By: Kennedy Zak, Haley Bosselman By: Kennedy Zak, Haley Bosselman | August 16, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature,
Fanny's
From Hollywood to Burbank to downtown L.A., here are the best spots around Los Angeles for an iced cold martini.
Website/ 6667 Hollywood Blvd 90028
At Musso and Frank Grill, it’s all about options. For dinner, you’ll find a variety of steak and seafood dishes as well as a grand selection of Italian classics. With 18 different gin offerings and 12 vodka options, Musso and Frank has beyond what’s necessary to make the perfect martini. The secret to their notorious martinis are that they’re never shaken and always stirred to preserve the texture of the liquor. To keep their martinis at the perfect temperature, they pour a portion of your drink in a small martini cup and keep the rest over ice for when you’re ready for more. Plus, Musso and Frank offers blue cheese-stuffed olives as a fun alternative to tradition.
Website/1760 N Vermont Ave 90027
Taking a cue out of the James Bond rule book, The Dresden’s featured cocktail of discussion in a Vesper Martini. Made with gin and vodka, the drink includes Lillet Blanc and an expressed lemon peel. With one of these in hand, jazz music flowing and a midcentury ambiance around you, all feels right in the world.
Website/8358 Sunset Blvd 90069
Longtime L.A.-establishments know a thing or two about being classic, which is why it makes sense the Tower Bar whips up an excellent martini. Opened in 1929, the Sunset Tower Hotel has a history as being a go-to spot for power players to recharge and refuel. Whether you’re winding down from a high-stakes studio meeting or taking in the buzzy energy of the Sunset Strip, sipping a martini here is the right way to go.
Website/6067 Wilshire Blvd 90036
With a name like “World’s Best Martini,” Fanny’s tale on the classic drink was made for a list like this. The crafty concoction features Kastra Elion vodka, Ki No Bi Japanese gin, orange bitters, yuzu bitters and saline tincture— leaving your tongue with new and familiar flavors of a martini. What’s more, Fanny’s jazz nights (the first Wednesday of every month) are sponsored by Ford’s gin and feature a rotating menu of martini specials.
Website/225 N Canon Dr 90210
The Maybourne Bar menu is the result of the genius of award-winning mixologist Chris Amirault. His mission is to offer cocktails that embody Los Angeles’ nature as a cultural melting pot, as exemplified by the Maybourne Martini 2.0. Delicate and bright, the stirred beverage is made with Haku Vodka Lychee, Ginjo Sake and Sakura Blossom.
Website/ 225 N Canon Dr 90210
Upstairs neighbor to The Maybourne Bar, Dante Beverly Hills brings NYC martini prowess to the West Coast. You’ll discover true martini magic here—paired nicely with sweeping views of WeHo and the Hollywood Hills—whether you opt for a mini libation from the $10 Martini Hour menu or the decadent Caviar Martini, which teams up 14 grams of caviar with Grey Goose, toasted rye, white peppercorn and Dolin Blanc bitters.
Website/ 7205 Santa Monica Blvd 90046
This West Hollywood outpost draws a crowd for its great pizza, but its martinis will also have you becoming a regular. Shaken to ice-cold perfection, The Dirty Sue powers up your choice of Ketel One Vodka or Tanqueray Ten Gin with Dirty Sue premium olive juice.
Website/ 1263 W Temple St 90026
An imbiber’s dream, this Historic Filipinotown bar hit the No.9 spot on the North America’s 50 Best Bars list. In other words, you’re in good hands here when you need a martini. Its interpretation of the classic cocktail (The O.D.B./Old Dirty Basque Martini) tips its hat to the late rapper with a concoction of vodka, olive leaf gin, olive brine, Piquillo and Espellete.
Website/3612 W 6th St 90020
When known as “a damn fine bar”— The Normandie Club’s slogan— you’re sure to be in for a great martini. The team here is always happy to craft your classic drink of preference, so you’re set whether you’re looking for a dry or extra dirty martini. However, you’ll also want to check out its special creation: the 50/50 Martini. Made with Amass Vodka, it’s finished with dry vermouth and orange bitters.
Website/ 923 E 3rd St Suite 109 90013
If you’re looking to splurge on a well thought out spin on the classic martini, Camphor in the Arts District is the place for you. The Provence Martini— which is literally served to you on a silver platter— goes all out with French olive oil washed vodka infused with Herbs de Provence, pear eau de vie and vermouth blanc & saline. This specialty drink also comes with martini accouterments and two generous pours. And if your martini gets lonely, Camphor has a delicious French-inspired menu with dishes such as the A5 Wagyu Croque Monsieur and stuffed rigatoni.
Website/ 9560 Dayton Way 90210
The Grill on the Alley exemplifies the luxurious aesthetic of Beverly Hills with a range of elegant martinis and cocktails and quality steak and seafood dishes. With both classic martinis and specialty options such as The Grill Lemon Drop, The Grill on the Alley uses top-tier liquor to ensure tasty drinks and satisfied customers.
Website/ 4420 Lakeside Dr 91505
If you’re on the prowl for a good martini and a potential celebrity sighting, check out The Smoke House in Burbank where George Clooney and Grant Heslov were inspired to name their production company, Smokehouse Pictures. The Smoke House martinis come highly recommended by Oscar-winning actor and martini aficionado Rami Malek, whose go-to cocktail is a cold, dry martini with a twist. Guests of The Smoke House can also enjoy fine steaks, barbecue and more.
Website/ 4349 Tujunga Ave #2 91604
This reservation-only speakeasy transports its guests back to the golden age of Hollywood with dark, classic vibes and signature cocktails. Nestled behind Vitello's Restaurant in Studio City, The Rendition Room offers dishes from Vitello’s and their own additional small plates. Guests are encouraged to trust the bartenders to take them on an unforgettable cocktail journey, but you should insist on trying one of their martinis.
Website/ 3361 W 8th St 90005
Not only has Taylor’s Steakhouse in Koreatown been voted the best steakhouse in L.A., but it’s also home to a killer martini. With steak and/or seafood specials for every day of the week, this old school restaurant— established in 1953— offers a large selection of delicious meals alongside a classic steakhouse atmosphere. Try an ice-cold martini at Taylor’s with your favorite steak cut.
See also: 13 Top Caesar Salads In Los Angeles
Photography by: Photos by Kristina Cox for Fanny's