Top Martini Bars In Philadelphia

Baltimore's H.L. Menken once said that the martini was "the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet." And for writer E.B. White, the martini was "the elixir of quietude." Made with parts of gin and dry vermouth and various garnishes - whether shaken or stirred - the actual history of the martini's origins has been lost. But whatever its history, martinis still hold a special, nearly mystic attraction to connoisseurs of the dry drink. When it comes to a different slant on the martini, Philadelphia is well represented.

Mink Lounge
146 Bustleton Pike
Feasterville, PA 19053
(267) 288-5040
www.minklounge.com

A sports bar with 10-foot European billiard tables and a martini that's part of its logo, Mink Lounge features a happy hour with the choice of 30 drafts, a number of bottled beers, late-night dining and, of course, a selection of great martinis. Try the Flirt martini which combines vodka, chambord and pineapple juice with a sparkling wine topping; the Cherry Cheesecake martini with cherry vodka, grenadine, pineapple juice and three olives; and the Key Lime Pie martini, made with vodka, lime, pineapple juice and a dash of cream.

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Social Nightspot
1229 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 790-9494
www.socialnightspot.com

Known for its bottle service, Social Nightspot offers dinner, late-night menus, live DJ music and cocktails. Offering split service and cocktail carafes, martinis are offered by the glass, carafe and carafe shots. Martini selections include the Ecstasy, X-boyfriend, White Cosmo, Sparkling Pear, Stuffed and Dirty, Gin-esais Quoi, Boys Gone Wild and Berries in Paris. Cordials, mojitos, margaritas, tequila, scotch, champagne and more drink offerings are available, too.

Tendenza
969 N. Second St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-5750
www.cescapheballroom.com

Located in the Piazza at Schmidt's in the Northern Liberties area, Tendenza is one of three of the Cescaphe Event Group's venues. Presenting an industrial chic vibe similar to lofts in New York City, the atmosphere is achieved by a smorgasbord of different lighting. The bar's cocktail menu includes a variety of martinis, as well as mojitos that come in watermelon, pineapple, cotton candy, tang, bubble gum and mango offerings. For their martinis, Tendenza uses four well-known gin brands: Beefeater, Tanqueray, Tanqueray No. 10 and Bombay Sapphire.

Room 12 Lounge
1200 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 940-6506
www.room12lounge.com

Offering excellent bottle service, Room 12 Lounge presents nightly music by some of the best-known DJs in the area. With décor reminiscent of Victorian private clubs including leather lounge seating set against red velvet-patterned walls, customers can choose between the main and VIP bars. With a large menu of specialty drinks, the venue offers a sidewalk cafe, an Irish bar, a beer bar and an upstairs cocktail lounge. The bottle list includes favorite brands of vodka, rum, scotch, etc., to make your martini to order.

Continental
138 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-6069
www.continentalmartinibar.com

Large olive-shaped lamps at this Old City establishment are the first sign that this is a martini bar in addition to a fine restaurant (and the Continental Midtown has a giant olive outside!). Open seven days per week, the venue is open to large group parties or tables for two. With both booth and table seating, the style is modern utilitarian. Martini favorites include the "Real Deal Original" made with Tanqueray gin and vermouth with a lemon twist; the Continental made with vodka, vermouth and an olive, stuffed with lemon; and Napoleon's Tuxedo made with vermouth, Pernod, Grey Goose, orange bitters and luxardo maraschino. A number of sweet martinis are also available, along with many other signature cocktails.

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Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.