, Imbibe Magazine, PUNCH, The Daily Beast, and Garden & Gun) and co. will lead a series of tours, including:
    • Absinthe Tour
    • Bourbon St. & How it Got that Way
    • Hunting Down the Sazerac
    • The Big Gay Bar Tour
  • New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC): The New Orleans Spirits Competition, an international spirits competition bringing wider recognition to fine spirits from top-flight producers across the globe, is presented in partnership with TOTCF, with nearly three dozen prominent members of the spirits community serving as judges to determine a suite of awards categories, including Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, Best of Category, Whiskey of the Year, Brandy of the Year, Gin of the Year, Baijiu of the Year, Vodka of the Year, Agave Spirit of the Year, Specialty Spirit of the Year, Liqueur of the Year, Best New Product, Best Craft Spirit, Packaging Excellence, and Distillery of the Year.
  • Pig & Punch: The 13th annual Pig & Punch presented by The Bon Vivants is thrilled to be heading back to New Orleans for a one-of-a-kind party for charity to close out Tales of the Cocktail! New Orleans holds a special place in the heart of Pig & Punch, infusing the event with its distinct brand of fun and energy. This year, TOTC is excited to bring the party to a fresh venue, The Broadside, promising an unparalleled experience. True to the spirit of Tales of the Cocktail, The Bon Vivants reaffirm their dedication to giving back. Proceeds will support New Orleans KIPP Charter Schools, The Bon Vivants Scholarship aiding first-generation college students in San Francisco, Hogs for the Cause, and the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. This party is all about community and camaraderie!
  • Speed Rack Season 12 National Finals: In partnership with Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero, TOTC will host the high-speed, high-octane Speed Rack Season 12 National Finals on Sunday, July 21 from 3pm-7pm at Republic NOLA. This vibrant competition raises funds and awareness for breast cancer, all while promoting equity in the spirits industry. The finals will be a can’t-miss event as the 20 women+ semi-finalists from across the country come together to compete in a timed, tournament-style cocktail-making event. 100% of proceeds from the event are donated to national breast cancer philanthropies.
  • Spirited Awards®: Established in 2007 to honor excellence in the drinks industry, the Spirited Awards® has grown into one of the most internationally prestigious recognitions, celebrating individuals, products, establishments, media, and industry luminaries from around the world who continue to inspire the global cocktail community. Guests are invited to get dressed to the nines and celebrate the 18th annual Spirited Awards® winners at the Fillmore Theater in New Orleans on Thursday, July 25.
    • *The Top 4 Spirited Awards Nominees will be announced and Spirited Awards Ceremony tickets will go on sale on June 17.
  • Tales Catalyst: Tales Catalyst (formerly Catalyst Luncheon) will be held on Tuesday, July 23 to celebrate this year’s Tales Catalysts Honorees–a title that recognizes those who are working for the accessibility and equity of the drinks industry. This year, TOTCF transitioned the Tales Catalyst program to a presentation-format, TED-Talk-style event to give the Catalyst Honorees a unique platform to speak to an engaged audience. This ticketed event invites guests to join in celebrating the two 2024 Tales Catalyst Honorees and enjoy refreshments along with awe-inspiring speeches.
  • Toast to Tales: Join the TOTCF Board of Directors and leadership team to kickstart Tales of the Cocktail® 2024 with a toast, live brass band, and remarks from TOTCF leaders! Taking place at 10 am on Monday, July 22 in the beautiful Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans courtyard, all attendees are invited to toast to another spirited year of Tales.
  • TOTCF Day of Service: TOTCF and Edrington welcome participants to the annual Day of Service on Sunday, July 21 in partnership with Green Light New Orleans and The Water Collaborative. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s sustainability initiatives, the history of water and justice in New Orleans, and paint rain barrels that will be distributed to bars throughout the city. The TOTCF Day of Service will take place from 9am-1pm, and those who are interested in participating may sign up here. This is a free, community event that’s open to all TOTC attendees.

Beyond the Bar®

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is proud to share the continued expansion of its health and wellness sector, Beyond the Bar® (BTB). Beyond the Bar® is the physical and creative space for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s global community to explore themes beyond traditional spirits education. Created in 2018, BTB provides a platform to address challenges and opportunities within the global drinks industry including mental and physical health, intersectionality, substance use, sexual harassment, diversity, equity, and sustainability.

Beginning this year, select BTB programming is included in the $10 Wellness Week Pass, which includes access to 20 onsite workshops, networking sessions, and fitness classes, in addition to the daily Beyond the Bar® Lounge presented by Lyre’s. Proceeds from the Wellness Week Pass will help fund year-round Beyond the Bar® programming, including grants, scholarships, policy initiatives, and education. The Wellness Week Pass is included in all ticket types or may be purchased individually.

Highlights include:

  • Beyond the Bar® Wellness Workshops
    • Career Readiness Workshop by Alex Jump
    • Promoting Wellness in the Workplace: Addressing Addiction and Supporting Employee Success Workshop by Mickey Bakst
    • Road to 2030 Sustainable Bar Workshop by Sean Finter and Ali Fitzpatrick
  • Beyond the Bar® Fitness Activations
    • Bartender Bodyshop with The Healthtender by Amie Ward
    • Longevity Behind the Stick: Breath and Mobility Workshop by Allie Phifer and Hai Nguyen

The Beyond the Bar space will host additional programming throughout the conference for attendees to enjoy, including:

  • Beyond the Bar Lounge: The Beyond the Bar Lounge presented by Lyre’s will be located in Baronne and available for attendees to sample N/A beverages, enjoy respite with the cozy lounge furniture, access phone chargers, and rest in between sessions.
  • Ben’s Friends: Ben’s Friends is a community of chefs, bartenders, line cooks, servers, sommeliers, hosts and hostesses, GMs, and owners who have found or are seeking sobriety. Their mission is to offer community, hope, and a path forward for those struggling with substance abuse and addiction. At its core, Ben’s Friends are hospitality workers who have found connection and the tools to seek and maintain sobriety while managing careers and lives in a sane and purposeful way. Ben’s Friends will host private meetings in the Beyond the Bar Space on Monday and Tuesday from 4:30 pm-6:00 pm.

A special thanks…

Tales Partners

TOTCF would like to recognize the generous partners who help bring a premier experience to New Orleans and beyond. TOTCF is pleased to present the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation 2024 Medallion and Diamond Tier Partners: Bacardi USA, Brown-Forman, Campari, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Rémy-Cointreau, William Grant & Sons, and the TOTC2024 Official Water Partner: Perrier.

Tales Media Partners

TOTCF is proud to partner with esteemed media outlets to share the stories of our beloved cocktail community. This year, Tales is pleased to partner with Food & Wine, Forbes, Imbibe, Pre Shift, Provi, The Advocate, The Spill, and Wine Enthusiast.

ABOUT TALES OF THE COCKTAIL FOUNDATION:

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization that educates, advances, and supports the global hospitality industry and creates lasting impact in our host communities. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is the global leader in spirits education and a platform to tackle issues facing the industry. The pillars of the Foundation are to Educate, Advance, and Support the hospitality industry through programs that benefit individuals and organizations in the community and to make a lasting impact in communities that host our events. This year, TOTCF hosts its 22nd Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) conference in New Orleans from July 21-26, 2024, and celebrates the theme Inspire.

Image: Cory Fontenot

Bar, Pub, Nightclub, Nightlife, Feasibility Study

AI-generated image of a cocktail with an ice cube branded with the number 50, resting on a white coaster that reads "North America"
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

North America’s 50 Best Bars: 2024

Cheers to the 50 Best Bars in North America in 2024

by David Klemt

AI-generated image of a cocktail with an ice cube branded with the number 50, resting on a white coaster that reads "North America"

I’d drink that, and probably steal that coaster.

Cheers to the 2024 class of North America’s 50 Best Bars, freshly crowned after an evening of celebration, recognition, community, and hospitality.

