The 2023 World's 50 Best Bars: All 100 Venues Ranked

Sips is the Barcelona cocktail booking to choose when the drinks are the point of the night, not a pre-dinner afterthought. Go for a two-round progression and compare it with Paradiso if the group wants a more destination-bar feel; choose Osmosis instead when dinner needs to anchor the evening.

Double Chicken Please is the Lower East Side cocktail bar that jumped to #6 on OAD's North American Casual list in 2025, up from #54 just two years prior. Led by Mark Chou, the program applies culinary techniques to cocktails in a split-space venue on Allen St. Book it if creative, kitchen-informed drinking is the point of your evening.

Handshake Speakeasy is worth the reservation effort if the goal is a polished, two-person cocktail night at Mexico City’s highest-profile bar. The 32-seat main room, 90-minute sittings, major 50 Best wins make it a plan-ahead choice, not a casual fallback. Book for technical drinks and atmosphere, not dinner or happy-hour value.

Paradiso is worth choosing when the night is about cocktails rather than a full meal. It works best for solo visitors, pairs, small groups who want a drinks-led Barcelona stop in Ciutat Vella; choose Cal Pep or Oaxaca Cuina Mexicana instead if dinner is the priority.

A serious Mayfair cocktail booking for polished dates, visiting bar obsessives, late-evening hotel-bar energy. The Connaught Bar is worth the effort when recognition and setting matter; skip it for casual groups or value-led rounds.

Little Red Door is the Paris cocktail booking to prioritise when the drinks list is the main reason for going. Its World's 50 Best Bars, Top 500 Bars, Pinnacle Guide recognition make it a stronger fit for dates and serious cocktail drinkers than for large spontaneous groups or food-led plans.

Licoreria Limantour is the Mexico City cocktail institution to plan around if the goal is a high-recognition Roma Norte night with real energy. Go for award-backed drinks, Mexican-rooted signatures, a lively room; choose a smaller peer like Baltra or Brujas if conversation matters more than the scene.

Book Tayēr + Elementary for a cocktail-first night in London, especially if the group cares more about drink craft than a wine list or full dinner format. It is a stronger fit for small groups and bar-led pacing than for a long seated meal, with credible external recognition and an easy booking profile.

Alquímico is worth prioritizing when your Cartagena night is built around cocktails rather than views, dinner, or a casual crawl. Its World's 50 Best Bars recognition makes it the serious drinks choice in El Centro, but the better fit is a small group or date that can plan around demand.

Himkok is the Oslo bar to prioritize when cocktails are the main event and the booking effort is part of the plan. Its Top 500 Bars Best Bars #6 ranking in 2025 and World's 50 Best Bars #10 placement in 2023 make it a high-confidence pick for serious drinks, but it is less useful for a casual, last-minute night out.

Tres Monos is the Buenos Aires bar to prioritize when a serious cocktails-first night in Palermo is the goal. Booking is difficult, so it works better as a planned anchor than a casual fallback; go with a small group or date, arrange dinner elsewhere.

Line is worth prioritising if cocktails are the point of the night in Athens, backed by World's 50 Best Bars #6 in 2024 and Top 500 Bars Best Bars #120 in 2025. It is less useful for late-night plans, since listed hours end at 21:00, so treat it as an early anchor rather than a final stop.

BKK Social Club is a strong Bangkok pick when the night calls for polished cocktails rather than a full restaurant booking. It is better suited to couples, solo drinkers, small groups than large dinner parties, it works well as an early-evening anchor before the city gets louder.

Jigger & Pony is worth prioritizing when the brief is a serious Singapore cocktail night with a lively room and strong awards credibility. It is less useful for rooftop views, outdoor space, or an easy last-minute plan, so book early and use it as the anchor rather than a backup stop.

Maybe Sammy is worth prioritising for a two-person cocktail night in The Rocks when the drinks are the main event. It is a stronger choice than a casual fallback bar, but less suited to quiet conversation or last-minute ease. Plan around it, then keep dinner or wine nearby rather than stacking the night with another high-commitment cocktail stop.

Salmon Guru is central Madrid's most credible cocktail destination, with an OAD Casual Europe ranking and. Diego Cabrera's bar doubles as a dinner venue at $$ pricing, with a wine list of 165 selections that outpaces most bars in its class. Book for a special-occasion drinks evening or as a strong opener before a tasting-menu dinner elsewhere in the city.

