Winners of the 2025 North America’s 50 Best Bars list
On April 29, the prestigious North America’s 50 Best Bars list was revealed during a live awards ceremony at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver—and four standout Chicago establishments have earned a place among the continent’s most acclaimed.
The annual ranking celebrates world-class bar destinations across North America, uniting bartenders, bar owners, cocktail aficionados and media representatives. Selections are determined by votes from over 300 anonymous industry experts, who each cast ballots for the bars where they’ve had their most 'exceptional experiences' in the 18 months leading up to the deadline.
West Loop's Kumiko leads the city’s representation, coming in at No. 10 and named Best Bar in the Midwest for the third year running. Helmed by mixologist Julia Momosé, the Japanese dining bar is celebrated for its refined menu featuring shochu, Japanese whisky and inventive cocktails, like the ‘Provocative and Spiritous’ Old Fashioned, made with Japanese whisky, shochu, palo cortado sherry and bitters.
Logan Square cocktail bar Best Intentions claims No. 25 with a menu of crowd favorites, including Manhattans, Old Fashioneds and Gimlets, along with its standout Wondermint Malted. The Grasshopper-inspired cocktail is made with Death’s Door Wondermint Schnapps, Broker’s London Dry Gin and Luxardo Angioletto hazelnut liqueur.
Also from Logan Square, Meadowlark secures the No. 38 spot. Led by beverage director and Violet Hour alum Abe Vucekovich, Meadowlark is recognized for its 16-cocktail menu inspired by the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, including the Ferris Wheel, a blend of Singani 63, Dolin Genepy, Melon L’Apéritif de L’Artisan, Carpano Botanic and Herbsaint.
At No. 39, newcomer Bisous makes its debut. Located in Fulton Market, this stylish, 1960s Parisian-inspired bar from Peter Vestinos and Footman Hospitality is known for its polished atmosphere and innovative cocktail program.
The Lemon team accepting the recognition as Campari’s One to Watch
Additionally, Lemon, a cocktail bar and performance venue in West Town, was recognized as Campari’s One to Watch, an honor highlighting bars with significant potential for future inclusion on the main list.
Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy tops the list once again as North America’s Best Bar. Ranking No. 2, Superbueno in New York retains its title as Best Bar in the Northeast USA, followed by Tlecán, another Mexico City standout, which comes in at No. 3. For the full list of winners, visit the official North America’s 50 Best Bars website.
See also: The 10 Best Bars In Chicago
Photography by: Photography courtesy of North America’s 50 Best Bars
