L.A.’s Best Martini Bars

See recent posts by Lesley Bracker

Bar at the Hungry Cat restaurant in Santa Barbara

So many of Los Angeles‘ famous watering holes from the Golden Age of Film are now gone, but you can still find a great martini to transport you to another time. These three spots are sure to satisfy:

Musso and Frank Grill is one of the few remaining Old Hollywood eateries. Established in 1919, it was, and still is, a meeting ground for Hollywood. You can sit in a red booth once occupied by Charlie Chaplin or F. Scott Fitzgerald; waiters are happy to tell you stories of Musso’s past. Pair your martini with a great steak, and pretend it’s 1939. Stay at nearby Hollywood Roosevelt, which is equally historic. 6667 Hollywood Boulevard

The Wilshire is a fairly new addition to Santa Monica, but its bartenders mean business when it comes to martinis (Tuesdays are martini nights). The food is famous, but there’s no need to sit in the dining room–the bar is beautiful and the patio is romantic; a perfect match for the perfect martini. Stay nearby at The Georgian, pairing a romantic hotel with a romantic restaurant. 2454 Wilshire Boulevard

The Hungry Cat is as known for its seafood as it is for its award-wining bartenders/mixologists. They make a mean martini–absolutely perfect in every way. Ask for one with blue cheese-stuffed olives, or stick with the classic martini with a twist. Or be adventurous and go with one of the special martinis, new ones are invented based on the season. Stay at nearby Magic Castle and walk there! 1535 Vine Street, in Hollywood

– Lesley Bracker

Photo courtesy of The Hungry Cat

PR: wait…

I: wait…

LD: wait…

I: wait…
wait…

Rank: wait…

Traffic: wait…

Price: wait…

C: wait…

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.