Vancouver cocktail aficionados have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the prestigious North America's 50 Best Bars festivities through an upcoming public event. Scheduled for April 20 at Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions, located at 67 West 6th Avenue in Vancouver, this gathering promises an exclusive taste of the continent's finest mixology.
Event Details and Featured Bars
The event, running from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, operates on a walk-in basis, making it accessible to all interested attendees. Drinks will be priced at approximately $20 each, offering a chance to sample creations from four highly acclaimed bars. These include the local favorite Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions, Bon Vivants from Nassau in the Bahamas, Mexico City's Kaito del Valle, and Service Bar from Washington, D.C.
Preceding the Awards Ceremony
This public celebration serves as a precursor to the much-anticipated reveal of the top 1-50 North America's best bar ranking, which will be announced at an awards ceremony on April 22 in Vancouver. This marks the second consecutive year that Vancouver has hosted this prestigious event, highlighting the city's growing prominence in the cocktail scene. Last year, Vancouver establishments Botanist Bar and Keefer Bar secured spots on the Top 50 list, showcasing local talent.
Selection Process and Regional Recognition
The North America's 50 Best Bars list is determined by votes from over 300 independent cocktail experts, bartenders, educators, and drinks writers across the continent. This rigorous selection process ensures that the rankings reflect genuine excellence and innovation in the industry.
In March, organizers released the bars ranked from 51 to 100 on the 2026 list, with several British Columbia venues already earning accolades. Vancouver boasts four recognized bars: Bagheera at No. 59, Meo at No. 64, Laowai at No. 72, and Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions at No. 91. Notably, Meo and Laowai also appeared on the 2025 list, demonstrating their consistent quality.
Victoria and National Representation
Victoria, despite its smaller size, has made a significant impact with two bars on the 51-100 list: Humboldt Bar at No. 53 and Citrus & Cane at No. 87. Across Canada, a total of 19 bars have earned entries on this year's 51-100 list, with additional recognition in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary.
The United States leads the rankings with 25 top-tier bars, while Mexico contributes four. The list is rounded out by bars in Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman, showcasing the diverse and vibrant cocktail culture across North America.
This event not only offers a festive experience for local cocktail fans but also underscores Vancouver's role as a hub for culinary and mixology excellence. As the city prepares to host the awards ceremony, the public event provides a tangible connection to the broader celebration of North America's best bars.
