Marty's Martini Bar

More like Marty’s MEH Martini Bar. Honest review- cozy setting, lousy martinis. I love a good classic martini and I had to return both my martini and my date’s French 75. Both were undrinkable. Worst martini experience I’ve had. Honestly. It’s a cute spot. Beautifully decorated. It’s a Paris inspired decor but the music was weird and didn’t fit the vibe. Marty’s looks like it should deliver and it’s a huge no for me. If you like a good martini, like me, youI’ll be disappointed. A glass of wine or a simple pour of something right out of the bottle is more the way to go here. Meh is the best I can do for here. I would not recommend this. There are way too many places that are better for your money and your experience. P.S. it’s a nice looking bar that serves only low end/bottom shelf alcohol.

The Best MARTINIS’S place in Chicago! The location is completely amazing, chic and very warming. The service are impeccable, and the Queen of the house THE MARTINIS are really good!!! Thank you guys, excellent job. Valentino Brito Whitman

Omg this place is so chaotic and fun and the martinis are outstanding!!! We got super lucky and it didn’t take long at all for us to get a four top but it is BUSY so definitely plan to stand. It’s also loud but for some reason that adds to the charm here. I live in Logan but will absolutely be making the trek back up north to experience this perfect Chicago bar again soon!!

Amazing new location! Great drinks, staff, and crazy cozy atmosphere. (Get the Dirty Bird if you want olive and blue cheese overload!)

This place is absolutely magnificent!! Not big so come early if you want a seat but the ambiance, the decor, the drinks, the staff—all incredible. Could not recommend enough!!

The new Marty’s location and space does not disappoint. They took longer than anyone expected to open the new location, but for good reason. The new space is a amazing, warm, cozy, the holiday decorations are probably the best in the neighborhood! There are more tables, and cozy corners to sit in and enjoy your martinis. They kept the various size options as the prior location had with the same Marty Classics. Well done 2Bears to maintaining the Marty’s charm and atmosphere!

Great spot with a fun, youthful energy. Love seeing the straights and the gays coexisting peacefully over martinis 🤝🍸 The bartenders have always been super friendly in my experience, which makes the whole place feel even better. Only tiny gripe: it’s a tighttt space, so navigating a full martini or snagging a table on busy nights can feel like an Olympic sport. But once that patio opens for warmer weather? Game over. Welcome back, Marty’s 💖

Checked out the grand opening on Thursday. Vibes were amazing, despite it being busy from being the grand opening, staff and team were attentive. 10/10 would recommend checking this space out. I’ll definitely be back!

How I chuckle at my reviews of the past! To my former self from 9 years ago: I've been back for the lemon drop, and though martinis are my #1 favorite drink and lemon drop is my #1 favorite variety, I wouldn't get the one offered here. It was too vodka forward (I guess it can be a thing!), not enough lemon, and no sugar around the rim! BUT I will say the Pom(egranate) and French martinis are solid. These days, it's $15 for the regular sized martinis (about 10oz), which are filled to the brim, so follow the 3 sip rule... take 3 sips before you try to test your focus and balancing skills by carrying the glass back to your table. Note there isn't waiter service, so you gotta go to and from the bar on your own. The patio is lovely in the summers! My sassy scoundrels and I try to come monthly during the season and mosey in right around opening time to get the prime tables along the sidewalk. The inside is very narrow, very dark, and very loud, so highly recommend getting there early for outdoor seating. Did you know they also have a plentiful dessert martini list? I tend to avoid the sweeter, chocolatey martinis bc it weighs me down on summer nights. Lol. Wine is offered here too. Fun fact! No food served here, but snack mix is available upon request. Cheers!

Do not come to Marty's Martini Bar if you are not trying to get drunk because I cannot see a middle-ground existing! I have walked past Marty's for years and never stopped to visit because I am not a bring martini fan. But my friends and I decided to visit on a random Friday, earlier in the evening so we were able to grab seats at the bar rather easily. The inside of the bar gives a mix of diver bar and lounge. They have ample sitting for small groups but the tables go fast. They have a large side patio that was packed and I didn't even try to wait for a seat to free up. When I say they do not play about the martinis they do not play! After watching the bartender make two of my friend's drinks I almost fell over. The one suggestion I would make is ask for a specific vodka if you don't want the random default bottom shelf vodka. Ordered the French Martini and it was good. The default size the bartender gave us was 10oz and after he explained to us how many shots were in the drink I drank it slow. After one martini I was talking to anyone that would sit next to me because they were very strong and I am a chatty drunk! The loved my visit to Marty's because everyone was very friendly. I cannot imagine you visiting Marty's and not leaving without a new friend.

