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Boston might not always dominate the cocktail conversation the way New York or Mexico City does, but it’s clearly having a moment. The extended 2026 list of North America’s 50 Best Bars (ranking spots 51–100) dropped this week and two Boston spots made the cut, reinforcing the city’s growing influence behind the bar.
The list is compiled from the votes of more than 300 bartenders, writers and cocktail pros across North America and arrives ahead of the official top 50 reveal on April 22. Even so, a spot on this list still carries plenty of weight.
This year’s list spans 28 destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, with the U.S. leading the pack at 25 entries. Cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles show up in force, but Boston’s inclusion (twice!) is a reminder that the city’s cocktail scene is evolving in interesting, slightly under-the-radar ways.
So, who made the cut?
Tucked behind an unassuming façade, The Wig Shop comes in at number 86. This playful speakeasy leans into its past life (as a wig shop, natch) to make for a slightly theatrical night out. Inside, expect glitzy interiors, a lively crowd and a drinks program that doesn’t take itself too seriously (in a good way). The cocktails here are polished but not at the expense of fun.
If The Wig Shop is the extrovert, Hecate (number 88) is its moodier, more mysterious counterpart. With just 24 seats, this bar channels a kind of cocktail occult energy (it’s named after the Greek goddess of witchcraft) and backs it up with almost ritual-like drink presentations. It’s small and a little secretive and that’s why we love it.
Boston’s showing is modest in numbers, but it’s still telling in tone: both bars have immersive concepts and distinct identities rather than straight-laced classic cocktail bars. It’s a sign that the city is carving out its own niche in the mixology world—and with the top 50 still to come, there’s always a chance Boston isn’t done yet.