The Martini Duel: Upper East Side vs. Downtown’s Best Martinis
A Head-to-Head Showdown of NYC’s Most Iconic Martini Bars
Few cocktails command as much respect, history, and refinement as the Martini. Whether ordered bone-dry, dirty, or with a citrus twist, this deceptively simple mix of gin (or vodka) and vermouth has long been a symbol of elegance, power, and personal taste.
In New York City, the debate over where to find the best Martini is as enduring as the cocktail itself. Is it best enjoyed on the Upper East Side, where old-school refinement reigns? Or does Downtown’s experimental, modern approach give the classic Martini a new level of intrigue?
In this Martini showdown, we compare the best of uptown’s timeless, sophisticated bars with downtown’s bold, inventive cocktail lounges to see which reigns supreme.
The Upper East Side Martini: Classic, Elegant, and Unapologetically Dry
On the Upper East Side, the Martini remains a drink of tradition, often served with minimal garnish, no nonsense, and an air of exclusivity. Here, ordering a Martini means knowing exactly how you like it—and expecting the bartender to deliver it flawlessly.
1. Bemelmans Bar (The Carlyle Hotel) – The Epitome of Martini Perfection
Few places in NYC exude old-school glamour like Bemelmans Bar. Tucked inside The Carlyle Hotel, this dimly lit jazz lounge, adorned with whimsical murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, has been a favorite of Manhattan’s elite for decades.
The Martini: A flawlessly cold, classically prepared gin Martini with a hint of dry vermouth, stirred (never shaken) and served in a chilled coupe glass. A lemon twist or olive? That’s up to you.
The Experience: Live piano, candlelit tables, and a clientele that includes Hollywood legends and socialites.
📍 Where: 35 E 76th St, Upper East Side
2. The Bar at Daniel – Martini Excellence in a Michelin-Starred Setting
At Daniel, one of NYC’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, the cocktail program is just as meticulously crafted as the tasting menu. The bar offers a masterclass in Martini preparation, favoring precision and subtle enhancements to the classic recipe.
The Martini: A 50/50 Martini (equal parts gin and vermouth) served ice-cold with a house-made lemon oil mist. The perfect balance of dry, botanical, and aromatic.
The Experience: Intimate, refined, and perfect for a pre-theater drink or a power meeting over martinis.
📍 Where: 60 E 65th St, Upper East Side
3. The Polo Bar – A Martini for the Manhattan Elite
Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar is a lesson in classic American luxury. Tucked behind a discreet entrance, this wood-paneled, leather-clad bar serves one of the best vodka martinis in the city, favored by power brokers and celebrities alike.
The Martini: The RL Classic Martini—served with Grey Goose vodka, a whisper of dry vermouth, and a single hand-stuffed blue cheese olive.
The Experience: A true power bar, where deals are made, and martinis are sipped in low-lit, intimate booths.
📍 Where: 1 E 55th St, Upper East Side
Downtown’s Martini Scene: Innovative, Bold, and Unpredictable
Downtown Manhattan has redefined the Martini by experimenting with ingredients, pushing boundaries, and turning the classic into an art form. Here, the rules don’t apply—the Martini is whatever the bartender wants it to be.
1. Dante (West Village) – The Reigning Champion of Modern Martinis
Dante, repeatedly named one of the world’s best bars, has taken the Martini to new creative heights. Their Martini Hour menu features a range of styles, from classic to avant-garde.
The Martini: The Nutty Martini—gin, dry vermouth, and a hint of marcona almond distillate, giving it an unexpected yet refined nuttiness.
The Experience: A buzzy, stylish café-bar filled with fashionable creatives and cocktail connoisseurs.
📍 Where: 79-81 MacDougal St, West Village
2. Martiny’s (Flatiron) – The Japanese-Inspired Martini Experience
This intimate, Japanese-style cocktail bar, hidden behind an unmarked door in Flatiron, is a temple to the Martini. The bartenders at Martiny’s approach cocktail-making with meticulous precision, treating each Martini as an art form.
The Martini: The Martiny’s Martini, featuring Japanese gin, house-infused umami vermouth, and a touch of shiso leaf for an herbal twist.
The Experience: A zen-like, intimate space where every sip feels like a ritual.
📍 Where: 121 E 17th St, Flatiron
3. Double Chicken Please (Lower East Side) – Where the Martini Gets Experimental
This boundary-pushing cocktail bar is one of the most inventive in the city, turning classic cocktails into unexpected, almost food-like experiences.
The Martini: The Cold Pizza Martini—gin infused with Parmesan, tomato water, and a hint of basil essence. A Martini that tastes like an Italian dinner in a glass.
The Experience: Playful, lively, and filled with NYC’s most adventurous drinkers.
📍 Where: 115 Allen St, Lower East Side
Upper East Side vs. Downtown: Which Wins the Martini Showdown?
The battle between uptown’s classic martinis and downtown’s inventive twists comes down to personal preference.
Choose the Upper East Side if you:
✔ Want a Martini exactly as it was served in the 1950s
✔ Prefer quiet, elegant settings
✔ Enjoy the company of NYC’s high society, CEOs, and old-money elites
Choose Downtown if you:
✔ Like experimental takes on classic drinks
✔ Want a more vibrant, energetic atmosphere
✔ Appreciate bars that push mixology into the future
Final Thoughts: The Martini Stands the Test of Time
No matter where you prefer to drink it, the Martini remains one of NYC’s most iconic cocktails. Whether you’re indulging in a classic, ice-cold gin Martini at Bemelmans Bar or sipping on a nutty, almond-infused version at Dante, one thing is certain—the Martini is here to stay.
For those looking to explore the world of Martinis at home, Art of the Cocktail offers:
✔ Private Martini masterclasses – Learn how to make classic and modern variations with expert mixologists.
✔ Custom Martini bar experiences for private events – Featuring bespoke vermouth infusions and house-made garnishes.
✔ Luxury Martini tastings – A guided journey through the evolution of NYC’s Martini culture.
Because whether you’re an uptown traditionalist or a downtown innovator, a well-crafted Martini is always in style.