Launched in 2022, this year marks the third edition of the World’s 50 Best Bars list that recognizes standout North American concepts and the teams behind their success.

For the 2024 ceremony, North America’s 50 Best Bars returned to the city of San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Actor Diego Alfaro, known for The Ultimate Mixologist and The Law of the Jungle, took on host duties.

This year’s Campari One to Watch Award went to Toronto’s Simple Things. As a refresher, the One to Watch is a bar that voters believe has an excellent shot at breaking into the 50 Best Bars list.

The acclaimed Jewel of the South took the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award home to New Orleans. Jewel of the South also grabbed spot number six on this year’s list, along with being named the Best Bar in the South in the US. Chicago’s Meadowlark earned the 2024 Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award. The bar is a new entry to the list and also clinched spot 32. A new award, the Bareksten Best Bar Design Award was presented to Avondale Bowl from Chicago.

Cheers to Claudia Cabrera, this year’s winner of the Roku Industry Icon Award. Voted by her peers, Kate Boushel earned the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.

For all of you out there who have a strong sense of civic pride, New York boasts 12 entries on this year’s list, Mexico City claims nine, and Toronto is home to three. Host city San Miguel de Allende lays claim to the bar at number 27 on the list.

North America’s 50 Best Bars, 2024

  1. Atwater Cocktail Club (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  2. The Keefer Bar (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  3. Best Intentions (Chicago, Illinois, US)
  4. Cure (New Orleans, Louisiana, US)
  5. Mírate (Los Angeles, California, US)
  6. Brujas (Mexico City, Mexico)
  7. M’lady’s (New York, New York, US)
  8. Angel’s Share (New York, New York, US)
  9. Hanky Panky (Mexico City, Mexico)
  10. Maison Premiere (New York, New York, US)
  11. Bar Mordecai (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  12. Cloakroom (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  13. Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco, California, US)
  14. Arca (Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico)
  15. Century Grand (Phoenix, Arizona, US)
  16. Library by the Sea (Grand Cayman, Greater Antilles, Caribbean)(London Essence Best New Opening Award)
  17. Selva (Oaxaca, Mexico)
  18. The Dead Rabbit (New York, New York, US)
  19. Meadowlark (Chicago, Illinois, US)
  20. Attaboy (New York, New York, US)
  21. True Laurel (San Francisco, California, US)(Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award)
  22. Bar Pompette (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  23. Kaito del Valle (Mexico City, Mexico)
  24. Bekeb (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico)
  25. Baltra Bar (Mexico City, Mexico)
  26. Herbs & Rye (Las Vegas, Nevada, US)
  27. Botanist Bar (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  28. Allegory (Washington DC, US)
  29. Service Bar (Washington DC, US)
  30. Civil Liberties (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)(The Best Bar in Canada sponsored by Naked Malt)
  31. Dante (New York, New York, US)
  32. Kumiko (Chicago, Illinois, US)(The Best Bar in Midwest USA sponsored by Torres Brandy)
  33. La Factoría (San Juan, Puerto Rico, US)(The Best Bar in the Caribbean sponsored by Amaro Lucano)
  34. Café de Nadie (Mexico City, Mexico)
  35. Aruba Day Drink (Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico)
  36. Employees Only (New York, New York, US)
  37. El Gallo Altanero (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
  38. Café la Trova (Miami, Florida, US)
  39. Katana Kitten (New York, New York, US)
  40. Zapote Bar (Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico)

The Top Ten

  1. Tlecān (Mexico City, Mexico)
  2. Licorería Limantour (Mexico City, Mexico)
  3. Thunderbolt (Los Angeles, California, US)(The Best Bar in West USA sponsored by Rémy Martin)
  4. Double Chicken Please (New York, New York, US)
  5. Jewel of the South (New Orleans, Louisiana, US)(The Best Bar in South USA sponsored by Tia Maria)
  6. Rayo (Mexico City, Mexico)
  7. Martiny’s (New York, New York, US)(Highest Climber Award sponsored by Nikka Whisky, from number 29 to 4)
  8. Overstory (New York, New York, US)
  9. Superbueno (New York, New York, US)(Highest New Entry, The Best Bar in Northeast USA sponsored by Disaronno)
  10. Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City, Mexico)(The Best Bar in Mexico, The Best Bar in North America sponsored by Perrier)

Image: Shutterstock. Disclaimer: This image was generated by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform.

KRG Hospitality. Bar Consultant. Nightclub. Lounge. Mixology. Cocktails.

AI-generated image of the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award on top of a bar, next to a cocktail
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

TOTCF Reveals Regional Top 10 Honorees

TOTCF Reveals Regional Top 10 Honorees

by David Klemt

AI-generated image of the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award on top of a bar, next to a cocktail

This is what Shutterstock’s AI think a Spirited Award looks like. At least the spelling is accurate.

Please join us in raising a glass of your favorite beverage—full-, low-, or no-ABV—to the 18th annual Spirited Awards Regional Top 10 Honorees.

Overall, New York City lays claim to the most honorees with a staggering 27. In second place among the American cities is Chicago, with 17 honorees. New Orleans comes in at third with 13 honorees dotted throughout the city.

That brings us to Canada. There’s a tie between Montréal, Québec, and Toronto, Ontario, for first place. Each city boasts 15 Regional Top 10 Honorees. Vancouver follows with 11 honorees. Appearing in two categories is Dartmouth, Nova Scotia’s Dear Friend Bar. There are also two honorees in Québec City, Québec.

As you can see, a handful of cities throughout North America are doing very well in terms of the bar scene. Internationally, London is home to 17 honorees, Singapore claims 15, and Mexico City boasts 12 honorees.

You’ll find the entire list of honorees below, starting with America. What can I say? I just have to be different. Cheers!

American Honorees

Best US Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons

Best US Bar Team: US Central

  • Anna’s (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Best Intentions (Chicago, Illinois)
  • DrinkWell (Austin, Texas)
  • Grey Ghost (Detroit, Michigan)
  • Jewel of the South (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Meteor (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
  • Nickel City (Austin, Texas)
  • Sportsman’s Club (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Three Dots and a Dash (Chicago, Illinois)

Best US Bar Team: US East

  • Allegory DC (Washington, DC)
  • Bar Belly (New York, New York)
  • Bar Goto (New York, New York)
  • Martiny’s (New York, New York)
  • Milady’s (New York, New York)
  • Mister Paradise (New York, New York)
  • Old Glory (Nashville, Tennessee)
  • Overstory (New York, New York)
  • Proof (Charleston, South Carolina)
  • Service Bar (Washington, DC)

Best US Bar Team: US West

  • Accomplice Bar (Los Angeles, California)
  • Century Grand (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Employees Only Los Angeles (Los Angeles, California)
  • Highball Cocktail Bar (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Navy Strength (Seattle, Washington)
  • Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco, California)
  • Strong Water Anaheim (Anaheim, California)
  • Thunderbolt (Los Angeles, California)
  • True Laurel (San Francisco, California)
  • Yacht Club (Denver, Colorado)

Best US Cocktail Bar presented by Del Maguey Mezcal

Best US Cocktail Bar: US Central*

  • Adiõs Bar (Birmingham, Alabama)
  • Bar Tonique (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Best Intentions (Chicago, Illinois)
  • DrinkWell (Austin, Texas)
  • Here Nor There (Austin, Texas)
  • Julep (Houston, Texas)
  • Kiesling (Detroit, Michigan)
  • Meadowlark (Chicago, Illinois)
  • MONEYGUN (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Sparrow (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Standby (Detroit, Michigan)

Best US Cocktail Bar: US East

  • Bar Belly (New York, New York)
  • Bar Goto (New York, New York)
  • barmini by José Andrés (Washington, DC)
  • Dear Irving Gramercy (New York, New York)
  • Double Chicken Please (New York, New York)
  • Martiny’s (New York, New York)
  • Milady’s (New York, New York)
  • Mister Paradise (New York, New York)
  • Overstory (New York, New York)
  • Service Bar (Washington, DC)

