Whether you prefer them shaken or stirred, here's our guide to the best martinis in San Diego.
Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández/ Unsplash
Located in Little Italy, this elegant and modern restaurant with a rooftop patio is the perfect place to get a tableside martini. Specializing in steak and cocktails, they also serve stellar seafood and a variety of potatoes, in addition to a long list of cocktails. Some favorite tableside martinis include the Barr Hill Gin, the Absolut Elyx and others composed of gin, vermouth and bitters. bornandraisedsteak.com
Often ranked among the top 20 bars in North America, this speakeasy bar boasts a dark, mystifying setting with a glass dome above the room and a revolving fireplace. The unique and fancy selection of cocktails include the Sundress, a refreshing martini made with vodka, dry vermouth, thai basil eau de vie, pandan, lime and seltzer, as well as the exquisite Tuxedo #2, Turf Club Cocktail—a one-of-a-kind martini made from tanqueray gin, dolin vermouth de chambery dry, maraschino and orange bitters. raisedxwolves.com
The perfect place for a steak or seafood dinner, topped off with refreshing tropical cocktails, Lou & Mickey’s has it all: an outdoor sitting area; a lunch, dinner and liquor menu; and special menus for private dining. This bright and sunny restaurant located in Downtown San Diego offers various cocktails, such as the Maytag martini (Hendrick's gin & vermouth with Maytag blue cheese stuffed olives) and the Citrus martini (Lemon vodka, orange curaçao, vermouth and grapefruit bitters). louandmickeys.com
Situated on the waterfront with a view overlooking the city skyline, the C Level Lounge not only has a beautiful view, but a great menu with seafood, steak and other delicious food options, such as sesame-crusted brie. Complete with delicious cocktails and their signature martinis, this restaurant is the perfect way to spend your evening. Some of their prime martini choices include the Isle of Zen, a concoction of Absolut citron, triple sec, ginger, lime, basil and mint for those who enjoy a tropical martini. cohnrestaurants.
The Roaring Twenties make an epic appearance in this secretive underground speakeasy bar. Filled with live music and delicious cocktails, Prohibition serves many whiskey, gin and brandy liquors. The selection of martinis include the Breakfast In Barcá, a delicious drink made up of gin, grapefruit, honey, lemon, raspberry, and sparkling grapefruit. Whether you're looking to go out and dance, or just mingle over a top-notch drink, Prohibition bar is an ideal way for you to immerse yourself in the full Great Gatsby experience. prohibitionsd.com
This speakeasy is known for its eccentrically decorated room, filled with ornamental skulls on the walls. The design demonstrates how distinctive Noble Experiment is with its decor—and its cocktails are just as unique. Serving great food and epic craft cocktails, Noble Experiment's special libations include the Inverted Gibson, a martini made with gin, a dry vermouth blend, and the bar's own famous pickle brine. nobleexperimentsd.com
A retro bar with an atrium, Polite Provisions has a one-of-a-kind menu with drinks comprised of ingredients that can be used for medicinal purposes. Some of the bar's spirited cocktails include Opal, a martini made with London dry gin, dry vermouth, cointreau and orange bitters. With an apothecary style, this bar also offers cocktail and spirit-making classes for anyone interested in learning how to make these elixirs at home. politeprovisions.com
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