The World’s 50 Best Bars of 2021 were revealed last night in London. The ranking features bars from 17 countries, including Australia, Wales, Mexico, Argentina, Russia, Sweden, Singapore, India and the United States, among others. The list, sponsored by Perrier, was revealed at a live event, the first one they’ve held since 2020.
While Bar & Restaurant always celebrates the well-deserved recognition of award winners and the work of dedicated hospitality professionals, it’s worth noting that World’s 50 Best, like every list, isn’t infallible. The list, and its sister-list, World’s 50 Best Restaurants, has had its fair share of controversy and criticism.
And after two dumpster fire years, lists seem almost unnecessary. But on the other hand, they provide exposure and press for many venues, and of course, a bit of much-needed levity. However, many in the industry have become disillusioned. Popular Instagram account @moversandshakerco expressed what many in the industry feel in a series of memes.
All that said, here are the top 10 winning bars from this year’s list. Is it life changing? No. Is it all a little familiar? Yes. Am I, personally, tired of speakeasys? Yes, very much so, but over 1,000 industry experts on the judging panel disagree. So, without further ado, we present the top ten bars from The World’s 50 Best list. You can find the full list here.
Connaught Bar
London, UK
For the second year in a row, Connaught Bar has taken home the dual titles of ‘The Best Bar in Europe’ and ‘The World’s Best Bar’. 50 Best describes this upscale venue as ‘a triumph from the start’, and lists its décor, service, and of course, cocktails as points of excellence. Try their Dry Martini, served tableside via trolley, and shaken with gusto.
Tayēr + Elementary
London, UK
Another British bar tops the list, but this one has a totally different vibe. A bar in two parts, Elementary has an industrial-inspired space that serves draft cocktails, house-label wine and beer. Walk through the partition to Tayēr, and you’ll find seasonal cocktails, made with ‘loquacious…esoteric ingredients’.
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Paradiso
Barcelona, Spain
Paradiso is a bar of surprises. Walk through the unassuming fridge door of a pastrami shop in the El Born district, and you’re suddenly met with this striking wood paneled bar. Soft lighting illuminates the elegant backbar- try to snag one of the eight seats at the bar for the best view. The team has developed high tech, even glow in the dark drinks at their off-site beverage laboratory. Try the Volcano Negroni, served with its very own dry ice volcano, or order the Supercool Martini, made with ‘supercooled’ water that creates an iceberg in the glass.
The Clumsies
Athens, Greece
An all-day affair, The Clumsies welcomes guests from breakfast to the early hours. Described as a ‘stalwart’ of the list, their new ‘F<3lings’ menu seemed to amuse judges this year. It’s an ode, or perhaps an antidote, to the pandemic, presented in three categories: Happiness, Excitement, Tenderness. 50 Best highlighted The Caregiver as a must-try cocktail, made with Ketel One vodka, coleslaw sauerkraut, raisin, pistachio milk and a pickled carrot garnish.
Florería Atlántico
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Another speakeasy! You’d think they’ve had their moment, but no, they keep popping up. Find this one tucked behind a florist and a wine shop. Step through the fridge door, and find yourself immersed in their world. The basement venue has a focus on Argentina’s indigenous communities, and has a core focus on sustainability. They work closely with farmers to source their ingredients, like Welsh-inspired Gaiman.
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Licorería Limantour
Mexico City, Mexico
After ten years as one of Mexico City’s premier nightlife spot, Licorería Limantour has redefined itself as a leading bar. According to 50 Best, their Margarita al Pastor is legendary, and their ‘Confabulario’ menu is ‘the most refined to date’. The high volume bar manages to churn out exceptional cocktails, and maintain their reputation for top tier hospitality. It also took home the title of The Best Bar in North America.
Coa
Hong Kong, China
An agave wonderland in the middle of busy Hong Kong, Coa’s collection of mezcal, tequila, raicilla and sotol is more than well-curated. It’s hand curated and delivered, with almost every bottle being brought over personally from Mexico. Owner Jay Khan and his team make an effort to educate people on agave spirits, and their bi-weekly testing, Mezcal Mission, donates proceeds to local charities. All of the cocktails are good here, but the Paloma de Oaxaca is worth a special trip. Coa was also named The Best Bar in Asia this year.
El Copitas
St Petersburg, Russia
Another agave-driven concept makes the top 10. This tiny basement bar in St Petersburgh is dedicated to all things agave, and 50 Best describes it as ‘Mexican hospitality in a microcosm’. Guests are welcomed with a copita, a small vessel for sipping agave spirits, and seated at a large communal table. It’s a labor of love to bring Mexican culture to Russia. Like Khan, the owners here, Artem Peruk, Nikolay Kiselev and Igor Zernov, bring their collection of bottles over in suitcases. They feature creative cocktails and a rotating selection of tacos.
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Jigger & Pony
Singapore
Where to start with this powerhouse? Jigger & Pony has long been respected as one of Asia’s top bars. They’re known for their creativity, dedication and hospitality, not to mention their Crystal Ramos Gin Fiz, which allegedly takes 72 hours to prepare. With multiple spaces in one, it offers guests a host of places to relax or host events. They also launched a line of bottled cocktails, Pony, which are available for purchase.
Katana Kitten
New York, USA
The United States grabbed the last spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars. Or rather, Katana Kitten did. This Greenwich Village bar brings together two seemingly disparate worlds: American dive bars and Japanese highball bars. They’re known for their highballs and boilermakers, but their newest additions – Japanese-inspired seasonal variations – seem to have really taken off. Try their Old Fashioned, made with shochu, houjicha, maple sugar, spice and a dark rum.
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