Sydney’s Maybe Sammy has been named the number one most influential bar in the in the world according to the Top 500 Bars 2023.

The accolade was announced during a ceremony held in Paris, with Maybe Sammy Venue Manager Sarah Proietti and Bar Manager Hunter Gregory collecting the award on behalf of the venue.  

Designed to reflect ‘the wisdom of the crowds’, the Top 500 Bars developed the list based on results compiled from over two thousand sources including experts and journalists, as well as data from online reviews, search engine results and social media channels. Maybe Sammy jumped from number 17 in the 2022 list to number this year, from a list of 500 bars across 122 cities and 53 countries.

Maybe Sammy co-founder Stefano Catino said: To be named number one bar in the world by the Top 500 Bars feels very surreal. It’s such an honour for our bar team to be recognised for the time and effort they put into making the experience at Maybe Sammy exceptional and for that to be acknowledged on a global scale is so humbling. We couldn’t be happier to top the list this year, it’s a very special moment for the whole team.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “NSW is home to the number one bar in the world for 2023. No surprise though – there’s a reason we’re the greatest state.

“This week, Maybe Sammy in Sydney was ranked number one by Top 500 bars – which compiles data from over 2000 global sources to make their decision.

“And while the team behind the bar are certainly no strangers to all sorts of accolades, this particular one is pretty impressive. Maybe Sammy’s Harbourside fifties-inspired location beat out spots in New York, Barcelona, Paris, and Singapore. Well done gang!”

Other Australian venues that made the list include The Baxter Inn (87), Black Pearl (119), Re- (122), Catina OK (132), Dean & Nancy (134), PS40 (164), Byrdi (167), Old Mate’s Place (177), and Above Board (187).

View the full list here.