From exclusive speakeasies to an establishment serving up €1500 sidecars, here are seven of the best bars in the world in 2024.
#1 Paradiso in Barcelona
Paradiso, hailed as the world’s best bar, has clinched the top spot on CNN’s World’s 50 Best Bars list. A historic first for a venue beyond the realms of London and New York since the list’s inception in 2009.
Tucked behind the freezer door of a pastrami bar in Barcelona’s El Born district, this Mediterranean-style speakeasy, owned by Giacomo Giannotti and Margarita Sader, has ascended from No. 3 in 2021.
“We’re honored to win this accolade and fully embrace the responsibility that comes with it. Our commitment is to maintain the highest standards and uphold our values. Our cocktails strive for boundless creativity,” expressed Giannotti during a recent conversation with 50 Best.
#2 Argo in Hong Kong
Hop aboard the cocktail voyage at Argo, a 70-seat bar in Hong Kong. Designed as a conservatory filled with petite terrariums and bathed in natural light. Named after the Greek tale of Jason and the Argonauts, this establishment draws inspiration from the legendary journey of exploration.
Argo aims to foster innovation and challenge norms in libations, spotlighting unique spirits like the world’s first AI-born gin and a lab-crafted whiskey. The cocktail menu, ‘Here Today, Gone Tomorrow,’ features six elemental ingredients facing an uncertain future due to climate change.
#3 Bisou in Paris
Paris beckons with Bisou, nestled in one of the trendiest neighbourhoods, adorned with a pastel-pink storefront. Inside, a menu-free experience awaits, as skilled bartenders craft custom cocktails behind a marble countertop.
Whether you crave a fruity, subtly sweet concoction with a touch of sparkle or a dark, boozy libation to set the mood, Bisou delivers with personalized precision.
Want more bar inspiration? Watch Bar Rescue, where Jon Taffer is called in to save bars around the world that have fallen into disrepair!
#4 Scarfes Bar At Rosewood London
Immerse yourself in sophistication at Rosewood London, a refined overnight haven. Its off-lobby bar, reminiscent of a grand library, shuns conventional menus for an actual cocktail book available for purchase (£40).
Notable highlights include the My Tie, a playful take on the Tiki classic, and the El Bandito, a mezcal and Campari fusion carbonated to perfection. Creativity extends beyond the glass, making it one of the best bars in the world for 2024.
#5 La Noxe in NYC
In response to the pandemic, La Noxe emerged as a beacon of hope, transforming 600 square feet of the 28th Street subway station into an intimate cocktail lounge.
Limited to 35 patrons, this underground speakeasy captures the essence of New York. To enter, find and ring the discreet buzzer on 7th Avenue, descending into a lush, opulent drinking den unlike any other.
#6 Bar Hemingway in Paris
Step back in time at Bar Hemingway, within the historic Ritz Paris for 120 years. Hosting no more than two dozen patrons, it offers a taste of the vibrant atmosphere cherished by the Lost Generation.
Renowned for vibrant cocktails adorned with fresh flower petals, including a remarkable €1500 sidecar, Bar Hemingway crafts martinis of unparalleled excellence, standing the test of time.
#7 Thunderbolt in Los Angeles
At the ‘bless your heart,’ Thunderbolt exudes warm Southern hospitality in Historic Filipinotown and Echo Park. Influenced by the South, this bar offers a comfortable ambiance, whether sinking into a leather sofa with a curated playlist or engaging in friendly conversation at a dog-friendly patio picnic table.
The P-Town Boxing Club cocktail, a blend of pandan and coconut-washed rye, pays homage to the neighborhood, complementing a menu fusing Southern and Filipino cuisines by nearby barbecue experts, Park’s Finest.
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