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A martini with dark ice at the edge of a table.

17 Bars to Sip Martinis in Los Angeles

Enjoy the classics cocktail at these Southern California bars

by Farley Elliott and Mona Holmes Updated Oct 4, 2021, 3:00pm PDT

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by Farley Elliott and Mona Holmes Updated Oct 4, 2021, 3:00pm PDT

Wonho Frank Lee

After ordering a martini, no one ever tires of the following question, “shaken or stirred?” The classic cocktail must be prepared with care, and everyone has a preference that goes beyond James Bond’s desire for the shaken variety. Over the last few decades, martinis evolved into varieties that are still ordered throughout the Southland (appletini and lycheetinis), but LA’s expert bartenders know how to make them incredibly well, whether dirty, dry, vodka, or with gin. Here are 17 places to find some of Southern California’s best from north to south.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; the latest data about the delta variant indicates that it may pose a low-to-moderate risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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The Proper Restaurant & Bar

When new ownership took over this longtime bar, it brought new life into this unassuming strip mall spot up near the Angeles National Forest. The Proper dirty martini is as wonderful as ever.

Open in Google Maps

464 Foothill Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Visit Website

The Rendition Room

This bar takes its cocktailing very seriously with a requirement that’s unique to LA: a dress code. Reservations are also required for the Rendition Room, which is nestled inside Vitello’s Restaurant. The martinis are only part of the experience here with the well-seasoned bartenders, so be sure to dress the part.

4349 Tujunga Ave #2, Studio City, CA 91604

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Yamashiro

Yamashiro is as timeless as Hollywood gets, but it also sports the best view of the LA Basin. It’s completely worth it to either dine or drink the famous lychee martini while taking in the the LA skyline from Downtown the the beach.

Open in Google Maps

1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Visit Website

The Dresden Restaurant

The Dresden is absolutely full of kitsch and bartenders that don’t give a damn about your recurring guest star role on some NBC show. Grab a classic martini from one of the bartenders, then watch the crowds and piano show in action.

1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Musso & Frank Grill

As classic as they come. Hollywood’s Musso & Frank stands the test of time for more than just its location (and those amazing vests): they’re still one of the best places in the city to drink martinis.

6667 Hollywood Blvd, California 90028

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Three Clubs

Hollywood’s longstanding the Three Clubs reopened after a long COVID-19 break, where seasoned staff serve classic martinis, or whatever your tastebuds desire.

1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Visit Website

Dan Tana's

That modest yellow building on Santa Monica Boulevard still remains a powerhouse after 57 years. There’s always a wait (even if you have a reservation), so squeeze into the bar and order a classic martini to stave off time.

9071 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Greekman’s

Greekman’s (temporarily and formerly Freedman’s) makes a classic martini with dry vermouth and bitters, which pairs surprisingly well with souvlaki or salty marinated olives and feta.

Open in Google Maps

2619 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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Bar Flores

Martini consumption is often done in the corners of dark bars, Bar Flores offers something different. The bright Echo Park space overlooks Sunset Boulevard or a lush rear patio. Order Marla’s Martini with dry vermouth and chamomile.

1542 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Genever

Historic Filipinotown’s stunning bar Genever is where you want to drink a martini. Be sure to order the riff on a traditional martini using fish sauce and Datu Puti Filipino-spiced vinegar.

3123 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Visit Website

Also featured in:

LA’s Best Gin and Tonics to Drink Now

The Maybourne Bar

If feeling extra fancy, pull into the valet and spend time at the Maybourne Bar. The $23 Connaught martini is prepared with Tanqueray No. 10 Gin, with blends of dry vermouths and bitters to make a very smooth drink.

225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Visit Website

Also featured in:

20 Essential Cocktail Bars in Los Angeles

The Grill on the Alley

Beverly Hills’s power-player spot Grill on the Alley knows that the right martini can make a break tomorrow’s big media deal. That’s why they’ve been doing it right for so many years.

9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Thunderbolt

If there’s evidence that the martini evolved, it’s at Thunderbolt. The espresso martini is made with vodka, sherry, and nitro cold brew from Counter Culture Coffee.

Open in Google Maps

1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Normandie Club

It can get packed at the Normandie Club, where quirky cocktails rule the day. But the bartenders know how to make an excellent martini.

3612 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Pips On Labrea

It’s reservations-only at Pip’s On Labrea. But in addition to getting some quality martinis, Pip’s also has live music in the renovated space along with half-off bar menu Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

1356 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

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Also featured in:

Steven's Steakhouse

Commerce gem Steven’s is known for its old school charm and stiff drinks, none more reminiscent of the glory days than the classic martini. Stop in for a simple steak, or to spend your winnings from the casino nearby.

