There are times when we can get down with a frosé slushie or a piña colada (preferably served in an over-the-top receptacle). And then there are times that call for a no-nonsense martini, served straight up. Here’s where to find the best.
The Best Martinis in NYC
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Published Aug 28, 2017
Bar Americain
We could talk about how well-balanced and refreshing the martini is at Bobby Flay’s midtown brasserie, but the real reason you’re here is the blue-cheese-stuffed olive.
152 W. 52nd St.; 212-265-9700 or baramerican.com
Maison Premiere
Come for the oysters and lush back garden; stay for the Old King Cole martini, made with gin, orange bitters and Castelvetrano olives and stirred tableside. (There’s also an option to add caviar, if you’re feeling fancy.)
298 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn; 347-335-0446 or maisonpremiere.com
Lobby Bar At The Bowery Hotel
A martini is only as good as the atmosphere in which it’s consumed. So whether your preference is dirty or dry, it’ll taste even better from the comfort of a velvet armchair.
335 Bowery; 212-505-9100 or theboweryhotel.com
Russ & Daughters Café
The beloved fish emporium has two excellent ’tinis to accompany your nova: the Breakfast Martini (punched up with lemon, jam, egg white and absinthe) and the Smoked Martini, which gets a boost from Lillet, Cocchi Americano and a Laphroaig Scotch rinse.
127 Orchard St.; 212-475-4881 or russanddaughterscafe.com
Jane
This cozy neighborhood spot (which recently opened a second location, in Brooklyn) may be best known for its brunch, but it also happens to sling a fine twist on a dirty martini: the Dirty Jane, made with vodka and pickled green tomato.
Locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn; janerestaurant.com
Chumley's
Chumley’s
Let’s put it this way: If the revived, iconic speakeasy didn’t have an amazing martini, we’d be giving some serious side-eye. Fortunately, the martinis here are as spot-on as the old-school ambience.
86 Bedford St.; chumleysnewyork.com