5 to Try: Houston Martini Bars

by Nikki Metzgar - Citysearch Editor - 8 Reviews - 8 Lists

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Updated: November 16, 2009

Shaken or stirred, martinis have an air of sophistication about them. You don’t have to wear a tux to drink one but, boy, do they make you feel handsome. Once a nearly undiluted glass of gin, martinis have morphed into a multitude of modern variations. However you take it, here’s to the martini and the Houston bars that make 'em well. (Photo: Shutterstock/karandaev )

Houston's Best Martinis

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Warren's Inn
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    307 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002 (map)

    It seems an odd combination, but people do in fact visit this Market Square institution for the martinis and the chicken-salad sandwiches. Warren’s is old and legendary. What better place is there to drink a classic cocktail?

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Marfreless Ventures
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    2006 Peden St, Houston, TX 77019 (map)

    Marfreless is known more for being a playground for frisky couples than for its own name, which is not posted above its signature blue door. But if you want to publicly pet your lover on a bed-like sofa while drinking a quality martini, this is the place. Ice-cold drinks are served in metal glasses and the upstairs den is dark and candlelit.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Absinthe Brasserie
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    609 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006 (map)

    You can safely assume from its name that Absinthe Brasserie specializes in Green Fairy cocktails like the Hemingway’s Revenge--absinthe, cassis and champagne--but the bartenders also pour some creative martinis. The Cajun martini is a combination of Absolut Peppar Vodka, olive juice, wasabi and Bloody Mary mix with a celery-salt rim.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended The Remington
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    1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, TX 77027 (map)

    At the Remington Bar, one mustn’t shoot one’s liquor, but rather sip it slowly while making polite conversation. It’s a place for adults with means, but a truly elegant destination if you can manage to behave yourself.

  5. 5 Olive's Martini Bar & Grille
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    2268 Texas Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (map)

    The gin martini may well be going the way of the Dodo bird but it is holding strong at least in this restaurant bar in Sugarland Town Center. Each variation of gin martini (one olive or two? Hendrick’s or Bombay Sapphire?) has its own space on the menu and the bartender most definitely knows what a Gibson is.