Best martinis in New York, 2026.

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.

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.

My adviceDante 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 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.

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.

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.

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. Heck, our friends (15-year locals) placed it on their top 5 NYC martinis list.

Unpopular opinion. Hot take. This one of those NYC food experiences that tourists overlook but locals swear by.

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 step up 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.

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.

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.

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.

My adviceIf you enjoy the caffeine boost of an espresso martini, I recommend ordering the Breakfast Martini (black tea gin, lemon, marmalade) to shake things up a bit.

When it comes to martinis, the Belfry is one of those places you only hear about from locals 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.