#Worlds50BestBars

The interior of Virtù bar in Tokyo, Japan
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 Reveals #1

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 Reveals 1 to 50

by David Klemt

The interior of Virtù bar in Tokyo, Japan

Virtù in Tokyo, Japan. Number 11 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, and the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.

Cheers to the Best Bar in Asia, which also happens to be the Best Bar in Hong Kong, and the winner of the 2024 Disaronno Highest New Entry Award.

Connecting the dots, that means the bar that has earned the number one spot has achieved something stunning. Looking back at the previous eight editions of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, no other bar has taken the top spot on its first appearance on this list.

The top bar in Asia is taking home three awards, plus a record.

Now, let’s look back at last week’s list. In revealing the expanded ranking—bars number 51 to 100—I identified three cities that appeared to be on the rise. These are Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Nara, Japan; and Tainan City, Taiwan.

I was curious as to whether any (or all) of these cities would be home to bars on the one to 50 list. While they weren’t, I think it’s only a matter of time before a bar in at least one of the cities breaks into the main list. On the topic of keeping an eye out, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio in Bangkok, Thailand, earned this year’s Campari One to Watch Award.

In perhaps unsurprising news, Singapore boasts the most bars on this year’s list, claiming 11 spots. If we were to combine all of mainland China plus special administrative regions of the People’s Republic of China, there are 15 bars to Singapore’s eleven. Seoul, South Korea, is home to five bars that earned placement this year, including Zest at number two. Bangkok, Thailand, claims four bars, with BKK Social Club landing at number seven.

Take a look at the list below to find out which bar is the best in Asia. Cheers!

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024: 50 to 11

  1. Pine & Co (Seoul, South Korea)
  2. Atlas (Singapore)(Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award 2024; Bareksten Best Bar Design Award 2024)
  3. Le Chamber (Seoul, South Korea)
  4. The Haflington (Hanoi, Vietnam)
  5. Alice (Seoul, South Korea)
  6. Mostly Harmless (Hong Kong, China)
  7. The Public House (Taipei, Taiwan)
  8. CMYK (Changsha, China)
  9. Fura (Singapore)(Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2024)
  10. Reka (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  11. ZLB23 (Bengaluru, India)(The Best Bar in India)
  12. Barc (Kathmandu, Nepal)(The Best Bar in Nepal)
  13. Employees Only (Singapore)
  14. Bar Mood (Taipei, Taiwan)
  15. Bar Trigona (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  16. Analogue Initiative (Singapore)
  17. The Bellwood (Tokyo, Japan)
  18. The Curator (Manila, Philippines)(The Best Bar in Philippines)
  19. Origin Bar (Singapore)
  20. Native (Singapore)
  21. Vender (Taichung, Taiwan)(The Best Bar in Taiwan)
  22. Smoke & Bitters (Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka)(The Best Bar in Sri Lanka)
  23. Craftroom (Osaka, Japan)
  24. Pantja (Jakarta, Indonesia)
  25. Quinary (Hong Kong, China)
  26. Offtrack (Singapore)
  27. Penicillin (Hong Kong, China)
  28. The SG Club (Tokyo, Japan)
  29. The St. Regis Club (Macau) (Macau, China)(The Best Bar in Macau)
  30. Bar Us (Bangkok, Thailand)
  31. Bar Cham (Seoul, South Korea)
  32. The Savory Project (Hong Kong, China)
  33. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar (Bangkok, Thailand)
  34. Darkside (Hong Kong, China)
  35. Night Hawk (Singapore)
  36. Sago House (Singapore)
  37. Hope & Sesame (Guangzhou, China)(The Best Bar in Mainland China)
  38. Vesper (Bangkok, Thailand)
  39. The Cocktail Club (Jakarta, Indonesia)(The Best Bar in Indonesia)
  40. Virtù (Tokyo, Japan)(Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2024)

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024: 10 to 1

  1. The Aubrey (Hong Kong, China)
  2. Argo (Hong Kong, China)
  3. Penrose (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)(The Best Bar in Malaysia; Nikka Highest Climber Award 2024)
  4. BKK Social Club (Bangkok, Thailand)(The Best Bar in Thailand)
  5. Nutmeg & Clover (Singapore)
  6. Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo, Japan)(The Best Bar in Japan)
  7. Coa (Hong Kong, China)
  8. Jigger & Pony (Singapore)(The Best Bar in Singapore)
  9. Zest (Seoul, South Korea)(The Best Bar in Korea; Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2024: Dohyung “Demie” Kim)
  10. Bar Leone (Hong Kong, China)(The Best Bar in Asia; The Best Bar in Hong Kong; Disaronno Highest New Entry Award 2024)

Cheers to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024! For more information, please review the official press release below.

The Bar Leone team from Hong Kong

Cheers to Bar Leone!

BAR LEONE IN HONG KONG NAMED THE BEST BAR IN ASIA, SPONSORED BY PERRIER, AS THE ASIA’S 50 BEST BARS 2024 LIST IS REVEALED

The prestigious list and several special awards were announced at a live ceremony in Hong Kong, featuring bars from 18 destinations across the region

  • Bar Leone ranks 1 and is named The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Perrier, and The Best Bar in Hong Kong
  • Bar Leone also wins the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award
  • The list features 15 new entries spanning 11 destinations
  • Singapore leads with 11 bars on the list, as Jigger & Pony ranks No.3 and is named The Best Bar in Singapore for the fifth consecutive year
  • Singapore’s Atlas wins the inaugural Bareksten Best Bar Design Award in Asia, as well as theRémy Martin Legend of the List Award
  • The Savory Project in Hong Kong is the recipient of the London Essence Best New Opening Award
  • Bar veteran Yangdup Lama of New Delhi’s Sidecar is awarded the Roku Industry Icon Award
  • Penrose, Kuala Lumpur, is named winner of the Nikka Highest Climber Award after rising 42 places in the rankings
  • New entrant Fura in Singapore takes the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
  • Dry Wave Cocktail Studio from Bangkok receives the Campari One To Watch Award
  • Nest by Pun, Taipei, takes the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award
For the full 1-50 list, please scroll to the top of this article.

16 July 2024 – The list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, sponsored by Perrier, was announced at a live awards ceremony this evening in Hong Kong. The ceremony, hosted in collaboration with destination partner Hong Kong Tourism Board, featured bars from 18 cities across Asia, including 15 new entries, culminating in Bar Leone in Hong Kong being named The Best Bar in Asia.

Bar Leone has achieved the remarkable feat of debuting at the coveted No.1 spot, clinching The Best Bar in Hong Kong title, as well as the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award. This marks the first time in 50 Best Bars history that The Best Bar in Asia has been a new entry on the list. The one-year-old neighbourhood bar in Central, Hong Kong, founded by bartender Lorenzo Antinori, embodies the Italian ethos of ‘cocktail popolari’ or ‘cocktails for the people’. With behind-the-bar experience at Argo in Hong Kong and top bars in Seoul and London, Antinori brings expertise to a beverage programme focused on classic, approachable cocktails that are inspired by the traditional Roman bars of his home country.