Best US Cocktail Bar: US West

  • Baby Gee (Long Beach, California)
  • Capri Club (Los Angeles, California)
  • Foreign National (Seattle, Washington)
  • Happy Accidents (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
  • Highball Cocktail Bar (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • The Doctor’s Office (Seattle, Washington)
  • Thunderbolt (Los Angeles, California)
  • Trick Dog (San Francisco, California)
  • True Laurel (San Francisco, California)
  • Yacht Club (Denver, Colorado)

Best US Hotel Bar presented by Grey Goose

Best US Hotel Bar: US Central

  • Catbird at Thompson Dallas Hotel (Dallas, Texas)
  • Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Dovetail Bar at The Schaeffer Hotel (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Lazy Bird at The Hoxton (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Midnight Rambler at The Joule (Dallas, Texas)
  • Milk Room at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Otoko x Watertrade at South Congress Hotel (Austin, Texas)
  • The Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter and Paul (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt New Orleans (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Vol. 39 at The Kimpton Gray Hotel (Chicago, Illinois)

Best US Hotel Bar: US East

  • 27 Restaurant at Freehand Miami (Miami Beach, Florida)
  • Allegory DC (Washington, DC)
  • Champagne Bar at Four Seasons at The Surf Club (Miami, Florida)
  • Dear Irving on Hudson at Aliz Hotel (New York, New York)
  • Frannie & The Fox at Emeline (Charleston, South Carolina)
  • Lobby Bar at The Hotel Chelsea (New York, New York)
  • MATADOR BAR at The Miami Beach EDITION (Miami Beach, Florida)
  • Nubeluz at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad (New York, New York)
  • Raines Law Room at The William (New York, New York)
  • White Limozeen at The Graduate Nashville (Nashville, Tennessee)

Best US Hotel Bar: US West

  • Ardor at The West Hollywood EDITION (West Hollywood, California)
  • Little Rituals at the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Mountaineering Club at Graduate Seattle Hotel (Seattle, Washington)
  • Pacific Standard at KEX Portland (Portland, Oregon)
  • Pint + Jigger at the Ala Moana Hotel (Honolulu, Hawaii)
  • Rise Over Run at the LINE Hotel (San Francisco, California)
  • Rudolph’s Bar & Tea at Freehand LA (Los Angeles, California)
  • The Manor Bar at  Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito, California)
  • The Maybourne Bar at The Maybourne Hotel Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills, California)
  • The Ski Lodge at Superfrico at The Cosmopolitan (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Best US Restaurant Bar presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Best US Restaurant Bar: US Central*

  • Bar Pigalle (Detroit, Michigan)
  • Brennan’s Restaurant (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Coquette (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Daisies (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Espiritu Mezcaleria (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Grey Ghost (Detroit, Michigan)
  • Kumiko (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Maple & Ash (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Rose Mary (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Spoon and Stable (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
  • The Loyalist (Chicago, Illinois)

Best US Restaurant Bar: US East

  • Amazonia (Washington DC)
  • Blossom Bar (Brookline, Massachusetts)
  • Bresca (Washington, DC)
  • Cosme (New York, New York)
  • COTE Korean Steakhouse (New York, New York)
  • Crown Shy (New York, New York)
  • Gramercy Tavern (New York, New York)
  • Jaguar Sun (Miami, Florida)
  • Macchialina (Miami, Florida)
  • The Grey (Savannah, Georgia)

Best US Restaurant Bar: US West

  • Accomplice Bar (Los Angeles, California)
  • Bar Cecil (Palm Springs, California)
  • Cleaver — Butchered Meats, Seafood & Classic Cocktails (Las Vegas, Nevada)
  • L’Oursin (Seattle, Washington)
  • Lolo (San Francisco, California
  • Palomar (Portland, Oregon)
  • République (Los Angeles, California)
  • Strong Water Anaheim (Anaheim, California)
  • Valentine (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Viridian (Oakland, California)

Best New US Cocktail Bar presented by Diageo Bar Academy

Best New US Cocktail Bar: US Central

  • Cobra (Columbus, Ohio)
  • daydreamer (Austin, Texas)
  • Equipment Room (Austin, Texas)
  • Good Night John Boy (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Jolie (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Lemon (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Murray’s Tavern (Austin, Texas)
  • Saint Valentine (Dallas, Texas)
  • The Eastman (Rochester, Michigan)
  • Wild Child (Kansas City, Missouri)

Best New US Cocktail Bar: US East

  • Bartley Dunne’s (New York, New York)
  • Curean (Greenville, South Carolina)
  • Equal Measure (Boston, Massachusetts)
  • Jac’s On Bond (New York, New York)
  • Medium Cool (Miami Beach, Florida)
  • Papi Portland (Portland, Maine)
  • Paradise Lost (New York, New York)
  • Pretty Decent (Louisville, Kentucky)
  • Superbueno (New York, New York)
  • The Portrait Bar at The Fifth Avenue Hotel (New York, New York)

Best New US Cocktail Bar: US West

  • Aphotic (San Francisco, California)
  • Bar Next Door (Los Angeles, California)
  • Cavaña at LUMA Hotel (San Francisco, California)
  • Dark Room (Seattle, Washington)
  • Dirty Pretty (Portland, Oregon)
  • Donna’s (Los Angeles, California)
  • FYPM (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Hey Kiddo (Denver, Colorado)
  • Ok Yeah (Denver, Colorado)
  • STOA (San Francisco, California)

International Honorees

Best International Bar Team presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Best International Bar Team: Asia Pacific (APAC)

  • ARGO at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China)
  • ATLAS (Singapore)
  • Caretaker’s Cottage (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
  • Dean & Nancy on 22 at the A by Adina Hotel (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  • Double Deuce Lounge (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  • Hope & Sesame Guangzhou (Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China)
  • Jigger & Pony at the Amara Hotel (Singapore)
  • Native (Singapore)
  • Night Hawk (Singapore)
  • Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore)

Best International Bar Team: Canada*

  • Atwater Cocktail Club (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Botanist at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • Civil Liberties (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Cry Baby Gallery (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Dear Friend Bar (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada)
  • Laowai (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • Library Bar at Fairmont Royal York (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Published on Main (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • The Cloakroom Bar (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • The Coldroom (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • The Keefer Bar (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

Best International Bar Team: Europe

  • 1930 Cocktail Bar (Milan, Italy)
  • Bar 1661 (Dublin, Ireland)
  • Cinquanta Spirito Italiano (Pagani, Italy)
  • Mirror Cocktail Bar at Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel (Bratislava, Slovakia)
  • Panda & Sons (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)
  • Paradiso (Barcelona, Spain)
  • Satan’s Whiskers (London, England, UK)
  • Tayēr + Elementary (London, England, UK)
  • The Cambridge Public House (Paris, Île-de-France, France)
  • The Clumsies (Athens, Greece)

Best International Bar Team: Latin America & Caribbean (LATAM&C)

  • Café de Nadie (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • CoChinChina (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • El Gallo Altanero (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
  • Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • Hanky Panky (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • La Factoría (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
  • La Uat (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • Rayo Cocktail Bar (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • Tres Monos (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • Zapote Bar at Rosewood Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico)

Best International Bar Team: Middle East & Africa (MEA)

  • COYA Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • fable (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)
  • Front/Back Accra (Accra, Ghana)
  • Lost + Found Drinkery (Nicosia, Cyprus)
  • LPM Restaurant & Bar Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • Mimi Kakushi (Dubai, UAE)
  • Salmon Guru Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • Sin + Tax (Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa)
  • The Drinkery (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)
  • Zuma Dubai (Dubai, UAE)

Best International Cocktail Bar presented by Patrón Tequila

Best International Cocktail Bar: Asia Pacific (APAC)

  • Above Board (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
  • BYRDI (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
  • Caretaker’s Cottage (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
  • COA (Hong Kong, China)
  • Hope & Sesame Guangzhou (Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China)
  • Maybe Sammy (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  • Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore)
  • The Bellwood (Tokyo, Honshu, Japan)
  • The Cocktail Club (Jakarta, Javo, Indonesia)
  • ZEST (Seoul, South Korea)

