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What's shaking in Vancouver? Quite a bit, when it comes to the cocktail scene.
The announcement of the rankings takes place in 麻豆传媒映画for the first time on Tuesday, April 29, and there are several prominent local and global bar stars stirring up some excitement as part of the festivities.
Leading up to and capping off the awards ceremony there will be numerous events showcasing incredible spirits and talented cocktail pros, including those visiting from around North America and beyond. Top spots for tipples across the city will be opening up their bars for collabs, showcases, seminars, and guest shifts.
Along with 麻豆传媒映画serving as host city for the first time is another thrilling first: An extended list of rankings honouring spots 51 to 100 was recently revealed.
Already a mainstay of The World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars lists, the extended ranking made its North American this year, shining a spotlight on the rich and diverse cocktail cultures across the region in the lead-up to the unveiling of the prestigious 1-50 list.
The 51-100 list includes bars spanning 23 destinations across North America, recognizing even more cities for their diverse cocktail culture. Canada boasts 15 institutions on the list, hailing from Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Victoria.
Local honours go to Prophecy (53), Laowai (67), and (92).
Take a look at some of the exciting special events, including some at the aforementioned three new ranked winners here in Vancouver. Plan accordingly and reserve when possible, as many of these spots will be at capacity for these rare events.
Nomo Nomo x Chupito x Slice of Life Bar
Another in the series of pre-launch events for Commercial Drive's incoming izakaya-inspired spot Nomo Nomo is this one night only collab on Saturday, April 26 at the just-opened new location of Michelin Guide-endorsed Chupito in Mount Pleasant. Chef Maria Ponce (Chupito, La Taqueria) will be cooking alongside Nomo Nomo's Benedict Lim and Heedong Choi. Behind the bar will be Wayne Chow, Gian Mancenido, and Lucas Szaraz from Nomo Nomo; Eric Pan Jae Han from Slice of Life in Toronto; and Tara Davies and Erik Vazquez from Chupito. No tickets needed. Chupito is walk-in only.
When: April 26 from 6 p.m. to midnight
Where: Chupito - 2450 Yukon St
Mexico City Night: Hanky Panky x Brujas at
Chupito is hosting a powerful takeover by two of Mexico City’s most iconic bars. Gina Barbachano, bar manager at Hanky Panky and Spirited Awards nominee, brings the spirit and precision of one of the world’s best speakeasies. From Brujas, Bianca “Piba” Bertoli channels the magic of her all-female team and their roots in curanderismo and herbal craft. This one-night celebration honours women who craft, lead, and heal through cocktails. No tickets or reservations needed. First come, first served.
When: April 30 from 7 p.m.-midnight
Where: Chupito - 2450 Yukon St
presents: Nightcap by The Canadylans
A trifecta of talented Dylans - Dylan Brentwood of , Dylan Malonez of , and Dylan Riches of Ama) - are coming together for one night only, to celebrate the Canadian bar scene during World's 50 Best Bars in 麻豆传媒映画at Ama. The menu will have a lighthearted and fun theme and will feature four to six drinks, partnered with Suntory and Fernet-Branca. There will also be a small light-night food menu available by executive chef Sean Yuen.
When: April 27 from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Ama - 3980 Fraser St
Eli Martinez of Tlec膩n at
Eli Martinez of Mexico City’s Tlec膩n — ranked No. 10 on the 2024 lists of North America’s Best Bars and No. 20 for the World’s Best Bars — will host an unforgettable afternoon of agave and cocktails at The Flamingo Room on Sunday, April 27.
Presented in partnership with Solmano Mezcal and Don Fulano Tequila, tickets to the event are available for $20 and include an agave seminar and tasting from 2-4 p.m. featuring spirits created and sourced specifically for Tlec膩n, a welcome cocktail, and small bites from the culinary team at The Flamingo Room. As a bonus, guests who attend the afternoon session will be invited back for an evening bar takeover by Martinez that takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. and enjoy one complimentary cocktail of their choice during the takeover.
As space for the seminar, tasting and bar takeover is extremely limited, guests are recommended to reserve tickets now via .