The bar programme focuses on revived classics made with a low-intervention, seasonal approach, and is complemented by minimalist garnishes, like manicured citrus peels and quality olives. The relaxed and fun vibe mirrors Lorenzo’s playful personality, with decor featuring burnt orange banquettes, a mahogany bar, church candles, Italy-themed posters, a 70s-80s Italian pop soundtrack and personal knick-knacks – all of which combine to create a space that feels both homely and high end.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says: “We are thrilled to be back in Hong Kong celebrating Asia’s vibrant bar community. The region’s bars continuously redefine exceptional drinking experiences, showcased by the talent and creativity at this year’s winning establishments. With 15 new entries, the list is bound to entice and excite even seasoned cocktail enthusiasts. Huge congratulations to the tour de force that is Lorenzo Antinori and the whole team at Bar Leone for the impressive – and previously unheard of – feat of entering the ranking at No.1. This is undoubtedly a strong testament to the bar’s irreverent and casual approach to cocktails, design, service and hospitality.”

At No.2 is the intimate low-waste bar, Zest in Seoul, which has ascended three spots, making it The Best Bar in Korea. A consistent presence in the top five is Jigger & Pony in Singapore at No.3, making it The Best Bar in Singapore for the fifth year running. Last year’s top spot holder, Coa, comes in at No.4, and No.5 is Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich, which takes the title of The Best Bar in Japan.

Destination Success Stories

A total of 15 bars from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan made the list this year, while Hong Kong leads the region with nine spots, with Coa at No.4 and Argo at No.9. The 25th-floor izakaya with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour, The Aubrey, has risen seven spots to No.10. Darkside comes in at No.17 and new entrant The Savory Project debuts at No.19. Penicillin rises two places to No.24, while Quinary climbs five spots to No.26 and Mostly Harmless rounds off Hong Kong’s showing at No.45.

From Taichung, the vending machine-themed craft cocktail den, Vender, climbs 11 places to No.30, earning the title of The Best Bar in Taiwan. In Taipei, Bar Mood re-enters the rankings at No.37, while The Public House is at No.44. Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame, a technique-driven speakeasy, is now at No.14, ascending 25 spots and holding onto The Best Bar in Mainland China title. CMYK from Changsha debuts at No.43, where award-winning bartender Ethan Liu has created a high-energy, multi-room drinking den inside an old residential building. This also marks Changsha’s first appearance in the rankings. Additionally, The St. Regis Bar at No.22 is Macau’s sole representative and is named The Best Bar in Macau.

Singapore tops the rankings with 11 coveted spots: alongside Jigger & Pony (No.3), Nutmeg & Clove, founded by bar veteran and former Roku Industry Icon winner Colin Chia, rises to No.6. Sago House follows at No.15, while new entrant Night Hawk debuts at No.16. Offtrack, another new entry at No.25, offers a music-focused drinks experience with local DJs and lesser-known classic cocktails.

Native climbs 11 places to No.31, and Origin, another new entrant at No.32, features interiors resembling an old-school train station with cocktails themed around the city’s five districts. Analogue Initiative is at No.35, followed by Employees Only at No.38. Newcomer Fura comes in at No.42, while Atlas rounds-off Singapore’s showing at No.49.

Bars from Seoul secured five positions on the list, led by Zest at No.2, making it The Best Bar in Korea. Sustainability-forward Zest is helmed by Dohyung ‘Demie’ Kim alongside Korean bartending stalwarts Sean Woo, Jisu Park and Noah Kwon. Bar Cham is at No.20, followed by Alice at No.46 and Le Chamber at No.48. Closing the list at No.50 is new entrant Pine & Co, a bar resembling a scientist’s R&D lab, known for its future-forward cocktails.

In Japan, Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich secures the No.5 spot, maintaining its title as The Best Bar in Japan for the third consecutive year. Following closely is Virtù which climbs nine places to No.11, The SG Club takes No.23, while The Bellwood has surged 15 places to No.34. Hailing from Osaka, newcomer Craftroom debuts at No.28. This petite, six-seater bar, led by revered bartender Ryu Fujii, offers classic cocktails within a seasonally changing menu.

Bangkok also holds five spots on the list, with BKK Social Club leading the pack at No.7, also earning the title of The Best Bar in Thailand. Vesper follows at No.13, while the funky, fun and immersive Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar climbs four spots to No.18. Finally, new entrant Bar Us debuts impressively at No.21, offering a high-concept ‘drinking room’ with all-black interiors and bartenders sporting freshly-pressed white lab coats.

Penrose in Kuala Lumpur makes an impressive climb of 42 places to reach No.8, earning the title of The Best Bar in Malaysia and earning the Nikka Highest Climber Award 2024. Also hailing from Kuala Lumpur, Bar Trigona maintains its position at No.36 while newcomer Reka, a self-proclaimed ‘post- modern flavour lab’, enters the list at No.41. Indonesia is represented by two bars from Jakarta: The Cocktail Club ascends seven spots to claim No.12 and secures the title of The Best Bar in Indonesia, followed by Pantja, which enjoys a two-spot hike to No.27.

India is represented on the list by Bengaluru’s ZLB23 at No.40. This newcomer claims the title of The Best Bar in India, serving prohibition-style cocktails in a venue accessed through a secret entrance hidden within a working kitchen. Hiriketiya’s Smoke & Bitters climbs 11 places to No.29 and is crowned The Best Bar in Sri Lanka. From Kathmandu, Barc debuts at No.39 as The Best Bar in Nepal, offering an upmarket, elegant space accompanied by a sophisticated selection of cocktails. Manila’s The Curator ascends one spot to No.33, earning the title of The Best Bar in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Hanoi’s The Haflington enters the list at No.47 – this immersive, vintage-themed space offers an adventurous cocktail menu inspired by The Jungle Book, securing the title of The Best Bar in Vietnam.

Special Awards

Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok (No.73 on the 51-100 list), has won the Campari One To Watch Award, hand-picked by the 50 Best team as a bar that it feels has the potential to break into the 1-50 list in the future. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio runs a stellar beverage programme of classic and creative libations, led by veteran bartender-owner Supawit ‘Palm’ Muttarattana, who formerly helmed Vesper (No.12 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 and No.55 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023).

Bartender, entrepreneur and author Yangdup Lama has been crowned the Roku Industry Icon 2024.

Owner of New Delhi’s Sidecar, Lama is a legendary figure in the industry and the subcontinent’s leading mixologist. Under his leadership, Sidecar has earned several placements in Asia’s and The World’s 50 Best Bars rankings. Lama inspires with his creative cocktails and advocacy for regional ingredients, and as a mentor and trainer, he proudly showcases India’s bartending talent on the global stage.

Singapore’s Atlas (No.49), a jazz-age-inspired gin bar, has been honoured with the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award, recognising an establishment that has consistently performed well in the rankings since the list’s inception in 2016. It is a double win for Atlas this year, as it also receives the inaugural Bareksten Best Bar Design Award in Asia for its spectacular art deco style and a 15-metre-tall gin tower housing around 900 labels. This new accolade celebrates bars with thoughtful designs emphasising accessibility, sustainability and market appropriateness.

The Savory Project, Hong Kong, is awarded the London Essence Best New Opening Award and enters the list at No.19. Founded by the award-winning team behind former top spot holder Coa, this newcomer spotlights craft cocktails with savoury and umami notes made with unorthodox ingredients.

Fura (No.42) in Singapore wins the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award for its groundbreaking, low-carbon footprint cocktails, circular ethos and commitment to low-waste practices. Fura exclusively uses local ingredients in its drinks, highlighting its dedication to a sustainable beverage programme.

The Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu award goes to Nest by Pun in Taipei. This reservations-only speakeasy features a thematic menu reflecting its bee and honeycomb design elements, enhancing its mysterious charm. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to help patrons narrow down their drink choices based on preferred ingredients and flavour profiles. Guests can expect not only cocktail mastery, but also a captivating storytelling experience.

Pre-announced special award winners that accepted their accolades at the live awards ceremony include Virtù in Tokyo, winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, and Dohyung ‘Demie’ Kim from Seoul, winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.

The Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 awards ceremony was streamed live and is available to view on The

World’s 50 Best Bars Facebook and 50 Best Bars TV YouTube Channel.

Voting Process

50 Best works with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner to help protect the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. See more details on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars voting process here.

About Asia’s 50 Best Bars

Asia’s 50 Best Bars is the first regional event of The World’s 50 Best Bars brand, created in 2016 with the purpose of showcasing the best and most innovative talent in the drinks industry in this region. The annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising the most knowledgeable and travelled members of the bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia. The Academy spans dozens of cities across the continent, reflecting the relative development and importance of bar scenes in different locations and the diversity of the drinking scene in Asia. Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The World’s 50 Best Bars and North America’s 50 Best Bars are owned and organised by William Reed, the group behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Hotels.

About the host destination partner: Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a Government-subvented body. Operating 15 offices around the world and representative offices in seven different markets, its primary mission is to maximise the social and economic contribution that tourism makes to the community of Hong Kong, and consolidate the city’s position as a world- class destination. The HKTB works closely with the Government, travel industry and other partners to promote Hong Kong worldwide, widen the range of tourism products and elevate service standards, as well as enhance the experiences of visitors during their stay.

For more details on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and selection process, please visit:

https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/asia/

Our Partners:

  • Hong Kong Tourism Board – Official Host Partner
  • Perrier – Official Water Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Asia
  • Michter’s – Official American Whiskey Partner; sponsor of Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award
  • Nikka Whisky – Official Whisky of the World Partner; sponsor of Nikka Highest Climber Award and The Best Bar in Malaysia
  • Ketel One – Official Vodka Partner; sponsor of Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
  • Siete Misterios – Official Mezcal Partner; sponsor of Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award
  • The London Essence – Official Mixers Partner; sponsor of London Essence Best New Opening Award
  • Disaronno – Official Italian Liqueur Partner; sponsor of Disaronno Highest New Entry Award
  • Roku Gin – Official Gin Partner; sponsor of Roku Industry Icon Award
  • Altos Tequila – Official Tequila Partner; sponsor of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender
  • Matusalem – Official Rum Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Mainland China and ceremonial scarves
  • Naked Malt – Official Scotch Whisky Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Korea
  • Rémy Martin – Official Cognac Partner; sponsor of Rémy Martin Legend of the List
  • Campari – Official Bitters Partner; sponsor of Campari One To Watch Award
  • Mancino Vermouth – Official Vermouth Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Taiwan and ceremonial shakers
  • Amaro Lucano – Official Amaro Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Indonesia and ceremonial shakers
  • Tia Maria – Official Coffee Liqueur Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Singapore
  • Torres Brandy – Official Brandy Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Japan
  • Scrappy’s Bitters – Official Cocktail Bitters Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Thailand
  • Bareksten – Official Aquavit Partner; sponsor of Bareksten Best Bar Design Award
  • Rosewood Hong Kong – Official Hotel and Venue Partner
  • The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong – Official Hotel and Venue Partner
  • Aqua Hong Kong – Official Venue Partner

Images courtesy of Asia’s 50 Best Bars/The World’s 50 Best

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

The Zest bar team, led by Dohyung "Demie" Kim, in Seoul, South Korea
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 Reveals 51 to 100

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 Reveals 51 to 100

by David Klemt

The Zest bar team, led by Dohyung "Demie" Kim, in Seoul, South Korea

The bar team at Zest (No. 5, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023) in Seoul, South Korea, led by Dohyung “Demie” Kim.

As we near the ceremony for the ninth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, taking place in Hong Kong on July 16, we can congratulate numbers 51 to 100.

Clearly one of the hottest bar markets in the world, Singapore dominates the 51 to 100 list this year. Unsurprisingly, the city-state also featured the most bars on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 51 to 100 list. Interestingly, Singapore boasted eight bars on the list last year, and the same in 2024.

In second place on the expanded list in terms of number of bars is Bangkok. The legendary nightlife city claims six spots on the 2024 51 to 100 ranking.

Seoul, South Korea, is not only home to three bars—including number 51—the city is also the home to Zest. This is noteworthy in part because Dohyung “Demie” Kim is the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2024, one of two awards announced ahead of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 ceremony.

Kim is the co-founder of Zest, which took home the fifth spot on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list. With that ranking, the bar also claimed the title of the Best Bar in Korea. Further, Zest earned number 18 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list.

On another note, it appears that the we should keep an eye on Tainan City, Taiwan; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Nara, Japan. Each of these cities holds two spots on the 2024 expanded list, a 100-percent increase over 2023. Last year, Lamp Bar, located in Nara, earned spot number 23 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. It’ll be interesting to see if these cities are represented on the one to 50 list for this year.

On that note, we’ll find out which bars are ranked one to 50 on July 16. Mark your calendars. Cheers!

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024: 100 to 51

  1. Moonrock (Tainan City, Taiwan)
  2. Drinking & Healing (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
  3. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (Bangkok, Thailand)
  4. Tell Camellia (Hong Kong, China)
  5. Home (New Delhi, India)
  6. Charles H (Seoul, South Korea)
  7. Wu (Nothingness) (Taipei, Taiwan)
  8. Last Word (Singapore)
  9. Sober Company (Shanghai, China)
  10. The Bamboo Bar (Bangkok, Thailand)
  11. Asia Today (Bangkok, Thailand)
  12. Gong Gan (Seoul, South Korea)
  13. The St. Regis Bar (Jakarta) (Jakarta, Indonesia)
  14. High Five (Tokyo, Japan)
  15. Bulgari Ginza Bar (Tokyo, Japan)
  16. The Sailing Bar (Nara, Japan)
  17. Sidecar (New Delhi, India)
  18. Firefly (Bangkok, Thailand)
  19. Southbank Cafe + Lounge (Muntinlupa City, Philippines)
  20. The Hudson Rooms (Hanoi, Vietnam)
  21. Junglebird (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  22. The Han-jia (Tainan City, Taiwan)
  23. 28 HongKong Street (Singapore)
  24. Cat Bite Club (Singapore)
  25. Gold Bar (Tokyo, Japan)
  26. Bee’s Knees (Kyoto, Japan)
  27. Folklore (Tokyo, Japan)
  28. Opium (Bangkok, Thailand)
  29. Under Lab (Taipei, Taiwan)
  30. The Old Man (Hong Kong, China)
  31. Coley (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  32. Manhattan (Singapore)
  33. Lair (New Delhi, India)
  34. Honky Tonks Tavern (Hong Kong, China)
  35. Mizunara: The Library (Honh Kong, China)
  36. The Elephant Room (Singapore)
  37. Yakoboku (Kumamoto, Japan)
  38. Stay Gold Flamingo (Singapore)
  39. Tropic City (Bangkok, Thailand)
  40. To Infinity & Beyond (Taipei, Taiwan)
  41. No Sleep Club (Singapore)
  42. The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai, India)
  43. Stir (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
  44. Republic (Singapore)
  45. Three X Co (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  46. Lamp Bar (Nara, Japan)
  47. Epic (Shanghai, China)
  48. Tokyo Confidential (Tokyo, Japan)
  49. Backdoor Bodega (Penang, Malaysia)
  50. Soko (Seoul, South Korea)

ASIA’S 50 BEST BARS UNVEILS THE ESTABLISHMENTS VOTED ONTO THE EXTENDED 51-100 LIST FOR 2024

The fourth edition of this prestigious list announces 15 new entries across Asia, with bars from Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo leading the region

9 July 2024 – Shining the spotlight on an extended collection of bars across the region, Asia’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, releases the prestigious 51st to 100th list for the fourth year running. The ranking is revealed one week ahead of its live awards ceremony in Hong Kong and is created from the overall Asia’s 50 Best Bars voting process, which sees its 265-member strong Academy – consisting of a gender-balanced group of bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers and cocktail aficionados – place independent and anonymous votes for what they believe constitutes a “best bar experience”.

