For one evening, Bratislava became the epicentre of Central and Eastern Europe’s bar culture. The inaugural Bartenders’ Choice Awards CEE showcased the region’s strength – from Prague’s Forbína and Budapest’s Elysian to the dominant Mirror Bar. Among the personalities who stood out were Luca Cerqueglini and Michal Dojčák.
The first-ever Bartenders’ Choice Awards Central & Eastern Europe took place on 6 May in Bratislava, offering a long-awaited comparison of the bar scenes across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Serbia and Croatia.
The winners were decided by more than 450 industry professionals – bartenders, venue owners and other insider voices. The aim was simple: to recognise not only the technical quality of the cocktails, but also creativity, hospitality and the overall experience.
Full results of the BCA CEE 2026
Best Cocktail Bar
- Croatia: Bar Sistema
- Czech Republic: Forbína
- Hungary: Elysian
- Poland: Art Katowice
- Serbia: Beogradski Koktel Klub
- Slovakia: Mirror Bar
Prague’s Forbína confirms that the local scene is shifting from classic craft beer towards strong concepts with a clear identity.
Best Cocktail Menu
- Croatia: Bar Sistema
- Czech Republic: Taigen
- Hungary: Leo Rooftop
- Poland: Flisak ’76
- Serbia: Dragoljub
- Slovakia: Mirror Bar
Mirror Bar in Bratislava scores twice – and clearly stands out as a regional powerhouse.
Best Atmosphere
- Croatia: String’s Bar
- Czech Republic: Forbína
- Hungary: Hide
- Poland: Bar Pacyfik
- Serbia: Riddle Bar
- Slovakia: Antique American Bar
This category shows that a bar is no longer just about the drink – but about emotions, space and storytelling.
Best Bartender
- Croatia: Vice Damjanović
- Czech Republic: Luca Cerqueglini
- Hungary: Máté Szabó
- Poland: Dawid Stoch
- Serbia: Filip Ivanović
- Slovakia: Michal Dojčák
Cerqueglini confirms his status as one of the most prominent figures on the Czech scene, while Dojčák underlines Bratislava’s long-standing dominance.
Improver of the Bar Industry
- Croatia: Raise the Bar Adria
- Czech Republic: Pavel Sochor
- Hungary: Máté Szabó
- Poland: Rafał Ciesielski
- Serbia: Vladimir Simić
- Slovakia: Stanislav Harciník
An award that recognises the work behind the scenes – education, community and the advancement of the entire industry.
People’s Choice
- Croatia: Urania Bar
- Czech Republic: Café Bar Pilotů
- Hungary: Elysian
- Poland: Feliks Bar Café
- Slovakia: Antique American Bar
The difference between the experts’ and the public’s votes is clear – guests prioritise accessibility, atmosphere and consistency.
A region that can no longer be overlooked
The first edition of the Bartenders’ Choice Awards CEE has highlighted a region that can no longer be overlooked. Thanks to venues such as Mirror Bar and Antique American Bar, Bratislava is establishing itself as a new bar hub, while the Czech Republic is confirming its long-standing strength and breadth – from the conceptual Forbína to the precise Taigen and the distinctive personalities behind the bar. Budapest, with Elysian, is clearly rising to become a key player; Poland maintains its distinctive, alternative identity built on a strong concept and subculture; and the Balkan scene is growing from within – a strong community is beginning to make its voice heard even beyond the region’s borders.
Yet this is not merely a list of winners. The first edition of the Bartenders’ Choice Awards Central & Eastern Europe marks the moment when Central and Eastern Europe has, for the first time, clearly defined itself as a single entity – self-assured, diverse and ready to enter the global bar conversation as an equal partner, not merely as an ‘emerging scene’.
Source: Bartenders’ Choice Awards
