San Diego's Best Martini [Updated 2025]

I've tried them all, from the fancy rooftop bars to the local dives. After reviewing 13 different martinis, I can confidently say that I've found the cream of the crop.

So sit back, grab a cocktail shaker, and get ready to discover where you can find the best martini in San Diego!

The Nolen

Highlights
Beautiful rooftop location
Great cocktails and views
Tapas concept with American food

The Nolen is a beautiful rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city, and I must say it's worth going there for the view alone. But let's talk about their martinis! The cocktail menu is impressive, and they offer a variety of options to suit every taste. Their signature martini called "The Nolen" is simply divine, made with Belvedere vodka, Lillet Blanc, and lemon twist - it was the perfect mix of sweet and sour.

One thing I loved about The Nolen is their tapas concept that offers American food with a twist. They have small plates that pair perfectly with cocktails, so you can enjoy delicious bites while sipping on your drink. It's a great place to come with friends or for a romantic date night.

The staff at The Nolen are friendly and knowledgeable, and they're happy to help you choose the right drink if you're feeling overwhelmed by their extensive cocktail list. They also have an impressive selection of beer and wine if you're not in the mood for a martini.

Overall, The Nolen is definitely one of my top picks for the best martini in San Diego due to its beautiful location, great cocktails, and tapas concept. If you're looking for a fun night out with friends or a romantic date night spot, give The Nolen a try!

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Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store

Highlights
Happy Hour
Mojito
Margarita
Corn Dip
Friendly Service

First of all, the happy hour at Tommy Bahama is a steal! Not only can you enjoy discounted drinks, but also some tasty bites like their amazing corn dip. But let's talk about the drinks. While I was there to try out their martinis, I couldn't help but indulge in their famous margaritas and refreshing mojitos, both of which were absolutely divine.

Now on to the martinis - I ordered a classic gin martini (shaken, not stirred) and it did not disappoint. The bartender made sure to use high-quality gin and vermouth resulting in a perfectly chilled and balanced drink. Plus, the presentation was top-notch with a twist of lemon beautifully placed on top.

But what really stood out during my visit was the friendly service provided by the staff. They were knowledgeable about their drinks menu and had great recommendations for me to try next time.

Overall, if you're looking for an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere with delicious cocktails and appetizers, I highly recommend giving Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store a try. And who knows? You may just find your new favorite cocktail spot in San Diego!

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Realm Of The 52 Remedies

Highlights
Gorgeous location
Adorable spot
Speakeasy vibes
Rib eye to die for
Well thought out place

First off, can we talk about the location? It's gorgeous. The kind of place that makes you feel like you're not in San Diego anymore. And the spot itself is just adorable. It has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for date night or catching up with friends.

The speakeasy vibes at Realm Of The 52 Remedies are on point. From the dim lighting to the classic cocktails menu, it really feels like you've stepped back in time. Speaking of cocktails, their martinis are some of the best I've had in San Diego. They have a wide variety to choose from and each one is expertly crafted.

But let's not forget about the food! I was blown away by their rib eye - it was cooked to perfection and seasoned so well. You can tell that everything on the menu has been well thought out.

Overall, Realm Of The 52 Remedies is a well-rounded spot for an evening out. Whether you're there for drinks or dinner, you won't be disappointed. It's no wonder why they made it onto my list of best martinis in San Diego.

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Myst Lounge

Highlights
Great hookah flavors
Stellar customer service
Good food and drinks
Cozy and relaxing atmosphere

First of all, I have to say that the customer service here is stellar. The staff was welcoming and attentive from the moment I walked in. As for the martinis, I had to try their signature "Myst Martini," which did not disappoint. It was a perfect balance of sweetness and strength, leaving me wanting more.

But what really impressed me about Myst Lounge was their cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The dim lighting and comfortable seating made it a great spot to unwind after a long day. Plus, they also offer delicious food options to pair with your drinks.

If you're into hookah, they also offer a variety of flavors that are sure to impress. My personal favorite was the grape flavor – it was refreshing and flavorful without being overpowering.

Overall, Myst Lounge is a great spot for those looking for a chill night out with good drinks, good food, and great ambiance. If you're searching for the best martini in San Diego, Myst Lounge definitely deserves a spot on your must-visit list!