Overstory is a strong yes for cocktails, skyline atmosphere, a polished FiDi night, especially for dates or visitors who care about the room as much as the drink. Do not treat it as a food-led booking; plan dinner elsewhere first. Its major bar-list recognition makes the reservation effort easier to justify.

Book Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar for a serious Bangkok cocktail night, especially as a date or small-group stop. Its awards profile makes it a safer choice for drink quality than a purely scenic bar, but choose Yào Rooftop Bar for views or Maggie Choo's for a bigger, more theatrical night.

Coa is the Hong Kong pick for a cocktail-led celebration in Central, especially for a date or small group that cares more about the drinks than dinner, wine, or views. The catch is access: treat it as a planned booking with backup options, not a casual walk-up or happy-hour play.

Drink Kong is worth prioritizing for a cocktail-led night in Rome, especially if you want a bar with recognized credentials rather than a casual aperitivo stop. Its awards profile, including Top 500 Bars Best Bars #27 (2025) and World's 50 Best Bars #45 (2020), makes it a stronger choice for serious drinks than for food, wine-list browsing, or daytime café energy.

Hanky Panky is the Mexico City bar to target when cocktails are the occasion and international recognition matters. It is not the right pick for a food-led night, so pair it with dinner elsewhere and treat the bar as the main drinks booking, especially for dates, anniversaries, or client drinks.

Caretaker's Cottage is the Melbourne CBD bar to prioritise when the night is cocktail-led and likely to run late. Its awards profile makes the booking effort easier to justify, but it is a better fit for small groups and date-night drinking than for loose, food-first plans.

Cafe La Trova is the strongest case for Cuban dining in Miami at the $$$ price point: Michelin Plate recognition, a cocktail program by Julio Cabrera that anchors the whole evening, a kitchen under Michelle Bernstein that treats lechon and foie gras specials with equal seriousness. Book two to three weeks ahead for weekends, arrive ready to drink.

Baba au Rum is Athens' dedicated rum bar on Klitiou, open until 3 AM most nights with a tight cocktail program and enough counter space for walk-ins. The format suits post-dinner drinking when you need something more focused than a wine bar but less formal than a tasting-menu venue. Come for the rum flights, stay because the bartending holds up through the late shift.

Book CoChinChina when the night is about cocktails, not dinner or a casual group hang. Its international bar recognition makes it one of the stronger Buenos Aires choices for a date or small-party drinks plan, while wine-focused readers should cross-shop Lo de Joaquin Alberdi (JA!) or Pain et Vin instead.

A strong West Village pick when the cocktail bar is the point of the night, especially for pairs or a group of four that can arrive early and stay flexible. Larger groups should have a backup, because the recognition that makes Katana Kitten worth targeting also makes it harder to treat casually.

Prioritise Satan's Whiskers for a cocktail-led date night in East London, especially if the bar is the main event. Its awards profile, including World's 50 Best Bars #28 in 2023 and Top 500 Bars Best Bars #22 in 2025, makes demand intense, so plan ahead and keep a nearby backup.

Wax On is worth prioritising if the night is about cocktails in Neukölln, not dinner or a guaranteed quiet table. Its recognition, including World's 50 Best Bars #29 in 2023 and Top 500 Bars Best Bars #296 in 2025, makes it a stronger pick for serious drinkers than casual groups who need easy logistics.

Florería Atlantico is the Buenos Aires bar to pick when the night needs atmosphere and a clear sense of occasion, especially for two people who want energy over privacy. Demand is serious, so treat it as a planned anchor rather than an easy walk-in. For quieter conversation or larger groups, keep a calmer backup in mind.

Röda Huset is a Modern Scandinavian restaurant and wine bar in central Stockholm, recognised by Opinionated About Dining (Casual Europe 2025) and holding a Star Wine List White Star. Booking is easy by Stockholm fine-dining standards, making it the practical choice when Frantzén and AIRA are fully booked. Best visited on a midweek evening when the wine-forward room is at its most focused.

Sago House is worth targeting if the night is built around serious cocktails in Singapore, especially for a date or two-person stop near Duxton Hill. It is not the safer pick for terrace seekers or food-led groups. Awards from World's 50 Best Bars and Asia's Best Bars make the booking worth planning rather than treating as a casual backup.

Prioritise Freni e Frizioni if you want a lively Trastevere aperitivo stop with recognised cocktail-bar credibility. It is better for a social first round than for a quiet date or tightly planned seated evening, so go in with a flexible backup if the room is packed.

