Order the Ri-Pear Martini at 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton.
Valanni
With a distinctly lounge-like feel, Valanni is a destination for stylish nighttime revelers. The fashionable dinner and afterhours hub makes a mean Dirty & Stuffed— a martini topped by a bluecheese stuffed olive. 1229 Spruce St., 215-790-9494; valanni.com
Amuse
This sleek French bar and brasserie at Le Méridien offers a menu featuring well-done standards like whiskey sours, Manhattans, and, of course, vodka martinis. The amusebouche menu rounds out happy hour by pairing comfort foods like pâté crostini and cassoulets with your drink of choice. 1421 Arch St., 215-422-8222; amusephiladelphia.com
10 Arts Bistro & Lounge
Looking for a chic spot to enjoy a perfect cocktail? The Ritz- Carlton is tops. Order the fruity and whimsical Ri-Pear made with Grey Goose La Poire, pear purée, and a splash of white cranberry juice (and named for the restaurant’s founding chef, Eric Ripert). 10 Avenue of the Arts, 215-523-8273; 10arts.com
Swann Lounge
The Four Seasons’ lounge tapped Michael Haggerty as its mixologist this past April, and he has since come up with several deft concoctions. His One Logan Martini, named after the hotel’s address, stars Haggerty’s house-made gin, ice wine, lemon juice, and hibiscus water. It is fresh yet refined, much like the Four Seasons’ culinary endeavors. 1 Logan Sq., 215-963-1500; fourseasons.com
Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.
Serious drinkers in search of the best mixologists in the city know to head to this former Center City speakeasy. These self-proclaimed purists make but one martini: gin, dry vermouth, and a lemon twist. Stirred, not shaken. 112 S. 18th St., 267-467-3277; thefranklinbar.com
R2L
Drop in for a drink at this cloudskimming 37th-floor restaurant for sweeping views of the entire city and an equally swoon-worthy beverage—the Sunset Martini, made with your choice of Stoli or Tanqueray and floated with a blue-cheese-stuffed olive. 50 S. 16th St., 215-564-5337; r2lrestaurant.com
A.Kitchen
While this kitchen is making grade-A dishes with its simple European plates, the prime location off the entrance to Rittenhouse Square has made it a bustling meeting place for businessmen, socialites, and the AKA Rittenhouse Square’s well-heeled clientele—and its expert bartenders are up to the challenge. 135 S. 18th St., 215-825-7030; akitchenphilly.com
Southwark Restaurant & Bar
Gimmicks are not on the menu at Southwark, but that’s just fine for those in search of a perfectly mixed martini. Boasting one of the largest gin and rye collections in the nation, this is your destination for a wellexecuted drink. 701 S. Fourth St., 215-238-1888; southwarkrestaurant.com
Smith & Wollensky
Tucked into The Rittenhouse Hotel, this warm, inviting steakhouse has been attracting regulars for years. The made-toorder cocktails are a perfect complement to its traditional surf and turf menu. 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., 215-545-1700; smithandwollensky.com
The Continental Mid-town
Once you spot the enormous olive skewered over the restaurant, there is no missing the fact this local haunt is a classic martini bar. Choose between an original gin martini, The Continental’s vodka version, or the tongue-in-cheek Dean Martini mixed with Ketel One. 1801 Chestnut St., 215-567-1800; continentalmidtown.com
