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17 Bars to Sip Martinis in Los Angeles

Enjoy the classics cocktail at these Southern California bars

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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.

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The Proper Restaurant & Bar

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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.

The Rendition Room

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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.

Yamashiro

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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.

The Dresden Restaurant

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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.

Musso & Frank Grill

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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.

The Three Clubs

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

Dan Tana's

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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.

Greekman’s

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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.

Bar Flores

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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.

Genever

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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.

The Maybourne Bar

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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.

The Grill on the Alley

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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.

Thunderbolt

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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.

The Normandie Club

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

Pips On Labrea

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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.

Steven's Steakhouse

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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.

The Exhibition Room

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

Related Maps