You really cannot explain how strong these drinks are. We got there right at opening and got two seats at the bar. If we had gotten there any later seating would have been impossible. The bar tenders are extremely entertaining to watch. The atmosphere is unlike any other. My husband and I left there completely smashed!! We only had two martinis but OMG . I'm not going to lie I was the most hung over I'd been in years! Go on a full stomach and drink as much water as you can handle. Definitely going back.

Consistent menu and experience is key for success. And I can say that Marty's is here to stay because of their delicious drinks. The ambiance is lively inside the bar or outside their outdoor area. This martini bar is a gem!

Small place way over crowded to be sipping on a Martini with people bumping into you. I'll go again maybe not on a Friday night lol. A guy fell on the floor and couldn't get up with three of us helping him. Ambulance came as well. Wasn't cute. Of course so much for my $15 martini.

Service has gone down over the years; it used to be the bartenders would service the tables. Now you have to go to the bar yourself to order a drink. What's worse is customers have to bus their own tables! Most recently, the bartenders stopped using cocktail napkins. When I inquired about this, the bartender told me it was too busy to use them. On many occasions, they don't have enough bartenders, so if customers are sitting out on the patio, they have to come inside to order their drinks. They also have to wait until the bartender is finished making the drinks to take them outside. Aside from that, the interior desperately could use a new paint job. One piece of advice: hire more help!

The best Place is great music even better All good people The fat owner marty is really cool A must visit when in town

This establishment is incredibly racist. My friend and I, both Latino men, were never acknowledged once while at the bar. The staff went out of their way to make us feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed. Another party, that arrived later than us, were attended to before us, and that party was of two white men. Not until we adamantly requested service from the bartender, did we finally get drinks. Additionally, the ambiance is dingy and subpar. It is not a very clean establishment and usually exceeds the legal capacity of people allowed in. I don't think any amount of " signature" or "specialty" cocktails could justify the blatantly prejudiced treatment we received. I highly recommend you go elsewhere, if you consider yourself a decent human being and want to be treated like one. I recommend Kit Kat for martinis, or literally ANY other bar in the Andersonville for that matter.

Warm and welcoming with generous cocktails and great conversations. A neighborhood vibe.

This place is an institution. If you're gay or liked by gays and like martinis in a comfortable, class environment, this narrow slice of bar might be a slice of heaven. Let the bartender shake something up for ya, and be careful when it's time to stand. They're strong, like they should be.

This place is a freaking gem. I loved it so much- from the cozy interior to the kind people and servers to the martini options and taste. We tried to go here once and it was way too packed (around 10 pm on a Saturday so it figures). Went next door to kill time and came back an hour later to find some more space at the bar so we took our chance. The bar has nice dim lighting and cozy decor. Vintage style. The bartenders are hustling and busy but efficient and personable. They were so kind and genuinely happy to be there. In fact, the whole place had a friendly neighborhood vibe I loved. Some girl came up to tell me i had great hair, I just started chatting with the table next to me and they were happy to indulge. It was an all round welcoming culture. I got the expresso martini after asking if it would be sweet and he assured me it was not sugary. It was so good. I mean I understand it was mostly vodka but it was so smooth and flavorful. And holy cow it's strong. Should have opted for a smaller size. Actually what I would have done differently- gone early and started at Marty's. Very dicey place to end at as the drinks are very very strong. But maybe a 5 or 6 pm pregame- genius. Oh and the bathrooms are nice and clean. Gotta squeeze your way there but they are available and great.

This bar was adorable. Hit it up for martinis and sat right in the window. Such a cute bar with a great staff and the friendliest of people inside.

Last of the great 11oz pours! Great little narrow bar with a few good window seats. Cannot beat the quality and quantity of booze in the marts! The bartenders are truly pros.