When: Sunday, April 27. Seminar from 2-4 p.m., bar takeover from 7-10 p.m.
Where: The Flamingo Room - 1214 Commercial Dr
Cost: Seminar is $20. Tickets/reservations via .
Sustainable Bar Showcase at
Prophecy presents a showcase of innovation, sustainability, and creativity, welcoming icons in the sustainable bar space and past winners of the Ketel One Sustainable Bar award on Monday, April 28.鈦�
The lineup includes:
- True Laurel (San Francisco) 2024 Ketel One Sustainable Bar award winner, North America's 50 Best Bars
- Yacht Club Bar (Denver) 2023 Ketel One Sustainable Bar award winner, North America's 50 Best Bars
- Bar Kismet (Halifax) 2022 Ketel One Sustainable Bar award winner, North America's 50 Best Bars
- Röda Huset (Stockholm) 2024 Ketel One Sustainable Bar award winner, World’s 50 Best Bars
Sustainable bites from Vancouver's own Burdock & Co will be available. Each bar has been given a fresh sheet of local, ethically and sustainably sourced products from local producers and foragers for their use. A portion of all profits will be going to support 麻豆传媒映画Neighbourhood Food Networks. No tickets required, walk-ins only.鈦�
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When: Monday, April 28 from 8 p.m.-midnight
Where: Prophecy - 801 W Georgia St
Chicago's Kumiko takes on
Renowned bartender Julia Momosé of Chicago's Kumiko is doing a bar takeover at Meo on Monday, April 28. Kumiko is currently #19 on the list and is known for being a "sophisticated cocktail bar blending Japanese and American cocktail influences with style and finesse." Guests can order snacks and dishes from Meo's regular menu.
When: Monday, April 28 at 9 p.m.
Where: Meo - 265 E Pender St
Events at
Après with The Raven Room
Strap in for the quintessential après ski experience on Monday afternoon at Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions as event sponsors Elevacion 1250 Tequila, Xila Mexican Aperitif and Solmano Mezcal welcome Dani Crowley and Josh Lelay of Whistler’s The Raven Room to shake up hand-crafted cocktails courtesy paired with good vibes and, of course, shotskis. .
When: Monday, April 28 from 3-5 p.m.
Where: Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions - 67 W 6th Ave
The EH Team: Women Bar Leaders in Canada
It's time to let the women of the cocktail world shine. This bar star-studded celebration features some of the best and brightest for an all women takeover of MPV with expertise coming from renowned bars, pop-ups, and educational experts. Enjoy live music and libations from folks like Vancouver's own Kaitlyn Stewart (Likeable Cocktails) and guests from Toronto's Simpl Things and Bar Mordecai and more. .
When: Monday, April 28 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
The City That Never Sleeps: NYC in YVR
As if things couldn’t get any better, some of New York City’s most iconic bars are heading west for an unforgettable night. Each will bring their own signature style and flavour, offering a taste of the Big Apple right here on the West Coast. Raise a glass with Overstory, Employees Only, Superbueno, Angel’s Share, Katana Kitten, The Clemente Bar, Martiny’s, Sip & Guzzle, and Double Chicken Please. This exclusive event is RSVP-only with very limited walk-in availability—first come, first served.
When: Tuesday, April 29. VIP entry 9 p.m. General entry 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
The Best of Agave
The final night of festivities at MPV brings together agave, food, and vinyl for a one-of-a-kind celebration. Café De Nadie, Bar Co Cos, Tommy's Mexican, and Salon de Agave will be pouring the drinks, while Yacht Club Bar takes over the kitchen to serve up their signature Franks. Adding to the vibe, Café De Nadie will keep the energy flowing with vinyl records spinning all night long, delivering the authentic experience they've become known for. .
When: Wednesday, April 30 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Guest Shifts at +
The World's 50 Best Bars will be in 麻豆传媒映画on April 29 to announce the winners of this year's , and that means some of the best bartenders in the world will be in town. Among the top spots hosting "guest shifts" are Chinatown's acclaimed Laowai and Bagheera, who each have an impressive roster of talent coming in for exclusive one-night-only stints. Get reservations locked in ASAP, as these are expected to be very popular evenings.