The 51-100 list: A Snapshot

  • This year’s 51-100 list includes 15 new entries from across the region
  • The list comprises bars spanning 19 different cities across Asia
  • Singapore leads with 8 bars on the extended list, among which Cat Bite Club at No.77 is a new entrant
  • Bangkok is represented by 6 bars, while Tokyo follows with 5 places on the list
  • A bar from Muntinlupa City debuts on the list with Southbank Cafe + Lounge at82

For the full 51-100 list, please refer to the accompanying graphic or scroll to the bottom of this release.

Bars from Singapore command eight places on the 51-100 list, with Republic leading the pack at No.57. This ultra-luxe drinking den at the Ritz-Carlton is inspired by the swinging sixties, with a cocktail menu focused on art, cinema, fashion and music. It is followed by No Sleep Club at No.60, which has moved up fourteen places from last year, Stay Gold Flamingo (No.63), The Elephant Room (No.65), and Manhattan (No.69). At No.77, specialising in rice and agave spirits, Cat Bite Club, is a new entrant, while 28 HongKong Street at No.78 and Last Word at No.93 round off Singapore’s showing.

Bangkok follows with six spots on the list, led by Tropic City at No.62 and Opium at No.73. New entrant Firefly, at No.83, is the Sindhorn Kempinski’s lavish lobby bar where whimsical cocktails and live jazz are complemented by a cigar parlour, followed by Asia Today at No.90 and The Bamboo Bar at No.91. Closing Bangkok’s showing at No.98 is another new entrant, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, which runs a stellar beverage programme of classic and creative libations led by veteran bartender-owner Supawit ‘Palm’ Muttarattana, who formerly helmed Vesper (No.12 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 and No.55 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023).

Tokyo maintains a strong showing with five bars on the extended list, starting with new entrants Tokyo Confidential (No.53) and Folklore (No.74). The former is an edgy rooftop craft cocktail bar, while Folklore, a modern minimalist space, spotlights avant-garde sake and shochu cocktails. Gold Bar comes in at No.76, followed by another new entrant, Bulgari Ginza Bar at No.86, which promises an Italian aperitivo experience within Tokyo’s iconic Ginza Tower. High Five (No.87) rounds off Tokyo’s representation on the list.

In Hong Kong, Mizunara: The Library has moved up twenty places to No.66, alongside three other bars on the list: Honky Tonks Tavern, which climbs thirty-one places to No.67; The Old Man at No.71; and Tell Camellia at No.97. Topping the 51-100 list is Seoul’s Soko at No.51, followed by new entrant Gong Gan at No.89, a bar housed in a traditional Korean home reimagined with modern design elements and a focus on upcycling. At No.95, Charles H from Seoul rounds off the city’s representation.

Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi and Taipei boast three spots each on the list. From Kuala Lumpur, Three X Co ascends twenty-one places to No.56 and is followed by Coley (No.70) and Junglebird (No.80). While in New Delhi, the modern speakeasy Lair (No.68) is a new entrant, followed by regulars on the list Sidecar (No.84) and Home (No.96). To Infinity & Beyond leads Taipei’s representation at No.61, followed by two new entries, the laboratory-like cocktail den, Under Lab at No.72 and the offbeat, ‘classic cocktails only’ Wu (Nothingness) at No.94.

Ho Chi Minh City, Nara, Shanghai, and Tainan each occupy two spots on the extended list. From the Vietnamese capital, Stir rises twenty-four places to No.58, followed by Drinking & Healing at No.99, a new entrant boasting ‘industrial chic’ interiors and cocktails with local ingredients. Nara is represented by Lamp Bar (No.55) and The Sailing Bar (No.85), which has ascended three places. In Shanghai, Epic moves up sixteen places to No.54, followed by Sober Company, re-entering the rankings at No.92. The Han-jia from Tainan is a new entrant at No.79, offering a luxurious space with industrial design elements, a global whisky selection, and inventive cocktails; and Moonrock rounds off the list at No.100.

Several destinations are represented on the extended list with one bar each. From Penang, Backdoor Bodega re-enters the rankings at No.52, while The Bombay Canteen from Mumbai comes in at No.59. Kumamoto’s Yakoboku ascends twenty places to No.64; Kyoto’s Bee’s Knees is at No.75, and The Hudson Rooms – the 1920s-inspired oyster and cocktail den on the rooftop of The Capella in Hanoi – is a new addition at No.81. In Indonesia, a new entrant from Jakarta, The St. Regis Bar (No.88) enters the list for its New York-inspired signature cocktails paired with a live jazz band and ultra-luxe interiors.

Marking its debut on the rankings is Muntinlupa City in the Philippines, with Southbank Cafe + Lounge (No.82) – a self-proclaimed ‘drinking room’ that focuses on technique-heavy cocktails within a Melbourne-inspired space.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says: “We are thrilled to welcome this diverse cohort of bars on the 51-100 list as part of this year’s 50 Best rankings. Since introducing the extended list in 2021, we have been consistently impressed by the innovative drinking experiences Asia has to offer, and it is beyond exciting to see the large number of new entries and new destinations that have made the list this year. With this recognition, we are hopeful that more bar talent will step forward annually, creating fresh and dynamic cocktail experiences for enthusiasts across the region.”

50 Best works with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner to help protect the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. See more details on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars voting process here.

The ninth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, will be announced at a live awards ceremony in Hong Kong on 16 July 2024 and is hosted in collaboration with destination partner Hong Kong Tourism Board. The awards ceremony 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 Hong Kong time/13:25 UK time.

Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024, 51 to 100 chart

About Asia’s 50 Best Bars

Asia’s 50 Best Bars is the first regional event of The World’s 50 Best Bars brand, created in 2016 with the purpose of showcasing the best and most innovative talent in the drinks industry in this region. The annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising the most knowledgeable and well-travelled members of the bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia. The Academy spans dozens of cities across the continent, reflecting the relative development and importance of bar scenes in different locations and the diversity of the drinking scene in Asia. Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The World’s 50 Best Bars and North America’s 50 Best Bars are owned and organised by William Reed, the group behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Hotels.

About the host destination partner: Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a Government-subvented body. Operating 15 offices around the world and representative offices in seven different markets, its primary mission is to maximise the social and economic contribution that tourism makes to the community of Hong Kong, and consolidate the city’s position as a world- class destination. The HKTB works closely with the Government, travel industry and other partners to promote Hong Kong worldwide, widen the range of tourism products and elevate service standards, as well as enhance the experiences of visitors during their stay.

