After ranking 21st on North America’s 50 Best Bars list in 2023, Guadalajara’s El Gallo Altanero has now entered the 2024 World’s 50 Best Bars list in 48th place.
At this year’s awards ceremony in Madrid, Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy claimed the top spot, marking the first time a Mexican bar has been ranked No. 1 in the world.
Located in the heart of the lively Colonia Americana, El Gallo Altanero (meaning “The Unyielding Rooster”) is described by the 50 Best website as embodying the “very spirit of Jalisco” and being “a true temple to agave.” Bartenders at the bar have an “encyclopedic knowledge of the agave-based spirit,” selecting rare bottles from the back bar with a focus on “an epic selection of small, independent tequila producers.”
Regarding Handshake Speakeasy, 50 Best praised it for its beautifully designed space, where bar director Eric Van Beek’s carefully crafted drinks list “shines.” The website notes that many of Van Beek’s creations appear simple but deliver “an explosion of unexpected flavors” upon tasting.
With four entries each, New York City and Singapore have the most bars featured on the 50 Best list, followed by Mexico City, London and Paris with three each.