Post Overview: Where to get the best martini in NYC

The martini is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and when done right has the potential to bring people together in laughter and joy.

Okay, I may be stretching the truth a little bit but you get the sentiment. There is something so delectable about the combination of gin, vermouth and garnish that can make grown-folks giggle.

And if you’re in search of the best martinis in New York City you’ve come to the right place. Maybe it’s my obsession with James Bond (shaken, not stirred) or maybe I just like the cocktail glass, but one thing is for certain: I’ve enjoyed my fair share of martinis.

I even like the fun flavors, which traditionalists are too quick to write off. Regardless, I’ve compiled my years of research into this article. In it, I’ll go where you can find the the best martinis in NYC.

So enough of the small talk, are you ready to get into it? Because I am!

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 (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.

Best Martinis in New York City

#12. The Owl’s Tail

Power couple Lawrence and Stephanie Bondulich really knew what they were doing when they opened The Owl’s Tail in 2018.

They have an arsenal of expertly crafted cocktails ready to satisfy, among them one of the best martinis in NYC.

It’s not the kind James Bond would order, rather it’s an Espresso Guinness Martini. The Guinness, vodka, coffee liqueur and, wait for it – walnut liqueur, live in idyllic harmony and mix to a perfectly executed taste.

In the winter months the velvet booths and floor to ceiling windows make The Owl’s Tail one of the coziest bars in the Upper West Side. In the summer the outdoor seating is warm and bright, only made better when accompanied by one of the best martinis in New York City.

Address: 215 W 75th St, New York, NY 10023

#11. The Belfry

Fair warning – The Belfry is home to one of the most popular East Village happy hours so the place can get pretty packed. I can’t blame anyone who wants to visit though, the bar is charming, lively and serves great drinks.

But I’m not here to talk about the happy hour, I’m here to point you in the direction of one of the most unique martinis in NYC.

Anyone obsessed with pickles will concur, the pickle martini at The Belfry is top-tier. Made with pickle brine the martini is oddly sour and tangy in all the best way.

And I’m not going to argue with anyone who claims it isn’t a real martini, all I know is that the cocktail’s a fun take on a classic and fun little treat.

And the retro atmosphere adds to the fun vibe, making The Belfry one of the best bars in the East Village. Even if you only come for the most fun martinis in NYC you’ll come back for the atmosphere.

Address: 222 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

#10. Madeline’s Martini

New to the scene but throwing haymakers, Madeline’s Martini isn’t taking a backseat just because they’re a rookie cocktail bar.

Madeline’s opened last spring with a menu boasting more than a dozen of splendid NYC martinis and hasn’t looked back since.

The Martini by the Sea is made with mezcal and something called sea-lettuce brine (which I had never heard of) but practically inhaled. You can also order a classic martini, but where’s the fun in that?

All jokes aside, even the traditional martini is exceptional. With so many heavy hitting options how could I leave Madeline’s Martini off this list of the best martinis in NYC?

Address: 171 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009

#9. Verlaine

Verlaine is a dim and charming little spot and a gem of a Lower East Side bar. Inspired by Asian-flavors, you can expect to find a full menu stocked with the like of lo-mein and sake shrimp skewers.

Although it is more of a restaurant than a bar, the drinks are marvelous. The lychee martini is especially memorable and at $8 during happy hour, keep ’em coming! Plus, happy hour runs from 5-10PM so there’s no need to rush.

Some might ask how I can include a lychee martini as one of the best martinis in NYC, but all I ask is you give it a try. At its price point it’s borderline highway robbery and it’s easy to justify more than one round.

Address: 110 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

#8. Rosemary’s

Named after the restaurateur’s mother, Rosemary’s a cozy and charming oasis in the middle of the Concrete Jungle.

Part of that paradisiacal allure is one of the best martinis in NYC. The restaurant’s garden martini is refreshing and revitalizing, trust me when I say it’s deserving of recognition.

Made and garnished with cucumbers, the flavor is akin to a refreshing fresh-pressed juice. Don’t be fooled by how smooth this beloved New York City martini goes down though, after a few rounds you’ll be floating.

Address: 18 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011

#7. Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor is a steakhouse famous for serving the coldest martinis in New York City. How cold exactly? How about 5°F (-15°C)?

There’s even five martinis to choose from, so you’re not beholden to just the classic. The potent flavors still find a way to shine even after the cold drink hits your lips and sends a shiver down your spine.

I should also mention the swanky steakhouse is a great date-night destination. The U.K. born restaurant focuses on fresh meats and a juicy rib-eye pairs stupendously with one of the best martinis in NYC.

