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Shaken, stirred, dirty, or dry?
Sometimes the day calls for a martini. Whether shaken, stirred, dirty, or dry, Charleston delivers plenty of the classic cocktails around town. This list covers the top nine spots for a cold, tall glass of boozy, boozy, booze. Just one question: vodka or gin?
Read MoreThe team at King BBQ switches up the martini game by putting its Shimmy Shimmy Ya on crushed ice. It’s basically a dirty martini with vodka, nori brine, and a pickled hot pepper. It’s challenging to limit yourself to just one.
Stylish Italian restaurant Melfi’s offers a “Fat & Dirty” martini, which features olive oil-washed vodka and plenty of olive brine — best paired with a wood-fired pizza.
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The menu changes seasonally at hip bar Last Saint, but right now, you’ll find an Isle of Santorini martini, which is described as “A gin martini returns from sun-kissed island hopping in Greece.” The addition of mastiha and orange bitters gives it the summers-in-Europe taste. The menu also offers mini martinis for $9. The soundtrack is always great here, so feel free to linger in the sound and sip.
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The bar at seafood house the Ordinary is nautically handsome, and a martini just feels right. While the signature martini service with multiple accouterments no longer exists, the very cold martini (your choice of gin or vodka) still comes with a fun, seasonal pickled item on a pick.
Super seasonal restaurant the Grocery offers a uniquely Southern take on the martini with a pickled green tomato version. It’s vinegary, a little sweet, and super refreshing.
Cannon Street hangout Babas offers $5 tiny ‘tinis during happy hour (Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). It’s a super cold gin martini with a twist. If you go on Friday or Saturday, you can also take advantage of aperitivo hour.
Super swank steakhouse Marbled & Fin is the place to go if you want to indulge in a martini in a posh setup. The bartender will make your drink just the way you like it.
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Chummy steakhouse Halls has the largest martini pour on the peninsula. Coming in at 10 ounces, you’ll need to order some truffle fries to soak up all that booze — or ask for extra blue cheese-stuffed olives.
Lowland Tavern receives a lot of attention for chef Jason Stanhope’s cuisine, but don’t skip the herb oil martini. The drop of herbaceous green floating in the glass gives the drink an extra savory flavor. Tip: the property’s oyster bar, the Quinte, now serves the same menu as Lowland.
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Head to the back left corner of the dining room at Italian restaurant Frannie and the Fox to find martini bar the Den. The space seats 30 and focuses on martinis, caviar, and Italian snacks. Seasonal flavors like a tomato martini with pepperoncini shrub share the menu with a classic service offered with various liquor and vermouth choices.
Seafood star 167 Raw offers its take on a dirty martini with tequila, olive brine, and a few drops of chili oil. It’s spicy, salty, and a great start to a meal of fresh oysters and shellfish.
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The team at King BBQ switches up the martini game by putting its Shimmy Shimmy Ya on crushed ice. It’s basically a dirty martini with vodka, nori brine, and a pickled hot pepper. It’s challenging to limit yourself to just one.
Stylish Italian restaurant Melfi’s offers a “Fat & Dirty” martini, which features olive oil-washed vodka and plenty of olive brine — best paired with a wood-fired pizza.
The menu changes seasonally at hip bar Last Saint, but right now, you’ll find an Isle of Santorini martini, which is described as “A gin martini returns from sun-kissed island hopping in Greece.” The addition of mastiha and orange bitters gives it the summers-in-Europe taste. The menu also offers mini martinis for $9. The soundtrack is always great here, so feel free to linger in the sound and sip.
The bar at seafood house the Ordinary is nautically handsome, and a martini just feels right. While the signature martini service with multiple accouterments no longer exists, the very cold martini (your choice of gin or vodka) still comes with a fun, seasonal pickled item on a pick.
Super seasonal restaurant the Grocery offers a uniquely Southern take on the martini with a pickled green tomato version. It’s vinegary, a little sweet, and super refreshing.
Cannon Street hangout Babas offers $5 tiny ‘tinis during happy hour (Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). It’s a super cold gin martini with a twist. If you go on Friday or Saturday, you can also take advantage of aperitivo hour.
Super swank steakhouse Marbled & Fin is the place to go if you want to indulge in a martini in a posh setup. The bartender will make your drink just the way you like it.
Chummy steakhouse Halls has the largest martini pour on the peninsula. Coming in at 10 ounces, you’ll need to order some truffle fries to soak up all that booze — or ask for extra blue cheese-stuffed olives.
Lowland Tavern receives a lot of attention for chef Jason Stanhope’s cuisine, but don’t skip the herb oil martini. The drop of herbaceous green floating in the glass gives the drink an extra savory flavor. Tip: the property’s oyster bar, the Quinte, now serves the same menu as Lowland.
Head to the back left corner of the dining room at Italian restaurant Frannie and the Fox to find martini bar the Den. The space seats 30 and focuses on martinis, caviar, and Italian snacks. Seasonal flavors like a tomato martini with pepperoncini shrub share the menu with a classic service offered with various liquor and vermouth choices.
Seafood star 167 Raw offers its take on a dirty martini with tequila, olive brine, and a few drops of chili oil. It’s spicy, salty, and a great start to a meal of fresh oysters and shellfish.
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