Top 500 Bars names the world’s most influential bars

The Top 500 Bars revealed its list of the world’s most influential bars overnight, with Maybe Sammy ranking 16^th overall, making it Australia’s highest-ranked bar, with Caretaker’s Cottage being ranked number 47.

The Top 500 Bars is compiled using data aggregated from over 2000 sources across the internet, and in more than 20 languages. The opinions of experts, journalists and influencers are used rankings, reviews on platforms, social media and search engines to complete the data set.

Top 500 Bars says its algorithm is “about finding a complementary ranking with existing selections to highlight the daily work of individuals who drive this industry”.

Adding: “We’ve designed an algorithm and gathered thousands of data (rankings, publications, platforms and others) in over 20 languages to form a list of the Top 500 Bars in the world. Created by the people, for the people.”

Maybe Sammy Co-founder Stefano Catino said the recognition was both humbling and affirming.

“What makes this list special is that it’s built on data — on what people are searching for, talking about, and sharing,” he said.

“To see Maybe Sammy continue to resonate with guests around the world is really humbling. It’s a reflection of how people feel when they visit, and that’s the part that matters most to us.”

Top 500 Bars said of the bar, “Maybe Sammy takes inspiration from the roaring fifties, the rebirth of cool, the era where fashion and fun prevailed. A time when The Rat Pack and Hollywood glamour were revered and admired.

“Their Signature Drinks are named after some of ‘the boys’ favourite haunts on the Vegas strip. Take a look through the Mini Martinis list and you will instantly recognise their ode to the most iconic cocktails of all time.”

Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage, named Best Bar at the 2025 Australian Liquor Industry Awards, also made the top 50, coming in at 47.

Top 500 Bars said of the Melbourne venue: “Caretaker’s cottage is a public bar. Modern hospitality in a beautiful old cottage. smart drinks, top tunes & fun times. The drinks list is always evolving with an ever-growing wine list, seasonally released beer and showcasing new mixed drinks. Food comes in the form of small plates for sharing.”

Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons was ranked number one, with Paradiso of Barcelona second and Hong Kong’s Bar Leone ranked third.

Top 500 Bars said: “Panda & Sons is the brainchild of famed Scottish bartender Iain McPherson. It’s a table service cocktail bar, that’s all about friendly Scottish service in an intimate and cosy surrounding.

“Their cocktail menu offers exciting drinks using the latest techniques, including their very own called ‘Switching’. Their technique Switching is where you isolate the water from spirits and swap it with another non-alcoholic liquid. They lead the way in paying their staff the UK’s ‘real living wage’ and offering them a profit share program.”

With more than 125 cities and 53 countries represented, Top 500 Bars Founder Anthony Poncier said the ranking is illustrative of the continued dynamism in the cocktail bar sector.

“The past few years have been a test of resilience for the bar sector,” he stated. “But we are now seeing a strong mobilisation of newcomers, expanding to cover the entire planet. Our ranking captures this excitement and highlights the most influential establishments globally, shaping the global cocktail scene.”