Book Argo when the brief is a polished Central cocktail bar with serious recognition and an occasion-ready hotel setting. It is better for planned drinks than spontaneous bar-hopping, especially for first-timers who want a vetted Hong Kong choice rather than a casual neighborhood fallback.

Against London peers, A Bar with Shapes For a Name is the higher-commitment cocktail choice: stronger for a date or drinks-led night than for groups, dinner plans, or outdoor seating. Its major bar-list recognition justifies the effort, but the booking difficulty means it needs a backup plan.

A serious Shibuya cocktail choice for travellers who want the bar to anchor the night, not just follow dinner. The SG Club is worth prioritising for its international bar-list recognition, especially for pairs, but groups looking for a looser lounge setting should compare it with TRUNK(LOUNGE) or Trump Room.

Book Bar Benfiddich if the night is about a serious, bartender-led cocktail experience rather than dinner or a loose group hang. The recognition is strong, the format is intimate, the value makes sense when drinks are the main event, not a pre-meal add-on.

The Cambridge Public House is the Marais pick for a first-timer who wants a serious cocktail bar with international recognition, not a food-first night out. It is a stronger choice for pairs and drink-led plans than for large groups or casual walk-ins. Compare it with Le Mary Celeste for food-plus-drinks and Candelaria for a more compact, playful stop.

Panda & Sons is worth booking when the night calls for a central, drinks-led Edinburgh stop rather than a full restaurant meal. Go early for easier conversation or later after dinner; for takeaway, burgers, or a larger casual meal, compare it with Butta Burger Edinburgh, Badger & Co, or The Honours instead.

Ranked #37 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants MENA 2024, Mimi Kakushi at the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach is Dubai's strongest case for contemporary Japanese dining with a serious cocktail program. The 1920s Osaka-inspired room delivers both atmosphere and substance, but book two to three weeks ahead; weekend tables go fast.

Scarfes Bar is a strong central London pick when the night calls for cocktails, polish, conversation rather than a full restaurant booking. It suits couples, small groups, repeat guests who want a more intentional second visit: go earlier, keep the party compact, treat food as support for the drinks-led plan.

A serious Milan cocktail pick for readers who care more about drink quality and room control than easy access or a full food plan. 1930 is worth prioritising for a cocktail-led date or small night out, but not as a dinner substitute; plan food separately and treat the bar as the main event.

Ranked #77 on the 2026 OAD South America list, Carnaval is a San Isidro cocktail bar led by Aaron Diaz, emphasizing Peruvian botanicals in bright, herbaceous builds. Reservations open four to six weeks out, walk-ins are possible midweek before 9 PM, the format suits special occasions without the booking scramble of Lima's top-tier spirits addresses.

Book L'Antiquario for a serious cocktail night in Naples, especially as a date or small-group stop. Its international bar recognition makes it worth planning around, but larger groups should have a backup ready because the strongest use case is drinks-focused rather than all-purpose dining.

Baltra Bar is the Mexico City pick when cocktails are the point of the night, not a side stop after dinner. It is strongest for dates or small groups in Condesa, but less useful for diners who want a full meal, broad wine options, or an easy last-minute plan.

Locale Firenze is the Florence bar to choose for a date, celebration, or polished cocktail-led night in the historic center. It is less useful as a casual wine-bar fallback, but its recognition, including World's 50 Best Bars #46 (2023), Top 500 Bars Best Bars #15 (2025), and a 2026 Tales Spirited Awards international nominee slot, makes it a serious booking.

The Clumsies is a strong Athens pick for a cocktail-first night, especially for guests who care about internationally recognized bars. Treat food as a supporting part of the evening rather than the reason to go, compare alternatives if wine, easier access, or a looser room matters more.

Book ATLAS when the occasion calls for a polished Singapore bar rather than a full restaurant meal. It is strongest as a celebration, date, or client-drinks stop in Bugis, especially if the group values setting and easy central logistics over a chef-led dining format.

A smart French Quarter New American pick for diners who have already done the obvious New Orleans classics and want a more current, food-led meal. Dinner is the stronger play for occasion energy; lunch, if offered, is the lower-commitment option. Recognition from Opinionated About Dining in 2026 adds a useful trust signal without making this feel overly formal.