Best International Cocktail Bar: Canada*

  • Atwater Cocktail Club (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Bar Mordecai (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Bar Pompette (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Civil Liberties (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Cocktail Bar (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Dear Friend Bar (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada)
  • Laowai (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • Milky Way Cocktail Bar (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • The Cloakroom Bar (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • The Keefer Bar (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • The Raven Room (Whistler, British Columbia, Canada)

Best International Cocktail Bar: Europe

  • 🔶🟥🔵 A Bar with Shapes for a Name (London, UK)
  • Drink Kong (Rome, Lazio, Italy)
  • HIMKOK (Oslo, Østlandet, Norway)
  • Kwãnt (London, UK)
  • Line Athens (Athens, Greece)
  • Panda & Sons (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)
  • Paradiso (Barcelona, Spain)
  • Röda Huset (Stockholm, Södermanland and Uppland, Sweden)
  • Satan’s Whiskers (London, England, UK)
  • Three Sheets Bar (London, England, UK)

Best International Cocktail Bar: Latin America & Caribbean (LATAM&C)*

  • ALQUÍMICO (Cartagena des Indias, Bolívar, Colombia)
  • Bon Vivants (Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas)
  • Carnaval Bar (Lima, Peru)
  • El Barón Cafe & Cocktail Bar (Cartagena des Indias, Bolívar, Colombia)
  • Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • La Factoría (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
  • La Uat (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • Oh No! Lulu (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • Rayo Cocktail Bar (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • The Liquor Store (São Paulo, Brazil)
  • Tres Monos (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Best International Cocktail Bar: Middle East & Africa (MEA)

  • CAUSE | EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)
  • Dead End Paradise (Beirut, Lebanon)
  • Front/Back Accra (Accra, Ghana)
  • Galaxy Bar (Dubai, UAE)
  • Honeycomb Hi-Fi (Dubai, UAE)
  • Salmon Guru Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • Shinkō (Cairo, Egypt)
  • Sin + Tax (Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa)
  • The Drinkery (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)
  • The House of Machines (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)

Best International Hotel Bar presented by Ford’s Gin

Best International Hotel Bar: Asia Pacific (APAC)

  • ARGO at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China)
  • Bar Trigona at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  • BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)
  • Charles H. at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (Seoul, South Korea)
  • DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China)
  • Dean & Nancy on 22 at the A by Adina Hotel (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  • Origin Bar at the Shangri-La Hotel (Singapore)
  • The Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental (Bangkok, Thailand)
  • VIRTÙ at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo Otemachi (Tokyo, Honshu, Japan)
  • Writers Bar at Raffles Singapore Hotel (Singapore)

Best International Hotel Bar: Canada

  • Bar 1608 at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (Québec City, Québec, Canada)
  • Bar George at Le Mount Stephen Hotel (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Botanist at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • Clive’s Classic Lounge at Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)
  • Clockwork Champagne & Cocktails at Fairmont Royal York Hotel (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Library Bar at Fairmont Royal York (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Marcus Lounge and Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Montréal (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Nacarat at Fairmont Queen Elizabeth (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • The Lobby Lounge and RawBar at Fairmont Pacific Rim (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • Writers Room Bar at Park Hyatt (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Best International Hotel Bar: Europe*

  • Atrium Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Florence, Tuscany, Italy)
  • Avra Bar at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens (Athens, Greece)
  • Bar Les Ambassadeurs at Hôtel de Crillon (Paris, Île-de-France, France)
  • Mirror Cocktail Bar at Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel (Bratislava, Slovakia)
  • Punch Room at The Madrid EDITION (Madrid, Spain)
  • Seed Library at One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel (London, England, UK)
  • Side Hustle at The NoMad Hotel London (London, England, UK)
  • Super Lyan at Kimpton De Witt (Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands)
  • The Court at Palazzo Manfredi (Rome, Lazio, Italy)
  • The Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel (London, England, UK)
  • Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese at Corinthia London (London, England, UK)

Best International Hotel Bar: Latin America & Caribbean (LATAM&C)

  • BEKEB at Hotel Casa Hoyos (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico)
  • Carlotta Reforma at The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • Fifty Mils at  Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • Hotel B at Relais & Châteaux (Lima, Peru)
  • King Cole Bar at The St. Regis Mexico City (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • La Botica at Las Ventanas al Paraiso (Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico)
  • Library by the Sea at Kimpton Seafire Resort (Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
  • NKIRU Bar at 45 by Director Hotel (Santiago, Chile)
  • Rabo di Galo at Rosewood São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil)
  • Zapote Bar at Rosewood Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico)

Best International Hotel Bar: Middle East & Africa (MEA)*

  • Blind Tiger at Jumeirah Al Naseem (Dubai, UAE)
  • Electric Pawn Shop at the Dubai Hotel (Dubai, UAE)
  • Flashback Speakeasy Bar & Lounge at Paramount Hotel Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • Gigi Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at the Gorgeous George Hotel (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)
  • HERO at Trademark Hotel (Nairobi, Kenya)
  • Jiko Restaurant at Tribe Hotel (Nairobi, Kenya)
  • Library Bar at The Abu Dhabi EDITION (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
  • Monkey Bar at 25hours Hotel (Dubai, UAE)
  • Smoke & Mirrors at SLS Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • The Bulgari Bar at the The Bulgari Resort Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • The Leopard Bar at the Twelve Apostles Hotel (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)

Best International Restaurant Bar presented by Gin Mare

Best International Restaurant Bar: Asia Pacific (APAC)

  • Alba Bar & Deli (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
  • Burnt Ends (Singapore)
  • Caffe Fernet (Singapore)
  • Gimlet at Cavendish House (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
  • Neon Pigeon (Singapore)
  • PANTJA (Jakarta, Javo, Indonesia)
  • Ralph’s Bar (Chengdu, Sichuan, China)
  • SG Low (Tokyo, Honshu, Japan)
  • Sugarhall (Singapore)
  • Vender Bar (Taichung City, Taiwan)

Best International Restaurant Bar: Canada

  • Bar Kismet (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada)
  • Honō Izakaya (Québec City, Québec, Canada)
  • Le Majestique (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Major Tom (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
  • Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provision (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • Published on Main (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • Quetzal (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Restaurant Pompette (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Rouge Gorge (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • SUYO (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

Best International Restaurant Bar: Europe

  • Angelita (Madrid, Spain)
  • Bar Lupo (Zürich, Switzerland)
  • Carico Milano (Milan, Lombardy, Italy)
  • Danico (Paris, Île-de-France, France)
  • Galileo (Barcelona, Spain)
  • Gucci Giardino 25 (Florence, Tuscany, Italy)
  • Hakkasan (London, England, UK)
  • Le Mary Celeste (Paris, Île-de-France, France)
  • Locale Firenze (Florence, Tuscany, Italy)
  • Sins of Sal (Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands)

Best International Restaurant Bar: Latin America & Caribbean (LATAM&C)

  • ARCA Tulum (Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico)
  • Aruba Day Drink Bar (Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico)
  • Bar Carmen Medellín (Medellín, Aburrá Valley, Colombia)
  • Casa Prunes (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • CoChinChina (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • Jardín Tragos y Pasteles (Bogotá, Colombia)
  • Lady Bee (Lima, Peru)
  • Mamba Negra (Medellín, Aburrá Valley, Colombia)
  • Niño Gordo (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • Tan Tan (São Paulo, Brazil)

Best International Restaurant Bar: Middle East & Africa (MEA)

  • Amelia Restaurant & Lounge (Dubai, UAE)
  • Asoka (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)
  • Bôndai Restaurant & Bar (Accra, Ghana)
  • COYA Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • Funky Monkey (Diani Beach, Kwale County, Kenya)
  • LPM Restaurant & Bar Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • Mimi Kakushi (Dubai, UAE)
  • Roka Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • Upper Union (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)
  • Zuma Dubai (Dubai, UAE)

