Travel might be expensive nowadays, what with the price of gas. But if there’s a fantastic drink waiting at the end, it can take away some of the sting.
This month, Food & Wine released its annual Global Tastemakers Awards for its favorite restaurants, hotels, airports and other travel-related staples. Included are the best bars in the U.S. and the world, chosen by more than 400 food and travel experts and vetted by the magazine’s mysterious Global Advisory Board.
These are not your ordinary watering holes. Expect to try tipples like a frozen piña colada with whole coffee beans and a PX sherry float. Or, a martini made from banana and blue cheese, or shots of Angostura bitters straight from the tap. The rankings also took into account bar food, from vegan-cauliflower nachos to lobster rolls and celery confit.
Food and Wine’s best bars in the United States
1 schmuck., New York City
2 Anvil Bar and Refuge, Houston
3 Best Intentions, Chicago
4 Bar Next Door, L.A.
5 Bar Miriam, Seattle
In April 2026, Food & Wine released its Global Tastemakers Awards for the best bars in the U.S. and other travel-related amenities. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
6 La Factoria, San Juan, Puerto Rico
7 Owls Club, Tucson
8 Yacht Club, Denver
9 Sweet Liberty, Miami Beach
10 Platypus, St. Louis
Source: Food & Wine’s 2026 Global Tastemakers Awards
Dining and Cooking