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When the topic turns to mixed drinks, you might as well begin with the martini. Listed as one of the six basic drinks in David Embury’s classic The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, the martini is a cocktail made with gin and dry white vermouth or sweet red vermouth. These days you can substitute vodka for gin and, presto, call it a vodka martini but don’t forget the olive garnish.
Who likes martinis? Winston Churchill, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Cary Grant, Franklin Roosevelt and, of course, Mr. James Bond, who required it be shaken not stirred. This American born and bred cocktail has become a symbol for both cocktails in general and those who savor a city’s nightlife.
There are some absolutely fantastic restaurants and lounges where you can grab a martini here in Philadelphia and we’re going to review a few of the best right now. Let’s call it the Martini Guide to Philadelphia. Why not sit back and pretend you’re there? Then when you’re done reading, actually go there and tell ‘em ThisWeekInPhilly.com sent you.
Bleu Martini (24 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106)
Bleu Martini website
Neon blue lights make it hard to miss this standout member of Old City Philadelphia nightlife. Specializing in more than 30 different martinis, Bleu Martini was named one of the best martini bars in the city. With a VIP lounge membership option and waitress only table service, this is the place to come when you want to kick back in authentic lounge atmosphere leisure. Combine your mouth-watering martini with a selection from the eclectic Asian, American, Fusion menu and your night can’t get any better.
Valanni (1229 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107)
Valanni website
Roundly lauded by old-timers and first-timers, Valanni is great atmosphere with intimate spaces, comfortable seating, and a perfect first choice to wet your whistle with a variety of cocktails including martinis.
Fork (306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106)
Fork Restaurant website
This Old City Philadelphia bistro takes food and drink seriously, having won praise from such noteworthy sources as the New York Times, USA Today, Food and Drink, and Zagat’s. Fork’s lunch and brunch menu have been recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as the best in the city. The magazine also gave a “Best of Philly” award for “Wine List With Real-World Prices.” And, of course, they have a tempting selection of martinis and cocktails because that’s what we’re talking about here now, aren’t we? You simply can’t go wrong at Fork.
The Continental (134 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106)
The Continental website
A restored stainless steel 60’s diner, this cutting-edge nightspot sets the tone for Philadelphia nightlife. Oversized olive-shaped lamps emphasize the trendy décor and set the tone for sensational cocktails and over 15 varieties of martinis. Plus, any time you see Lobster Mashed Potatoes on the menu, you pretty know you have landed smack dab in the middle of gustatory nirvana. Yeah. You read that right. Lobster Mashed Potatoes. Eat that while drinking one of The Continental’s sexy libations and you can die happy, knowing even if you walk out the door and get flattened by a careening cement truck, it won’t even matter. You’ve already achieved life’s penultimate experience inside.
Continental Mid-Town (1801 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103)
The Continental Midtown website
Continental’s midtown location boasts an extensive list of cocktails like the Dean Martini, Buzz Aldrin, Dirty Shirley, Bees Knees, plus many more martinis, gimlets, and Manhattans. While you’re tipping the liquid, remember to try their menu, which offers the classics, heart-stopping desserts, and surprising twists like the Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese with orzo, fontina, and frico for only $12. What can I say? I’ve got a lobster fetish.
There you have it, ThisWeekInPhilly.com’s short and sweet guide to good martinis in Philadelphia. Happy sipping!
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