Vancouver, B.C., April 23, 2026 – Last night, two of Vancouver’s leading cocktail destinations, and , earned spots on the prestigious 2026 North America’s 50 Best Bars list. The Keefer Bar ranked No. 7 overall and was named The Best Bar in Canada, while June made an impressive debut at No. 17 as a new entry (and third best bar in Canada).
“We’re incredibly honoured to see both of our bars recognized on this year’s North America’s 50 Best Bars list, alongside such a strong showing from across Canada,” says Keenan Hood, co-proprietor of both The Keefer Bar and June. "I've been in this industry a long time – almost my whole life and bartending about half of them. I've been a dishwasher, a cook, a bar back, but my heart is behind the bar. It's in my blood."
"To have The Keefer Bar named The Best Bar in Canada is the culmination of years of dedication and a continued deep love for this industry. And for June, which just celebrated its first anniversary, to be welcomed on the list at No. 17 is truly special. We’re immensely proud of both our teams and grateful to be part of such a talented community, representing both our city and our country.”
Hood’s fellow co-proprietor Cam Watt says, “I’m very proud of Keenan and his crew for placing both The Keefer Bar and June within the top 20 bars in all of North America. Keefer took top spot in all of Canada. It’s really an accomplishment given the level of competition. Good work, guys!”
The Keefer Bar, an apothecary cocktail bar located in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, opened in February of 2010 on the first day of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Since then, it has landed on several 50 Best Bars lists, including being recognized on the 2012 World’s 50 Best Bars as one to watch, and on the 2013 World’s 50 Best Bars extended list. In 2022, The Keefer Bar claimed the No. 25 spot on the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Bars list. In 2025, it landed at No. 28. The Keefer Bar is managed by Keenan Hood and fellow award-winning bartenders Amber Bruce (beverage director), Tristan Young (general manager), and Hugo Finan (bar manager).
June, a brasserie-inspired bi-level concept in Vancouver’s Cambie Village, just opened in March of 2025. Since opening, the neighbourhood has warmly embraced its creative cocktails and take on classic French dishes upstairs and has made LaLa, its 40-seat vinyl listening basement bar, a destination. June is founded by owner-operators Keenan Hood and Cam Watt, Dunya Hood (partner), and its opening team: Leticia Castro (general manager), Amber Bruce (beverage director), Connor Sperling (head chef), Satoshi Yonemori (bar manager), and Riley Maggs (head bartender).
“The bartending community is one of the most tight-knit in the hospitality industry, and these accolades are very special and not something we take for granted,” adds Bruce. “We’re always working and furthering our technique, while developing new flavours and creating spaces where guests feel genuinely welcome. It’s truly rewarding to see the work we put in resonate on an international stage.”
The North America’s 50 Best Bars rankings are of more than 300 anonymous industry experts, including bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and well-travelled discerning drinkers from across the region.
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