The World’s 50 Best Bars list is not the definitive guide you think it is. While it celebrates exceptional establishments, for the practical drinker seeking a truly great experience in a new city, it often misses the mark. The real ‘best’ bars are usually found through local insight and a willingness to explore beyond the hype, not by following a curated, industry-focused ranking.
Defining the Question Properly
When someone looks at the “World’s 50 Best Bars,” they typically want one of two things: either a direct recommendation for an incredible cocktail bar they can visit, or a reliable benchmark for global excellence. The list certainly delivers on the latter for the industry. However, for the average traveler or local seeking a memorable drink, the list’s practical utility is often overstated. It’s a prestigious award, not always a practical travel guide.
What the List Actually Represents
The World’s 50 Best Bars is an annual ranking compiled from the votes of over 650 industry experts: bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and consultants from around the globe. It’s a snapshot, a moment in time, reflecting current trends, industry sentiment, and a certain type of innovation. It rewards bars that push boundaries, often with high-concept drinks, elaborate fit-outs, and significant financial backing. It’s a peer-to-peer recognition system, which is valuable in its own right, but it doesn’t always translate to the most enjoyable or accessible experience for everyone.
The True Top Tier: How to Find Exceptional Bars
Forget chasing a number. The most consistently rewarding way to find truly exceptional bars, the ones that resonate with you, involves a different approach. The “winner” isn’t a specific bar; it’s a methodology:
- Ask the Locals: This is paramount. Engage with hotel concierges, local bartenders (even at dive bars), shop owners, or even taxi drivers. They know the hidden gems, the places with genuine character, and the bars that consistently deliver quality without the fanfare.
- Focus on Specificity: Are you looking for a classic cocktail haven, a modern mixology lab, a craft beer spot, or a vibrant natural wine bar? Define your preference, then search for those terms plus “best [city name]”.
- Read Niche Guides: Look for local food and drink blogs, independent city guides, or even specific Instagram accounts that focus on your city of interest. These often highlight places that fly under the radar of global lists.
- Leverage Personal Networks: Ask friends who travel or who live in the city for their personal recommendations. A trusted palate is worth more than any algorithm.
This approach prioritizes authenticity, current relevance, and personal preference over a generalized, industry-driven ranking. It’s about finding a bar that truly fits your definition of ‘best’.
What Other Articles Get Wrong About the List
Many articles treat the World’s 50 Best Bars list as an infallible guide to global drinking excellence. They often fall into these traps:
- Assuming Universal Appeal: The list often features bars with niche appeal or a specific high-concept approach. What’s “best” for an industry expert judging innovation isn’t necessarily “best” for someone wanting a well-made Old Fashioned in a relaxed setting.
- Ignoring Local Context: A bar that’s revolutionary in one city might be commonplace in another. The list struggles to account for local drinking cultures and what makes a bar truly great within its own context.
- Overlooking Consistency: Being on the list for one year doesn’t guarantee a consistent, top-tier experience. Staff changes, menu shifts, and even a bar’s atmosphere can fluctuate, making a several-month-old ranking less reliable.
- Promoting Exclusivity Over Experience: Many listed bars become incredibly difficult to get into, sometimes requiring reservations months in advance or enduring long waits. The experience of getting into the bar can overshadow the experience of actually being there. This often leads to a focus on the ‘trophy hunt’ rather than genuine enjoyment, a point we explored in more detail in our connoisseur’s guide to craft cocktails.
Why the List Isn’t Your Best Guide
Beyond the misconceptions, there are practical reasons why relying solely on the World’s 50 Best Bars list can lead to disappointment:
- Cost: Bars on the list often have premium pricing, reflecting their innovation and international acclaim. A casual night out can quickly become an expensive one.
- Accessibility: As mentioned, popularity means crowds. If you’re traveling, your limited time might be better spent at a fantastic, slightly less-hyped local spot where you can actually get a seat and have a conversation.
- Taste Palate Disconnect: What impresses a panel of industry judges might not align with your personal taste. Some bars prioritize spectacle or obscure ingredients over approachability.
- The “Tourist Trap” Effect: While not a trap in the traditional sense, a bar’s atmosphere can shift when it becomes a destination for global travelers rather than a local haunt. The charm can be diluted.
Final Verdict
If your goal is to experience genuinely exceptional drinking establishments, move beyond the numbers. The “winner” is the discerning drinker who prioritizes local knowledge and personal preference. The list of the “World’s 50 Best Bars” is a fascinating industry document, but it’s not the ultimate guide for your next night out. Instead, seek out recommendations from locals or trusted travel writers who share your specific interests. The best bar in the world for you is the one that makes you glad you walked in.