New York’s cocktail bars give us yet another reason to order a second round: four city spots made the World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ranking—and they’re the only U.S. venues in the top 50.
Unveiled at an awards ceremony in Milan yesterday, October 7, this year’s list includes bars across 26 cities. New York tied with Paris and Hong Kong for the most entries, with four apiece, including Schmuck at No. 11, Sip & Guzzle at No. 14, Martiny’s at No. 46 and Bar Snack at No. 49.
Schmuck leads the local contingent, landing at No. 11 on its first appearance. The newcomer also picked up the Three Cents Best New Opening Award, given to the highest-ranked entrant that opened during the voting period. Organizers praised its playful approach to cocktails and hospitality, giving New Yorkers a particularly well-decorated excuse to plan their next night out.
Over in the West Village, Sip & Guzzle climbed to No. 14 from its No. 39 debut last year. Founded by bartenders Steve Schneider and Shingo Gokan, along with operating partner Justin Weitz, the two-level destination offers distinctly different drinking moods: energetic Guzzle upstairs and more intimate Sip downstairs. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure evening. The ranking follows Sip & Guzzle’s No. 1 finish on North America’s 50 Best Bars earlier this year.
Photography courtesy of Sip & Guzzle| Yakitini at Sip & Guzzle
Martiny’s took No. 46, and co-founder and beverage director Takuma Watanabe earned an additional accolade, being named this year’s Altos Bartenders’ Bartender. Bar Snack rounded out New York’s showing at No. 49, joining Schmuck as a new entry.
Hong Kong’s Bar Leone won overall, retaining the No. 1 spot for a second consecutive year. Milan’s Moebius Milano finished second, followed by Alquímico in Cartagena, Colombia. The rankings come from votes by more than 800 drinks experts, including bartenders, consultants and writers. Each casts eight votes based on their best bar experiences during the previous 18 months.
One distinction before you start bragging: New York claimed every U.S. spot in the top 50, rather than every spot across the Americas. Mexico City, for example, has three entries. But still, four globally ranked bars a subway ride away? That’s a pretty persuasive argument for staying local.
Dining and Cooking