Galaxy Bar is worth targeting when the night is about cocktails, polish, DIFC convenience rather than a full dinner plan. Its recent Pinnacle Guide and Tatler recognition make it a serious bar booking, but the difficulty level means it suits planned dates or focused drinks more than casual group walk-ins.

Book Danico for a two-person cocktail night when international recognition matters more than ease. It is a stronger date-night pick than a casual group stop, with major 2025 bar rankings and a 2026 cocktail-menu nomination behind it. If the evening needs simpler logistics or a wine-led mood, cross-shop Caves Legrand or Bar Bachaumont instead.

Lady Bee is worth booking for an evening in Barranco when cocktails and small plates are the point, not a formal tasting-menu dinner. Its 2025 Opinionated About Dining recognition gives it credibility beyond a casual bar stop, but Central or Kjolle is the better choice for a full destination meal in Lima.

Should you plan a Shibuya dinner around The Bellwood? Yes, if you want a sushi-focused Tokyo stop with a current city-center feel and recognized culinary credibility. It is less suited to diners who need confirmed pricing, seat count, or a published service format before choosing.

Lyaness is worth prioritising when the night is built around serious cocktails on London's South Bank. Its awards profile puts it in the city's destination-bar tier, so plan ahead rather than treating it as an easy walk-in. For views and open-air energy, 12th Knot is the cleaner alternative; for drink-led focus, Lyaness is the stronger call.

Vesper is worth prioritizing when the night is about cocktails rather than a loose group hang. Its recognition includes Top 500 Bars Best Bars #172 in 2025 and World's 50 Best Bars #55 in 2023, which puts it in Bangkok's serious-drinks set. Best fit: dates, two-person crawls, visitors staying around Si Lom.

TAN TAN works for an easy Pinheiros dinner when the plan is small-party, flexible, neighborhood-led. It is less compelling for large groups or private dining unless logistics are confirmed in advance, since group capacity and private-room details are not published.

Attaboy NYC is worth the access hassle for a two-person cocktail date built around bartender-led drinks and serious New York cocktail history. It is less useful for groups, dinner, or a tightly scheduled night, but the long World’s 50 Best Bars record and Pearl Recommended Bar status make it one of the city’s more defensible high-effort bar picks.

SubAstor is worth prioritizing for a serious São Paulo cocktail night, especially if international bar recognition matters to the decision. Its World's 50 Best Bars #58 ranking in 2023 and Top 500 Bars #188 placement in 2025 make it a stronger choice for small groups than for loose, last-minute plans.

28 HongKong Street is worth booking for a focused two-person cocktail night in Singapore, especially if bar pedigree matters more than skyline views or a full dinner format. It is less suitable for spontaneous groups, bargain-led happy hour plans, or guests who want food to drive the evening.

Arca is the most credible fine-dining choice in Tulum and one of the strongest restaurants in Mexico right now, ranked #67 on the World's 50 Best list in 2025. Chef José Luis Hinostroza's micro-seasonal, open-fire menu earns the $$$$ price point, but book six to eight weeks out during high season; this one fills fast.

Byrdi is the Melbourne pick for a drinks-led night where cocktail ambition matters more than casual convenience. Its recognition on major bar lists, including World's 50 Best Bars #35 in 2024 and Top 500 Bars Best Bars #159 in 2025, makes it worth planning around for serious cocktail drinkers, but less suited to budget rounds or flexible group plans.

Hero Bar is the Nairobi pick for a planned cocktail night, especially if international bar recognition matters more than casual ease. Treat it as a drinks-first hotel bar rather than a dinner replacement, plan ahead because access can be difficult. Better for dates or two-person drinks than loose large-group plans.

A serious Singapore cocktail booking for guests who want a polished, award-recognised hotel-bar experience rather than a casual drink. Go for the cocktails and service, not as a substitute for a full restaurant dinner; smaller parties and planned nights are the better fit.

Nutmeg & Clove is a strong Singapore pick for a drinks-first night when awards credibility matters more than rooftop views or hotel-lounge ease. Book it for a date or small cocktail-focused group; look elsewhere if the plan needs outdoor space, a full dinner substitute, or a lower-effort walk-in evening.

A high-conviction Guadalajara cocktail pick for a date, celebration, or visiting drinks fan, especially if the night should revolve around the bar rather than a casual crawl. Recognition from major international bar lists makes it worth planning around, but it is a poor fit for loose groups or anyone prioritising guaranteed outdoor seating.

