From Maxim · · 1m 20s
World's 50 Best Bars 2026 Rankings
Hong Kong's Bar Leone claims top spot in 2026 World's 50 Best Bars list.
In brief
Hong Kong's Bar Leone claims top spot in 2026 World's 50 Best Bars list. Hong Kong's Bar Leone wins the 2026 World's 50 Best Bars title for the second consecutive year. Originally reported by Maxim.
Bar Leone Tops 2026 Rankings
Hong Kong's Bar Leone claimed the top spot in the 2026 World's 50 Best Bars list for the second consecutive year.
“The crown of The World's Best Bar might sit heavily, but not for Bar Leone”
Bar Leone's Italian Theme
Bar Leone's Italian pop culture theme, featuring football, aperitivo, and large sandwiches, makes it a soft touch and light-hearted bar.
“This bar, themed around Italian pop culture, think football, aperitivo and huge sandwiches, is soft of touch and light of heart”
Alquímico Claims Third Place
Cartagena's Alquímico secured third place in the 2026 World's 50 Best Bars ranking, following Bangkok's Bar Us and Athens' Line.
“Cartagena cocktail haven Alquímico claimed the third spot in the prestigious annual ranking”
Bar Leone's Name Controversy
A New York City Italian-themed cocktail bar shares the same name as Bar Leone, causing controversy due to matching color palettes and logos.
“the two share matching color palettes, comparable website designs, and near-identical logos of a sideways-facing lion holding a tray of martinis”
Handshake Speakeasy Ranks Sixth
Mexico City's Handshake Speakeasy ranked sixth in the 2026 World's 50 Best Bars list after climbing to runner-up status previously.
“Another prominent global cocktail den, Mexico City's Handshake Speakeasy, clocked in at number six after climbing as high as the runner-up spot in recent years”
Sip & Guzzle Lands 14th Place
New York's Sip & Guzzle, previously named the best North American bar, ranked 14th in the 2026 World's 50 Best Bars list.
“NYC fan favorite Sip & Guzzle, previously named the best bar in North America earlier this year, landed at number 14 in the coveted industry ranking”
Schmuck Wins North American Rank
New York's Schmuck ranked 11th in the 2026 World's 50 Best Bars list, becoming the highest-ranking North American cocktail bar.
“East Village bar Schmuck clocked in at number 11, making it the highest-ranking North American cocktail bar on the list”
The headline
Hong Kong's Bar Leone wins the 2026 World's 50 Best Bars title for the second consecutive year.
