Like most locals, I’ve had my fair share of martinis in NYC. The Big Apple is home to the world’s most innovative mixologists, each adding a special touch to the beloved classic. From dimly-lit speakeasies to rooftop lounges with jaw-dropping views, allow me to share my personal list of the best martinis in New York City.
The Best Martinis in New York City
(Click here for the table of contents)
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Dante
- Website: Dante
- Neighborhood: West Village
- Locations: 551 Hudson Street & 81 MacDougal Street
Longtime readers know that Dante is my favorite happy hour haunt in NYC. The charming cocktail bar cast its spell on me ages ago and I have no intention of changing anything about that. Famous for knock-out libations of all varieites, martinis are Dante’s wheelhouse.
When it comes to martinis at Dante, there’s three key players to know:
- The Dante Martini (fords gin, ketel one, noilly prat, dolin blanc, nardini cedro, olive & lemon bitters)
- The Dirty (reyka vokda, olive oil, olive bitters, cinzano 1757 dry, pinch of salt)
- With a Twist (absolut citron, beefeater, alessio bianco, essence of grapefruit, lemon, lime)
I’m a sucker for the citrus martini but my husband swears by the dirty. Dante’s ability to cater to any palate sets them apart from other NYC martini bars mentioned on this list. There’s two Dante locations in the West Village. Dante West Village (551 Hudson Street) focuses on martinis while Caffe Dante specializes in negornis.
Local’s Tip: Dante hosts one of the most generous happy hour deals in New York City. If you love martinis (and saving money) make a beeline for Dante West Village for $10 martinis daily from 3-5pm.
Hawksmoor
- Website: Hawksmoor
- Neighborhood: Midtown
- Address: 109 E 22nd St, New York
Hawksmoor is famous for serving some of the coldest martinis in New York City, chilled to temperature of 10°F (-12°C) and served from an insulated flask. Apparently the chilling technique enhances the flavors, which sounds a bit “woo” to me, but I have to say, it’s a killer martini.
The bar offers four varieties of martinis, giving you a chance to leave your comfort zone for a round. Hawksmoor’s take on the dirty martini (vodka, olive leaf vermouth, dry sherry, olive brine) is a personal favorite, but the bar’s namesake martini (Fords gin, dry vermouth, lemon oil) is a close second.
Harry’s
- Website: Harry’s
- Address: 1 Hanover Square, New York
Located in the Financial District, Harry’s is the quintessential upscale cocktail bar complete with knowledgeable bartenders sporting handsome red coats. Sure, there’s a slew of seasonal cocktails on the menu, like a velvety negroni and zippy Old Fashioned, but they’re all supporting actors.
Harry’s iconic martini is the star of the show. The recipe is a nod to the age old adage: simple is best. Two parts Botanist gin, one part Dolin dry vermouth, stirred to perfection, served with a sidecar of queen olives and lemon peels.
In many ways, enjoying a martini at Harry’s feels like old New York. Bring a date and splurge for a special occasion or just come to feel alive with a proper libation in hand.
Bemelmans Bar
- Website: Bemelmans Bar
- Neighborhood: Upper East Side
- Address: 35 E 76th St, New York
Found inside the posh Carlyle Hotel, dimly-lit Bemelmans Bar has been a hot spot for celebrities since Truman commanded the Oval Office. Leather booths and handsome murals (depicting Central Park in all four seasons) adorn the walls.
The murals were hand-painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the famed author and illustrator of the Madeline books, for whom the bar is named. Peel your eyes from the wall and admire red-coated bartenders expertly crafting cocktails in quick succession.
Pay attention and you’ll notice a disproportion amount of martinis, the most common cocktail at the bar. The reason? Bemelmans serves some of the best martinis in New York City (and locals are known for requesting them extra dirty).
Note: Bemelmans Bar has a smart dress code policy after 5:30pm (when the $10 cover charge kicks in). Collared shirts are required for men, shorts and hats are not allowed.
The Lobby Bar (at the Ludlow Hotel)
- Website: Lobby Bar at the Ludlow Hotel
- Address: 180 Ludlow St, New York
We stumbled upon the Lobby Bar innocently enough. We were meeting friends in the neighborhood and needed to find a locale, but where to go? On the hunt for cocktails and ample lounging space, a quick search of the map led us to the Bar at the Ludlow Hotel.
Thankfully everyone in the crew loves martinis, so we ordered a round for the table. Within a sip, we all agreed these were some of the best dirty martinis in New York City. Heck, our friends (15-year locals) placed it on their top 5 NYC martinis list.
Katana Kitten
- Website: Katana Kitten
- Neighborhood: West Village
- Address: 531 Hudson St, New York
Katana Kitten is a celebrated Japanese dive bar serving inspired craft cocktails in the West Village. Helmed by mixologist Masahiro Urushido, the bar is a frequent flier on “best bars in the world” lists. Even time-tested classics like the martini are elevated under Urushido’s watch.
Katana Kitten’s Hinoki martini, made with Grey Goose vodka, Spring 44 Mountain gin, fino sherry, Junmai Daiginjo, and cyprus tree essence, is one of the most unique martinis in NYC.
But if the idea of blending vodka and gin has you questioning whether you’re a purist after all, you can always request a traditional martini. The expert bartenders are keen to impress.
