Looking for sophisticated sips with a pedigree in Vancouver? Two well-known cocktail spots in the city have landed on the 2024 list of North America's 50 Best Bars, joining the ranks of some fine company from around the continent.
Now in its third year, North America’s 50 Best Bars includes voting for bars from Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. The ranking reflects the best bar experiences based on the votes of the 270 Academy members - these are "anonymous North American bar industry experts (including bartenders, bar owners, drinks media and well-travelled cocktail connoisseurs) from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean."
Breaking down the rankings by country
This year, Mexico City's Handshake Speakeasy takes the number one spot. Mexico City has a whopping nine bars on this year's list of 50, with Mexico overall taking 16 slots. However, New York City has 12 bars, and the U.S. overall just over half the entire list, with 26 places ranked in 2024, from Phoenix to Miami (and Chicago, New Orleans, L.A., San Francisco, and Washington D.C.)
The top-ranked Canadian bar is Toronto's Civil Liberties (21), with Vancouver's own Botanist Bar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim at number 24. Joining Botanist from Vancouver is The Keefer Bar t number 49. Both bars have been ranked on the list before, but never together. The Keefer Bar appeared on the 2022 North America's 50 Best Bars rankings but did not return in 2023, while Botanist made its debut on the list last year. Only seven Canadian bars made the list for 2024.
Of Botanist Bar, the voting academy summarizes: "In a sophisticated space that feels as bright and airy as the surrounding restaurant, the tight-knit bar team led by beverage director Grant Sceney, draws inspiration from the natural bounty of the Pacific Northwest, sourcing and foraging local ingredients to mix into drinks that are equal parts showpiece and storytelling."
"Where expansion and modernization [have] eroded away at some of Chinatown’s history, the bar uses its place to spotlight its history through a unique drinks program that is inspired by old apothecaries," describes North America's 50 Best Bars of The Keefer Bar for its re-entry ranking.
Whether you are raising a glass locally or building your where-to-sip wishlist for future travels, the rankings can certainly guide you to your next great cocktail (or mocktail).
North America's 50 Best Bars of 2024
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
- Superbueno, New York
- Overstory, New York
- Martiny's, New York,
- Rayo, Mexico City
- Jewel of the South, New Orleans
- Double Chicken Please, New York
- Thunderbolt, Los Angeles
- Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
- Tlecān, Mexico City
- Zapote Bar, Playa del Carmen
- Katana Kitten, New York
- Café La Trova, Miami
- El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
- Employees Only, New York
- Aruba Day Drink, Tijuana
- Café de Nadie, Mexico City
- La Factoría, San Juan
- Kumiko, Chicago
- Dante, New York
- Civil Liberties, Toronto
- Service Bar, Washington DC
- Allegory, Washington DC
- Botanist Bar, Vancouver
- Herbs & Rye, Las Vegas
- Baltra Bar, Mexico City
- Bekeb, San Miguel de Allende
- Kaito del Valle, Mexico City
- Bar Pompette, Toronto
- True Laurel, San Francisco
- Attaboy, New York
- Meadowlark, Chicago
- The Dead Rabbit, New York
- Selva, Oaxaca
- Library by the Sea, Grand Cayman
- Century Grand, Phoenix
- Arca, Tulum
- Pacific Cocktail Heaven, San Francisco
- Cloakroom, Montreal
- Bar Mordecai, Toronto
- Maison Premiere, New York
- Hanky Panky, Mexico City
- Angel's Share, New York
- Milady's, New York
- Brujas, Mexico City
- Mírate, Los Angeles
- Cure, New Orleans
- Best Intentions, Chicago
- The Keefer Bar, Vancouver
- Atwater Cocktail Club, Montreal
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