These two Aussie bars have been named on the World’s 50 Best Bars list

Two Australian hospo venues have made the prestigious list of the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023

Although Melbourne has a reputation as the country’s cocktail capital, Sydney speakeasy Maybe Sammy has ranked best in Australia on the annual World’s 50 Best Bars list. Maybe Sammy was named the 15th best bar on the globe, with Melbourne bar Caretaker’s Cottage coming in hot on its heels in 23rd place.

Maybe Sammy is known for its innovative mixology.

The Rocks’ Maybe Sammy serves up old-school glamour in addition to expertly crafted cocktails. Taking inspiration from the roaring fifties, the cocktail menu features historic vintage-dated cocktails made using antique spirits. Set in a sleek interior suffused with the sounds of jazz, swing and live music, Maybe Sammy combines a pared-back classic vibe with envelope-pushing mixology. For instance, their concept menu is referred to as a ‘drinks program’ — in keeping with the theatrics of the cocktails that take inspiration from ‘phenomena, art and illusions’.

Maybe Sammy has been recognised as Australia’s best bar.

“We are so honoured The World’s 50 Best Bars continue to recognise the hard efforts of the team and are so happy that they consider us to be the best bar in Australia for the fifth year in a row,” says co-founder Stefano Catino. “[Co-founder] Vince and I continue to be humbled by the support, respect and love the industry and our guests have for Maybe Sammy. We have the best collection of people working alongside us, a passionate group of talented individuals who continue to push themselves to excel and make the bar even better than we could have dreamed.”

Maybe Sammy’s sleek interior is often filled with jazz, swing and live music.

Meanwhile, Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage is an understated speakeasy that serves modern hospitality in a 1914 bluestone cottage. They’ve billed themselves as “probably” Victoria’s smallest pub”, fitting a maximum of 40 patrons at a time. However, their small size didn’t stop them from making waves, with 2023 marking the bar’s first placement on the top 50 list.

Maybe Sammy’s concept menu is inspired by natural phenomena, art and illusions.