For more details on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and selection process, please visit: https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/asia/

Image: Asia’s 50 Best Bars

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

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.

Kate Boushel, Director of Beverage and Education for the Barroco Group
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Kate Boushel Earns Bartenders’ Bartender

Kate Boushel Earns Bartenders’ Bartender Award

by David Klemt

Kate Boushel, Director of Beverage and Education for the Barroco Group

Cheers to bartender, educator, and mentor Kate Boushel for earning the 2024 Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award, the first Canadian bartender to win the title.

Boushel, the director of beverage and education for Barroco Group, is well deserving of this honor. It’s important to note that this award is voted on by industry peers.

In addition to selflessly educating and mentoring others, Boushel also tends bar at the incredible Atwater Cocktail Club and Milky Way Cocktail Bar, both in Montréal, Québec.

Interior image of bar inside Atwater Cocktail Club in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Atwater Cocktail Club.

She is an advocate, fighting for representation. Further, Boushel is helping to lead the industry toward truly embracing inclusion in myriad ways. Not only does she fight for everyone to be welcome, Boushel fights for workers to seek purpose in the industry, and be recognized for their talents and impact.

Hospitality is, at its core, about service, community, and inclusion. Therefore, there’s zero question Boushel deserves recognition as the Bartenders’ Bartender. I’ve never heard anything but positivity when anyone has spoken of her. One need only review the social media posts announcing Boushel’s award and accompanying comments to see how much her peers revere her.

The announcement of this award is part of the run-up to the 2024 North America’s 50 Best Bars ceremony. In its third edition, the ceremony returns to San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico. Learn more about this year’s event on episode 113 of the Bar Hacks podcast, featuring Emma Sleight. Those not attending in person can watch the April 23 livestream via YouTube and Facebook.

Congratulations to Kate Boushel!

KATE BOUSHEL, DIRECTOR OF BEVERAGE AND EDUCATION, ATWATER COCKTAIL CLUB, WINS THE ALTOS BARTENDERS’ BARTENDER AWARD AS PART OF NORTH AMERICA’S 50 BEST BARS 2024

An inspirational spirits educator and mentor for female leaders in the industry wins the bar world’s leading peer-voted award

April 11, 2024 – Kate Boushel, Director of Beverage and Education for the Barroco Group and bartender at Montreal’s Atwater Cocktail Club and Milky Way Cocktail Bar, has been named the recipient of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2024. Boushel is one of the leading forces behind Barroco Group’s innovative bar concepts and has been recognized for her legendary teamwork behind the bar as well as her impactful mentorship, involvement in community initiatives and career consulting – particularly for other women in the beverage industry. She is the first Canadian recipient of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.

After leaving the restaurant and bar industry for a career in government and public relations for nearly a decade, Boushel’s passion for local flavors, spirits, and cocktails, as well as her natural inclination toward the art of hospitality, brought her back to bartending. Outside of the bars themselves, Boushel has competed on a global and national scale in industry competitions such as the Marie Brizard Masters, Diageo World Class, Bombay’s Most Imaginative Bartender, and Speed Rack.

Boushel represents the Barroco Group in bar events, pop-ups, and panels that discuss shifts in the global bar sector. She continues to bring awareness to the Canadian bartending community as an advocate for diversity, as a resource for bartenders at all levels, and as a support to fellow bartenders through a variety of programs within the industry.

An innovator and true connoisseur of bartending, Boushel is responsible for co-crafting the cocktail menus within Barroco Group, which includes the drinks programs for Atwater Cocktail Club, Barroco, Foiegwa, Milky Way, Fugazzi, and Bon Délire. Under Boushel’s creative and innovative guidance, these bars have continued to play a significant role in providing paces that support a healthier planet while promoting and prioritizing local farmers and producers and developing budding talent within the region. Boushel divides her time between advocacy and working with her teams to incorporate sustainability into everything they do, from the ways they work to the products they use. Her hard work, determination, and commitment to hospitality make her a worthy winner of the industry’s most prestigious peer-voted award.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, said, “Kate is an industry powerhouse who has transformed and pioneered the cocktail scene in Montreal and throughout North America. A supporter of bartenders, whether long-established or new to the trade, and an advocate for sustainability, she is a thoughtful and dedicated promoter of local producers and a mentor to all who have worked with her. In Kate’s time at Atwater Cocktail Club, she has created cocktails that take Canada’s mixology roots and blend them with her own take on classic drinks, keeping quality ingredients at the heart of everything she and her team do. She has also dedicated time outside of Barroco Group to mentor women in the industry and play an active role in a variety of community-focused initiatives. Together, we congratulate Kate on being awarded the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.”

Atwater Cocktail Club was recognized by North America’s 50 Best Bars in 2023 as No.32 on the list. Known as one of the most charismatic cocktail bars in Montreal for its creatively curated selections, the menu features elegant drinks made with high-quality ingredients and incorporating techniques such as fermentations, emulsions and carbonation installations. Cocktails come to life with ingredients such as repurposed egg whites, acid-rectified grape juice, and celery bitters. The full menu aims to keep guests educated about their drink’s ingredients, alcohol percentages, and translations in both English and French. Outside of its cocktails, Atwater Cocktail Club has an extensive selection of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Kate Boushel says: “Receiving the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award is one of the greatest honors of my career. I see it as an emblem of the global hospitality community and our industry’s way of recognizing fellow professionals who go above and beyond to embody this spirit that unites bartenders across the world. It goes without saying that this milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our partners at the Barroco Group, my network and the friendships I’ve fostered throughout my career. As I reflect on this moment I feel seen, filled with gratitude and proud for what this represents to our Montreal and Canadian bar community.”

Carlos Andrés Ramírez, Global Advocacy & PR Manager of Altos Tequila, says: “We love that this year’s North America’s 50 Best Bars Altos Bartenders’ Bartender is Kate Boushel from Atwater Cocktail Club in Canada. This is a very well-deserved award to someone from a country that every year demonstrates its relevance in the industry and has more and more bars scaling up. From Altos Tequila and Altos Tahona Society, huge applause to Kate and all the staff around her. Salud!”

The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award is second in a series of special pre-announced awards for North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024, which will take place in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. For the second year in a row, San Miguel de Allende will host the live awards representing North America’s drinks and bar industry coming together to announce the most prestigious list of expert-voted drinking destinations across all of North America.

The countdown of the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars and the awards ceremony will also be broadcast to a global audience who are not able to attend in person, and bar and cocktail lovers will be invited to join through The World’s 50 Best Bars Facebook page and 50 Best Bars TV YouTube channel.

About North America’s 50 Best Bars

Following the success of The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, and the establishment of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2016, 50 Best launched North America’s 50 Best Bars, with the first edition of the awards held in New York, N.Y. on June 7, 2022. It shines a much-deserved spotlight on the region as a world-class drinks’ destination and acts as a mouthpiece for the outstanding talent coming through. The inaugural North America’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony and unveiling of the list provided a unique opportunity to unite bartenders, bar owners, cocktail aficionados and drinks media from all over the region at a captivating celebration of drinks, hospitality, passion and talent. North America’s 50 Best Bars includes voting for bars from Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. William Reed, which owns the 50 Best brand, is entirely responsible for the organization of the awards, the voting system and the respective lists.

