3 Chicago Bars That Are Absolutely Worth A Special Trip, New Top 100 List Says

CHICAGO, IL — Three Chicago bars are shaking up the cocktail scene after being named among the top 100 in North America.

Queen Mary, Nine Bar and Meadowlark came in as three of the best 100 bars on the continent, according to 50 Best's North America's 50 Best Bars 2026 list. The annual, globally recognized list ranks top-tier venues across the U.S., Canada and Central America.

50 Best released the first half of its list of the top 100 bars on Tuesday, revealing the spots ranked from No. 51 to 100. The list is compiled through votes cast by the "voting academy," which includes more than 300 independent cocktail experts, renowned bartenders, educators and drink writers.

The full ranking of North America's 50 Best Bars 2026 will be revealed at a live awards ceremony in Vancouver on April 22.

Meadowlark landed at No. 65 on the list. The cozy atmosphere makes this Logan Square bar feel like a secret library for serious drinkers, 50 Best said.

"The cocktail programme celebrates the history of the region via rich storytelling – one menu was inspired by birds of the Midwest, another nostalgic moments from childhood – with alluring flavour combinations often featuring local spirits and liqueurs," 50 Best wrote. "There’s no better place to settle in on a cold winter’s night."

Chinatown gem Nine Bar clocked it at No. 76 on the 50 Best list. The Asian-inspired cocktail club is hidden behind a familial storefront in neighborhood mainstay Moon Palace.

"The bar’s neon-tinged, futuristic atmosphere and design takes note from the neo-noir film Blade Runner, plus the buzzing aesthetic of the best cocktail bars in Tokyo – a combination that draws a young, high-energy crowd," 50 Best wrote.

Meanwhile, Queen Mary came in at No. 80 on the list. Named after former bar proprietor Maria Kafka, this Wicker Park bar celebrates British maritime traditions with a sophisticated, salt-aired edge, according to 50 Best.

"The happy hour specials – often affordable oysters and martinis – bring warmth to the coldest midwinter night, as does the interior decor; with antique furnishings thoughtfully arranged in wood-heavy Mid-Century space, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and wonderfully unpretentious," 50 Best wrote.

See the first half of 50 Best's 100 Best Bars.

If You Visit Meadowlark

• 2812 W Palmer St, Logan Square
• Open Monday through Sunday
• 773-369-8070
• Visit Meadowlark's website

If You Visit Nine Bar

• 216 W Cermak Rd, Chinatown
• Open Wednesday through Monday
• Average price per cocktail: $14
• 312-225-4081
• Visit Nine Bar's website

If You Visit Queen Mary Tavern

• 2125 W. Division St., Wicker Park
• Average price per cocktail: $15
• Open Monday through Sunday
• 773-697-3522
• Visit Queen Mary's website