Best New International Cocktail Bar presented by Diageo Bar Academy

Best New International Cocktail Bar: Asia Pacific (APAC)

  • Apollo Inn (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
  • Bar Leone (Hong Kong, China)
  • Bar Us (Bangkok, Thailand)
  • Cat Bite Club (Singapore)
  • El Primo Sanchez (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  • Fura (Singapore)
  • Puffy Bois Pizza (Singapore)
  • The Savory Project (Hong Kong, China)
  • The Waratah (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  • Tokyo Confidential (Tokyo, Honshu, Japan)

Best New International Cocktail Bar: Canada

  • Bar Bello (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Bar Bisou Bisou (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Bar Dominion (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Bon Délire (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Charlie’s Watch Repair (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
  • Electric Bill Bar (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Humboldt Bar at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)
  • LE TIGRE (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  • Must be the Place (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
  • Overpressure Club (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Best New International Cocktail Bar: Europe*

  • Abstract Bistrot (Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France)
  • Bar Llama (Madrid, Spain)
  • Bar Nouveau (Paris, Île-de-France, France)
  • Dram Bar (London, England, UK)
  • Equal Parts (London, England, UK)
  • Groovy Fluids (Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands)
  • Rumore (Milan, Lombardy, Italy)
  • Savoy Brasserie & Bar at Mandarin Oriental Savoy (Zürich, Switzerland)
  • The Honey Moon (Paris, Île-de-France, France)
  • Twice Shy (London, England, UK)
  • Vesper Bar at The Dorchester (London, England, UK)
  • Viajante87 (London, England, UK)
  • Wacky Wombat (London, England, UK)

Best New International Cocktail Bar: Latin America & Caribbean (LATAM&C)

  • 1929 Cocktail Bar (Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico)
  • Alofah Tiki Bar (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • Bijou Drinkery Room (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • Booze The Bar Room (Lima, Peru)
  • Cielo Bar (La Paz, Pedro Domingo Murillo, Bolivia)
  • Cocktail & Bites (Bayamón, Puerto Rico)
  • Hoja Santa (Aguascalientes, Mexico)
  • SOFÁ – un bar (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • The Dilly Club (Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas)
  • The M Bar at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico)

Best New International Cocktail Bar: Middle East & Africa (MEA)

  • 7 Tales at Grosvenor House (Dubai, UAE)
  • Kōzo Kigali (Kigali, Rwanda)
  • Ling Ling at Atlantis The Royal (Dubai, UAE)
  • Mii-Yao (Beirut, Lebanon)
  • Moonshine (Dubai, UAE)
  • No.19 Accra (Accra, Ghana)
  • SOON Izakaya (Dubai, UAE)
  • Soul Kitchen Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
  • The Smiths (Lagos, Nigeria)
  • Uchi DIFC (Dubai, UAE)

Note: An asterisk denotes a category with more than 10 honorees due to a tie.

Image: Shutterstock. Disclaimer: This image was generated by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform.

KRG Hospitality. Bar Consultant. Nightclub. Lounge. Mixology. Cocktails.

Small campervan made from VW Beetle on the side of the highway
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Campspot’s Top Canadian & US Campgrounds

Campspot’s Top Canadian & US Campgrounds

by David Klemt

Small campervan made from VW Beetle on the side of the highway

Campspot helps campers, road-trippers, and adventurers select their next place to call home when traveling throughout North America.

Visitors to the Campspot site will find reviews and lists of amenities for more than 230,000 campgrounds.

Further, they select ten campgrounds across several categories for their Campspot Awards. Below, the top ten Campspot campgrounds for 2024 in Canada and the US. Oh, and there’s a bonus section for the five glamping sites that earned Campspot Awards.

However, I’ve done more than just share a few awards lists. In this article, I’ve also shared what basics and amenities these campgrounds have in common, and a number of standout features.

It’s important for current and future campground operators to know what guests expect, and what will make their visits memorable (in a good way).

Let’s check out this year’s award winners!

2024 Campspot Awards: Canada

  • Pathfinder Camp Resorts: Agassiz-Harrison, 4.6 stars (Agassiz, British Columbia)
  • Pinnacle Trails Resort, 4.4 stars (Yellowhead County, Alberta)
  • Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores, 4.4 stars (Sherkston, Ontario)
  • Village Des Écluses, 4.4 stars (Pointe-des-Cascades, Québec)
  • River Run Resort & Grill, 4.2 stars (Kingsclear, New Brunswick)
  • Dinosaur Trail RV Resort & Cabins, 4.1 stars (Drumheller, Alberta)
  • Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Kingston, 4.0 stars (Kingston, Nova Scotia)
  • Candle Lake Golf Resort, 4.0 stars (Candle Lake, Saskatchewan)
  • Logos Land Resort, 3.7 stars (Cobden, Ontario)
  • Pacific Playgrounds Oceanside Resort, 3.2 stars (Black Creek, British Columbia)

2024 Campspot Awards: US

  • Brialee Family Campground, 4.9 stars (Ashford, Connecticut)
  • Greenbrier Campground, 4.9 stars (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)
  • Jackson Rancheria Casino & RV Resort, 4.9 stars (Jackson, California)
  • Stonebridge RV Resort, 4.9 stars (Maggie Valley, North Carolina)
  • Ocean Grove RV Resort: St. Augustine, 4.8 stars (St. Augustine, Florida)
  • Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort, 4.8 stars (Oceanside, California)
  • Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, 4.8 stars (Felton, California)
  • Canyon View RV Resort, 4.7 stars (Grand Junction, Colorado)
  • Verde Ranch RV Resort, 4.7 stars (Camp Verde, Arizona)
  • Sun Outdoors Myrtle Beach, 4.5 stars (Conway, South Carolina)

Amenities & Trends

When one takes a good look at both lists, a few commonalities jump out.

Most notably, the inclusion of the word “resort” in most of the above campground names. In fact, eight of the ten campgrounds on Campspot’s Canadian list feature the word. That number drops by just one on the American list.

This makes sense, of course. When people see the word “resort,” it speaks to an elevated guest experience. So, when people are making plans and searching for somewhere to camp, finding a resort may be a more attractive proposition.

One they’re there, though, what’s the actual experience? What are the amenities helping guests make their selections and, hopefully, converting them to repeat guests?

I took a look at each campground and found these in common, starting with the basics:

  • bathrooms
  • dump station
  • garbage
  • general store
  • Internet access
  • laundry
  • showers

Many campgrounds (or RV resorts) also feature experiential amenities:

  • availability of alcohol
  • arcade
  • bike rentals
  • dog park
  • hiking
  • hot tub / sauna
  • ice cream
  • pavilion
  • pool
  • playground
  • snack stand
  • sports (basketball, volleyball, fishing, paddle boats, etc.)

There are, of course, some more unique amenities, such as:

  • arts and crafts (Verde Ranch)
  • gaga ball (Logos Land)
  • golf cart rentals (Candle Lake, Sun Retreats)
  • mini-golf (Pinnacle Trails)
  • outdoor theater (Pinnacle Trails)
  • restaurant (Jackson Rancheria, Ocean Grove, Santa Cruz, Sun Outdoors, Sun Retreats, Village Des Écluses)
  • shuffleboard (Verde Ranch)
  • waterpark (Pinnacle Trails, Sun Retreats, Verde Ranch)

Bonus: 2024 Campspot Awards: Glamping

  • Blue Mesa Adventure Pods at Elk Creek Campground, 5.0 stars (Gunnison, Colorado)
  • Buck Hill Campground, 5.0 stars (Newland, North Carolina)
  • Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Glen Ellis, 4.7 stars (Glen, New Hampshire)
  • Smokiam RV Resort, 4.6 stars (Soap Lake, Washington)
  • Westward Shores Cottages & RV Resorts, 4.2 stars (West Ossipee, New Hampshire)

Notably, the top two glamping campgrounds on this list don’t use the word “resort.”