's lineup
- Friday, April 25: London Takeover - Amaro Bar (#90, World’s 50 Best Bars); Archive & Myth
- Saturday, April 26: Road to HK- Wing Lei; Penicillin (#24, Asia’s 50 Best Bars); Argo (#58, World’s 50 Best Bars); Honky Tonks Tavern (#67, Asia’s 50 Best Bars)
- Sunday, April 27: Thunderbolt (#64, World’s / #8, NA 50 Best); Selva (#34, NA 50 Best); Moebius (#38, World’s 50 Best Bars); Quinary (#26, Asia’s 50 Best Bars); Cry Baby Gallery
- Monday, April 28: Drink Kong (#33, World’s 50 Best Bars) from 3-6:30 p.m.; El Gallo & Friends (#14, NA 50 Best) 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Tuesday, April 29: Meadowlark (#32, NA 50 Best); Limantour (#9, NA 50 Best); The Cold Room; Eximia
Where: Laowai - 251 E Georgia St
Bar Series
- Saturday, April 26: Bar Us (#41, World’s 50 Best); CMYK (#43, Asia’s 50 Best Bars); Native (#67, World’s 50 Best
- Sunday, April 27: Danico (#48, World’s 50 Best); Freni e Frizioni (#53, World’s 50 Best); Allegory (N.A. 50 Best); Bar Bello; Kinu
- Monday, April 28: Paradiso (World’s Best Bar 2022); Perrier Celebrate Canada
- Tuesday, April 29: Nutmeg and Clove (#28, World’s 50 Best); SilverLyan
- Wednesday, April 30: Ceiba
Where: Bagheera - 518 Main St.
St Germain Soiree in Bloom at
As part of the North America's 50 Best cocktail bars celebration, several renowned bartenders will be making drinks using St Germain liqueur at the West End's Jungle Room. Join bartenders from previously awarded bars Café de Nadie (Mexico City), Atwater Cocktail Club (Montreal), Service Bar (Washington DC), Bar Pompette (Toronto), Experimental Cocktail Club (NY) and Double Chicken Please (NY) for drinks and conversation. Be sure to arrive early as the event is expected to hit capacity.
When: April 28 at 10 p.m.
Where: Jungle Room - 961 Denman St
Events at Fairmont Pacific Rim's Botanist Bar & Lobby Lounge
The elegant Fairmont Pacific Rim is home to two acclaimed bars, Botanist and the Lobby Lounge. Both will have some excellent special programming next week as part of the city-wide North America's 50 Best Bars celebration.
Monday, April 28:
- 60 years of Tommy at Botanist Bar – margarita seminar led by Julio Bermejo, Head Bartender at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant (3-5:30 p.m.)
- Grand Tasting Affair Miami at The Lobby Lounge, featuring Café La Trova, Champagne Bar, Bar Kaiju and ViceVersa (3-5:30 p.m.)
- Shinji’s Pop-Up at Botanist Bar, sponsored by Remy Martin (8-11 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 29:
- Pre-Ceremony Margarita Party at The Lobby Lounge, featuring Vertical Evolution, Umbra, Cure & Library by the Sea (3:30-5 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 30:
- Julie Reiner of Clove Club + Milady’s Pop-Up at Botanist Bar (3-5 p.m.)
Where: Fairmont Pacific Rim - 1038 Canada Pl
North America’s 50 Best Bars Week Hits Commercial Drive
A group of Commercial Drive’s standout bars are teaming up for a week-long collaborative menu series that spotlights the neighbourhood’s vibrant bar scene. The initiative brings together local favourites in creative pairings:
- x
- x
- x
- x
Each duo has developed exclusive, limited-edition cocktail menus that reflect the character of their collaboration and the cultural heart of Commercial Drive. Reservations are recommended, and can be made through the restaurant’s respective websites. Walk-ins welcome.
When: Friday, April 25 to Friday, May 2
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