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Whiskey Girl

Highlights
Friendly staff
Filling portions
Fair pricing
Great food

Upon walking in, I was greeted by the friendly staff who quickly seated me and presented me with their extensive drink menu. As I perused the options, I couldn't resist trying their signature Whiskey Girl martini. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors left my taste buds dancing with joy.

But what really set this place apart was the filling portions. So often I've visited bars that serve tiny drinks at exorbitant prices, but Whiskey Girl knows how to do it right. Not only were the martinis generously sized, but the pricing was more than fair.

And let's not forget about the food. The menu had a great selection of dishes to choose from, and everything I tried was absolutely delicious. It's no wonder Whiskey Girl has such a great reputation in San Diego.

Overall, my experience at Whiskey Girl was exceptional. From the friendly staff to the amazing drinks and food, this place has it all. If you're looking for a great night out in San Diego with some of the best martinis around, look no further than Whiskey Girl!

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Starlite

Highlights
Intimate atmosphere
Reasonable food prices
Attentive and stylish servers
Elegant decor
Great for date night

First and foremost, the atmosphere of Starlite is intimate and cozy, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date night. The elegant decor adds to the upscale vibe of the place.

As I sat down at the bar, I was greeted by an attentive and stylish bartender who was excited to walk me through their martini options. I opted for their classic gin martini which was impeccably crafted with just the right amount of dry vermouth.

But what really caught my attention were their food prices! They were surprisingly reasonable for such a fancy establishment. I ordered some appetizers which were delicious and paired perfectly with my martini.

Overall, Starlite exceeded my expectations with its outstanding service, affordable prices, and fantastic martinis. If you're looking for a sophisticated spot in San Diego to sip on a top-notch martini, look no further than Starlite!

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C Level Lounge

Highlights
Stunning view
Friendly staff
Incredible food
Waterfront location
Accommodating service

First of all, I must mention the stunning view that the place offers. You can enjoy your martini while gazing at the San Diego Bay, and let me tell you, it's quite a sight. The waterfront location definitely adds to the overall ambiance.

But a stunning view isn't enough for me to call a place the best martini spot in San Diego. Luckily, C Level Lounge exceeded my expectations in other areas as well. The friendly staff made me feel welcome from the moment I stepped in. They were very knowledgeable about their drinks menu and gave great recommendations.

Now let's talk about the martinis themselves. The bartender was an absolute pro, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail with every pour. But what really blew me away was how well they paired with the incredible food on offer. I highly recommend ordering some appetizers to go along with your drink.

Finally, I have to give props to their accommodating service. They went out of their way to ensure I had a comfortable experience and provided excellent customer service throughout.

Overall, C Level Lounge has definitely earned its spot among the best martini spots in San Diego for me. Trust me when I say that you won't be disappointed with what they have to offer!

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Pushkin Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Unique Eastern European dishes
Amazing vibe and decor
Best Beef Stroganoff ever
Delicious Honey Cake
Subtle Apricot Compote Juice

First of all, let me tell you that the ambiance and decor of this place is amazing. It's like being transported to a different time and place with its unique Eastern European vibes. And let me tell you, their menu is just as unique and impressive.

Now, let's talk about the important stuff - the martinis! Pushkin Restaurant & Bar offers a range of creative and delicious options, but I was blown away by their subtle yet refreshing Apricot Compote Juice martini. It was perfectly balanced and not too sweet - just how I like it.

But what really stole the show for me was their food. The Beef Stroganoff was out of this world. Seriously, it was the best Beef Stroganoff I've ever had in my life. And don't even get me started on their Honey Cake - it was like dessert heaven on a plate.

Overall, I highly recommend Pushkin Restaurant & Bar for anyone looking for an amazing dining experience with fantastic martinis and unique Eastern European dishes that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

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Tony's Martini Bar

Highlights
Friendly staff
Yummy cocktails
Locals' favorite
Happy hour specials
Indoor seating

First off, the staff here is incredibly friendly. They made me feel right at home and were happy to answer any questions I had about their yummy cocktails. Speaking of which, I tried several different martinis here and each one was better than the last. It's no wonder that Tony's Martini Bar is a locals' favorite.

If you're looking for a great deal, be sure to check out their happy hour specials. You won't find better prices on such high-quality drinks anywhere else in San Diego.

Finally, if you prefer indoor seating, Tony's Martini Bar has got you covered. Their cozy atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a night out with friends or a romantic evening with your significant other.

Overall, my experience at Tony's Martini Bar was top-notch. If you're on the hunt for the best martini in San Diego, look no further than this gem of a bar.