Best chocolate martini in all of Chicago! I went with a friend on a Thursday for a night cap. Marty's is a smaller bar tucked away and you might miss it. It is worth the visit! I got the larger chocolate martini and it packed a punch. It was a very strong drink so I opted for a smaller chocolate martini for my second. The staff was incredibly friendly and I had such a great time. I would add this on your list for amazing martinis!

We visited the bar on a Saturday afternoon for a small fundraiser. So, I can't say what the vibe would be during peak drinking hours. The other patrons appeared to be locals, stopping in for a glide path to a relaxing afternoon. The bar is small and intimate. The front window faces north and combined with a brooding blue wall color creates a serious drinking atmosphere. And serious drinks are served: 10 ounces of libation, much of which is potent. All for reasonable drink prices. The two bartenders were in constant motion: shaking, stirring, and dispensing while being polite, welcoming, and informative. The bar has a patio, but drinking a martini in the sunlight seemed off: give me the dark walls and burnished bar tones to complement this impressive drink. I asked those around me whether they would start or end an evening out at this bar. A few said start, most said end, and a brave few said both.

Drinks were amazing and would give five stars if that was the sole criteria. It is a small place and gets crowded easily. We stood by the count across from the bar, while there are chairs there really is no way to fit someone at the bar and counter. With it being so crowded it doesn't seem like the staff can easily get through to clear glasses/tables. All the tables were full of empty glasses that you'd have to clear yourself by squeezing by whoever was sitting at the bar. I will go back again but maybe wait until the patio is open.

Great vibes, my girl and I love this place. We've been coming back here for over a year , one of our favorite places.

I miss Marty's soooooo much! So here are some things I love about Marty's: -The space is small and cozy and is the perfect neighborhood bar -Drinks are expertly crafted and they are definitely worth the money (read:STRONG and delicious) AND the drinks come in 2 sizes so you can tailor your tipsy level :) -All of the staff are so friendly and fun to hang with -Marty's supports great causes and have awesome fundraising events for various local organizations I love Marty's-I hope everyone there is staying healthy-I so look forward to returning in 2021(please let it be 2021) for some great drinks and good times!

Fabulous martini's,terrific ambiance and great bartenders! A beautiful small garden patio fills up quickly!

drinks that used to be strong are now super-weak. yes another business trying to save money at the expense of the customer experience. it used to be super-busy and now it's not; i see why now

Lovely elegant space, but small, so get there early. But the martinis are big and they are not for the weak of heart. I usually do one big one and switch over to bubbles. It's not that the staff don't know what they are doing, they do it too well. I don't think a lot of people realize how much alcohol goes into a martini, especially the ones at Marty's, so you had better buckle up if you are going to have more than two. Otherwise you will find yourself on the floor like one of the patrons over the weekend :-) Service is great here and they actually will try and seat you if there is space. When getting bubbles, they always serve it in a cold flute. When the weather is warmer, they have a very cute patio to hang out in outside next to the building. Some folks complain about the prices, but for the size of the martinis and the punch they carry, it is well worth the price.

Great variety of martinis, a favorite to meet friends for a cozy time or a first date. Perfect place to start your night with a great ambiance. The bartender was very welcoming and courteous. If the bartender is Miguel

DELICIOUS! I am not a Martini person, well that's what I thought. Such a variety and a fun staff. It was a bit loud..the drunk people, but I had great company with me.

Marty's Marty's Marty's!! Where do I even begin? I absolutely love this neighborhood Andersonville Martini bar! It is one of my favorite gay bars not only in the neighborhood but in Chicago! It's not the biggest place so it can get crowded but really though who cares? I certainly don't! The space is not big so if you're visiting please don't complain about how tiny the place is it's a neighborhood martini bar not a big martini bar in downtown Chicago. Been coming here for awhile and I must say that the martinis can be strong so just be careful of how much you drink coz you will get drunk, they have a wide selection of delicious martinis and cocktails so you have plenty of choices. This is one of the places you want to start your night out before you go to other bars in Andersonville, during the warmer months they have the patio open as well however the space isn't the biggest so just expect for it to be crowded. The bartenders are very welcoming and they know how to make good drinks for sure! I do believe that they have some deals weekly i believe and if you enter your birthday you'll definitely get your birthday martini. I've certainly gotten some during my birthday. One of the best martini bars in Chicago! I really wish that they will expand to a bigger space but i could understand the intimacy of this establishment. Love love Marty's

One of my favorite gay bars. Martini's are strong and taste great and reasonably priced. Will, the bar manager is also so nice, as well as the rest of the staff. Glad to see them open and that they are requiring proof of vaccination since it's such a small place. Only complaint is the space is pretty inside, they could easily double their space and the place would still be packed. No food but fun place to go for a cocktail before of after dining at Replay next door or before heading to Boyztown.

