The spirits were high and the history was being made as the most influential bartenders and industry tastemakers gathered in Vancouver for the unveiling the 2025 edition. North America’s 50 Best Bars. Set against the sophisticated backdrop JW Marriott ParqThe ceremony was a grand celebration of mixology and hospitality.
What is 50 Best Bars?
In its fourth year, this prestigious ranking showcases the best bars in the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and other countries. A respected Academy of over 300 anonymous experts—from bartenders to beverage writers—cast votes based on consistency, creativity, and overall guest experience over the past 18 months.
What is the best watering hole in America this year? Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City clinched the coveted title of North America’s Best Bar—for the second year in a row. They won the World’s Best bar just a few short months ago.
“Winning the award was a great dream. We never expected to be number one once again,” Rodrigo Urraca, co-founder of the company, said. Travel + Leisure. “We are all very happy. Thank you to the people who believe in us, who vote for us, all the clients, and the team, especially—our team is the heart and soul of Handshake.”
“Right now, we have a big responsibility—towards the team, to work, and as an example to set for all,” added bar director Eric van Beek about the commitment that comes with winning. “I don’t think the team expected this either, and I think it’s a good thing — it’s very humbling because people believe in you. It’s important to keep your feet firmly on the ground and continue doing what you do.
Horacio Rodriguez Valdes/Handshake Speakeasy
Though the dimly lit, bi-level space in Colonia Juárez may channel the Prohibition era in its aesthetic, the cocktails are anything but old fashioned. Van Beek’s team uses molecular mixing to create technically precise drinks that highlight regional ingredients in an innovative way.
For first-time guests, van Beek and Urraca enthusiastically suggest ordering the fig martini—the cocktail that “started it all” for them—or the piña colada. Both of these crushable drinks offer unexpected flavors and aromas, putting a unique spin on the classics.
What is next for the Handshake team? The team shows no signs of slowing down—they recently expanded their current space, and have plans to open another bar in Mexico City and debut their first international outpost in Amsterdam later this year.
Mexico City also boasted seven other bars that were impressive. Tlecān (No. 3), Licorería Limantour (No. 9), Bar Mauro (No. 14), Baltra Bar (No. 20), Bijou Drinkery Room (No. 34), Hanky Panky (No. 35), Kaito del Valle (No. No. 40) Café de Nadie (No. 47).
Horacio Rodriguez Valdes/Handshake Speakeasy
The celebrations of last year are still being celebrated in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the awards made their Canadian debut in Vancouver—a rising star on the global bar scene—further solidifying the city’s status as a hotspot for world-class cocktails and forward-thinking hospitality.
The host city is the place where you will be staying. Botanist The 26th place was scored by the team. The Keefer Bar Toronto’s Toronto finished 28th. Bar Pompette (No. No. Bar Mordecai (No. Montreal’s Cloakroom Bar (No. No. 31) Atwater Cocktail Club (No. 36).
Emma Sleight said that she was “thrilled” to be bringing North America’s Best Bars for the first time to Canada. Vancouver’s dynamic cocktail culture and stunning natural beauty as well as its outstanding hospitality scene make it the perfect place to host the awards. It allows us the opportunity to celebrate the innovation and talent of the city on a global scale. We are looking forward to celebrating the people and places who continue to elevate North America to be a leader in hospitality.
All the 2025 winners deserve a big cheer! You can see the complete list at theworlds50best.com.
