Two Los Angeles bars have officially landed on the prestigious extended list of North America’s 50 Best Bars for 2026, proving the city’s nightlife is more than just celeb sightings.
LA’s Vandell and Thunderbolt were both named among the top 100 bars across the continent — a list voted on by more than 300 cocktail experts, bartenders, bar owners and drinks writers.
The list, which ranks the top 51 to 100 bars across the continent, serves as the high-stakes precursor to the “top 50” event.
Coming in at number 68 is Vandell, a Los Feliz newcomer that’s managed to capture the “cool” factor faster than a TikTok trend. Despite only opening its doors in 2025, the spot is already being hailed for its mid-century California design and moody lighting–perfect for people who want to look like they’re in a noir film while sipping a $20 drink. It’s the kind of place where the “vibe” is as strong as the pour.
The tiny, 800-square-foot space has quickly turned into a magnet for a stylish LA crowd.
What’s driving the frenzy is a menu with produce-driven cocktails, with drinks literally named after ingredients like Smoked Tomato or Green Pepper, and vintage spirits from the 70s and ’80s.
Further down the list at number 92 is Thunderbolt, a mainstay in Historic Filipinotown that refuses to go away. This isn’t your typical velvet-rope Hollywood nightmare, though. Thunderbolt is known for being tech-forward and sustainable, focusing on high-quality cocktails without the pretentious overhead. The watering hole is know for inventive drinks like pandan-infused rye cocktails and umami-packed frozen concoctions.
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It’s the kind of neighborhood joint that makes you wonder why you ever paid a cover charge in Santa Monica.
Thunderbolt has previously made the top 50 list four times already, coming in at number 24 last year.
While Los Angeles is celebrating its two entries, Big Apple booze-hounds shouldn’t lose any sleep. New York City still showed up in force on the extended list, with heavy hitters like Katana Kitten, Dante, The Portrait Bar, Shinji’s and Seed Library representing the five boroughs.
The full “Top 50” list is set to be revealed at a live awards ceremony in Vancouver on 22 April. LA fans are holding their breath to see if any West Coast haunts can crack the top tier, but for now, Vandell and Thunderbolt are carrying the torch for the city.
