5 To Try: Martinis in Los Angeles

453 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

The spirit of Dean Martin lives on at this old-school Beverly Hills martini lounge where the booze flows just as freely as the conversation. Between the Vodbox and more than 80 martini variations--everything from “What a Nice Pear You Have" (a mix of Grey Goose with pear juice and shaved Parmesan!) to “Where's My Effen Martini?” (made with Effen Black Cherry and a handful of blackberries)--it's always time to raise a toast.

945 N Fairfax Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (map)

This perennially popular hangout has cemented its place in martini history for its claim to fame as the birthplace of the appletini. Purists may balk, but we don't hear anyone else complaining about the 50+ varieties of martinis served in full eight-ounce pours.

1760 N Vermont Ave, Hollywood, CA 90027 (map)

This swinging Los Feliz institution is a must on every person's journey to cool-cat status. (Or just being a true Angeleno.) While a Blood & Sands in the hand is hard to beat, the list of potent 'tinis are just as sweet. And having cult-geezers Marty & Elayne on the keys? Well, that's the cherry on top.

2460 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Cute bartenders in snappy clothes? A singing piano player? And an "absinthe minded" martini made with Beefeater gin, sugar, absinthe, a dash of Grand Marnier and fresh orange juice? Oh yeah. Come and get it.

108 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)

This gorgeous and historic boiler room-turned-underground drinking den serves up some of the best martinis downtown--even when they're not 35-cents. (Psst, in case you're the one person who hasn't heard, you can get a handcrafted cocktail on Thursday nights from 5pm-7pm. But just one ... 'cause nobody likes a greedy drunk.)