8 ARM. The Gibson at 8 ARM quickly became a favorite when beverage director Joshua Fryer included the classic on the cocktail menu last winter. The first published mention of this savory martini variation was in 1908 in William Boothby's "The World's Drinks and How To Mix Them". The cocktail of two parts gins, one part vermouth is garnished with a pickled onion to create a subtle, dirty martini. While The Gibson isn't currently on 8 ARM's ever-changing cocktail list, bartenders are happy to make it for you year round. Read our recent review of 8 ARM here.
710 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 470-875-5856, 8armatl.com.
Chops Lobster Bar. Chops in Buckhead has kept the solid marriage between steak and martinis alive and well in Atlanta for over 20 years. Surrounded by expense account diners and fancy date nights, supping at Chops is nothing short of old-school elegance. For lovers of a dirty vodka martini, order the Chops Martini complete with blue cheese stuffed olives.
70 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta. 404-262-2675, buckheadrestaurants.com/restaurant/chops-lobster-bar-atl.
The Colonnade. After more than 90 years in business, this Atlanta icon has their martinis down. Whether you take the classic with vodka or gin, dirty or straight up with a twist, the martinis at the Colonnade are no-nonsense. Expect to be served a large, ice cold glass of booze filled to the brim. It may or may not include vermouth. One is all that's needed. Thankfully, there's fried chicken for dinner.
1879 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta. 404-874-5642, colonnadeatlanta.com.
Einstein's. For those with a sweet tooth and a hankering for a martini, order Einstein's riff on the lemon drop with blueberry puree. The cocktail is garnished with a sugar rim.
1077 Juniper St. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-7925, einsteinsatlanta.com.
Highland Tap. A "best of" Atlanta martini list could not exist without the inclusion of Highland Tap. It's where burgers and steaks converge with martinis and mood lighting. After 28 years, this Virginia-Highland institution has still got it. Order a martini any which way you please and receive a solidly built beauty that comes with a sidecar to top off your cocktail. The no pretense, relaxed atmosphere here paired with a martini is hard to beat.
1026 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-875-3673, nightcapfoodandspirits.com/highlandtapmain.html.
LLoyd's. Make a date from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesdays to treat yourself to an old-school martini at LLoyd's, the decidedly quirky newish retro-cool spot from the Victory Brand restaurant group. Also included in the $5 happy hour special are vespers and Manhattans, which pair well with LLoyd's Wednesday fried chicken special, served with two sides and a biscuit. Don't expect anything too fancy, and you'll be just fine.
900 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta. 404-228-7227, lloydsatl.com.
Kimball House. The elegance and sophistication of the martini are on display at Kimball House , which was a finalist this year in the James Beard Awards' Outstanding Bar Program category, who offers on its menu a beautiful variation of the 50/50 cocktail. As the name suggests, this martini is 50 percent gin and 50 percent vermouth with a dash or two of bitters, usually orange. It's thought to be the perfect martini. The Kimball House (named for the restaurant) includes a combination of Cocchi Americano and French vermouth. The cocktail comes with a choice of garnish (olive or lemon) atop a bed of ice in a small, crystal dish.
303 E. Howard Ave., Decatur. 404-378-3502, kimball-house.com.
Watershed. Watershed on Peachtree changed ownership about a year and a half ago, and while the Friday five martini happy hour is no longer, the restaurant is still offering up one of the most interesting martinis in town in the form of its WS Martini, made with sake, gin and ginger liqueur.
1820 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 404-809-3561, watershedrestaurant.com.
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