How the Voting Works

The ranking for North America’s 50 Best Bars will reflect the best bar experiences based on the votes of the Academy members, who comprise anonymous North American bar industry experts (including bartenders, bar owners, drinks media and well-traveled cocktail connoisseurs) from the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. In 2023, the Academy expanded to 270 members. This change was implemented to obtain a wider snapshot and ensure a greater number of diverse voices voting for the awards. Moreover, as per all 50 Best lists for restaurants, bars and hotels, 25 per cent of Academy members are refreshed annually to keep the perspectives dynamic and relevant. Members of the 50 Best organization do not vote and do not control the composition of the list; that is the collective role of the voting Academy. This means that bars cannot apply to be on the list and no sponsors have any influence on the list.

The Academy is divided into 7 regions: USA Northeast; USA Midwest; USA West; USA South; Canada East; Canada West; Mexico and the Caribbean. Each region has its own panel of members including a chairperson, called the Academy Chair. The Chairs each then select a voting panel, ensuring a balanced selection. Each North America Academy member will vote for 7 bars, with a maximum of 5 in the home country (or state in the U.S.) where they are based. Voters also have the option to vote for a further 2 (or more) bars located outside of their home country (or U.S. state) up to a maximum of 7.

Voting is carried out individually and strictly confidentially on a secure site and remains confidential before the list announcement. Academy Chairs are not privy to, and have no knowledge of, the votes cast by the voters in their respective regions. They are neither spokespeople for the 50 Best brand.

The list will be the result of a poll of 270 experts (all within the North American continent), who each cast votes for the bars where they have had their ‘best experience’ during the last 18 months before the voting deadline. The list is a simple computation of votes by North American voters for bars in North America. Further information on the Academy Chairs and how the voting works is available on the FAQs page here.

About the Award Sponsor: Altos

Altos is a super-premium Tequila, crafted from 100% blue agave in the heart of Los Altos, more than 2,000 meters above sea level, in the western state of Jalisco, in Mexico. Born from a collaboration between Altos Tequila’s Master Distiller, Jesús Hernández, and the internationally renowned UK mixologists, Dré Masso and the late Henry Besant, Altos was made by bartenders for bartenders in 2009. The Altos range celebrates the authenticity of Mexico in a modern way, as such each Tequila is crafted in part using the 500-year-old traditional Tahona method, before being distilled in small copper pot stills.

About the Host Destination Partner: San Miguel de Allende

Located just 170 miles northwest of Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2008. With more than 175,000 residents, the town shares this distinction with the most historically and culturally significant destinations in the world and is Mexico’s unofficial wedding capital. Thanks to its advanced culinary and cocktail scenes, San Miguel de Allende is already beloved by in-the-know travelers. The town is also famous for its exquisitely preserved examples of 16th-century Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, as well as iconic structures like La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a stunning neo-Gothic cathedral. In the mid 20th-century, San Miguel de Allende became a haven for Mexican painters, which, in turn, attracted foreign artists and writers. They fell in love with its picturesque cobblestone streets, stately mansions, colorful artisanal crafts markets and cosmopolitan, bohemian lifestyle that continue to enchant travelers today.

About the Main Sponsor: Perrier

For more than a century, Perrier® has collaborated with some of the world’s most influential major artists, including Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Bernard Villemot, and Jean-Gabriel Domergue, each of whom in their own way have demonstrated a certain artistic irreverence. With a history that began in 1863 in Vergèze, in the Gard region of France, the Perrier® brand is now recognized worldwide thanks to its iconic green bottle. Appreciated in more than 140 countries, the brand is acclaimed for its natural mineral water combined with the power of its bubbles.

Images provided by CURICH|WEISS

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

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.

Bartender presenting cocktail in upscale setting
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The 50 Best Bars in Asia in 2023

The 50 Best Bars in Asia in 2023

by David Klemt

Bartender presenting cocktail in upscale setting

2023 Asia’s 50 Best Bars Bartenders’ Feast.

Join us in congratulating each of the bars and their teams earning placements on the 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list by the World’s 50 Best Bars.

As is often the case, Hong Kong and Singapore claim an exceptional number of bars. I fully expect to see a handful of the bars on the list below on the World’s 50 Best Bars list this year.

Speaking of which, that ceremony, the 15th edition of the list, will take place on October 17 in Singapore. Again, I expect the host city to claim multiple spots.

Cheers to Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2023!

To review the 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Bars, 51 to 100 list, please click here.

By the Numbers

While Singapore doesn’t claim the number one spot this year, the island country does boast 11 entrants. Further, three of Singapore’s bars hold spots in the top ten.

Hong Kong is home to eight bars on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. Like Singapore, three bars in Hong Kong are among the top ten.

There are seven bars in Japan (five in Tokyo), one earning a top-ten slot. Six of the bars on the 2023 list are in Seoul, South Korea.

Thailand and India both have four bars on the list. The former boasts two bars in the top ten.

There are three bars in Taiwan among the fifty.

Malaysia and Indonesia each have two bars among Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2023. Both of Malaysia’s bars in Kuala Lumpur, and both of Indonesia’s are in Jakarta.

Mainland China, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka each have a bar on this year’s list.

100 Incredible Bars

When we take the back half of this list into account, Singapore continues its domination, with 19 bars earning placement.

Hong Kong boosts its number of bars to 13, and Japan adds seven bars to bump its total to an even dozen. Seoul, South Korea, claims eight bars total.

Thailand, counting both lists, has eight amazing bars, as does Taiwan. In total, there are nine bars in India. Six bars in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and there are a total of four bars in China.

The Philippines have one bar on the one to 50 list, and one on the 51 to 100 list, for a total of two bars among Asia’s 100 best.

The Best Bar In:

Hong Kong: Coa

India: Sidecar

Japan: Bar Benfiddich

Korea: Zest

Mainland China: Hope & Sesame

Malaysia: Bar Trigona

Philippines: The Curator

Singapore: Jigger & Pony

Sri Lanka: Smoke & Bitters

Taiwan: Indulge Experimental Bistro

Thailand: BKK Social Club

See the list below for the Best Bar in Asia.

Asia’s 50 Best Bars: 50 to 1

  1. Penrose (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)*
  2. The Bellwood (Tokyo, Japan)*
  3. The Living Room (Mumbai, India)*
  4. The Old Man (Hong Kong)**
  5. Soko (Seoul, South Korea)*
  6. High Five (Tokyo, Japan)**
  7. Bee’s Knees (Kyoto, Japan)
  8. The Public House (Taipei, Taiwan)*
  9. Native (Singapore)**
  10. Vender (Taichung, Taiwan)*
  11. Smoke & Bitters (Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka)(The Best Bar in Sri Lanka)
  12. Hope & Sesame (Guangzhou, China)(The Best Bar in Mainland China)
  13. Copitas (Bengaluru, India)
  14. Southside Parlor (Seoul, South Korea)*
  15. Bar Trigona (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)(The Best Bar in Malaysia)
  16. The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai, India)*
  17. The Curator (Manila, Philippines)(The Best Bar in the Philippines)**
  18. Mostly Harmless (Hong Kong)*
  19. Stay Gold Flamingo (Singapore)*
  20. Quinary (Hong Kong)
  21. Employees Only (Singapore)**
  22. Pantja (Jakarta, Indonesia)*
  23. Alice (Seoul, South Korea)
  24. Atlas (Singapore)
  25. Penicillin (Hong Kong)
  26. Le Chamber (Seoul, South Korea)
  27. 28 HongKong Street (Singapore)
  28. Lamp Bar (Nara, Japan)
  29. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar (Bangkok, Thailand)(London Essence Best New Opening)*
  30. Manhattan (Singapore)
  31. Virtù (Tokyo, Japan)(Disaronno Highest New Entry)
  32. The Cocktail Club (Jakarta, Indonesia)(Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu, the Best Bar in Indonesia)
  33. Sidecar (New Delhi, India)(The Best Bar in India)
  34. The Aubrey (Hong Kong)
  35. Republic (Singapore)
  36. Analogue Initiative (Singapore)(Ketel One Sustainable Bar)
  37. The SG Club (Tokyo, Japan)
  38. Cham Bar (Seoul, South Korea)
  39. Vesper (Bangkok, Thailand)
  40. Indulge Experimental Bistro (Taipei, Taiwan)(The Best Bar in Taiwan)
  41. Sago House (Singapore)(Michter’s Art of Hospitality)
  42. Darkside (Hong Kong)
  43. Argo (Hong Kong)
  44. Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore)
  45. Tropic City (Bangkok, Thailand)
  46. Zest (Seoul, South Korea)(Nikka Highest Climber, the Best Bar in Korea)
  47. Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo, Japan)(The Best Bar in Japan)
  48. BKK Social Club (Bangkok, Thailand)(The Best Bar in Thailand)
  49. Jigger & Pony (Singapore)(Rémy Martin Legend of the List, the Best Bar in Singapore)
  50. Coa (Hong Kong)(The Best Bar in Asia, the Best Bar in Hong Kong)