Moreover, Jellystone Glen Ellis and Westward Shores feature dozens of attractive amenities. For example, both have access to a beach and a restaurant. Guests can also play laser tag, rent golf carts, access cable TV, and take part in arts and crafts.

At Jellystone Glen Ellis, guests can play mini-golf or enjoy a waterpark. People who enjoy boating will be happy that Westward Shores has a boat launch.

Interestingly, none of the campgrounds on the Canada, US, or glamping lists notes cornhole as an amenity. With so many offering horseshoes, I would’ve thought cornhole would also be available.

Image: Tiffany Bauer on Pexels

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by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

BRE Reveals 2024 Award Winners

BRE Reveals 2024 Award Winners

by David Klemt

Join us in toasting the fourteen recipients of the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo industry awards, which span three separate categories.

As you’ll see below, the BRE award categories are as follows:

  • One individual receives the Industry Impact Award. From BRE: “This award recognizes an individual who has displayed an immense passion for their craft and has helped make significant advancements in the field.”
  • Seven individuals or venues receive one of the Industry Excellence Awards. These awards focus on independent bars and restaurants.
  • Six brands take home on of the Supplier Awards. This category is new to BRE in 2024. Further, BRE attendees choose the winners after suppliers submit products for consideration.

Interestingly, Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, take home the most Industry Excellence Awards this year. In fact, Austin is home to three of the seven Industry Excellence Award winners.

WATERTRADE is the winner of Best Cocktail Program, OTOKO is Restaurant of the Year, and Iliana de la Vega is Chef of the Year.

One individual and one venue in Atlanta claim Industry Excellence Awards as well. Best Hospitality Training Program goes to Your 3rd Spot, while the Ebony Austin of Nouveau Bar & Grill wins the Community Leadership Award.

There are, of course, two outliers. For 2024, Dominique Jackson of Realm of the 52 Remedies in San Diego, California, is Bartender of the Year. And Happy Accidents in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is Bar of the Year. This awesome bar is the 2023 winner of the Spirited Award for Best US Bar Team.

Congratulations to this year’s Bar & Restaurant Expo award winners! You can see the full list of winners below, organized by category. To learn more about the awards, please click here.

Industry Impact Award

  • Derek Brown (Positive Damage, Inc.)

Industry Excellence Awards

  • Bar of the Year: Happy Accidents (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
  • Best Cocktail Program: WATERTRADE (Austin, Texas)
  • Bartender of the Year: Dominique Jackson, Realm of 52 Remedies (San Diego, California)
  • Restaurant of the Year: OTOKO (Austin, Texas)
  • Chef of the Year: Iliana de la Vega, El Naranjo (Austin, Texas)
  • Best Hospitality Training Program: Your 3rd Spot (Atlanta, Georgia)
  • Community Leadership Award: Ebony Austin, Nouveau Bar & Grill (Atlanta, Georgia)

Supplier Awards

  • Best Alcoholic Beverage: Don Julio Alma Miel Joven Tequila
  • Best Non-alcoholic Product or Mixer: Ritual Zero Proof Spirits
  • Best Food Product/Producer: Oh Snap! Dilly Bites
  • Best Equipment, Tool, or Bar Supply: True Manufacturing
  • Best Technology Product: Draft Top PRO
  • Best Entertainment Product: Team Trivia

Image: Mathias Reding on Pexels

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by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

3rd Annual TAG Awards Hit Las Vegas

3rd Annual TAG Global Spirits Awards Hit Las Vegas

by David Klemt

The third annual TAG Global Spirits Awards, created by industry icon Tony Abou-Ganim, is about more than ranking spirits and handing out awards.

Clearly, the awards are the main focus. However, the multi-day happening hosts an important event: the Pink Tie Gala.

We had the honor of attending the Gala this year. Each year, the party brings industry professionals together to socialize, taste awards entrants in creative cocktails, and support the Helen David Relief Fund. You’ll find more information about the Fund below.

 

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A post shared by HENDRICK’S GIN (@hendricksgin)

One of the standout spirits we sampled at the Pink Tie Gala was Hendrick’s Gin’s latest expression. Bold but bright, Grand Cabaret is my favorite Hendrick’s to date. Along with delivering stone fruit notes, I detected complex aromas and flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon and other bold red wines.

Walking the floor, we also ran into and saw several Bar Hacks podcast guests. You’ll find descriptions and links to episodes with Tony Abou-Ganim, Lynn House, Vance Henderson, and Tim Rita toward the end of this article.

In case you’re wondering, yes, consumers can purchase tickets to attend select events, like the Pink Tie Gala. Something for people to consider for 2025.

Cheers!

TAG Global Spirits Awards

While these awards are the brainchild of Tony Abou-Ganim, he doesn’t go it alone. Julio Bermejo, David Graphsi, and Sean Ludford help execute TAG each year, along with a panel of judges.

Speaking of judges, they included Dale DeGroff, Lynn House, Charlotte Voisey, and Francesco Lafranconi this year.

 

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A post shared by Tony Abou Ganim (@mdrnmixologist)

It’s no small feat to be a TAG judge, as they’re tasked with evaluating entrants across more than 100 spirits categories. Luckily, the judges are up to the challenge.

Interestingly, they have some assistance in the form of specialized glassware. TAG has partnered with Steelite International and RONA to create the Ultimate Universal Spirits Glass. Not only is the glass exclusive to TAG, its usage ensures fair judging for every entrant.

Helen David Relief Fund

TAG Global Spirits Awards Pink Tie Gala ice sculpture

If any party needs an ice sculpture…

Named for Abou-Ganim’s cousin, the Helen David Relief Fund pays homage to its namesake while serving bartenders who need help.

Helen and her mother opened the Brass Rail in Port Huron, Michigan, in the 1930s. As women owning and operating a bar in the ’30s, the duo were true pioneers in the industry. Abou-Ganim credits Helen with teaching him the spirit of hospitality.

To celebrate Helen and give back to the industry, Abou-Ganim created the HDRF. The Fund provides assistance via grants to bartenders fighting breast cancer, or other forms of cancer.

In just the first two years of operation, the TAG Global Spirits Awards and its partners have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the HDRF. To learn more about the Fund, donate, or apply for a grant, click here.

Episode 47 with Tony Abou-Ganim

The legend, the icon, the one and only Tony Abou-Ganim stops by Bar Hacks to chat with co-host David Klemt. The two discuss this year’s Helen David Relief Fund at the USBG Foundation fundraising events, Helen David and the Brass Rail’s legacy, current drink trends, and more. On September 13, Bally’s Atlantic City is hosting a 25-mile bike ride to benefit the Helen David Relief Fund that culminates in a complimentary Team Negroni Lunch and happy hour at Bally’s Beach Bar.

Spotify link

Apple Podcasts link

Episode 52 with Lynn House

Lynn House, national spirits specialist and portfolio mixologist for Heaven Hill, drops by Bar Hacks to speak with host David Klemt about the second annual Old Fashioned Week. Elijah Craig is seeking to raise at least $100,000 for the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers.

Lynn and David also discuss bourbon, rye, hospitality, building balanced cocktails, and how trust plays a role in educating guests so you and your team can introduce them to new drinks and experiences.

Spotify link

Apple Podcasts link

Episode 28 with Tim Rita

Lyre’s Spirits crafts alcohol-free spirits that masterfully mimic their full-proof counterparts. Host David Klemt sits down with Lyre’s brand ambassador, bartender and buddy Tim Rita to chat about the brand. In this episode you’ll learn about one of the fastest-growing brands in one of the fastest-growing beverage categories.

Spotify link

Apple Podcasts link

Episode 20 with Vance Henderson

Host David Klemt kicks back and talks with Vance Henderson, national brand ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin. Before joining William Grant & Sons, Vance tended, managed and operated bars for several years. He proved himself at WG&S with Drambuie and then moved to Monkey Shoulder before taking on his role at Hendrick’s. He shares details of the brand-new Hendrick’s Lunar, his thoughts on branding, his best tips for hiring, and much more.

