Drink · Cocktail bars and speakeasies · 2026
The best martinis in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.
I didn’t used to be a martini person. Thought they were all performance and no substance. Then someone ordered me one at Dante and I had to rethink my entire personality. Now I’m that person who has opinions about vermouth ratios and olive brine. These are the spots that turned me into a martini convert, and I have zero regrets. Here are the best martinis in New York City.
For more on epic rooftop bars, see our guide to 15 Epic Rooftop Bars in Manhattan (Thirsty Local’s Guide).
- Bemelmans BarBar · Upper East SideBemelmans serves some of the best martinis in New York City (and locals are known for requesting them extra dirty).
- DanteBar · West VillageFamous for knock-out libations of all varieites, martinis are Dante’s wheelhouse.
- Harry’sBar · Financial DistrictHarry’s iconic martini is the star of the show.
- HawksmoorBar · MidtownHawksmoor 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.
- Katana KittenBar · West VillageKatana 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.
- Madeline’s MartiniBar · East VillageMartini enthusiasts can let their imagination go wild at this popular NYC martini bar.
- Martiny’sBar · MidtownThe martinis are totally worth the hype.
- The BelfryBar · East VillageOpt 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.
- The CampbellBar · MidtownThe elegant atmosphere, combined with a menu of excellent martinis, makes the Campbell a great place for a first date you’re keen to impress.
- The Lobby Bar (at the Ludlow Hotel)BarHeck, our friends (15-year locals) placed it on their top 5 NYC martinis list.
Bemelmans Bar
Bar · Upper East Side · 35 E 76th St, New York
Bemelmans serves some of the best martinis in New York City (and locals are known for requesting them extra dirty).
Dante
Bar · West Village · 551 Hudson Street
Famous for knock-out libations of all varieites, martinis are Dante’s wheelhouse.
Harry’s
Bar · Financial District · 1 Hanover Square, New York
Harry’s iconic martini is the star of the show.
Hawksmoor
Bar · Midtown · 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.
Katana Kitten
Bar · West Village · 531 Hudson St, New York
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.
Madeline’s Martini
Bar · East Village · 171 Loisaida Ave, New York
Martini enthusiasts can let their imagination go wild at this popular NYC martini bar.
Martiny’s
Bar · Midtown · 121 E 17th St, New York
The martinis are totally worth the hype.
The Belfry
Bar · East Village · 222 E 14th St, New York
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.
The Campbell
Bar · Midtown · 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York
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.
The Lobby Bar (at the Ludlow Hotel)
Bar · 180 Ludlow St, New York
Heck, our friends (15-year locals) placed it on their top 5 NYC martinis list.
Best martinis in New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 11 Memorable New York City Martinis (Thirsty Local).