Congratulations to each of the operators and bar teams above! Cheers!

* Denotes new entry, ** denotes re-entry.

Image: The World’s 50 Best Bars

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

The Pontiac bar in Hong Kong
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 Revealed: 51-100

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 Revealed: 51 to 100

by David Klemt

The Pontiac bar in Hong Kong

The Pontiac bar in Hong Kong, an inclusive, welcoming venue with an all-woman team.

One week from the ceremony revealing bars one through 50 of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, the World’s 50 Best Bars announces venues 51 to 100.

Sponsored by Perrier, the World’s 50 Best Bars will announce the top 50 bars in Asia on Tuesday, July 18. This year’s ceremony will take place in Hong Kong at 20:25 local time.

However, we now know which bars have earned placement on the back half of this year’s list. As Mark Sansom, director of content for the World’s 50 Best points out on episode 82 of Bar Hacks, an expansion for their lists is necessary. There are simply too many outstanding operators and teams to not honor an additional 50 venues.

To that end, the list below represents the third edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, 51 to 100. In my opinion, and I think the World’s 50 Best and bar professionals across the world agree, this list is every bit as prestigious as one through 50. Let’s not downplay the fact that these are 50 of the best bars in all of Asia. It’s no small feat to earn a spot on this list.

If you’re interested in finding more amazing venues throughout Asia (and around the world), click here to learn about the World’s 50 Best Discovery tool.

By the Numbers

As you’ll see below, Singapore dominates this year’s 51 to 100 list with eight bars. I expect Singapore pick up even more spots next week.

Japan boasts seven bars on the list, with Osaka, Okinawa, and Kumamoto making debuts. Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India each have claim five slots. Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are also well represented with four bars each.

Vietnam and China each have three bars among this year’s 51 to 100. Two bars in Seoul, South Korea, earned placement as well.

However, it’s Kathmandu, Nepal, with two bars that stands out the most to me. Numbers 100 and 70 belong to Kathmandu, and are both new to the list.

To review the list on the World’s 50 Best website, please click here.

Asia’s 50 Best Bars: 100 to 51

  1. Barc (Kathmandu, Nepal)
  2. Loft (Bangkok, Thailand)
  3. Honky Tonks Tavern (Hong Kong)
  4. Tell Camellia (Hong Kong)
  5. Enigma (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
  6. Origin Grill & Bar (Singapore)
  7. PCO (New Delhi, India)
  8. Bar Mood (Taipei, Taiwan)
  9. Bar Trench (Tokyo, Japan)
  10. Aha Saloon (Taipei, Taiwan)
  11. Union Trading Company (Shanghai, China)
  12. The Wise King (Hong Kong)
  13. The Sailing Bar (Nara, Japan)
  14. The Odd Couple (Shanghai, China)
  15. Mizunara: The Library (Hong Kong)
  16. The Haflington (Hanoi, Vietnam)
  17. Yakoboku (Kumamoto, Japan)
  18. D.Bespoke (Singapore)
  19. Bar Rocking Chair (Kyoto, Japan)
  20. El Lequio (Okinawa, Japan)
  21. Offtrack (Singapore)
  22. #FindTheLockerRoom (Bangkok, Thailand)
  23. Three X Co (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  24. Wishbone Bar (Semarang, Indonesia)
  25. The Back Room (Manila, Philippines)
  26. No Sleep Club (Singapore)
  27. Nighthawk (Singapore)
  28. Pine & Co (Seoul, South Korea)
  29. Moonrock (Tainan, Taiwan)
  30. Epic (Shanghai, China)
  31. Bitters & Co. (Kathmandu, Nepal)
  32. Asia Today (Bangkok, Thailand)
  33. Coley (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  34. Hideaway (Goa, India)
  35. Reka (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  36. The Elephant Room (Singapore)
  37. Tippling Club (Singapore)
  38. Craftroom (Osaka, Japan)
  39. Last Word (Singapore)
  40. Hoots’ (New Delhi, India)
  41. Opium (Bangkok, Thailand)
  42. Home (New Delhi, India)
  43. Americano (Mumbai, India)
  44. Gold Bar (Tokyo, Japan)
  45. Junglebird (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  46. Room by Le Kief (Taipei, Taiwan)
  47. The Pontiac (Hong Kong)
  48. To Infinity and Beyond (Taipei, Taiwan)
  49. Charles H (Seoul, South Korea)

Be sure to log into the live stream to watch the one through 50 announcement live.

Congratulations to each of the operators and bar teams above! Cheers!

Image courtesy of the World’s 50 Best Bars

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

Double Chicken Please cocktail bar interior
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The 50 Best Bars in North America

The 50 Best Bars in North America in 2023

by David Klemt

Double Chicken Please cocktail bar interior

Double Chicken Please in New York City is number one on this year’s list.

The buildup toward this year’s World’s 50 Best Bars is growing with the recent announcement of North America’s 50 Best Bars.

Mexico City, the 2023 North America’s 50 Best Bars host city, is home to several of this year’s rankings. A true cocktail destination loaded with extraordinary bars, Mexico City boasts eight entries. Overall, 14 of the 50 bars on the 2023 list are in Mexico.

Of course, New York City also claims an impressive number of bars earning spots on the list. In fact, NYC boasts 12 of the 50 best bars in North America. More than half of the bars—28—are in the US.

Not that anyone asked, two of the bars on the 2023 list are in the city where I was born, Chicago: Kumiko and Milk Room. And I’m going to give a special nod to Herbs & Rye, number 27 and located in my hometown of Las Vegas (and the US headquarters of KRG Hospitality).

Herbs & Rye cocktail bar and restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada

Of the 50 best bars in North America, Canada is home to seven. Four of these are in Toronto (where KRG Hospitality’s global headquarters are located), two are in Montreal, and one is in Vancouver.

Just one bar in the Caribbean makes the 2023 North America’s 50 Best Bars list. But what a bar: La Factoría is number 24.