Spotify link

Apple Podcasts link

Images provided by CURICH|WEISS

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"Number one" hand emoji neon sign
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The Liquor Awards Return!

The Liquor Awards Return!

by David Klemt

"Number one" hand emoji neon sign

The second-annual Liquor Awards from Liquor.com highlights the best of hospitality of 2023, shining a light on bars, individuals, and organizations.

Liquor.com launched the Liquor Awards back in 2022. For the 2022 winners and runners-up, click here. Follow this link to review the 2022 Liquor Awards honorable mentions.

Differentiating themselves from other industry awards, the Liquor Awards recognize bars, individuals, and organizations via some unique categories.

For example, Platypus in St. Louis, Missouri, receives recognition among the 2023 winners and finalists via the Under the Radar category.

Other categories include Best Classic Bar, Best Neighborhood Bar, Global Spotlight, and Community Builders of the Year.

For those who are curious, I’ve run the numbers in terms of markets and the number of finalists and winners.

New York City (including Brooklyn) leads the way with eight total finalist nods and wins. New Orleans claims six finalists and winners, and Chicago is home to five. Coming in third are San Francisco and Washington, DC, with four finalists and winners, total. Denver and Portland have three each, while Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Cartagena, Colombia, have two.

Las Vegas, KRG Hospitality‘s US headquarters, is home to just one finalist, Herbs & Rye. And Toronto, KRG’s global headquarters, is home to the Health & Wellness Liquor Award winner.

For the full list of finalists and winners, see below.

Bar Award Winners and Finalists

Best New Bar

Winner

Pacific Standard (Portland, Oregon)

Finalists

  • The Butterscotch Den (San Francisco, California)
  • Martiny’s (New York City, New York)
  • Milady’s (New York City, New York)
  • Mírate (Los Angeles, California)

Best Classic Bar

Winner

Attaboy (New York City, New York)

Finalists

  • Anvil (Houston, Texas)
  • Cure (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • The Violet Hour (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Williams & Graham (Denver, Colorado)

Best Craft Cocktail Bar

Winner

Overstory (New York City, New York)

Finalists

  • Century Grand (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Double Chicken, Please (New York City, New York)
  • Dovetail (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • True Laurel (San Francisco, California)

Best Neighborhood Bar

Winner

ABV (San Francisco, California)

Finalists

  • 16th Street Bar & Lounge (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Best Intentions (Chicago, Illinois)
  • The Long Island Bar (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Occidental (Denver, Colorado)

Best Restaurant Bar

Winner

Jewel of the South (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Finalists

  • Bicyclette (Los Angeles, California)
  • Kimball House (Decatur, Georgia)
  • Kumiko (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Palomar (Portland, Oregon)

Best Hotel Bar

Winner

Allegory (Washington, DC)

Finalists

  • Chandelier Bar (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Death & Co. (Denver, Colorado)
  • Little Rituals (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Silver Lyan (Washington, DC)

Expertise in Hospitality

Winner

La Factoría (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Finalists

  • Allegory (Washington, DC)
  • Bar Leather Apron (Honolulu, Hawaii)
  • Herbs & Rye (Las Vegas, Nevada)
  • Jewel of the South (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Global Spotlight

Winner

Alquímico (Cartagena, Colombia)

Finalists

  • Bar Orchard Ginza (Tokyo, Japan)
  • El Gallo Altanero (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
  • Little Red Door (Paris, France)
  • Tjoget (Stockholm, Sweden)

Sustainable Bar Program of the Year

Winner

Owamni by the Sioux Chef (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Finalists

  • Alquímico (Cartagena, Colombia)
  • Lighthouse (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Rhodora Wine Bar (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Silo (London, England, United Kingdom)

Best Spirits Selection

Winner

Delilah’s (Chicago, Illinois)

Finalists

  • The Gin Room (St. Louis, Missouri)
  • Jack Rose Dining Saloon (Washington, DC)
  • Multnomah Whiskey Library (Portland, Oregon)
  • Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant (San Francisco, California)

Individual Award Winners and Finalists

Creating an Inclusive Space

Winner

Tiffanie Barriere

Finalists

  • Ashtin Berry
  • Kate Gerwin
  • Kapri Robinson
  • Chockie Tom

Bartender of the Year

Winner

Kapri Robinson

Liquor Legend

Winner

Julie Reiner

Organization Award Winners and Finalists

Community Builders of the Year

Winner

Turning Tables (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Finalists

Health & Wellness

Winner

Not 9 to 5 (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Finalists

Sustainable Producer of the Year

Winner

Mijenta Tequila

Finalists

  • Barr Hill Gin
  • Empirical
  • Maker’s Mark
  • WhistlePig Whiskey

Cheers to the finalists and award winners!

Please click here to review the list on Liquor.com and learn more about the winners.

Image: Ellie Burgin on Pexels

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Tres Monos bar in Buenos Aires, Argentina
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

These are the 50 Best Bars of 2023

These are the 50 Best Bars of 2023

by David Klemt

Tres Monos bar in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tres Monos in Buenos Aires is number 11 and the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.

According to the World’s 50 Best, these stunning examples of operations, service, and atmosphere from around the globe are the best bars of 2023.

For the first time, the incredible collection of bars was revealed during a ceremony in Singapore. I watched this year’s ceremony via the World’s 50 Best Bars live stream and the energy was palpable just through the screen. We’ll have to consider attending the 2024 ceremony in person.

The 50 bars that have earned placement on this list should serve as inspiration for operators and hospitality professionals throughout the world. Whether considering operations, service, building a top-performing team, menu, design, or atmosphere, these bars are reaping the rewards of hard work and a commitment to hospitality.

As we’ve had the incredible honor of speaking with a number of the bars on this year’s list for our Bar Hacks podcast, we’ve linked a few of the bars below to their episodes.

The Numbers

The 15th edition of World’s 50 Best Bars ranks bars in 28 cities from around the globe.

Among individual cities, London claims the most bars on this year’s list with five. Further, two of those bars are in the top ten.

Mexico City is home to four bars on the list, while New York boasts three, plus the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. These two cocktail bar titans will go head to head for some time from what I can see, and we’re all the better for this friendly rivalry.

Overall, the UK is home to six venues on the 2023 list. Also performing well are the US and Italy, with each claiming five bars on the 2023 list. With four bars, each in Mexico City, Mexico also does very well for 2023.

This year’s host city, Singapore, boasts three bars, along with the Bar Design Award recipient. Greece also earns three spots, with one bar taking home the Legend of the List Award. There are three bars on the list in Argentina as well, all in Buenos Aires. One of these bars offers such outstanding service that it’s this year’s Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award recipient.

Another country with three bars on the list is Spain. Not only can the country now boast about being home to the bar holding the number one spot, it’s also where number four is located. Oh, and the number four bar just happens to be last year’s top bar in the world. Clearly, Barcelona is staking a claim to the Cocktail Capital of the World.

Sadly, Canada isn’t represented on this year’s list. However, Civil Liberties in Toronto does hold the number 73 spot.

Congratulations to the bars and their teams on the 2023 list, and the individual award winners! Cheers!

