Los Angeles is a martini kind of town. In fact, the drink might be considered the beverage of choice for old Hollywood rogues, stars and studio heads. Mark your Thomas Guide’s for these 5 hot spots that know how to make a stiff one for the martini mavens of today.
Rumor has it that the folks over at Lola’s invented the Apple Martini. While my research neither affirms or disproves this hypothesis, I can safely say that with a martini menu of more than 50 different twists on the cocktail, Lola’s is the place to go for those looking to suck back a classic or contemporary take on the drink. Oh, boozehounds hand over your keys: the martinis at Lolas are about the size of a baby’s bathtub.
945 N. Fairfax, Los Angeles, 323.654.5862.
For those looking to kick with L.A.’s literati, Hemingway’s is the place to get down. This outpost from nightlife czar Johnny Zander has an old library feel—my favorite décor touches are the scattered typewriters. For those simply looking to knock back a martini in the grand literary history of lushes, Hemingway’s serves a slew of perfect martini’s—straight up or with a twist.
6356 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 323.469.0040.
When you’re sitting in the bar that once was the watering hole of the late Dean Martin (a shrine to the Rat Pack legend is hangs over his old seat), you know you’ve got a delicious drink coming your way. With an extensive cocktail menu that includes more than 40 different kinds of martinis, I feel certain that the old crooner is resting soundly in his grave.
453 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, Calif., 310.550.5707.
Musso and Frank’s Grill
This Hollywood institution has served cold cocktails and perfectly seared steaks to Hollywood’s finest for decades. Turns out, Musso’s and Franks also knows how to make the stiffest martinis in town. They should after all. This is the haven for old-school style.
6667 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 323.467.7788.
This Santa Monica bar is perfect for budding mixologists. The bar menu comes with different types of spirits, herbs, fruits, organic nectars and vegetables so clients can custom-design their version of the perfect martini.
217 Broadway, Santa Monica, Calif., 310.576.3030.
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October 5, 2010With a Twist: The Top 5 Martini Menus in San Francisco