Marty's is a true classic yes it's small and compact and we can not pick a thousand things, keep it real the staff is ALWAYS wonderful and accommodating! The TINIS if that's your thing are next to perfection! Thanks for introducing me to the French thing ie with Champaign on top... lol keep Up the good work!

Typically they have very good martinis lately I've found it a bit hit or miss. I've come in a few times recently and ordered martinis that I'm sure were made incorrectly or just bad. They make all the drinks with well liquor unless you specify the alcohol. I'd probably rate them 5 stars if the drinks were more consistent and they'd use premium liquor. The prices are premium but the liquor is not. It's pretty much a guaranteed hangover but you'll enjoy yourself for the evening!

This is one of my favorite martini bars. The staff is always friendly and they make a damn good martini. Be it a classic martini or dessert martini, it is always on point. Plus, their blue cheese stuffed olive are some of the best!

Love this cute bar (and even cuter bartenders) for a yummy martini! Extra blue cheese stuffed olives in an extra dirty martini is my go-to, but there are options for any palette. Such an intimate and cute space to take a date or grab a drink solo!

I am so sad about the state of affairs at Marty's. I have been coming to this bar for probably since the day that it began. If you look at my previous reviews you will see that I am very nostalgic and wish that things could return to the way they were. Tonight I returned with friends who have been going there for years. I get that it was a Sunday night. In the entire bar there was one bartender. He was amazing and the fact that he could make drinks for anybody that walked in. But the customers had to clear tables, wiping tables, and bring their drinks to their tables. He was totally alone - no other bar back or bar tender. This is a far cry from the excellent service and hometown disposition that the bar had when I opened years ago. I am disappointed in the lack of customer service let alone the lack of service. The bartender did everything he could to provide drinks for the patrons. He did it with a smile. However the quality of the experience has gone down exponentially. Please Marty's Figure something else out because this is more than a cash machine.

Oh my gosh, what can I say about this place other than it is absolutely amazing! Such great atmosphere, everyone is just there to have a good time. Inside it gets a little tight, but nobody really minds bumping into one another here and there. Just super friendly. The drinks themselves are just works of art, and strong as hell. The way I like it! If you're a fan of a good strong martini this is your place!

Truly fantastic! This intimate little martini bar is small in square footage but oozing with charm.The decor is a handsome mix of vintage euro and speakeasy. The bartenders are true master craftsmen and experts of their trade. They are polite, professional, attentive and super handsome. Although they have an open bar, their specialty is martinis and I highly recommend them. Be forewarned, however, as these are not your typical cocktails. They are made perfectly and although you'll want 2-3...or 4, they pack a punch. The later it gets the more crowded this little gem becomes so get there early as seats fill up quickly and people like to stay for awhile (they open at 4pm.) I highly recommend a visit to Marty's if you are looking for a classy yet fun way to kickoff your evening. Cheers to you Marty's!

This is the coziest of martini bars. A perfect setting for date night, meeting a few close friends, or sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartenders. As others have said, it is quite small. I would guess their maximum capacity sits around 40, but even that would be pretty cramped. Maybe the best attribute of Marty's is their philanthropic side. Each month, they host a not-for-profit on Sunday afternoons from 2 - 5pm, before they officially open for business, and donate all profits above their cost to that NFP. Even better, they promote that NFP's event on their social media pages to their regulars. Marty's was kind enough to host a NFP last weekend that I am involved with, and I cannot tell you how many of our donors were regular customers of Marty's. Spreading our word, and opening up the bar three hours early? Win. Win. Additionally, their prices are very un-martini. Inventive and playful concoctions will set you back between $10 - 12. Not a bad price for a stiff drink! My friends tried their dessert martinis and loved. I went with the classic French 75, and it was perfect. Cozy, affordable, and elegant. It's your next date night spot.