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023

  1. Galaxy Bar (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
  2. Jewel of the South (New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America)
  3. Atlas (Singapore)
  4. The Clumsies (Athens, Greece)
  5. Locale Firenze (Florence, Italy)
  6. Baltra Bar (Mexico City, Mexico)
  7. L’Antiquario (Naples, Italy)
  8. Carnaval (Lima, Perú)
  9. 1930 (Milan, Italy)
  10. Scarfes Bar (London, England, United Kingdom)
  11. Mimi Kakushi (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
  12. Panda & Sons (Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom)
  13. The Cambridge Public House (Paris, France)
  14. Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo, Japan)
  15. The SG Club (Tokyo, Japan)
  16. 🔶🟥🔵 A Bar with Shapes for a Name (London, England, United Kingdom)
  17. Argo (Hong Kong, China)
  18. Freni e Frizioni (Rome, Italy)
  19. Sago House (Singapore)
  20. Röda Huset (Stockholm, Sweden)
  21. Florería Atlántico (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  22. Wax On (Berlin, Germany)
  23. Satan’s Whiskers (London, England, United Kingdom)
  24. Katana Kitten (New York, New York, United States of America)
  25. CoChinChina (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  26. Baba Au Rum (Athens, Greece)
  27. Café La Trova (Miami, Florida, United States of America)
  28. Caretaker’s Cottage (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
  29. Hanky Panky (Mexico City, Mexico)
  30. Drink Kong (Rome, Italy)
  31. Coa (Hong Kong)
  32. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar (Bangkok, Thailand)
  33. Zest (Seoul, South Korea)
  34. Overstory (New York, New York, United States of America)
  35. Salmon Guru (Madrid, Spain)
  36. Maybe Sammy (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  37. Jigger & Pony (Singapore)
  38. BKK Social Club (Bangkok, Thailand)
  39. Line (Athens, Greece)
  40. Tres Monos (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  41. Himkok (Oslo, Norway)
  42. Alquímico (Cartagena, Colombia)
  43. Tayēr + Elementary (London, England, United Kingdom)
  44. Licorería Limantour (Mexico City, Mexico)
  45. Little Red Door (Paris, France)
  46. Connaught Bar (London, England, United Kingdom)
  47. Paradiso (Barcelona, Spain)
  48. Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City, Mexico)
  49. Double Chicken Please (New York, New York, United States of America)
  50. Sips (Barcelona, Spain)

2023 Awards

  • Roku Industry Icon Award: Renato “Tato” Giovannoni
  • Rémy Martin Legend of the List: The Clumsies; Number 47 (Athens, Greece)
  • Best Bar in Australasia (sponsored by Naked Malt): Maybe Sammy; Number 15 (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  • Best Bar in Asia (sponsored by Torres Brandy): BKK Social Club, Number 13 (Bangkok, Thailand)
  • Best Bar in Europe (sponsored by Perrier): Sips; Number 1 (Barcelona, Spain)
  • Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa (sponsored by Amaro Lucano): Mimi Kakushi; Number 40 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
  • Best Bar in North America (sponsored by Tia Maria): Double Chicken Please; Number 2 (New York, New York, United States of America)
  • Best Bar in South America (sponsored by Scrappy’s Bitters): Alquímico; Number 9 (Cartagena, Columbia)
  • Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award: Tres Monos; Number 11 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • Best New Opening (sponsored by the London Essence Co.): Line; Number 12 (Athens, Greece)
  • Disaronno Highest New Entry: Zest; Number 18 (Seoul, South Korea)
  • Nikka Highest Climber: Himkok; Number 10, climbed 33 positions (Oslo, Norway)
  • Ketel One Sustainable Bar: Röda Huset; Number 31 (Stockholm, Sweden)
  • Altos Bartenders’ Bartender: GN Chan; Double Chicken, Please (New York, New York, United States of America)
  • Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu: The American Bar at Gleneagles; Book of Berries menu (Auchterarder, Scotland, United Kingdom)
  • Campari One to Watch: Lady Bee; Number 52 (Lima, Perú)
  • Bareksten Best Bar Design: Night Hawk (Singapore)
  • The Blend Scholarship: Apoorva Kohli (New Delhi, India) will intern at Sips (Number 1) in Barcelona and Alquímico (Number 9) in Cartagena in 2024.

Image: Tres Monos

KRG Hospitality. Bar Consultant. Nightclub. Lounge. Mixology. Cocktails.

ARCA bar in Tulum, Mexico
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

2023 World’s 50 Best Bars: 51 to 100

2023 World’s 50 Best Bars: 51 to 100

by David Klemt

ARCA bar in Tulum, Mexico

ARCA in Tulum, Mexico

Check out the back half of the 2023 World’s 50 Best Bars list ahead of the one through 50 reveal taking place in Singapore on October 17.

In terms of single-country performance, the United States of America claims the most spots on this list with six. Unsurprisingly, four of these bars in New York. Rounding out the six American venues are one in Chicago and one in California.

However, in combination with Mexico and Canada, North America earns 11 places. Unfortunately, Canada earns just one spot with a bar in Toronto. Mexico City, however, is home to two of the best bars in North America (and the world).

It’s Europe as a whole, though, that boasts the most positions, with 17 bars on the list. Five of the 17 are in England.

Asia comes in second as a continent with 14 venues on the back half of the 2023 World’s 50 Best Bars. It should come as no surprise that Singapore claims five spots.

Congratulations to the bar teams below!

To review the 2022 51 to 100 list, click here.

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023: 100 to 51

It’s only a matter of time until a number of these incredible venues break through to the top half of this list.

  1. Artesian (London, England, UK)
  2. Employees Only (New York, New York, USA)
  3. The Bar in Front of the Bar (Athens, Greece)
  4. Dark Side (Hong Kong)
  5. Lost & Found (Nicosia, Cyprus)
  6. Schofield’s (Manchester, England, UK)
  7. Sin + Tax (Johannesburg, South Africa)
  8. Tjoget (Stockholm, Sweden)
  9. Donovan Bar (London, England, UK)
  10. Maison Premiere (New York, New York, USA)
  11. Mirror Bar (Bratislava, Slovakia)
  12. Thunderbolt (Los Angeles, California, USA)
  13. Red Frog (Lisbon, Portugal)
  14. Ruby (Copenhagen, Denmark)
  15. Nouvelle Vague (Tirana, Albania)
  16. Camparino in Galleria (Milan, Italy)
  17. Svanen (Oslo, Norway)
  18. Native (Singapore)
  19. Kumiko (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
  20. Kaito del Valle (Mexico City, Mexico)
  21. La Sala de Laura (Bogotá, Colombia)
  22. High Five (Tokyo, Japan)
  23. Analogue Initiative (Singapore)
  24. Velvet (Berlin, Germany)
  25. Swift (London, England, UK)
  26. Bar Cham (Seoul, South Korea)
  27. Hope & Sesame (Guangzhou, Guangdong, China)
  28. Civil Liberties (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  29. Rayo (Mexico City, Mexico)
  30. Penicillin (Hong Kong)
  31. Barro Negro (Athens, Greece)
  32. Ergo (Dubai, UAE)
  33. Martiny’s (New York, New York, USA)
  34. Side Car (New Delhi, Delhi, India)
  35. Tropic City (Bangkok, Thailand)
  36. El Gallo Altanero (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
  37. Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore)
  38. Manhattan (Singapore)
  39. Hero Bar (Nairobi, Kenya)
  40. Byrdi (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
  41. ARCA (Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico)
  42. 28 HongKong Street (Singapore)
  43. SubAstor (São Paulo, Brazil)
  44. Attaboy (New York, New York, USA)
  45. Tan Tan (São Paulo, Brazil)
  46. Vesper (Bangkok, Thailand)
  47. Lyaness (London, England, UK)
  48. The Bellwood (Tokyo, Japan)
  49. Lady Bee (Lima, Perú)
  50. Danico (Paris, France)

The World's 50 Best Bars 2023, numbers 51 to 100

2023 New Entries

Among these 50 bars are 14 new entries:

  • Lady Bee (No. 52)
  • Arca (No. 60)
  • El Gallo Altanero (No. 65)
  • Martiny’s (No. 68)
  • Ergo (No. 69)
  • Rayo (No. 72)
  • Civil Liberties (No. 73)
  • Bar Cham (No. 75)
  • Velvet (No. 77)
  • Kaito del Valle (No. 81)
  • Svanen (No. 84)
  • Nouvelle Vague (No. 86)
  • Mirror Bar (No. 90)
  • The Bar in Front of the Bar (No. 98)

Remember, the World’s 50 Best will reveal bars one through 50 in Singapore on October 17 at 8:25 PM UTC. Cheers!

Image: The World’s 50 Best Bars / ARCA

KRG Hospitality. Bar Consultant. Nightclub. Lounge. Mixology. Cocktails.

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