5 to Try: Martini Bars
Updated: November 05, 2009
"Mad Men" mania has stoked a resurgent interest in classic cocktails, from the Tom Collins to the old fashioned to that warhorse of getting wasted, the martini. And while it may no longer be a lunchtime drink, the martini remains an elegant way to take the edge off a day. But instead of sticking to the shopworn script, bartenders have tweaked the time-honored recipe. Here are our five favorite New York bars for tying on a novel martini--or four.
Shaken or Stirred
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The Mansfield Hotel
Read Reviews12 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 (map)
M Bar, the venerable Mansfield Hotel’s lobby lounge, is a real looker, outfitted with towering mahogany bookshelves, a domed skylight and a horseshoe-shaped bar fit for flirting with guests or watching the live musicians strum. The scene’s best experienced with one of M Bar’s marvelous martinis, namely the signature Violet’s Blueberry made with Stoli Vanil, French Parfait Amour, blueberry and pineapple juices and fresh blueberries. This is one hotel bar worth checking in to.
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Russian Vodka Room
Read Reviews265 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 (map)
The Cold War never ended in this sultry Communist drinking den, which features hammer-and-sickle imagery and enough vodka to stave off a Siberian winter. Opt for the house-infused vodkas (from cranberry to horseradish to ginger), served straight up and chilled, or try one of the wild martini creations. The Black Martini incorporates Scotch, black vodka and caper berries, while the Mintini combines mint-infused vodka, lime juice and ginger ale.
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B Flat
Read Reviews277 Church St, New York, NY 10013 (map)
Featuring the original bartenders from venerated cocktail lounge Angel’s Share, this sleek, discretely underground bar is every bit the booze temple. After you slide into a wooden booth, watch as the vest-clad “bar chefs,” as they prefer to be called, work magic with liquid and ice. The classic martini is impeccably crafted, but don’t be afraid to try twists like the Giant Steps, made with sake- and wasabi-infused vodka.
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Double Down Saloon
Read Reviews14 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 (map)
While beer is the preferred beverage at this dank, dirty East Village dive that's got punk rock on the jukebox and condoms by the fistful in the bathroom, it also makes a killer martini that could double as breakfast. Behind the bar sits a bottle of bacon-infused vodka, which is chilled, shaken and--thank heavens--strained, before being deposited into a martini glass. It’s smoky, salty and greasy … perfection?
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Cabrito
Read Reviews50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014 (map)
Drinkers looking for an extra kick in their cocktail should beeline to West Village taco hut Cabrito. Here, the bartenders have devised a devilish twist on the dirty martini. Instead of olive juice, fiery pickled jalapeño liquid is mixed with your choice of vodka or gin (we like gin), then finished with a spicy cured jalapeño spear disguised as a swizzle stick.
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