The Best Bars in Europe: A Toast to 2024

A total of 19 European bars have secured their places in the 16th edition of The World’s Best Bars, a notable decrease from last year’s impressive 22. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, which has claimed the coveted top spot, pushing last year’s champion, Sips from Barcelona, down to third place. The new second-place entrant, Bar Leone in Hong Kong, is making its debut on this prestigious list. This dynamic shift highlights the fierce competition and evolving landscape of the global cocktail scene.

Despite the changes, European bars have showcased their resilience, with 11 cities across seven different countries making it into the top 50. Notably, the UK continues to be a strong contender, boasting five bars from London to Edinburgh. Spain’s cocktail culture remains vibrant with three entries, while Italy proudly holds four spots and Greece shines with two bars from Athens. Outside of Europe, New York maintains its status with five bars represented, and cities across Asia—such as Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo—also demonstrate their cocktail prowess. Handshake Speakeasy’s ascent to the top signifies a growing appreciation for South American bars, with 11 establishments from the continent making it to the top 50. The list was compiled with the help of over 700 anonymous industry experts, who also recognized individual excellence with awards such as the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award, given to Iain McPherson, owner of Panda & Sons in Edinburgh.

Top 50 Bars of 2024: Mark Your Drinking Agenda

Here are the Top 50 Bars of 2024, with European gems highlighted for your exploration:

1. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
2. Bar Leone, Hong Kong
3. Sips, Barcelona

Sips opened its doors in 2021 and quickly rose to fame, being named The World’s Best Bar in 2023. The rapid ascent of Sips may seem extraordinary, but it is built on decades of combined expertise. The visionary owners, Simone Caporale and Marc Alvarez, are titans in the industry; Caporale’s former bar, Artesian, held the number one title on The World’s 50 Best Bars list four times from 2012 to 2015, while Alvarez refined his skills for over a decade under the renowned Adria brothers of El Bulli fame.

4. Tayēr + Elementary, London

Even five years into its journey, Tayēr + Elementary feels as invigorating as the day it opened, thanks to its innovative owners, Monica Berg and Alex Kratena, who have consistently stayed ahead of the curve in the cocktail industry.

5. Jigger & Pony, Singapore
6. Line, Athens

Line, with its all-whitewashed walls and impressive ceilings, is located in a former art gallery and represents the pinnacle of Athens’ cocktail scene, led by the talented Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis, alongside Dimitris Dafopoulos from Three Cents. This venue needed to be grand to fulfill the ambitious vision of its owners, aiming to redefine craft bartending.

7. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
8. Alquímico, Cartagena
9. Zest, Seoul
10. Paradiso, Barcelona

Paradiso, a must-visit destination in Barcelona, is hidden behind the fridge door of a pastrami shop, leading patrons into a bar that resembles the interior of a whale, characterized by its stunning, curving wooden ribs.

11. Himkok, Oslo

Himkok, which translates to moonshine in Norwegian, embodies a deeper concept than a typical cocktail bar. It serves as a showcase for Norwegian craftsmanship, featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients that echo the New Nordic food movement.

12. BKK Social Club, Bangkok
13. Connaught Bar, London

Connaught Bar stands not just as a venue but as an icon within the bar industry. Since its inception in 2008, it has redefined the perception of hotel bars, bridging the gap between classic elegance and modern sophistication.

14. Double Chicken Please, New York
15. Overstory, New York
16. Lady Bee, Lima
17. Baba au Rum, Athens

Baba au Rum is a refreshing contrast to the flashy bars of today. Described as a “rum and cocktail society,” it celebrates the simplicity and authenticity of its offerings, where patrons are drawn in for the cocktails and stay for the camaraderie.

18. Coa, Hong Kong
19. The Cambridge Public House, Paris

The Cambridge Public House, which opened in 2019, merges the friendly atmosphere of a traditional English pub with the precision of a modern cocktail lounge, offering craft beer and natural wine alongside its exceptional cocktails.

20. Tlecān, Mexico City
21. Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
22. CoChinChina, Buenos Aires
23. Salmon Guru, Madrid

Salmon Guru has become a global sensation with locations in Dubai and Milan, yet its heart remains in Madrid. “Only dead fish go with the flow,” says owner Diego Cabrera, and this philosophy has driven the bar’s evolution for nearly a decade.

24. Martiny’s, New York
25. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
26. Maybe Sammy, Sydney
27. Superbueno, New York
28. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
29. Satan’s Whiskers, London

Satan’s Whiskers, an unpretentious cocktail bar in Bethnal Green, has become a favorite among bartenders for its dedication to simplicity and balance in its drinks, complemented by a warm and attentive service that enhances the overall experience.

30. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

Panda & Sons is a unique establishment that transforms from a street-level barber shop into a vibrant cocktail bar. With its vintage decor and welcoming atmosphere, it offers a diverse selection from traditional pints to innovative cocktails, all served with genuine hospitality.

31. Tan Tan, São Paulo
32. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
33. Drink Kong, Rome

Drink Kong merges a retro-futuristic aesthetic with cutting-edge cocktail innovation, inviting guests into a dark, vibrant atmosphere illuminated by neon lights that set the stage for a trendy and engaging experience.

34. Jewel of the South, New Orleans
35. Byrdi, Melbourne
36. Locale Firenze, Florence

Locale Firenze takes patrons on a journey through time, showcasing the rich history of the Concini Palace alongside a modern cocktail menu that utilizes innovative techniques and a commitment to sustainability.

37. Scarfes Bar, London

Scarfes Bar, located in Rosewood London, captivates visitors with its stunning design. From the moment you enter through the revolving door, you’re treated to an opulent setting, where live music complements the signature cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders.

38. Moebius Milano, Milan

Moebius Milano is a stylish venue that harmonizes cuisine, cocktails, and culture within a revitalized textile warehouse. Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences, from bistro-style tapas to live music events, all while indulging in expertly crafted drinks.

39. Bar Nouveau, Paris

Bar Nouveau, co-founded by renowned bartenders, opens daily at 3 PM without reservations, offering a unique blend of Art Nouveau charm and exceptional attention to detail, making it one of Paris’s most coveted spots.

40. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai
41. Bar Us, Bangkok
42. Virtù, Tokyo
43. Atlas, Singapore
44. La Sala de Laura, Bogota
45. Röda Huset, Stockholm

Röda Huset, or Red House, stands out with its striking crimson exterior, showcasing the craftsmanship of Hampus Thunholm. The bar’s seasonal cocktail menu reflects the essence of Scandinavia, adapting to nature’s rhythms.

46. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires
47. Analogue Initiative, Singapore
48. El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
49. Danico, Paris

Danico captivates with its stylish design and innovative cocktails, drawing in cocktail enthusiasts and trendsetters alike. Its chic decor and hidden location within an Italian eatery make it a must-visit destination in Paris.

50. 1930, Milan

1930 is one of Milan’s best-kept secrets, known for its exclusive, invite-only access. Upon entering through an unassuming shopfront, guests are transported to a bygone era characterized by vintage decor and expertly crafted cocktails that push the boundaries of mixology.