Martini's in Chicago

What are some good suggestions for a bar/lounge/club with good martinis in Chicago? I also want to keep it so that it is not terribly expensive and a place that would be good for a group (10-15) people. Thanks!

Townshend wrote:What are some good suggestions for a bar/lounge/club with good martinis in Chicago? I also want to keep it so that it is not terribly expensive and a place that would be good for a group (10-15) people. Thanks!

Now I don't have an answer to your question as I rarely, if ever, go out with groups of that size, but I've decided to get some clarification for those that follow.

Does "Martini's" =

a) A classic cocktail, made with gin, vermouth, and if all is right in the world, orange bitters. Served up in a cocktail glass.
b) cocktails in general.

Good luck!

SSDD

headcase, thanks for asking. Cocktails in general (specifically with vodka).

Hmm, well vodka is vodka...anything better than Tito's and you're just paying for advertising. I've never been, but the menu seems copious and vodka-flush at Martini Ranch. It looks like you can 'Book a Party' for up to 10 through the website, too.

Are there bars in Chicago that don't offer a selection of vodka-based cocktails?

Cocktails probably not.

Looking specifically for a "martini type" atmosphere, where drinks are served in martini glasses etc, but not expensive either.

I think you're looking for something that may be a bit hard to find.

Most bars that take cocktails seriously, where you'd find appropriate stemware and atmosphere, don't pay much attention to vodka. It lends no flavor to a beverage. It exists to get you drunk without tasting the booze. Most places that serve a ton of vodka in a fancy glass cater to folks with more money than sense, so they tend to be overpriced (any of the good steakhouses will serve you an excellent vodka "martini", I am sure...and charge you ~$15 or more).

You'll find no shortage of bars in Chicago that serve a lot of vodka, but most of them will not treat it particularly well. Likewise, you'll find no shortage of bars in Chicago where you can get an impeccably made cocktail, but you'll find most of them will not involve vodka.

Cheap is in the eye of the beholder, and varies greatly by your location. Fancy stemware generally isn't found in places I'd consider cheap, though.What price point were you looking for?

The answer is easy to the OP. Look for a bar with "lounge" in the name, and go there. I take it you're looking for drinks like "Chocolate Martini" or "Raspberry Martini" or "Pear-Honey Bliss Martini."

a place like bar louie should do the trick.

couldn't have said it better myself

Having a hard time seeing Bar Louie as a "'martini type' atmosphere"...guess that's also in the eye of the beholder.

kl1191 wrote:Having a hard time seeing Bar Louie as a "'martini type' atmosphere"...guess that's also in the eye of the beholder.

Bar Louie does have an extensive martini menu to cover different tastes.

The OP might want to consider Blue Stem on Irving Park. We've always had a great time when we've gone. I don't know if it would meet your definition of "cheap", but the quality is definitely there. Plus, the owner is a trip.

Blue Stem
1935 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL
(773) 880-8470

kl1191 wrote:Having a hard time seeing Bar Louie as a "'martini type' atmosphere"...guess that's also in the eye of the beholder.

Well don't they use a cocktail glass as part of their logo? Seems like what they are shooting for.

SSDD

Thanks everyone. I will certainly look into Blue Stem. I don't necessarily picture Bar Louie as a martini type place either, but I've had fun when I've gone before to a couple of them.

As far as a definition of cheap, probably somewhere around $10 for a martini I would say is accurate. I'm looking on behalf of a friend, honestly, I couldn't think of a place off the top of my head either. The best option that came to my mind is Martini Park. They're not too expensive IMHO and they obviously have martinis.

I just looked at some reviews which refence several different martinis that Bar Louie has, so it appears they do!

Just an update, we'll be heading to Blue Line Lounge. I'll let everyone know how it goes

Have you tried Marty's on Balmoral (near Clark) in Andersonville? Great variety of martini's in an old bar atmosphere (no TV blaring either!).

jgfalk wrote:Have you tried Marty's on Balmoral (near Clark) in Andersonville? Great variety of martini's in an old bar atmosphere (no TV blaring either!).

I had a good negroni at Marty's a while back, while waiting for Great Lake to call. Nice atmosphere, reasonably-priced drinks, friendly owners/bartenders, and I like that you can choose between small & large cocktails. Bar DeVille or Drawing Room it ain't, but you could do a hell of a lot worse.