Two cocktail bars in Miami were named among the best bars in North America, one a veteran of the annual awards and the other a newcomer to the list.
North America’s 50 Best Bar awards were held Wednesday night in Vancouver, Canada, and Café La Trova in Little Havana (no. 42) and ViceVersa in downtown Miami (no. 46) were among the bars that were honored.
The creation of master cantinero Julio Cabrera and chef Michelle Bernstein, the Cuban-inspired Café La Trova finds its way on the list just about every year, praised for not only its drinks but its lively music and revival of classic Cuban cocktails and cantinero culture. It has been consistently recognized at awards time, and in 2023 was named the best bar in a restaurant in the United States at the Spirited Awards.
This year marks the first appearance of aperitivo bar ViceVersa, from owner and bartender Valentino Longo, who collaborated with Will Thompson and Carey Hynes of Sunny’s to open the bar in 2024. The ViceVersa team also includes chef Justin Flit and general manager Ryan Wainwright.
Julio Cabrera at Café La Trova in Little Havana, which was named to the 2026 North America’s 50 Best Bars list.
(Adam DelGiudice)
Longo said making the list was “a true honor.”
“We are extremely proud to be representing Miami,” he said. “This has been quite the journey, and we are grateful that people have taken notice of what we’re doing nightly at ViceVersa. We don’t take any of this for granted.
“Miami has been doing a tremendous job growing its food and beverage offerings, and this is just another little step forward showcasing what this city can offer.”
ViceVersa is also continuing its residency at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Fort Lauderdale through the month of May.
The award for best bar in North America went to Sip & Guzzle in New York. The top 50 list included 28 bars from the United States, 11 from Mexico, eight from Canada and three from the Caribbean.
If you go
Café La Trova: 971 SW Eighth St., Miami; 786-615-4379; www.cafelatrova.com
ViceVersa: Elser Hotel, 398 NE Fifth St., Miami; viceversamia.com
Dining and Cooking