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Room 56

Highlights
Speakeasy atmosphere
Thoughtfully crafted cocktails
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Walking into Room 56, I immediately felt like I was transported to a speakeasy from the roaring 20s. The dim lighting and cozy atmosphere set the perfect mood for enjoying a cocktail. Speaking of cocktails, their martinis are truly thoughtfully crafted masterpieces. From classic options like their Dirty Martini made with house-infused garlic vodka to unique creations like the Elderflower Martini made with elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon juice, each drink is a work of art.

But what sets Room 56 apart from other bars in San Diego is their staff. Not only are they friendly and welcoming, but they are also incredibly knowledgeable about all things martini-related. They took the time to explain different flavor profiles and even recommended some food pairings to enhance my experience.

Overall, Room 56 is a must-visit spot for any martini lover in San Diego. Their speakeasy atmosphere, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and friendly staff make for an unforgettable experience. Trust me when I say that you won't find a better martini in town!

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Prohibition Lounge

Highlights
Great vibe
Delicious drinks
Amazing character
Live jazz and blues
Cozy atmosphere

Firstly, the ambiance is fantastic and transports you back in time to the prohibition era. The dim lighting and vintage decor give the lounge an amazing character that perfectly complements their drinks.

Speaking of drinks, Prohibition Lounge serves up some of the most delicious martinis I've ever tasted. They have a wide selection of classic and unique flavors to choose from, but my personal favorite was their Dirty Martini. It had just the right amount of olive juice and was garnished with a plump green olive that was so delicious I asked for an extra one.

One thing that sets Prohibition Lounge apart from other bars is their live jazz and blues performances. Listening to the music while sipping on a martini made me feel like I was in a scene from The Great Gatsby.

The atmosphere at Prohibition Lounge is cozy and intimate, making it an ideal spot for a date or a night out with friends. Plus, their bartenders are knowledgeable about their craft and can recommend a martini based on your preferences.

Overall, if you're looking for an exceptional martini experience in San Diego, look no further than Prohibition Lounge. With its great vibe, delicious drinks, live music, and cozy atmosphere, it's definitely worth checking out!

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The Silver Fox Lounge

Highlights
Friendly Bartenders
Low drink prices
Great atmosphere
Pool tables

First off, I was impressed by the friendly bartenders and their impressive martini-making skills. They were knowledgeable about the different types of martinis and made great recommendations for me to try.

What really stood out to me though, were the low drink prices. In a city where everything seems to be overpriced, it was refreshing to find a bar that didn't break my wallet. Plus, with their pool tables and great atmosphere, I could easily spend hours there without feeling guilty about my bank account.

Speaking of atmosphere, The Silver Fox Lounge has a cozy and welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're on a date or hanging out with friends, this place is perfect for any occasion.

While they may not have an extensive cocktail menu compared to other bars in the area, they definitely know how to make a mean martini. And with their affordable prices, you can afford to try them all!

Overall, The Silver Fox Lounge exceeded my expectations with their friendly service, low prices and great atmosphere. If you're looking for one of the best martinis in San Diego without breaking the bank, this is definitely the place to go!

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barleymash

Highlights
Attentive servers
Hog Ranch Mac n cheese
All In fries
Premier game watching location
Modest prices

Upon arrival, I was greeted by some of the most attentive servers I’ve ever encountered. They were knowledgeable about their menu and offered fantastic recommendations. Speaking of menu, let's talk about the food! The Hog Ranch Mac n cheese was certainly a standout with its creamy cheese sauce and generous chunks of bacon. But the real star of the show were the All In fries - crispy, golden-brown fries loaded with juicy pulled pork, cheddar cheese, green onions and sour cream. A perfect appetizer to share with friends.

Now onto what we're really here for - the martinis. Barleymash offers a variety of delicious options to choose from, but my personal favorite was the classic gin martini with a twist. Perfectly shaken and served in a chilled glass, it was everything a martini should be - smooth, strong and refreshing.

In addition to great food and drinks, barleymash is also a premier location for watching games. With multiple screens scattered throughout the bar area, you won’t miss any of the action.

Finally, let's talk about price because who doesn't love a good deal? Even though barleymash is located in one of San Diego's trendiest neighborhoods, they offer modest prices without skimping on quality.

Overall, if you're looking for an exceptional martini experience in San Diego that comes with great food and service plus affordable prices then barleymash should be on your list!

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