Call it the Sex and the City effect, but if you ask us, few things are chicer — or more quintessentially New York — than a good martini. A way to end a day, start a night, or simply slow time down in the city that refuses to. So when Lauren Tapper, Creative Director of Harris Tapper, touched down in New York last month, we gave her one very important assignment: find the best martini in the city.
Between showroom visits, gallery detours, and vintage shopping in SoHo, Tapper made time for the classics — and a few unexpected detours. Gin or vodka, dirty or dry, stirred with purpose or shaken into icy oblivion — however you take your martini, one thing is certain: there’s a thin-stemmed, olive-garnished glass somewhere in this sprawling city with your name on it.
From uptown icons to downtown hideaways, here’s where to find the best martinis in NYC, according to someone who knows her way around a well-made drink — and a well-cut blazer.
1. Balthazar
This is the iconic Keith McNally restaurant in SoHo. It's an institution and well worth a visit. Go first thing off the plane for that NYC feeling.
2. Frenchette
In Tribeca, close to the Bode store. They serve ice cold, I’d recommend gin with a twist.
3. Odeon
Another classic New York restaurant in Tribeca. This martini is served with Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain and cucumber. It's a good for novice martini drinkers — the St. Germain eases the strength.
4. Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle
Get there at 4pm for a seat before the live piano starts at 5pm — it feels reminiscent of a different time. It’s not hard to imagine JFK, Liza Minelli or Frank Sinatra sitting at the table next to you. And it's probably because they have. Order the Grey Goose with a twist.
5. WSA Building
On the 10th floor of the WSA Building you'll find a private members club, where they serve a classic prawn cocktail to pair with a fresh gin martini. The setting pairs a fantastic view with beautiful interiors, designed by Gabriella Khalil.
6. Le Dive
This spot is especially fun on that first Friday when the sun is out and the weather turns warm. As Fitzgerald says, "I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer". Life begins again with a dirty gin martini at Le Dive.
7. Rafs
An Italian/French bakery on Elizabeth Street. Exceptional pomme frites, and pair with your preference, gin or vodka, dirty or dry.