Holding solid at five stars. My new go-to place with friends visiting from out of town - sorry, Signature Room. Marty's doesn't have the view, but more than makes up for it with ambiance, dishy, flirty bartenders and utterly delicious drinks.

Delicious (and dangerously strong) martinis! I always have a great time at Marty's. If heading there on a Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon, do expect a somewhat large crowd. However, it is surely worth it! The ambiance is relaxing and the drinks are soothing! The dessert martinis are very delicious if you like sweet drinks, but I generally stick with their French Martini or French 75 (personal fave).

I went here on a Monday night a few months ago and forgot to give it a review. It is really tight in there and not many tables, but it contributes to a very quaint and warm atmosphere. I went on a double date here but I feel like due to the size and the table space, it would probably be best suited for a date or a one on one outing. I ordered my standard dirty martini and it. I also ordered something with peppermint? It was very different and very fun. My husband ordered a chocolate martini that he didn't like, so i drank it for him. :) It's a great place to end your night or to get after dinner drinks. Very friendly staff as well.

Martini's Martin's and cocktails are constantly good, and strong! I bring all my out of town guest here, if you can get in. People come here for a reason. It's Small but always a friendly face to be found their. Not a chocolate martini kind of guy but Marty's make a mean one that is delicious so I indulge every once in awhile. All there drinks are exceptional and fill to the very tip top of the martini glass. I have a motto for Marty's Martinis: "One is good, two is enough, but three is too many!" It's always a good time in at Marty's!

Marty's is the purest of martinis ! You want a well made martini(s) this is the place to be. Keep it up!

This bar isn't what it used to be: quiet and sophisticated yet warm and friendly. Now, the noise level is left unchecked. I'm all for having a good time but there are some customers who are permitted to shriek and yell. I wish they would be reminded to keep it down. Sometimes it's hard to hear the person next to you.

Favorite place to go for a drink in Andersonville. Marty's is classy and delicious - their martinis are STRONG. It's always packed in Marty's for a reason. The employees are awesome (and easy on the eyes)... there's no better place to start a night out than at Marty's. Two martinis will have you feeling great. If you've never been, try it! Trust me. You won't be disappointed.

Great potent Martinis, Always a friendly crowd and a good place to start or end an evening out! I particularly love the chocolate Martinis here and I think they have about 6 different versions of it. In the summer they have an outdoor area if you can tolerate the heat that is. Check it out!

A totally cool martini bar catering to a mixed crowd in Andersonville with a great Prohibition-era feel serving up some incredibly well-crafted (and potent) cocktails. We managed to snag the table right by the window, allowing us to enjoy our drinks and talk while taking in the fun vibe on a busy Saturday night. The drinks are made with top-shelf ingredients, and you can tell that the bartenders take great pride in their craft. For me, it was a negroni for starters (yeah, it's not a martini, but I guess everything becomes one at Marty's when served in a martini glass), with one of my friends then ordering me a chocolate martini. Both packed quite a whallop... let's just say that it was a late start on Sunday morning... It's a bit of a hike from the Loop or Mag Mile, but it's definitely worth the trip. A long-ish walk from the Berwyn Red Line station, but cabs are easy to find, or just grab yourself an Uber. You'll have a great night out, for sure!

I've never been here and I never heard about this place until my friends invited me yesterday for a drink. It's a gem. We are talking REAL martinis not watered down juice drinks. I started with the dirty and it was icy cold, salty, perfect olives and filled to the brim in a jumbo martini glass. Wow! My friends also started with the same. They then switched to French 75's which they kindly let me taste and it was delicious. I like gin, but even if you don't like gin the flavor of this was so good you wouldn't know it's gin. I've been craving a good lemon drop martinis even though I know they are not fashionable anymore. I'm glad I had one. Lemon sugar strong lunch of vodka made this one as good as I remembered it to be. I cannot wait to go back to this place. Such a neighborhood gem.

Expertly crafted martinis, no matter your martini style. Very stylish ambiance, but a cozy atmosphere and a popular spot, so seating gets scarce as the night gets later. I got an extra dry three olive gin martini and my lord it was delicious. A friend got the chocolate hazelnut martini and it was like a glorious dessert. I think all martinis on menu $9, which is very reasonable. Excellent service. The waiter walked through the menu, came back to check on us, and could transport a very full martini glass to our table when all of his tables were empty.