The Campbell
- Website: The Campbell
- Neighborhood: Midtown
- Address: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York
Visiting the Campbell, located inside Grand Central Terminal, is an experience you won’t soon forget. This historic bar was once the opulent office of railroad magnate John Campbell, an embodiment of old New York glamour.
The elegant atmosphere, combined with a menu of excellent martinis, makes the Campbell a great place for a first date you’re keen to impress. It’s just as much about the ambiance as it is the libation at this landmark NYC cocktail bar.
Martiny’s
- Website: Martiny’s
- Neighborhood: Midtown
- Address: 121 E 17th St, New York
Opened in 2022, Martiny’s is Takuma Watanabe’s magnum opus. In a previous life, Watanabe helmed the cocktail menu at Angel’s Share, an undisputed pioneer of the city’s craft cocktail scene. Driven by an uncompromising impulse for excellence, Martiny’s was named one of the Best Bars in North America within a year of opening.
Luckily for us, Watanabe claims the martini his favorite cocktail, but — contrary to popular belief — that’s not where the bar gets its name. Housed in a history 1800s carriage house in Gramery, the name comes from the building’s most notable tenant, an artist named Philip Martiny (the man responsible for Washington Square arch).
The menu is full of excellent cocktails, many infused with exciting ingredients you can’t easily find in the states. You’ll also be privy to Watanabe’s iterations on classics like the martini. If it’s your first visit, opt for the signature martini and see what all the fuss is about.
- Reservations are hard to get.
- The prices are astronomical ($25-30 per cocktail), deep-pockets help.
- The martinis are totally worth the hype.
Unique New York City Martinis
Martini by the Sea at Madeline’s Martini
- Website: Madeline’s Martini
- Neighborhood: East Village
- Address: 171 Loisaida Ave, New York
Aptly named, the menu at Madeline’s Martini is dominated by a wide selection of martinis. From tried-and-true classics like dirty and espresso, to unique offerings like the Martini By The Sea (mezcal, sea lettuce brine, bianco vermouth) and Dirty Peacock (vodka, dry vermouth, black olive brine, stuffed olives). Martini enthusiasts can let their imagination go wild at this popular NYC martini bar.
Local’s Tip: If you enjoy the caffeine boost of an espresso martini, I recommend ordering the The Breakfast Martini (black tea gin, lemon, marmalade) to shake things up a bit.
The Pickle Martini at the Belfry
- Website: The Belfry
- Neighborhood: East Village
- Address: 222 E 14th St, New York
When it comes to martinis, the Belfry is a hidden gem but I refuse to gatekeep! This East Village bar attracts locals with a subtle charm inherit to old places with brick-lined walls and well-worn wooden floors.
The fact they host one of the neighborhood’s best happy hour deals is mere icing on the cake ($10 espresso martinis and margaritas).
The Belfry is also known for a variety of pickleback shots, which aren’t part of the happy hour menu but are less than $10 a piece. Opt for the pickle martini (made with Vodka and sour or spicy pickle brine) if shooting back pickle juice instinctively tempts you to clutch your pearls.
List of Best Martinis in New York City (Post Summary)
- Dante
- Harry’s
- Bemelmans Bar
- The Lobby Bar (at the Ludlow Hotel)
- Katana Kitten
- Martiny’s
- The Campbell
- Hawksmoor
- Madeline’s Martini
- The Belfry
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Get the Best Martini in NYC
The cost of a martini in New York City can vary widely depending on the establishment, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $12 on the low end to $20 on the high end
Although subjective, Dante is a strong contender for the best dirty martini in New York City.
A lot of the best martini bars in New York City can be found in the East Village.
Where to Get Martinis in NYC (Helpful Map)
New York City Cocktail Guides
- Can’t Miss Cocktail Bars: 15 Boozy Cocktail Bars in New York City (Worth The Wait)
- Best Margaritas: 18 Magnificent Margaritas in New York City (That’ll Satisfy Any Craving)
- Best Scotch Bars: 20 BEST Scotch Whisky Bars in New York City (Expert Ranking)
- How to Stretch Your Dollar: 20 Spectacular Spots for Happy Hour in NYC (To Quench Your Thirst)
- Unique Speakeasies: The 10 Best Speakeasies in New York City (Spots Locals Love)
- The Best Beer: 20 Buzz-Worthy Breweries in New York City (Local’s Guide)
How’d I do? Did I miss your favorite spot? Let me know in the comments before! I’m always open to trying new places, cheers!
Antonina
About Martinis…
What about ‘Sardi’s’?
We’ve never had a martini at Sardi’s, we’ll have to pay the restaurant a visit soon!
@Norman J Prelypchan, I haven’t heard of Sardi’s yet, curious to give them a try. Thanks for suggesting!
I’m a huge martini nut and am always looking for new places to try. Like you, I’m a big fan of Dante’s martini happy hour. I’ll give the pickle martini a try soon — curious to see how the brine changes the flavor.
Thanks for your recs, highly enjoyable read. Very helpful.
Addison
@Addison, OMG, I had this one a few weeks back and it was SO good!!
I love a good martini, thanks for this list. I’ve tried a handful of these but am curious to try the one you mentioned at Rosemarys (I love that restaurant). Thanks for all these great suggestions!!
Have you been to the Bar Room at the Beekman? I recently went for pre-dinner drinks and was really impressed by their martinis. The restaurants/hotel is really beautiful too, one of my favorite spots in the city.