New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Drink · Cocktail bars and speakeasies

The best martinis in New York City

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).

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best martinis in New York City, 2026

  1. Bemelmans BarBar · Upper East SideBemelmans serves some of the best martinis in New York City (and locals are known for requesting them extra dirty).
  2. DanteBar · West VillageFamous for knock-out libations of all varieites, martinis are Dante’s wheelhouse.
  3. Harry’sBar · Financial DistrictHarry’s iconic martini is the star of the show.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. The Lobby Bar (at the Ludlow Hotel)Bar · Lower East SideHeck, our friends (15-year locals) placed it on their top 5 NYC martinis list.
  9. Madeline’s MartiniBar · East VillageMartini enthusiasts can let their imagination go wild at this popular NYC martini bar.
  10. Martiny’sBar · MidtownThe martinis are totally worth the hype.

On the map

Where they are

6 neighborhoods, Midtown and West Village most of all.

Midtown

East Village

West Village

Financial District

Lower East Side

Upper East Side

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

Every place on this list is welcome to display the Best of New York 2026 seal. It's the same seal for every place on every Best list, it's free, and it can't be bought.

Sharing it is optional. There's no need to post about it, link back or tag anyone. If you do link, the code below points to the guide this list comes from, so readers see the recommendation in context.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/best-martinis-nyc/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/assets/recognition/2026/best-of-new-york-2026.svg"
       alt="Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest"
       width="1800" height="1800" style="width:320px;max-width:100%;height:auto">
</a>

The files

Download PNGDownload SVGDownload the larger PNG

PNG: 1800 by 1800 pixels with transparent corners, for email and social. The larger PNG: 3600 by 3600 pixels. SVG: the vector, sharp at any size.

Is one of these yours? Get the seal for your place Request a window decal

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 11 Memorable New York City Martinis (Thirsty Local).