Best martinis in the city!! If you're looking for a low key place with outstanding drinks, I highly recommend. It can be a little difficult finding a table on the weekends after 6, as this place fills up quickly-so get their early! You will not be disappointed!

Cute martini bar on W Balmoral in Andersonville. The patio is inviting and private. Sting lights at night add a cozy and festive feel to the patio. A small fireplace adds another touch of intimacy to the nice outdoor space. Service is prompt and friendly. The inside is a bit small, but again, very inviting. They have a list of signature drinks and beers to choose from, or you can ask for your favorite and they will sure make it for you.

Yes they're open, its just dark inside, don't be afraid, what awaits you behind that door is something wonderful and delicious, go ahead. Open it. The bartenders are all dressed in bow ties and vests, the lights are dim and the place is completely packed full of people enjoying what I would say are the best martini's Ive ever had. The crowd was mixed and the seating isn't the coziest since this place is actually quite small inside. If you can manage a seat at the bar you should take it since trying to walk around with the overflowing martini glasses they give you is almost impossible to do without spilling the precious concoction all over yourself and your neighbors. I enjoyed the following martini's: - PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN the first few sips were just like biting into my mother's famous upside down cake. sweet and soft garnished with 2 cherries and a piece of pineapple. - CHOCOLATE MINT (?) not sure if that's what it was called, the first martini did me in!! This one was my favorite. It was like if god took a pack of girl scout thin mints and blended this with the breast milk of mother Mary her self and put it in a martini glass. - CREME BRULEE By the time I finished this drink I could have had a glass of toilet water and I wouldn't have been able to tell you if it was good or bad. My friends tell me this one was delicious. Tip...if you dont specify the size, they will give you a large. I suggest trying smalls of everything you have so you can sample a few. These martinis will seriously fuck you up. They are delicious and STRONG. Cab rides home are suggested!!!

We call Marty's the 14 dollar martini bar, and that about sums it up. Now that they've dropped their top prices to $13, we may have to revise that. Nah. Marty's is a very cute little wine and martooni bar right off the Clark street strip. It's easy to miss -- if the big red flag with the M on it doesn't tip you off. Now that it's summer time and people are sitting outside, it's a bit more visible. In a way, I hope this remains a hidden treasure. The room is not very big -- there's a longish bar that runs most of the length of the room, with a handful of tables up front. It gets crowded, but not pushy. You sometimes have to climb past people, but everyone is still very cordial about it. They also have table service, which is nice, and saves customers from having to make their way back to their tables with their easily spillable drinks. It's smoke free, so that's a plus. And the big "M" on the men's room door makes me feel like I'm visiting Mary Richards. Service is very friendly, and the toonies are tasty. Even the small martinis are 8 bucks, though, so an evening out can get expensive pretty quickly. Bring your wallet, and don't forget to tip your server!

Tiny space. Great drinks! Marty's is definitely on my "go to" list when looking for a perfectly poured drink. The intimate space might scare you off as it is always packed but if you go a little early or a little later- chances are a table will open up. I happened to be lucky the night I was there as the people I was with knew the owner and in minutes- we had the primo table right in the window and our drinks were not far behind. Martini's come in two sizes with the small one being the perfect way to sample so many of the interesting ones they have on the menu. As for me I stuck with my standard "very dirty" and it was perfection in a glass. And even a standard mixed drink will shake up your mouth as they pour an amazingly stiff drink. The staff was also great. One in our party misplaced her purse and when I went back in to see if anyone had seen it- they had already found it and put it behind the bar for safe keeping. Nice. Looking for that perfect place in Andersonville to start or end your night? Look no further. For Marty's will surely have whatever you want.

Went here for the first time this past weekend after eating dinner nearby. What a great place this is! It is compact but that doesn't detract from my 5 star review. Both the staff and décor are great, I found the atmosphere to be relaxing and upbeat. The bartender on duty on Sunday evening was so cute, friendly and professional. On this visit I just had wine but one of my friends had the apple martini. On my next visit I might order a dirty martini, my favorite. I am quite sure I would not be disappointed. If you are looking for a cozy spot to hang out and sip your favorite cocktail or glass of wine, this is it. Highly recommend.