Best Cocktail Bars in the United States

Only four American bars made the top 50 of The 50 Best Bars 2026, all in New York. The best cocktail bars in the United States start there: Schmuck, on 1st Avenue in the East Village, debuted at No. 11 and won Best New Opening; Sip & Guzzle in the West Village is No. 14 and The Best Bar in North America 2026, with reservations opening ten days ahead; and Bar Snack on 2nd Avenue is No. 49 and the Spirited Awards' Best U.S. Cocktail Bar for 2026. Beyond New York, Jewel of the South in New Orleans is sixth in North America. These are the bars we would start with.