Address: 109 E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010

#6. The Campbell

If you’re looking to impress out of town guest then you need not look further than The Campbell, located in Grand Central Terminal (one of the top tourist attractions in the Big Apple).

First, arriving to the bar is an experience itself. A grand marble staircase drops you off at what appears to be an office fit for an oligarch — which isn’t too far of a stretch from the truth.

The space was previously used as John Campbell’s private office. He was a notable railroad magnate that spared no expense in making himself feel like a million bucks.

Today, regular folks like you and me get the benefit. The Campbell serves as an elegant bar with sky-high ceilings and memorable drinks, including one of the best martinis in NYC.

Address: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017

New York City best bars — Image Courtesy The Campbell

#5. The Ivory Peacock

A mere five minute walk from the Flatiron Building, the Ivory Peacock is a gem of a bar that sells some of the best martinis in NYC.

I say some because there area handful of their signature sub-zero martinis available. My favorite is the apple-tini, which is just as (if not more) refreshing than fresh pressed juice.

And if you assumed they’re called “sub-zero” because these NYC martinis are served ice-cold you’d be right on the money.

Odds are if the temperature starts to go north of 85° outside you’ll find me at the Ivory Peacock enjoying a sip of the frigid martinis.

Address: 38 W 26th St, New York, NY 10010

#4. Martiny’s

Hot off the press, Martiny’s is a new kid on the block that’s already garnering some serious attention. Although the bar only opened in 2022, it already debuted at #29 of the Best Bars in North America in 2023.

However it wasn’t an overnight success, Takuma Watanabe has been working marvels in behind the bar for years. Martiny’s is his first solo venture, and it’s a gem.

With a name like Martiny’s you can assume the bar is also responsible for some of the best martinis in NYC. Although that’s true, the cocktail is not from where the bar derives its name.

In fact the the bar is named after Philip Martiny, the sculptor of the Washington Arch and former tenant of the space the bar now occupies.

Address: 121 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003

#3. Katana Kitten

Appearing in the top 10 of both the 50 best bars in North America as well as in the world, Katana Kitten is undoubtedly one of the best bars in New York City.

The recognition is well deserved. Katana Kitten’s director of deliciousness Masahiro Urushido is a whiz! The creative mixologist is perpetually donning a smile, all while creating some of the best cocktails in the world.

In fact, Urushido has been named New York’s top bartender. But enough talk of awards, at the end of the day you’re in search of some of the best martinis in NYC, and Katana Kitten is here to deliver.

One of the bar’s signature cocktails is the Hinoki martini, which is made with grey goose, spring 44 mountain gin, fino sherry, junmai daiginjo and hinoki tree essence. Truth be told all I know is that after two I’ll be feeling great.

Address: 531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

#2. Bemelmans Bar

When it comes to iconic bars in New York City, Bemelmans Bar usually graces the top of the list. Calling the classy Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side home, this NYC bar is famous for the alluring murals that adorn the walls.

The murals were hand-painted by none other than the beloved illustrator behind the famous Madeline books, Ludwig Bemelmans (for whom the bar is named). The beautiful murals were commissioned in the 1940s and depict Central Park in all four seasons.

Peel your eyes away from the handsome walls and you’ll notice the pianist serenading patrons. Allow your eyes to wander and watch generous pours of perfectly-executed drinks make their way from one table to the next.

In a lot of ways Bemelmans Bar is exactly what a New York City bar should be. The staff are dressed to impress, the bar is dimly lit and the aged leather banquettes offer an air of sophistication and class.

It’s only fitting Bemelmans Bar also produces some of the best martinis in NYC. Fair warning, they’ll cost you your prettiest penny – but the price comes with the territory.

Address: 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021

#1. Dante

Dante Caffe dates back to 1915. It served as a staple for the community before slowly fading into oblivion before two Australians decided to breathe new life into the historic institution in 2015.

The result was striking. Dante was named the best bar in the world in 2019 (4 years after re-opening!) and appeared on the list again in 2020.

And I dare ask, what better way to cap off a romantic day in the New York City than by getting a drink at the best bar in the world? More specifically, with one of the best martinis in NYC?

Although Dante has two locations in the West Village, and the one at 551 Hudson Street focuses on martinis. During happy hour (Monday through Friday, 3/5PM you can get these delicious New York City martinis at $10 a pop.

In this city that’s a steal of a deal, especially when you consider these are the best martinis in NYC. The location on MacDougal can also make martinis, but they don’t have the selection (or price point) as the one on Hudson.

I haven’t had luck getting into Caffe Dante without a reservation, so I suggest booking in advance. Try to book Friday evening during the spring and summer because they usually have a pleasant live jazz band.

Locations: 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 & 79-81 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012