Two Canadian bars have cracked the top 10 on the prestigious North America's 50 Best Bars list for 2026, with eight homegrown establishments making the annual ranking. Vancouver's The Keefer Bar secured the No. 7 spot, described as a "lounge-slash-diner-slash-cocktail den," while Toronto's Bar Pompette took No. 8, praised for its "enthusiastic and exhaustive commitment to locavorism." For the second consecutive year, the awards ceremony was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Top Canadian Bars
The Keefer Bar was also named the Best Bar in Canada. According to 50 Best Bars, "Soft pink velvet seats, sunset lighting and a food-forward beverage list await at this chic little newcomer from Amber Bruce, the driving force behind The Keefer Bar." Founded in 2025, it became an instant hit with two viral classics: an umami-rich Gibson variation called The Burnt Gibson and a Comté-stuffed raviolo dish named Pasta for Rachel.
Its sister bar, June on Cambie (No. 17), also made the list. Other Canadian entries include Prophecy (No. 32) and Botanist Bar (No. 38) in Vancouver, as well as Library Bar (No. 19), Mother (No. 22), and Civil Works (No. 29) in Toronto.
Sustainable Bar Award
Library Bar, one of the new entries this year, received the Sustainable Bar Award for its "refined yet responsible approach to modern hospitality." The bar integrates seasonal ingredients, thoughtful sourcing, and low-waste practices into its cocktail program, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability without compromising the elevated guest experience.
Global Representation
This year's ranking features 28 bars from the United States, 11 from Mexico, and three from the Caribbean, with 15 new entries making their debut. New York led with 13 bars, followed by Mexico City with seven. Vancouver and Toronto tied with four spots each, "reinforcing Canada's growing influence on the global cocktail stage," according to 50 Best Bars.
Sip & Guzzle in New York was named the continent's top bar, with Mexico City's Bar Mauro and New York's Bar Snack rounding out the top three.
Selection Process
The 2026 ranking was determined by votes from over 300 anonymous North American bar industry experts, bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, educators, and well-travelled cocktail experts.
Emma Sleight, head of content for North America's 50 Best Bars, said in a statement: "The bars on this year's list are exemplary in their ability to push boundaries and influence hospitality not only in North America, but across the globe. From established leaders to exciting new entries, the bars featured continue to push the standard of what a world-class drinks experience can be with their talent, creativity and resilience."
Full List of North America's 50 Best Bars 2026
The complete ranking includes: Sip & Guzzle (New York), Bar Mauro (Mexico City), Bar Snack (New York), Schmuck (New York), Tlecān (Mexico City), Jewel of the South (New Orleans), The Keefer Bar (Vancouver), Bar Pompette (Toronto), Superbueno (New York), El Gallo Altanero (Guadalajara), Kumiko (Chicago), Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City), Form + Matter (Mexico City), True Laurel (San Francisco), Clemente Bar (New York), Best Intentions (Chicago), June on Cambie (Vancouver), Mecenas (Guadalajara), Library Bar (Toronto), Licorería Limantour (Mexico City), Cure (New Orleans), Mother (Toronto), Martiny's (New York), Bekeb (San Miguel de Allende), Kaito del Valle (Mexico City), La Factoría (San Juan), Gus' Sip & Dip (Chicago), Mírate (Los Angeles), Civil Works (Toronto), Bisous (Chicago), Angel's Share (New York), Prophecy (Vancouver), Overstory (New York), Press Club (Washington DC), Double Chicken Please (New York), Bar Madonna (New York), Attaboy (New York), Botanist Bar (Vancouver), Service Bar (Washington DC), Maison Premiere (New York), Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco), Café La Trova (Miami), Selva (Oaxaca), Daisy Margarita Bar (Los Angeles), Employees Only (New York), Viceversa (Miami), Bandista (Houston), Baltra Bar (Mexico City), Library by the Sea (Grand Cayman), and Bon Vivants (Nassau).
