VANCOUVER, CANADA – The elite of North America’s cocktail scene converged on Vancouver for the prestigious North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 awards ceremony and associated events. This annual gathering, a key fixture in the global hospitality calendar, celebrates the continent’s most innovative and influential drinking establishments.
Among the notable participants drawing significant attention were leading bars from Los Angeles, California. Their presence and performance underscored not only the burgeoning excellence of the LA bar scene but also a remarkable display of unity and resilience following the challenges faced by the Southern California hospitality sector.
Los Angeles Excellence on Display
Three prominent Los Angeles venues featured prominently in the discussions and the eventual ranking: Mírate, Thunderbolt, and Kato. Each establishment has carved a distinct niche in the vibrant culinary and beverage landscape of the city, and their recognition at the North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 event highlights their standing on a continental scale.
Mírate achieved a particularly strong showing, securing the No. 12 position in the highly anticipated ranking. Beyond its impressive placement, Mírate was also distinguished with two significant accolades: it was named The Best Bar in West USA 2025, a testament to its leadership within a competitive regional market, and received the Nikka Highest Climber Award, recognizing its substantial ascent within the ranking compared to previous years.
Thunderbolt, another cornerstone of the Los Angeles bar scene, also earned a coveted spot on the list, coming in at No. 24. Known for its inventive cocktails and dynamic atmosphere, Thunderbolt’s inclusion further solidified LA’s strong representation among the continent’s best.
Kato, while primarily recognized for its exceptional culinary program, also played a role in the Vancouver events. Kato was the recipient of the Resy One To Watch Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 program. While its core identity is that of a leading restaurant, its participation underscores the increasingly blurred lines between high-level dining and sophisticated beverage programs in top-tier hospitality venues.
A Unified Front at the Bartenders’ Feast
A particularly poignant moment illustrating the spirit of the Los Angeles community occurred during the Bartenders’ Feast, a central social event held as part of the North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 program. A combined team featuring talent from Mírate, Thunderbolt, and Kato joined forces to serve cocktails to attendees.
This collaborative effort was more than just a demonstration of skill; it was a powerful symbol of the strength and unity within the LA hospitality scene. The industry in Southern California, like many others, faced significant adversity, including the impact of the Southern California wildfires of 2024.
The act of these leading bars coming together on an international stage, pooling their expertise to serve their peers, resonated deeply. It showcased a community supporting one another and collectively representing the resilience and determination of Los Angeles professionals in the face of recent challenges.
The Event’s Significance
The North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 event, proudly sponsored by Perrier, served as a vital platform for the region’s top bar talent. It provided opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, and celebrating achievements within the industry.
The announcement of the new ranking is the centerpiece of the event, creating benchmarks and driving conversations about excellence and innovation in cocktail creation and bar operations. However, the gatherings surrounding the awards, such as the Bartenders’ Feast, are equally crucial for fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among professionals who often operate in intense competitive environments.
Vancouver’s hosting of the event facilitated these interactions, bringing together bartenders, bar owners, suppliers, and media from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean to acknowledge the evolution and dynamism of North America’s vibrant bar culture. The strong showing from Los Angeles, highlighted by Mírate’s significant awards and the collective spirit demonstrated by the LA bars, was a key narrative thread throughout the celebrations.
