These two bars in L.A. were just named some of the best in North America

In advance of the big reveal of the best of the best in Vancouver on April 22, 50 Best Bars has released its extended list of the Best Bars in North America, ranking additional exceptional bars from numbers 51 to 100. Los Angeles has made its mark again, with two spots appearing on the extended list.

First up is Vandell, landing at number 68. Though it only opened in late 2025, it feels as though it's been part of Los Feliz forever, and it's got the crowds to prove it. It’s a dimly-lit spot with mid-century California design and enough buzz to make you want to linger a while. The drinks lean “market fresh,” like a martini sharpened with tarragon vinegar or a refined take on an Old Fashioned. Even the non-alcoholic options, like a pandan milk punch, stand out. It’s both a destination and neighborhood hangout, and the cocktails have now received well-deserved recognition.

Thunderbolt comes in at number 92 with a completely different kind of night out in Historic Filipinotown. While it may not look like an award-winning cocktail bar from the outside, the inside reveals an exceptional, sustainable, tech-forward place that knows how to mix a drink. You’ll find savory, almost culinary creations and texture-driven cocktails that play with expectations. Like the Koji Killer, a frozen Painkiller with a distinctly umami edge. There’s a lively patio, comfortable seating and perfect playlists that take you well into the night.

If this extended list proves anything, it’s that “best bar” doesn’t mean one thing anymore. In Los Angeles, it might mean a softly lit room and a perfect martini, or a buzzing patio and a drink that tastes like nothing you’ve had before. Either way, the city is clearly doing something right and has made an impression on the global stage.

Best Bars in North America, 51-100

51. Aruba Day Drink, Tijuana
52. Katana Kitten, New York
53. Humboldt Bar, Victoria
54. Civil Liberties, Toronto
55. Silver Lyan, Washington, D.C.
56. Cloakroom, Montreal
57. Allegory, Washington, D.C.
58. Dante, New York
59. Bagheera, Vancouver
60. Café de Nadie, Mexico City
61. Arca, Tulum
62. Atwater Cocktail Club, Montreal
63. Scotch Lodge, Portland
64. Meo, Vancouver
65. Meadowlark, Chicago
66. Seed Library, New York
67. Yacht Club, Denver
68. Vandell, Los Angeles
69. Cry Baby Gallery, Toronto
70. Bar Kaiju, Miami
71. The Portrait Bar, New York
72. Laowai, Vancouver
73. Identidad, San Juan
74. Suite 115, Toronto
75. Bar Bello, Montreal
76. Nine Bar, Chicago
77. Shinji’s, New York
78. Proof, Calgary
79. Missy’s, Calgary
80. Queen Mary, Chicago
81. Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu
82. No Vacancy, Toronto
83. Father Forgive Me, Detroit
84. Julep, Houston
85. Ticonderoga Club, Atlanta
86. The Wig Shop, Boston
87. Citrus & Cane, Victoria
88. Hecate Bar, Boston
89. Roquette, Seattle
90. Slice Of Life, Toronto
91. Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions, Vancouver
92. Thunderbolt, Los Angeles
93. Realm of 52 Remedies, San Diego
94. Bar Mordecai, Toronto
95. Zapote Bar, Playa del Carmen
96. Nickel City, Austin
97. The Coldroom, Montreal
98. Shelter, Calgary
99. Door No.4, Grand Cayman
100. Trick Dog, San Francisco