Tropic City is worth prioritizing for a lively Bangkok cocktail night, especially if the plan is to keep the evening moving rather than sit through a quiet hotel-bar session. It suits small groups, visiting friends, repeat guests who want energy with serious bar credentials. Choose a more formal peer if conversation, dress expectations, or polished hotel service matter more.

Sidecar is the New Delhi bar to prioritise when cocktails are the reason for going out, not just a supporting detail. Its 2025 Top 500 Bars placement and prior 50 Best recognition make it a strong first-timer pick, but the booking difficulty means it works better as the planned anchor of the night than as a spontaneous backup.

For 2026 New York cocktail planning, Martiny's is worth targeting if drinks are the point of the night and the group is small enough to handle a harder booking. Do not treat it as a dinner substitute unless the current food offering fits your plan; this is a cocktail-first pick with major bar recognition.

Barro Negro is a practical Athens pick for an evening or late-night drink, especially when bar seating is the point and dinner is handled elsewhere. It is easier to recommend for pairs than for larger groups, works better as part of a wider night out than as the main dining decision.

A focused Central cocktail bar for date nights and small celebrations, Penicillin is worth prioritising when drinks are the main event rather than a pre-dinner afterthought. Its 2026 Opinionated About Dining Casual in Asia ranking gives it a credible quality signal, but larger groups should plan carefully.

Rayo is a strong date-night pick in Roma Norte if the plan is a serious cocktail bar rather than a casual walk-in round. The awards profile is the trust signal: World's 50 Best Bars #72, North America's 50 Best Bars #5, Top 500 Bars #229, a 2026 Pinnacle Guide 1 Pin.

Civil Liberties is worth targeting for a cocktail-first Toronto night, especially if a lively room matters more than a quiet table or a food-led plan. Go earlier for easier conversation, later for the more social version, treat food as something to handle before or after.

Hope & Sesame is worth prioritising if your Guangzhou night is about cocktails, not dinner. The awards profile is strong enough to justify planning around it, but food should be treated as secondary unless you already have a separate dining plan.

Bar Cham is the Seoul pick for a focused cocktail night in Jongno, especially for two people who care more about drink credibility than a big-room scene. It is a stronger fit for a planned after-dinner stop than a loose group hang, with regional bar recognition giving it a clear quality signal.

Swift is the Soho cocktail bar to prioritise when drinks are the main plan, not a filler stop between dinner and a show. Book for a compact date or small-group night with serious cocktail intent; cross-shop if the plan needs outdoor seating, a food-first format, or an easier last-minute table.

Velvet is an easy-booking Neukölln choice for an atmosphere-led evening rather than a chef-driven destination meal. It suits dates, small celebrations, late starts when flexibility matters; choose a more clearly defined restaurant if cuisine, menu structure, or pricing certainty is the main priority.

Analogue is the higher-effort, higher-reward Singapore cocktail booking for drinkers who care about awards and room energy. Its World's 50 Best Bars #47 ranking makes it worth prioritising for a planned CHIJMES night, but it is less suitable for large groups or anyone who wants an easy, quiet backup drink.

Book Bar High Five if the priority is a serious Ginza cocktail stop with global recognition, not a food-led night or casual group drinks. It works best as a focused pre- or post-dinner plan, with food handled elsewhere and a backup bar kept in mind.

La Sala de Laura is a smart Bogotá pick when the night should revolve around cocktails, small plates, flexibility rather than a formal dinner. Go early with a date, solo plan, or small group, treat it as a first stop that can stretch into the evening. Its 2026 OAD South America #42 ranking gives it real credibility for this hybrid format.

Compared with easier Mexico City bar plans, Kaito del Valle is the better choice when awards recognition and a polished cocktail setting matter more than spontaneity. Book it for a date or small celebration; skip it for happy-hour hunting, large groups, or a casual first stop.

Kumiko holds a 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar and an Opinionated About Dining top-150 North America ranking; a rare combination of bar-program depth and Japanese tasting-menu precision. At $$$$ for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, it is one of Chicago's strongest cases for a full evening commitment. Book three to four weeks ahead; demand has grown since the James Beard win.

Native is worth booking for a focused cocktail occasion in Singapore, especially for two people or a small celebration group. Its Amoy Street address makes it easy to pair with dinner nearby, but larger parties should plan early and avoid treating it like a casual walk-in group bar. Recognition from World's 50 Best Bars and Asia's Best Bars supports the case for prioritising it.

