It's Official: Chicago Has The Best New American Cocktail Bar And The World's Best Cocktail Menu

By Rob Christopher in Food on Jul 20, 2014 4:00PM

The eighth annual Tales of the Cocktail, a five-day-long bacchanal of spirits held in New Orleans, wrapped up last night with its Spirited Awards ceremony. Often described as the "Oscars of the cocktail world," the awards honor the very best in bartending across the world, as judged by a very impressive panel. And let's just say that Chicago did quite alright.

Better, in fact, than anywhere else in the world. Three Dots and a Dash, our beloved tiki hideaway, was named the Best New American Cocktail Bar. We can't think of a better early first birthday present for Paul McGee and his hard-working team. And The Aviary won in the World's Best Cocktail Menu category, another confirmation that Charles Joly (who won a Spirited Award last year!) is doing a superb job at his "new" gig.

Both establishments beat out such worthy contenders as The Dead Rabbit (New York), The Nightjar (London), and Trick Dog (San Francisco). Sable, nominated for Best American Hotel Bar, lost to Clyde Common in Portland, alas. Nevertheless, three noms and two wins should be proof positive (as if any were actually needed) that Chicago takes its drinking seriously indeed.