Top bars in the West are crowned — and California dominates the rankings

California Dominates the Best Bars in the West Rankings

The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s 2026 Spirited Awards recently announced the best bars in the West, with California establishments taking the spotlight. The Golden State proved its prowess in the art of mixology, with several bars from different cities being recognized for their excellence in serving up top-notch drinks.

In the category of Best U.S. Cocktail Bar in the West, California bars shone brightly. 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 all made the list for their exceptional cocktail offerings.

Moving on to the Best U.S. Bar Team in the West, California once again stood out. San Francisco’s Pacific Cocktail Haven and True Laurel, LA favorites Mirate, Real Charmer, and Thunderbolt, San Diego’s Real of the 52 Remedies, and Oakland’s Tallboy were all recognized for their outstanding teamwork and service.

The Best U.S. Restaurant Bar in the West category saw Sacramento’s Kru and The Butterscotch Den, Palm Springs’ Bar Cecil, LA’s Donna’s, Kato Restaurant, and Mírate, and Oakland’s Viridian making an appearance on the list for their exceptional bar offerings.

In the Best U.S. Hotel Bar in the West category, California bars continued to impress. San Francisco’s Cavaña at LUMA Hotel and Starlite at the Beacon Grand Hotel, The Manor Bar at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, and Ponyboy at the Pearl in San Diego were all recognized for their top-notch hospitality and drinks.

The Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar in the West category showcased the talent of California’s bar scene. Bar Maritime at the Palihotel in San Francisco took the top spot, while LA’s Daisy Margarita Bar, Damn I Miss Paris, Lucia, Not No Bar, and Vandell also made the list for their innovative and exciting cocktail offerings.

The rankings highlight the best bars across different regions in the U.S. before the final winners are announced later this spring. Meanwhile, two LA bars, Vandell and Thunderbolt, earned spots on the prestigious list of North America’s 50 Best Bars for 2026. Voted on by a panel of over 300 cocktail experts, bartenders, bar owners, and drinks writers, these bars have solidified their place among the top establishments on the continent.

California’s bar scene continues to thrive and impress, with its diverse and innovative offerings setting a high standard for cocktail culture in the West and beyond.