Three Australian spots make the list of the world’s best bars
Three Australian bars have made the list of global best joints for a drink. Photo: Getty
Three Australian bars have made a list of the 50 best worldwide, with one in Melbourne marking Australia’s highest entry on the list and two in Sydney rounding out those recognised.
Landing at 21, 23 and 35 on 50 Best’s list of best bars globally, these three locations are a sure thing for a great night out and one too many cocktails.
Caretaker’s Cottage
50 Best described this Melbourne bar, located within an old cottage surrounded by skyscrapers, as “a must-visit for locals and travellers alike” after opening in 2022.
“The owners, Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling – all of whom have worked across some of best bars in the world – are a rare thing in that they all actually work in the bar,” 50 Best said.
“They don’t shout the pedigree of Caretaker’s Cottage to the world, preferring to call it a simple, local pub, and in vibe and design it’s very much a neighbourhood joint.”
Caretaker’s Cottage is a no-bookings, walk-ups-only venue. Photo: Caretaker’s Cottage
Caretaker’s Cottage, on the bar’s social media page, said their “heads are still spinning from the news”.
“Thank you to all that voted and to all that support us day in, day out and to our incredible staff.
“We love you, none of this would be possible without you.”
The owners said that “we’re just three best friends who thought opening a bar was a good idea”.
“We never imagined to reach such highs,” they said.
“Nothing is going to change. Maybe just some more champagne in the coming days.”
Maybe Sammy
Although Sydney’s only entry on the list didn’t take out the top spot for Australia, Maybe Sammy, a cocktail bar located in The Rocks, Sydney, remained proud of its sixth consecutive entry on the list since opening in 2019.
“We’re beyond proud to represent Australia, home to one of the best hospitality scenes in the world,” Maybe Sammy said on Instagram.
“To our amazing team, your hard work and passion have brought us to #26 globally and landed us on the 50 Best Bars for 6 years in a row.”
Maybe Sammy is known for its bartender’s flamboyant outfits. Photo: Maybe Sammy
50 Best said the bar has remained “the city’s most talked-about bar since it opened in early 2019, lighting up a dreary stretch of street”.
“Patrons come for a smartly packaged combination of theatrics and attentive, fun service that seeks to add a spark in one’s evening,” 50 Best said.
“And, of course, the bartenders donning those signature pastel pink jackets deliver delicious drinks with every pour.”
@carly.sutcliffe One of my absolute favourite cocktail spots 🍸 #cocktail #maybesammy #sydney #aesthetic #bar #viral #fypシ
Byrdi
The final entry on the list for Australia, landing at No.35, is Melbourne’s Byrdi.
It “might very well be the most Australian bar in existence,” according to 50 Best, and its local-focused selection of ingredients and seasonal drinks list propelled it onto the list.
Byrdi is known for its slick interior and attention to detail in its ingredients. Photo: Byrdi
“Things can be quite technical – there is foraging and fermenting and vacuum distilling – and the drinks are high-concept creations,” 50 Best said.
“As for the service, there is a loquaciousness here, a laid back, casual sensibility that, despite all the hard work, experience and knowledge, is determined to show their guests a good time.”
The world’s best bars
The top three bars in the world according to the list are in three global cities: Mexico City, Hong Kong and Barcelona.
Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City took out No.1 on the list, with 50 Best describing it as a Prohibition era-inspired intimate space that gives off Great Gatsby vibes.
“As for the basement bar, a space that opened in 2023, pure Mexican spirit and energy awaits.”
“There’s an on-site laboratory with lab manager Yiyi Aparicio at the helm hidden at the heart of the bar where the team experiments daily.”
Bar Leone in Hong Kong was No.2, offering Italian-inspired cocktails with “simple yet intriguing twists”.
“The team are known for their warm hospitality and passion for delivering top-notch service.”
“Their dedication to excellent food and drinks ensures that guests not only enjoy a taste of Italy, but also feel like they’ve made a new friend in the process.”
Rounding out the top three is Sips in Barcelona, which was named the world’s best bar in 2023.
“Sips’ island bar design, which deliberately eschews expectations for what a bar should look like, remains as eye-catching as ever,” 50 Best said.
“024 brought the launch of the stunning Esencia, a connected yet separate space within Sips that immediately caught the attention of every cocktail lover on the planet.”