What Makes a Best Bar in North America, With Cointreau On the Ground

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The atmosphere at this year’s North America’s 50 Best Bars event was electric, feeling like a gathering of everyone who shapes the continent’s bar scene. Bartenders, bar owners, and industry veterans mingled, sharing stories and celebrating each other’s successes. Sip & Guzzle in New York earned the top spot, establishing itself as the current leader in the industry. The awards ceremony was fast-paced, with nominees receiving red scarves and plenty of applause. However, beyond the winners, the most striking thing was the collective recognition of just how challenging it is to achieve recognition in this competitive field.

Cointreau, as the official orange liqueur sponsor, helped keep the spotlight on the innovators shaping the food and drink world. Once the list of top bars is announced, everyone starts to wonder: what really defines the best bar in North America? We spoke with bar owners and industry leaders to get a better understanding of the dedication, daily efforts, and obstacles involved in achieving such a prestigious goal.

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Lewis Hart, who owns the Vancouver bars Laowai and Bagheera, believes the experience begins the moment a guest walks in. He explains that people immediately decide if they feel comfortable and welcome. If the lighting and music are right, and the staff are friendly, then even a simple drink feels amazing. But even the most expertly made cocktail won’t impress someone if the atmosphere is off or the staff aren’t welcoming. Hart’s point is that what makes something ‘the best’ isn’t about the details, it’s about the instant feeling it creates.

The impact of a great experience really sticks with you. We spoke with Will Patton from Washington D.C.’s Press Club, who explained it simply: “People won’t remember what you did, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.” These days, most bartenders are skilled, so it’s the emotional connection that truly sets a place apart. It’s about things like a bartender intuitively understanding the mood of the room, or creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

Chad Spangler of Service Bar in Washington D.C. emphasizes that simply being good isn’t enough anymore. Creating a welcoming and complete experience is crucial. While quality service initially attracts customers, the overall atmosphere and how everything works together is what keeps them coming back. This feeling of connection is built through small, thoughtful actions – what Spangler calls ‘random acts of hospitality.’ These moments should be personal, unique, and create a genuine connection with guests. In a competitive market where many businesses offer similar quality, these human touches are what make a place truly stand out and be remembered.

Many bartenders are now simplifying their approach. Harrison Ginsberg, co-founder of NYC’s Overstory, notes that the cocktail world has become overly complex and focused on technique. He prefers a more straightforward philosophy: every drink should simply taste amazing. This shift reflects a desire for clarity and enjoyment, much like the appeal of timeless cocktails like the Margarita, which have remained popular for generations because of their simple, delicious flavors.

Despite all the discussions about the latest trends and strategies, genuine connection remains the most important factor. As Lewis Hart puts it, a successful business ultimately comes down to being profitable, treating employees well, and taking care of customers. It’s not about following a checklist, but about creating a consistently reliable and high-quality experience.

Alana Gabriela, from the popular bar Bar Snack – recently recognized as a top new establishment – believes in keeping things simple, especially in a fast-paced city like New York. She emphasizes that genuine hospitality is key: creating a welcoming atmosphere, serving great drinks and snacks, and making sure everyone feels comfortable and well-cared for. Running a busy, local spot, she focuses on consistently delivering a positive experience for every guest, rather than overcomplicating things. “Our goal is to make sure everyone has a wonderful time,” she says, highlighting that the best bars aren’t just impressive, they make everyone feel welcome.

There’s no easy answer to what makes the best bar in America. It’s not about a single perfect drink, a specific style, or even winning awards. According to bar experts Lewis Hart, Will Patton, Harrison Ginsberg, and Alana Gabriela, it’s the little things – a friendly greeting, the right music, and anticipating a guest’s needs – that truly matter. It’s about consistently striving for excellence, and organizations like the World’s 50 Best Bars, with support from partners like Cointreau, play a role in fostering that pursuit and driving bar culture forward.

DISCLAIMER: We discourage irresponsible and/or underage drinking. Drink responsibly and legally.

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2026-05-01 18:26