Bureau du Champagne names America’s top 10 Champagne bars and restaurants for 2026

The Bureau du Champagne, USA unveiled its fifth annual list of the best places in the U.S. to enjoy Champagne, ahead of Champagne Day on Oct. 23. The 2026 awards also add a new Legend designation for longtime honorees and spotlight California as the state with the most winners.

Why it matters: - The annual list is meant to guide Champagne drinkers to restaurants and bars that treat Champagne as a core part of the experience, not just an add-on. - The new Legend designation signals a broader effort to reward consistency, not just one-time excellence. - California stands out in 2026, with five of the 10 Top 10 honorees located in the state.

What happened: - The Bureau du Champagne, USA announced its fifth annual Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Enjoying Champagne. - The 2026 list was released ahead of Champagne Day, observed on Oct. 23. - The Bureau also introduced a new Legend category for establishments with years of standout commitment to Champagne. - The honorees span cities across the United States and were selected for broad Champagne lists, menu placement and service style.

The details: - The 2026 Champagne Legends, listed alphabetically, are Apéro in Washington, D.C.; Coqodaq in New York; Coupes in Dallas; and Pops for Champagne in Chicago. - Apéro pairs French fare with a wine program that includes more than 700 rotating selections and a strong Champagne focus. - Coqodaq centers Champagne in its Korean fried chicken concept and says it has the largest Champagne list in America. - Coupes brands itself as a Champagne bar, with by-the-glass and bottle options in an approachable setting. - Pops for Champagne is a longtime Chicago destination known for an extensive list and a welcoming atmosphere. - The 2026 Top 10 honorees, also listed alphabetically, are Acquerello in San Francisco; Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California; Brennan’s in New Orleans; Chambers in New York; Healdsburg Bubble Bar in Healdsburg, California; Mabel Gray in Hazel Park, Michigan; Six Twists in Fredericksburg, Texas; Tasting House in Los Gatos, California; Vintage 78 in Overland Park, Kansas; and Winston Champagne Bar in Los Gatos, California. - Acquerello pairs fine dining with a curated wine list and Champagne service. - Aubergine offers a dedicated Champagne pairing with its tasting menu. - Brennan’s combines an extensive selection with a tableside Champagne cart, weekly sabering and a Champagne Day tradition. - Chambers pairs Champagne with a seasonal menu and a service team built around wine knowledge. - Healdsburg Bubble Bar offers blind tasting experiences and selections from grower-producers and major houses. - Mabel Gray has offered Champagne-focused service since opening in 2015 and includes a Champagne Society, tastings and educational events. - Six Twists features grower-producer Champagne, flights, caviar and certification classes in its Champagne and Caviar Lounge. - Tasting House’s Champagne Bar lists more than 170 Champagnes by the bottle, plus flights, weekly sabering and food pairings. - Vintage 78 offers Champagne by the glass, bottle and flight, along with grower and vintage selections and Champagne-and-caviar pairings. - Winston Champagne Bar emphasizes rotating flights, grower-producer bottles and a speakeasy-inspired setting. - The Bureau said the Top 10 and Legend honorees showcase the range of Champagne experiences available across the country and the drink’s versatility at the table.

Between the lines: - The list reflects a shift from treating Champagne as a luxury category to presenting it as a menu-driven experience with education, accessibility and pairing potential. - The Legend recognition gives the Bureau a way to build continuity into an annual awards program and strengthen loyalty among repeat honorees. - California’s concentration in the Top 10 suggests the state remains a major center for Champagne-forward dining and retail-style bar programs.

What's next: - Champagne Day is set for Oct. 23, giving the honored bars and restaurants a built-in moment to promote tastings, pairings and special events. - The Bureau directs consumers to find Champagne Day information and events. - The Bureau, the official U.S. representative of Comité Champagne, said it will continue advancing education and advocacy for Champagne. - More information about the organization is available at champagne.fr.