Three Australian bars just made the World’s 50 Best list

Eat & Drink

Australia’s bar scene has once again proven its mettle on the global stage, with three local venues securing spots in the prestigious 2024 World’s 50 Best Bars list.

Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage came in at no.21 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Image: Supplied

The highest-ranking Australian entry is Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage, which claimed the 21st spot. The pint-sized bar not only secured a top 50 position but was also crowned Best Bar in Australasia and took home the Art of Hospitality award, cementing its status as a local and international favourite.

Sydney’s Maybe Sammy continues to live up to its stellar reputation, coming in at 26th place.

Melbourne’s Byrdi, a relatively newer entry, made an impressive debut at 35th place. Known for pushing the boundaries of cocktail making with its focus on local ingredients and avant-garde techniques, Byrdi’s has become a favourite for locals.

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This year, the title of the Best Bar in the World went to Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy. Hidden behind a secret door in the Colonia Juárez neighbourhood, Handshake Speakeasy is praised for its Hollywood-era speakeasy aesthetic and world-class cocktails.

“It is with immense pride that we announce Handshake Speakeasy as The World’s Best Bar 2024,” said Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Bars. “The bar’s impressive rise through the list is a testament to their unique combination of flawless hospitality, innovative technique, and truly excellent cocktails.”

The 2024 list includes bars from 28 different cities, with 16 new entries making their debut, highlighting the global reach of today’s cocktail culture.

London and New York tied for the cities with the most bars in the top 50, with each claiming four spots. The UK and the US also tied for the most bars on the list overall, with five venues apiece.

So who decides which bars make the cut?

The World’s 50 Best Bars list is curated by William Reed, a media company that has been producing the list since 2009. The rankings are determined by a global panel of experts, which includes bartenders, drinks writers, and cocktail specialists. The panel, known as the World’s 50 Best Bars Academy, consists of over 650 members from across the globe. Each member is tasked with voting for their top seven bars, and these votes are collated to create the final list.