Top 10 Bars for a Martini in Brooklyn

by Diana Vilibert on Jun 14, 2013 in Roundups
Top 10 Bars for a Martini in Brooklyn

Lately, it’s Brooklyn’s cocktail scene that’s drawing the crowds, and with good reason. Here are 10 bars that take on the martini with particular aplomb, wowing with both classics and more inventive variations.

Apartment 138: This apartment-turned-bar has something for everyone — brunch, outdoor space and, of course, a killer martini. Ask for yours with Dorothy Parker gin for a unique, floral take. Just don’t forget these words of warning from the legendary poet the gin is named after: “I like to have a martini, two at the very most. After three I'm under the table, after four I'm under my host” (138 Smith St., Brooklyn; 718-858-0556).

Maison Premiere: This Williamsburg oyster and absinthe bar is a can’t-miss, with dapper bartenders serving up equally dapper drinks. Order the Obituary — Beefeater, Dolin dry and absinthe — and all other martinis will be dead to you (298 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn; 347-335-0446).

Fort Defiance: This Red Hook cafe-bar keeps it classic... with a twist. The St. John’s martini features Plymouth gin and dry vermouth, topped off with orange bitters and a twist for the perfect touch of sweetness (365 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn; 347-453-6672).

Parish Hall: This Egg offshoot in Williamsburg can stand on its own, thanks to the drink menu. The Euell Gibson, honoring wild food author and naturalist hero Euell Gibbons, will be the best meal you have all day, with Boyd & Blair potato vodka, dry vermouth, onion brine, pepper and nasturtium capers (109 N. 3rd St., Brooklyn; 718-782-2602).

Henry Public: The Henry's Martini is a staple at this Cobble Hill saloon, and for good reason: its simple, smooth mix of Old Tom gin, Dolin blanc and dry vermouth, and orange bitters is as timeless as it is irresistible (329 Henry St., Brooklyn; 718-852-8630).

Brooklyn Label: Stay true to your Brooklyn roots at this Greenpoint hot spot, which serves up gin from Greenpoint-based distillery Greenhook Ginsmiths. Go classic on this one, as the gin — with notes of chamomile, elderflower, and cinnamon — demands and deserves to be the center of attention (187 Franklin St., Brooklyn; 718-389-2806).

Alchemy: The bartenders at this Park Slope spot craft a perfect dirty martini, not to mention the lovely Emily Rose, made with Hendrick's, Lillet, lemon and honey. We’re return time and time again for that one (56 5th Ave., Brooklyn; 718-636-4385).

Clover Club: You'll come to this Cobble Hill hotspot for the speakeasy feel; you'll stay for creative spins on the martini. Try the Gin Blossom, which adds wow-factor to your gin and vermouth with apricot eau de vie and orange bitters (210 Smith St., Brooklyn; 718-855-7939).

ReBar: This Dumbo space makes a dry Hendrick's martini you won't soon forget — and if you're looking for a little refreshment, the cucumber martini will make you feel brand new (147 Front St., Brooklyn; 718-766-9110).

The Bourgeois Pig: This Carroll Gardens bar follows in its East Village predecessor's footsteps with decadent decor and drinks. Choose the lush, floral Nolet's Silver for a unique take on the classic martini (387 Court St., Brooklyn; 718-858-5483).

Top photo by Danya Henninger, bottom photo by Flickr user astro twilight


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