Below you’ll find this year’s rankings; destination awards; and individual awards. Speaking of, congratulations to Julio Cabrera and Christine Wiseman! You’ll see why as you scroll. To review last year’s list, please click here.

Congratulations to all the bars and their bar teams representing the best of North America in 2023!

2023 North America’s 50 Best Bars Destination Award Winners

The Best Bar in Northeast USA, sponsored by Perrier

Double Chicken Please (No. 1; New York City, New York)

The Best Bar in South USA, sponsored by Torres Brandy

Jewel of the South (No. 5; New Orleans, Louisiana)

The Best Bar in the Midwest USA, sponsored by Rémy Martin

Kumiko (No. 8; Chicago, Illinois)

The Best Bar in the West USA, sponsored by Naked Malt

Thunderbolt (No. 10; Los Angeles, California)

The Best Bar in the Caribbean, sponsored by Scrappy’s Bitters

La Factoría (No. 24; San Juan, Puerto Rico)

The Best Bar in Canada, sponsored by Tia Maria

Civil Liberties (No. 12; Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

The Best Bar in Mexico, sponsored by Bareksten

Handshake Speakeasy (No. 2; Mexico City, Mexico)

2023 North America’s 50 Best Bars

  1. Milady’s (New York City, New York)
  2. Youngblood (San Diego, California)
  3. Platform 18 (Phoenix, Arizona)
  4. Brujas (Mexico City, Mexico)
  5. Clover Club (New York City, New York)
  6. Allegory (Washington, DC)
  7. The Dead Rabbit (New York City, New York)
  8. Bar Mordecai (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  9. Yacht Club (Denver, Colorado)
  10. Bar Leather Apron (Honolulu, Hawaii)
  11. Aruba Day Drink (Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico)
  12. Maison Premiere (New York City, New York)
  13. Milk Room (Chicago, Illinois)
  14. Mother (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  15. Cure (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  16. Cloakroom (Montreal, Québec, Canada)
  17. Sweet Liberty (Miami, Florida)
  18. Service Bar (Washington, DC)
  19. Atwater Cocktail Club (Montreal, Québec, Canada)
  20. Selva (Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico)
  21. Death & Co. (Los Angeles, California)
  22. Martiny’s (New York City, New York)
  23. Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco, California)
  24. Herbs & Rye (Las Vegas, Nevada)
  25. Kaito del Valle (Mexico City, Mexico)
  26. Café de Nadie (Mexico City, Mexico)
  27. La Factoría (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
  28. Arca (Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico)
  29. Sabina Sabe (Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico)
  30. El Gallo Altanero (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
  31. Hanky Panky (Mexico City, Mexico)
  32. Botanist Bar (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  33. Mace (New York City, New York)
  34. Rayo (Mexico City, Mexico)
  35. Baltra Bar (Mexico City, Mexico)
  36. Bar Pompette (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  37. Employees Only (New York City, New York)
  38. Attaboy (New York City, New York)
  39. Civil Liberties (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
  40. Zapote Bar (Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico)
  41. Thunderbolt (Los Angeles, California)
  42. Café La Trova (Miami, Florida)
  43. Kumiko (Chicago, Illinois)
  44. Overstory (New York City, New York)
  45. Dante (New York City, New York)
  46. Jewel of the South (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  47. Licorería Limantour (Mexico City, Mexico)
  48. Katana Kitten (New York City, New York)
  49. Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City, Mexico)
  50. Double Chicken Please (New York City, New York)

2023 North America’s 50 Best Bars Individual Awards

Roku Industry Icon Award 2023

Julio Cabrera (No. 9; Café La Trova; Miami, Florida)

Altos Bartender’s Bartender Award 2023

Christine Wiseman (Bar Lab Hospitality)

Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2023

Botanist Bar (No. 19; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award 2023

Allegory (No. 45; Washington, DC)

Disarronno Highest New Entry Award 2023

Bar Pompette (No. 15; Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Nikka Highest Climber Award 2023

Overstory (No. 7; New York City, New York)

Campari One to Watch Award 2023

Manhatta (New York City, New York)

London Essence Best New Opening Award 2023

Rayo (No. 17; Mexico City, Mexico)

Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2023

Yacht Club (No. 42; Denver, Colorado)

Double Chicken Please image: Emmanuel Rosario / Hanna Lee Communications. Herbs & Rye image courtesy of Hanna Lee Communications.

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

Waves crashing on beach
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

2023 Reveal: The World’s 50 Best Hotels

2023 Reveal: The World’s 50 Best Hotels

by David Klemt

Waves crashing on beach

The World’s 50 Best Hotels launches this year, completing the hospitality puzzle as it joins the World’s 50 Best Bars and the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Mark Sansom, content director for the World’s 50 Best Bars, shares details of the new list on episode 90 of the Bar Hacks podcast. To learn more about Mark and the World’s 50 Best Bars, you can also listen to episode 82 of Bar Hacks.

This is huge news for the hospitality, travel, and accommodation sectors. Sansom and the team go to great lengths when it comes to every detail of the World’s 50 Best Bars. Indeed, the awards ceremony is truly the Oscars of the bar world. Just take a look at the video below:

In fact, it’s likely a bit more fun than the Oscars. A room full of the best bar teams and industry professionals? You know it’s a nonstop party.

I say to say this: I expect the Oscars of the hotel world for the inaugural 50 Best Hotels ceremony. And I’m confident the team will deliver on that expectation.

To see the World’s 50 Best Bars for 2022, click here. For the World’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2022, follow this link.

Who Decides?

You’re probably wondering how all of this “works.” Just who decides, among all the hotels throughout the world, which are the 50 best?

As Sansom explains on the Bar Hacks podcast, hundreds of people decide.

For 2023, the World’s 50 Best Hotels is split into nine regions. That’s likely to grow (50 Best Bars and Restaurants each have 28 regions) but for now, that’s the breakdown.

Each of those regions is headed by an Academy Chair. The global Academy Chairs hand select voters. In this case, a mix of 580 travel journalists, educators, hospitality professionals, hoteliers, and luxury travelers. The voters are tasked with highlighting their top seven hotel experiences from the past two years.

A small board of directors isn’t deciding which hotels will make the list. There’s no small group choosing the ranking. Instead, hundreds of industry pros and hotel guests will determine the best of the best.

How do They Decide?

This is one of my favorite details. When it comes to criteria…there isn’t any.

I like this for several reasons, one of which is that nothing arbitrary is limiting these awards. Don’t have a pool? That’s fine. No steam shower in the en suite? Okay.

By eschewing criteria, no concept is left out—no property is excluded. As Sansom says on episode 90 of Bar Hacks, imposing criteria means people could miss out on experiencing stunning twelve-room boutique hotel.

Therefore, this list isn’t the exclusive domain of multi-unit, multi-concept hotel groups. Certainly there will be chain properties up for consideration. However, they’ll be mixing it up with boutique and solo, independent hotels.

Sansom also reveals what’s driving them to launch the World’s 50 Best Hotels. Far from a vanity project, this list is about helping the industry.

Like hospitality, travel and accommodation are recovering from a global pandemic. Highlighting the best hotels in the world should inspire people to get back to leisure travel.

The list will be revealed in September of this year. Make sure to watch this space and connect with the World’s 50 Best Hotels for more details, including the awards ceremony host city.

Follow the 50 Best Hotels on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. To learn more, visit their website.

Image: Shifaaz shamoon on Unsplash

KRG Hospitality Boutique Hotels, 2023 icon

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