Chicago is home to three of North America's 50 Best Bars

The list of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024 has been revealed, and three Chicago spots made the cut.

Kumiko, the Japanese dining bar in the West Loop led by acclaimed mixologist Julia Momosé, is the continent’s 19th best drinking destination. 50 Best called it a “sophisticated cocktail bar that blends Japanese and American cocktail influences with style and finesse.” Kumiko also earned the honor of the Best Bar in Midwest USA. 

Landing at No. 32 is Logan Square cocktail bar Meadowlark. This is Meadowlark’s first appearance on the rankings, and it took home the Best Cocktail Menu Award as well.

“It is an intimate cocktail den where generous Midwestern hospitality meets a humble celebration of the region’s flavours, history and culture,” 50 Best wrote.

Best Intentions, the popular dive bar in Logan Square, is another new entrant to the list, coming in at No. 48.

“Sometimes it is the most unassuming of neighbourhood bars that leave the biggest mark on the drinking culture of a city, and that’s certainly the case with Best Intentions: a beloved neo-dive with a thoroughly Midwestern vibe,” 50 Best explained.

The top spot this year went to Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, Mexico. New York City is home to the most top bars, with 12 total. Check out the full list of winners below.

1. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
2. Superbueno, New York
3. Overstory, New York
4. Martiny's, New York,
5. Rayo, Mexico City
6. Jewel of the South, New Orleans
7. Double Chicken Please, New York
8. Thunderbolt, Los Angeles
9. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
10. Tlecān, Mexico City
11. Zapote Bar, Playa del Carmen
12. Katana Kitten, New York
13. Café La Trova, Miami
14. El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
15. Employees Only, New York
16. Aruba Day Drink, Tijuana
17. Café de Nadie, Mexico City
18. La Factoría, San Juan
19. Kumiko, Chicago
20. Dante, New York
21. Civil Liberties, Toronto
22. Service Bar, Washington DC
23. Allegory, Washington DC
24. Botanist Bar, Vancouver
25. Herbs & Rye, Las Vegas
26. Baltra Bar, Mexico City
27. Bekeb, San Miguel de Allende
28. Kaito del Valle, Mexico City
29. Bar Pompette, Toronto
30. True Laurel, San Francisco
31. Attaboy, New York
32. Meadowlark, Chicago
33. The Dead Rabbit, New York
34. Selva, Oaxaca
35. Library by the Sea, Grand Cayman
36. Century Grand, Phoenix
37. Arca, Tulum
38. Pacific Cocktail Heaven, San Francisco
39. Cloakroom, Montreal
40. Bar Mordecai, Toronto
41. Maison Premiere, New York
42. Hanky Panky, Mexico City
43. Angel's Share, New York
44. Milady's, New York
45. Brujas, Mexico City
46. Mírate, Los Angeles
47. Cure, New Orleans
48. Best Intentions, Chicago
49. The Keefer Bar, Vancouver
50. Atwater Cocktail Club, Montreal