North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 Unveiled: Unpacking the 5 Key Industry Trends Behind the Rankings
In today’s rapidly evolving bar scene, the North America’s 50 Best Bars list has become one of the most influential industry indicators. The 2025 edition was announced on April 29 at a live ceremony in Vancouver, marking the first time the event was hosted in Canada. This shift highlights how the center of gravity in the North American bar industry continues to diversify and expand.
Overview: A Regional Map of Bar Powerhouses
According to the official press release, the 2025 list features bars from four major regions:
- United States: 26 bars
- Mexico: 14 bars
- Canada: 8 bars
- Caribbean: 2 bars
At the top of the list is Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City, which claims the No.1 spot for the second consecutive year, earning the titles of Best Bar in North America and Best Bar in Mexico. Tucked inside the NH Hotel in the Colonia Juárez district, this minimalist yet luxurious speakeasy is led by head bartender Eric Van Beek, who continuously pushes boundaries with complex draft cocktails and highly refined techniques that can take two days to prepare.
In second place is Superbueno from New York, once again awarded Best Bar in Northeast USA. At No.3 is another Mexico City standout, Tlecān, showcasing the city’s rich diversity in cocktail styles and innovation.
(source: theworlds50best)
5 Major Industry Trends from the 2025 List
1. Mexico’s Cocktail Culture Dominates
With 14 bars on the list—7 from Mexico City—Mexico's presence is stronger than ever. Beyond the reigning champion Handshake Speakeasy, we see powerful entries like Tlecān (No.3), Licorería Limantour (No.9), and Baltra Bar (No.20). The spread includes not just the capital but also regional cities like Guadalajara (El Gallo Altanero, No.8), Tulum, Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende, all reflecting the rise of Mexican cocktail craftsmanship across the country.
2. New York Remains the Innovation Capital
With 11 bars from New York City making the cut—including Superbueno (No.2), Sip & Guzzle (No.5), Overstory (No.6), and the award-winning newcomer Clemente Bar (No.11)—the Big Apple continues to be a hub for both classic and avant-garde cocktail programs. NYC's ecosystem supports legacy bars and breakout concepts alike, sustaining its position as a world cocktail capital.
3. Canada’s Focus on Storytelling Menus and Design Excellence
Though smaller in number, Canadian bars stood out for their narrative-driven menus and aesthetic sophistication. Bar Pompette (No.7) from Toronto was named Best Bar in Canada and recognized for its hospitality. Another Toronto-based bar, Civil Works, received the Best Cocktail Menu Award for its innovative use of water as a creative medium in drinks. Design-forward bars in Vancouver and Montreal further showcased Canada’s growing design identity.
4. Sustainability and Spatial Aesthetics as Competitive Pillars
Los Angeles’ Thunderbolt (No.24) won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, underscoring the rising importance of eco-conscious operations. Carry On from Phoenix claimed the Best Bar Design Award for its immersive airplane-themed concept. These achievements reflect how sustainability and storytelling through physical space have become baseline expectations for world-class bars.
5. Rising Creative Power in Secondary and Small Markets
This year’s list includes notable entries from less traditional cities such as Tulum (Arca, No.27), Oaxaca (Selva, No.29), and San Miguel de Allende (Bekeb, No.49). This shift reveals that top-tier cocktail experiences are no longer exclusive to urban giants like NYC or Mexico City. Instead, small-market innovation is gaining international attention, driven by local culture, creative freedom, and community storytelling.
Special Awards That Highlight Modern Bar Priorities
The special awards offer additional insights into the key areas of excellence expected from today's top bars:
- Best New Opening: Clemente Bar (New York, No.11) – known for plant-based pairings and a negroni piña colada twist.
- Sustainability Award: Thunderbolt (Los Angeles, No.24) – recognized by the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
- Best Cocktail Menu: Civil Works (Toronto) – awarded for its creativity and thematic use of water.
- Best Bar Design: Carry On (Phoenix) – lauded for storytelling and ergonomic beauty in a travel-themed space.
These categories reflect the evolving values of the bar industry—innovation, sustainability, aesthetics, and immersive experience.
Conclusion: What Comes Next for the North American Bar Scene?
The 2025 list does more than rank—it offers a snapshot of where the industry is headed. From regional talent in smaller cities to global-level creativity and operational sustainability, bars are now evaluated not just by their drinks but by their narrative, identity, and guest experience.
As the definition of a world-class bar continues to evolve, it’s clear that the future belongs to venues that combine flavor, story, design, and responsibility. Whether you’re a bartender, bar owner, or cocktail enthusiast, this year’s list serves as both inspiration and roadmap for what’s next.
photo source: theworlds50best