Open in Google Maps

5332 Stevens Pl, Commerce, CA 90040

Visit Website

The Exhibition Room

Long Beach’s Prohibition-themed bar takes reservations on Friday and Saturdays only. Give the password at the door, order a martini, and if the right night there’s live music, stand-up comedy nights, burlesque shows to accompany the drink.

Open in Google Maps

1117 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807

Visit Website

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The Proper Restaurant & Bar

464 Foothill Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

When new ownership took over this longtime bar, it brought new life into this unassuming strip mall spot up near the Angeles National Forest. The Proper dirty martini is as wonderful as ever.

Open in Google Maps

464 Foothill Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Visit Website

The Rendition Room

4349 Tujunga Ave #2, Studio City, CA 91604

This bar takes its cocktailing very seriously with a requirement that’s unique to LA: a dress code. Reservations are also required for the Rendition Room, which is nestled inside Vitello’s Restaurant. The martinis are only part of the experience here with the well-seasoned bartenders, so be sure to dress the part.

4349 Tujunga Ave #2, Studio City, CA 91604

Visit Website

Yamashiro

1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Yamashiro is as timeless as Hollywood gets, but it also sports the best view of the LA Basin. It’s completely worth it to either dine or drink the famous lychee martini while taking in the the LA skyline from Downtown the the beach.

Open in Google Maps

1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Visit Website

The Dresden Restaurant

1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Dresden is absolutely full of kitsch and bartenders that don’t give a damn about your recurring guest star role on some NBC show. Grab a classic martini from one of the bartenders, then watch the crowds and piano show in action.

1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Visit Website

Musso & Frank Grill

6667 Hollywood Blvd, California 90028

As classic as they come. Hollywood’s Musso & Frank stands the test of time for more than just its location (and those amazing vests): they’re still one of the best places in the city to drink martinis.

6667 Hollywood Blvd, California 90028

Visit Website

The Three Clubs

1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Hollywood’s longstanding the Three Clubs reopened after a long COVID-19 break, where seasoned staff serve classic martinis, or whatever your tastebuds desire.

1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Visit Website

Dan Tana's

9071 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

That modest yellow building on Santa Monica Boulevard still remains a powerhouse after 57 years. There’s always a wait (even if you have a reservation), so squeeze into the bar and order a classic martini to stave off time.

9071 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

Greekman’s

2619 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Greekman’s (temporarily and formerly Freedman’s) makes a classic martini with dry vermouth and bitters, which pairs surprisingly well with souvlaki or salty marinated olives and feta.

Open in Google Maps

2619 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Visit Website

Bar Flores

1542 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Martini consumption is often done in the corners of dark bars, Bar Flores offers something different. The bright Echo Park space overlooks Sunset Boulevard or a lush rear patio. Order Marla’s Martini with dry vermouth and chamomile.

1542 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Visit Website

Genever

3123 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Historic Filipinotown’s stunning bar Genever is where you want to drink a martini. Be sure to order the riff on a traditional martini using fish sauce and Datu Puti Filipino-spiced vinegar.

3123 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Visit Website

The Maybourne Bar

225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

If feeling extra fancy, pull into the valet and spend time at the Maybourne Bar. The $23 Connaught martini is prepared with Tanqueray No. 10 Gin, with blends of dry vermouths and bitters to make a very smooth drink.

225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Visit Website

The Grill on the Alley

9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Beverly Hills’s power-player spot Grill on the Alley knows that the right martini can make a break tomorrow’s big media deal. That’s why they’ve been doing it right for so many years.

9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Visit Website

Thunderbolt

1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

If there’s evidence that the martini evolved, it’s at Thunderbolt. The espresso martini is made with vodka, sherry, and nitro cold brew from Counter Culture Coffee.

Open in Google Maps

1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Visit Website

The Normandie Club

3612 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

It can get packed at the Normandie Club, where quirky cocktails rule the day. But the bartenders know how to make an excellent martini.

3612 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Visit Website

Pips On Labrea

1356 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

It’s reservations-only at Pip’s On Labrea. But in addition to getting some quality martinis, Pip’s also has live music in the renovated space along with half-off bar menu Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

1356 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Visit Website

Related Maps

Steven's Steakhouse

5332 Stevens Pl, Commerce, CA 90040

Commerce gem Steven’s is known for its old school charm and stiff drinks, none more reminiscent of the glory days than the classic martini. Stop in for a simple steak, or to spend your winnings from the casino nearby.

Open in Google Maps

5332 Stevens Pl, Commerce, CA 90040

Visit Website

The Exhibition Room

1117 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807

Long Beach’s Prohibition-themed bar takes reservations on Friday and Saturdays only. Give the password at the door, order a martini, and if the right night there’s live music, stand-up comedy nights, burlesque shows to accompany the drink.

Open in Google Maps

1117 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807

Visit Website

Related Maps