The classic martini is synonymous with all things class.
If a martini is your drink of choice—extra dirty of course— you’re a real lady.
Switching from vodka sodas to a gin martini marks your transition to adulthood. It’s saying “Hey look Ma, I made it” in a much more sophisticated tone.
People will automatically respect you more if you order a gin martini. It means you’re mature and smoldering. Sexy and interesting.
It’s a hot girl drink. There, we said it.
See Also: Wake Up With The Best Espresso Martinis In NYC
Do yourself a favor, and sip *don’t chug* on the most decadent martinis in all of New York.
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107 Eldrige St, Manhattan/Website
The Extra Dirty Martini at this 70’s style pub is the best we have ever had, which says a lot because if you cut our bodies open, gin and vermouth would pour out. If you don’t like olive juice, this drink is not for you. But if you don’t like olive juice, you probably should stop reading here. The dirtier, the better. This delicious drink truly goes down like water—or an entire can of olive juice—because the alcohol is completely masked by the tangy flavors.
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113 Macdougal St, Manhattan/Website
The famous burger and fries are worth a visit to this New York City landmark, but the extra dirty gin martini is what keeps you there till the manager kicks you out. Two’s a company, but three's a crowd. It’s the unstoppable triple threat. The perfect trifecta. If you have two or more of these intoxicating drinks, you’ll definitely order another burger (or two) that will change your life.
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210 Smith St, Brooklyn/Website
It would be a disservice to the martini gods to not include Clover Club on this list. It’s like not including Katz Deli on a roundup of the best pastrami sandwiches in New York. Literally disrespectful. Brooklyn’s premiere cocktail club puts a spin on the classic drink, without making it unrecognizable. The Tom’s Perfect Martini is made with cherry Maraschino and the perfect blend of sweet and dry Vermouth.
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Walking into the bar at the world-famous Baccarat Hotel is like transporting yourself to the East Egg in the 1920s. We’re literally at a loss of words for how to describe this elegant haven (which is slightly problematic because we’re writers). It’s the Great Gatsby on steroids, and absolutely extraordinary in every sense of the word. The diamond chandeliers hanging from the ceiling are probably worth more than our house. Take away all the glitz and glam, and the Extra Dirty Martini will still be the star of the show. It’s smooth, yet pungent, and oh so fabulous.
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6 Times Square, Manhattan/Website
Rumor has it the Knick invented the martini back in 1906. This aristocratic hotel bar reeks of high-society snobs. And we are #honored to be amongst them. Simply put, this is not the type of place where underage kids are running around with their Connecticut fake IDs. No, we’re not talking about our 18-year-old selves, we swear. Often referred to as the best in New York, the martini at The Knick masters the art of simplicity. It’s as elegant as drinking high-tea at the Ritz Carlton, minus the fact that you may end up with your head over the toilet.
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19 W 8th Street, Manhattan/Website
This West Village Cocktail and Jazz Bar serves one of the most spectacular martinis in town. We can’t explain it, but Jazz just immediately reminds us of gin martinis. They go together like sushi and sake, red wine and steak. Both Jazz and gin martinis are elite players in their respective categories—the crème de la crème of entertainment and alcohol. The martini here is extra cold and crisp, leaving you feeling refreshed and definitely very buzzed.
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298 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn/Website
It’s worth schlepping to Brooklyn for this world-class martini. Premiere is literally in the name, how can it be anything less than amazing? This industry-adored seafood restaurant is famous for its oysters and its gin martinis. Name a more boujee combination, we’ll wait. The Old King Cole Martini is made with Old Raj, Dolin Dry, Orange Bitters, Castelvetrano Olives, and we swear they slipped something magical in this. The drink is stirred, never shaken. Sorry, Mr. Bond.
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35 E 76th St, Manhattan/Website
Located at the Carlyle hotel, this upper-echelon piano bar is home to one of the best martinis on the island. The atmosphere is very Gossip Girl meets 90210 meets Kourtney and Travis. Minus their tongues down each other’s throats—totally unacceptable at this sophisticated lounge. You better come thirsty, because leftovers from your martini are served in a chilled glass. It’s basically a two-in-one deal, which we’re not mad about. When it comes to martinis, the more, the merrier.
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8 Stuyvesant St, Manhattan/Website
This East Village hotspot is the perfect combination of our two favorite things: speakeasies and martinis. This mind-blowing martini is made with plum wine and marinated grapes. We’re typically a no-frills type person when it comes to martinis, but this Japanese-infused drink surpassed all our expectations. Have a few of these thrilling drinks, and you most definitely won’t be an angel tonight.
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15 Vanderbilt Ave, Manhattan/Website
Inspired by the prohibition, this historical lounge pays homage to 1920s hidden speakeasies. This storied spot is almost impossible to find, but it’s totally worth all the fuss once you taste their legendary martini. We totally feel like Serena Van Der Woodson when we sip on this high-class drink, which is only magnified by the fact that it’s connected to Grand Central. Only truly psycho Gossip Girl fans will understand the reference, and we’re proud to be one of them. Xoxo, Gotham Girl.
Photography by: Pesce Huang
