Full Breakdown
California Bars Dominate 2026 Spirited Awards Rankings
4/12/2026, 3:19:19 AM
Overview of the Rankings
The 2026 Spirited Awards, organized by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, have recognized California as the leading state for bars in the West. The awards highlight excellence across various categories, showcasing a range of venues from cocktail bars to hotel bars.
Notable Winners in California
Several California bars received accolades in the Best U.S. Cocktail Bar category, with notable winners including Baby Gee in Long Beach, Capri Club and Thunderbolt in Los Angeles, Tallboy in Oakland, The Snug in Sacramento, and True Laurel in San Francisco. The Best U.S. Bar Team category featured San Francisco's Pacific Cocktail Haven and True Laurel, along with LA's Mirate, Real Charmer, and Thunderbolt, and San Diego's Real of the 52 Remedies.
In the Best U.S. Restaurant Bar category, Sacramento's Kru and The Butterscotch Den were recognized, alongside Bar Cecil in Palm Springs, LA's Donna’s, Kato Restaurant, and Mírate, and Oakland's Viridian. The Best U.S. Hotel Bar honors went to San Francisco's Cavaña at LUMA Hotel and Starlite at the Beacon Grand Hotel, as well as The Manor Bar at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito and Ponyboy at the Pearl in San Diego.
Emerging Talent
The Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar in the West included Bar Maritime at the Palihotel in San Francisco, along with five new LA establishments: Daisy Margarita Bar, Damn I Miss Paris, Lucia, Not No Bar, and Vandell. These selections reflect a vibrant cocktail culture in California, emphasizing innovation and quality.
Broader Recognition
In addition to the regional awards, two Los Angeles bars, Vandell and Thunderbolt, were also featured in the prestigious ranking of North America’s 50 Best Bars for 2026. This recognition is based on votes from over 300 industry experts, including bartenders, bar owners, and drinks writers, further solidifying California's reputation in the cocktail scene.
Implications for the Bar Industry
The success of California bars in these rankings underscores the state's influence on the cocktail industry, showcasing a diverse array of venues that cater to various tastes and experiences. As the competition narrows down later this spring, the spotlight on these establishments may drive increased tourism and interest in California's vibrant bar culture.
What's Next
As the awards process continues, the finalists will be further narrowed down, leading to the announcement of the top bars in the country. This ongoing recognition may influence trends in the bar industry and encourage new establishments to emerge in California and beyond.
