Now in its ninth year, the World’s 50 Best Bars is an annual list that give big ups to the superstars of the international drink-making industry. More than 500 cocktail experts worldwide vote on the list, so you know the writers aren’t just sitting at home risking carpal tunnel to make a list with information they Googled. They are out drinking. They are cool kids. And, though you would likely love to travel the world trying bars and finding the best, now you don’t have to. You can avoid the duds and go straight for places that could be termed “swaggy” (if anyone other than Nick Young actually used that word).
We have assembled short descriptions of the top ten and added some marvelous shots of their drinks and their bartenders. There is no way you finish this list without wanting to hop on a plane to a far off land, where people will pamper you with perfectly balanced cocktails.
10. Speak Low (Shanghai)
I am going to tell you one thing about this bar and I defy you to say you don’t immediately want to go there. Here goes. This Japanese-style speakeasy is accessed through a secret entrance in a bartending equipment shop. Boom.
Plus, it’s four stories and each one has a different concept, so it’s four bars in one awesome set-up.
9. Bar Termini (London)
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You want great cocktails? Bar Termini is the spot. You want great coffee? Still Bar Termini. All the coffee is under the supervision of Marco Arrigo, the head of quality for Illy (that’s legit). And Tony Conigliaro, the magician behind Zetter Town House and 69 Colebrooke Row, covers cocktails. There’s only room for 25 and it’s seated service only, so this place is in mad demand.
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8. Attaboy (New York)
When NYC fave Milk and Honey relocated, two of its bartenders remained behind to open Attaboy in the space. For people who want to peruse a menu and point to a choice, the set-up may prove frustrating. Firstly, there’s no cocktail menu. Secondly, the alternative is to describe your tastes and preferred spirits; the bartender will take over and design something for you.
Come on, this bespoke shit is rad.
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7. Manhattan (Singapore)
If you’re roaming the streets of Singapore and instead wish you were in 19th century New York, there’s finally a solution to your conundrum. You can settle into a large leather arm chair and watch guests under lowered light at Manhattan. But, what you really need to peep is their rickhouse, filled with over 100 American oak barrels, spirits, and bitters. Then, trot to the ingredients room, where roots, spices, and fruits are pickled, brined, and dried.
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6. The Clumsies (Athens)
This is a bar that bucks the dark wood/ dim lighting model most bars follow. Nope, this is a light, airy space with a lot of white, natural light, light woods, and turquoise accents. It’s a self-proclaimed “all-day bar” and they aren’t joking. If you are a special somebody, you can reserve the private imbibing room and enjoy a bookcase, record player with old school records, pool table, and fireplace.
5. The Dead Rabbit (New York)
Named after the famous Five Points gang, who used a dead rabbit skewered on a spike as an emblem, this homage to the 19th century tavern has a breadth of old school drinking options that overshadows competitors. Seriously, how many menus have smashes, fixes, and nogs? Now, how many have a menu with over 100 of them? And the menu has the the origin of every single one of them footnoted. Plus, look at the freaking rabbit head dude in the pic blow.
4. Connaught Bar (London)
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This is one of two bars at the chichi, mega-fancy Connaught hotel. In the front, is the Coburg. The glamorous Connaught sits in the back, offering plush seating, silver leaf, low lighting, and mirrors, There’ a little bit of art deco boudoir feeling going on. You can honestly drink whatever you want and have it be solid, but you are a fool if you don’t get a martini. They wheel up a trolley and make it right in front of you.
3. The NoMad (New York)
This bar is the brainchild of Daniel Humm, Will Guidara, and Leo Robitschek — the James Beard Award-winning trio behind Eleven Madison Park. A thrifty customer will opt for the Pimm’s Cup and some carrot tartare. Seriously, that tartare normally rates 225 bucks, but 15 here will get you a little clamp jar lid of it with sunflower seeds and a quail egg. People who want to throw down will not be able to resist the $198 cocktail on the menu.
Perfect for washing down the foie gras and truffle stuffed roasted chicken.
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2. Dandelyan (London)
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This luxurious bar is located in the super freaking expensive Mondrian Hotel, so it’s no surprise that the owner is a true somebody. Ryan Chetiyawardana has worked in some of the best bars in London (like the ones pioneering the scene) and he has his own line of spirits at Selfridges. At Dandelyan, he is breaking new ground by eliminating ice and perishables from the drink making, instead sticking with ingredients like crystal peach nectar, chalk bitters, and beer vermouth made in house.
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1. American Bar (London)
This bar at the famous Savoy is a step back into the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. There is a baby grand piano that is played every evening, and that sums it up. You can roll up and drink a soda and the tie-and-jacketed waitstaff will still give you beaming smiles and obsequious banter. But, come on. Marlene Dietrich used to hang here. It’s the best bar in the world. Shell out for a damn cocktail.
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