Anyone who's gone drinking in the Windy City can tell you that Chicago is home to some of the best bars in North America, but we always appreciate having some concrete evidence: North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, sponsored by Perrier, has just released its extended round-up of bars ranked from 51 to 100, and, unsurprisingly, some of Chicago's best watering holes have made the coveted list.
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Before we get to those top rate drinking dens, let's talk about the methodology behind those famous 50 Best lists: the rankings are determined by votes from the company's Academy of experts, which encompasses about 300 folks in the media space, bartenders, bar owners and cocktail connoisseurs. Each member casts seven votes based on their personal best bar experiences of the past 18 months, and the official annual list is formed.
This year's 51-100 rundown spans 23 destinations from all over North America, with the United States leading the charge with 29 mentions, followed by 15 Canadian cities and five Mexico-based entries.
And Chicago’s cocktail scene is celebrated with three entries on the list: the West Town cocktail bar Lemon at number 62, Queen Mary Tavern in Ukranian Village at number 63 and Chinatown craft drinkery Nine Bar at number 89.
And we'll get to see if any other Chicago-based spots pop up on the 1-50 rankings of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, which will be announced at the live awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 29 in Vancouver.
“We could not be more pleased or proud to celebrate even more incredible bars across North America by introducing the inaugural 51-100 list," said Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, in a press release. "This extended ranking not only means we can recognize the hard work and dedication of the hospitality and drinks community, it means we can shine a spotlight on the development of exceptional drinks culture across the region, from Albuquerque and Austin to Victoria and Vancouver. Congratulations to every team whose bar has earned a place on this year’s list.”
Check out the full 51-100 extended rankings here and stay tuned for the big 50 Best Bars list in a few weeks!
The 51 to 100 top 50 Best Bars in North America:
51. Library Bar, Toronto
52. Missy’s, Calgary
53. Prophecy, Vancouver
54. Sabina Sabe, Oaxaca
55. Civil Works, Toronto
56. Viceversa, Miami
57. The Dead Rabbit, New York
58. Proof, Calgary
59. Bandista, Houston
60. Dante West Village, New York
61. Champagne Bar at The Surf Club, Miami
62. Lemon, Chicago
63. Queen Mary, Chicago
64. The Long Island Bar, New York
65. Brujas, Mexico City
66. Attaboy, New York
67. Laowai, Vancouver
68. Cry Baby Gallery, Toronto
69. Humboldt Bar, Victoria
70. Nickel City, Austin
71. Trick Dog, San Francisco
72. Roquette, Seattle
73. Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu
74. Zapote Bar, Playa del Carmen
75. Bar Bisou Bisou, Montreal
76. The Doctor’s Office, Seattle
77. Bar Kaiju, Miami
78. Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery, Miami
79. Canon, Seattle
80. Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, New Orleans
81. Equal Measure, Boston
82. Ticuchi, Mexico City
83. Simpl Things, Toronto
84. Bar Bello, Montreal
85. Bar Snack, New York
86. Herbs & Rye, Las Vegas
87. Door No.4, Grand Cayman
88. Happy Accidents, Albuquerque
89. Nine Bar, Chicago
90. Shinji’s, New York
91. The Coldroom, Montreal
92. Meo, Vancouver
93. The Portrait Bar, New York
94. Casa Prunes, Mexico City
95. Paradise Lost, New York
96. Slice of Life, Toronto
97. Highball, Phoenix
98. Bar Contra, New York
99. Shelter, Calgary
100. Bar Next Door, Los Angeles