Listen, we know martinis are New York’s crème de la crème. That’s no secret. But some West Coast girls have moved from the East, and we know they want a swanky spot to sip a damn good dirty martini. For those who care about a refined cocktail experience, we’ve found the ten best places across Los Angeles to get your martini fix.
Coucou (Venice Beach)
Nestled in an intimate spot on Main Street, CouCou is a stylish bistro that enhances the dining scene between Santa Monica and Venice Beach. The menu features French-inspired dishes, from oysters with clean brine and hints of cucumber and melon, to caviar paired with housemade potato chips and crème fraîche, along with fried olives, steak frites, and more. Each dish perfectly complements the restaurant’s expertly crafted dirty martinis. By Britney Eschelman
The Georgian Room (Santa Monica)
Since 1933, patrons of The Georgian Room (located within the storied Georgian Hotel) claimed they would see a mythical creature beached along the Santa Monica shoreline, sunbathing and sipping a martini. Whether this bears any truth–or their martinis are that good–the house martini remains a crowd favorite, symbolizing the bar’s timeless allure. By Megan Shelton
Mr. Wanderlust (Downtown Los Angeles)
An eccentric piano bar, jazz lounge, and late-night destination with a theatrical twist, Mr. Wanderlust offers a sultry setting for drinks in Downtown L.A.’s entertainment hub, Level 8. Martini aficionados will delight in the “Pickle Martini,” crafted with Haku Vodka, Roku Gin, Noilly Prat Vermouth, housemade dill, and pickle brine, all while enjoying performances by dancers gliding through the space. By Britney Eschelman
Calabra Rooftop (Santa Monica)
Though a martini may not be your first choice at a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop, Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel serves up one of the finest in Los Angeles. While lounging poolside on the sundeck or perched on a stool along their circular bar with a dirty martini in hand, suddenly, nothing seems to pair better with the breathtaking ocean views. By Megan Shelton
Dante Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills)
The iconic New York City institution has found a fitting home poolside at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. Their renowned martini selection remains intact, though there’s something so delightful about their “Dirty” while laying atop a chaise beneath the California sun. It’s crafted with Reyka, Cinzano 1757 Dry, St. Germain, olive oil, and olive bitters. By Megan Shelton
The Lonely Oyster (Echo Park)
Wait, they serve oyster-caviar-topped dirty martinis? Count us in. At The Lonely Oyster in Echo Park, martinis are elevated to brunch and lunch fare with their playful “Brunchy” and “Lunchy” options. This means we can indulge in a boozy late morning-to-mid-afternoon meal without a hint of regret. From the “Cavi-Tini” with herb and crème fraîche-infused vodka (with a caviar bump, of course) to the “Glass Slipper” with melon liqueur and Pamplemousse, it’s safe to say we’ve found martini heaven in the City of Angels. By Britney Eschelman
Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel (West Hollywood)
Housed in the infamous Bugsy Siegel’s former apartment, the iconic Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel is a West Hollywood landmark that pays tribute to Hollywood’s Golden Age. Cozy walnut-paneled walls and flattering rose-colored lighting, enhanced by the melodies of renowned jazz pianists, set the stage for a refined drinking experience. Perhaps we’ll switch things up with a dirty martini shaken, not stirred, for a touch of variety (you know, Bond-style). By Britney Eschelman
The Dresden Restaurant & Lounge (Los Feliz)
A family-owned Los Angeles landmark since 1954, The Dresden boasts its own star power, having appeared in numerous films, including the iconic scene from “Swingers” where Vince Vaughn delivers the “you’re so money” pep talk to Jon Favreau in one of the restaurant’s booths. With nightly live jazz performances, we’re enjoying a Vesper martini while swaying to the music and soaking in the Hollywood ambiance. By Britney Eschelman
Gran Blanco (Venice)
Situated beneath the neighborhood’s iconic sign in the historic former Bank of Venice designed by Abbot Kinney himself, Gran Blanco is just steps away from its beloved sister restaurant, Great White. Among their standout creations is the “Smoke Show,” a bold take on the dirty martini made with Grey Goose vodka, Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin, and a smoked olive. The laid-back atmosphere enhanced by a vinyl soundtrack and rotating DJ sets make Gran Blanco a go-to nightlife destination. By Megan Shelton
Mother Wolf (Hollywood)
At Mother Wolf, Chef Evan Funke pays tribute to the deep gastronomic roots of Rome, capturing the essence of the Eternal City with modern and elegant twists on traditional dishes and beverages. “S.P.Q.R. 22” is a sophisticated take on the classic dirty martini, featuring Grey Goose vodka, Castelvetrano Cocchi, and a delicate hint of orange blossom. By Megan Shelton