Svanen is a practical central Oslo pick for drinks before or after dinner, especially if location and late hours matter more than a defined food program. Treat it as a bar stop rather than a dinner anchor; for a meal-led plan, compare Brasserie France, Mamma Pizza, Baltazar Ristorante e Enoteca, or Mantra by Mr India instead.

Camparino in Galleria is the Milan pick when the priority is a serious cocktail-led aperitivo near the Duomo, backed by Top 500 Bars Best Bars #41 in 2025 and World's 50 Best Bars #27 in 2021. It is better for dates and small groups than casual large-party drinking, value is strongest if drinks are the main reason to go.

Book Nouvelle Vague for a drinks-led date or celebration in Tirana, especially if cocktail recognition matters more than a full dinner setup. The smarter plan is a small party, early timing, food elsewhere; cross-shop Radio Bar if flexibility matters more than destination status.

Ruby is a strong Copenhagen pick when the night is built around cocktails rather than dinner. The 2026 Opinionated About Dining recognition gives it a credible signal, but the smartest plan is a small-party drinks stop before or after a restaurant booking, with food handled elsewhere.

Book Red Frog if the priority is a serious Lisbon cocktail night with international bar recognition, not a low-cost casual round. It is strongest for first-timers who want one confident anchor stop in the city and weaker for large, flexible groups that care more about easy access than bar pedigree.

Thunderbolt is worth prioritizing for a cocktail-focused night in Los Angeles, especially if awards recognition and a high-demand room matter to the decision. It is less useful as a casual fallback or large-group stop; go when the bar is the point, have a backup nearby if timing is tight.

Mirror Bar is the Bratislava pick for a polished, cocktail-first hotel-bar experience in Old Town. The case is strongest for dates, client drinks, first-time visitors who want a serious bar program; eat elsewhere if dinner is the priority. Recognition includes World's 50 Best Bars #25 in 2025 and Top 500 Bars #46 in 2025.

Maison Premiere is a strong Williamsburg choice when the cocktail program and room are the reason for the night. It is better for dates and celebrations than loose group drinks, the booking difficulty makes it a plan-ahead venue rather than a casual fallback.

Donovan Bar is worth targeting if you want a polished Mayfair cocktail room with serious bar recognition, not a casual walk-in plan. It suits dates and small parties better than groups, it is a stronger indoor-drinks choice than an outdoor or food-led booking.

Tjoget is worth booking when you want a relaxed Stockholm night that can cover dinner and drinks without a formal tasting-menu commitment. The Mediterranean direction, easy booking signal, OAD Casual in Europe recognition make it a strong first-timer choice, especially for groups choosing between a restaurant reservation and a bar-led evening.

Sin + Tax is the Johannesburg pick for a drinks-first date or celebration, backed by major bar-list recognition rather than a dinner-led format. Book it when cocktails are the main event; choose a restaurant or gastropub alternative if your group needs food, price certainty, or a quieter business setting.

Schofield's is worth prioritising for a cocktail-led night in Manchester, especially as a date or small-group stop after dinner. Its international bar-ranking recognition makes it a stronger choice for serious drinks than for food-led plans, but demand means it is better planned than left to chance.

Book Lost & Found when the night calls for a serious cocktail bar rather than a wine-led hangout or dinner-first venue. Its clearest trust signal is the World's 50 Best Bars #25 ranking from 2018, which puts it above a casual drop-in choice for date nights or celebrations in Nicosia.

Darkside is worth booking for a polished Hong Kong cocktail occasion, especially for a date, client drink, or celebration in Tsim Sha Tsui East. Treat it as a bar-led choice with strong awards credibility, not a food-first meal plan; build dinner elsewhere if the group needs a serious plate before drinks.

Book this for a cocktail-focused Athens night, especially as a date or small-group anchor. The awards profile is strong enough to justify planning ahead, but larger groups should compare it with wine bars or food-led venues before committing.

Employees Only NYC is worth the booking effort if you want an award-backed West Village cocktail bar where the food can carry a full evening. The drinks have the deeper reputation, but the listed steak tartare, cavatelli, burrata, ribeye make it more useful than a one-round stop.

Artesian is worth prioritising for a polished London cocktail occasion, especially dates, celebrations, or business drinks where awards history and room quality matter. It is a weaker fit for bargain drinking, large casual groups, or food-led plans; book it as the drinks anchor, not the whole night.