Top Martini Bars in St. Louis, Missouri
There are quite a few theories as to when and how the Martini was invented. One credits Jerry Thomas, a bartender at the old Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, with coming up with the idea in the 1860’s. Supposedly he made the drink for a miner who was on his way to the town of Martinez, some 40 miles east. The libation consisted of gin, sweet vermouth, a dash of maraschino and bitters, as well as a slice of lemon and two dashes of gum syrup. There is also a story that the drink was actually invented in the aforementioned town of Martinez, but there is very little evidence to support this. Then there was the claim by a bartender named Martini di Arma in New York City that he invented it in 1912. Some even credit the drink’s name to the famous Italian vermouth maker Martini and Rossi. Whatever the origin, the Martini was a popular drink on both coasts and in many parts of the world by the early 1900’s, mostly appealing to the literate and luxury crowd. It was even popular during prohibition because bathtub gin was a lot easier to make than scotch or bourbon. The drink’s sales surged in the sixties when it became associated with the James Bond character in the movies. The “shaken, not stirred” debate and the emergence of a vodka-based Martini was sparked not only by the movie but also by the ulterior motives of one of its sponsors: Smirnoff Vodka. Its popularity faded somewhat in the seventies and eighties, but then surged again in the 90’s when Martini bars became haute rigueur. There was also an association of the Martini with the cigar. In the past it was always a smoking jacket, a cigar and a snifter of brandy.
So if you’re feeling like donning the black (bow) tie and firing up the Aston Martin, here are a few of the best places in St. Louis to do it:
Van Goghz Martini Bar and Bistro 3200 Shenandoah (314) 865-3345 Ok, this place can get a little confusing, especially if you show up late. The bar has huge storefront windows and no less than FIVE doors, some of them real, some of them not. Is the bar behind door number oneâÂ?¦number twoâÂ?¦or…number three? You’ll probably feel a little foolish if you choose the wrong one. Once you make it inside though, you’re bound to relax. You can stretch out on one of the plush couches, carry on an interesting conversation over one of the tall tables, or sit at the huge stainless steel bar. Then you can check out the menu that includes forty martinis, (try the Blue Hawaii) twenty wines, and over a dozen beers. Then of course, there are the mandatory Van Gogh paintings adorning the walls. Most of the patrons here are 35+ and of the professional variety and surprisingly (or not) there is very little smoke for a Martini bar.
The Famous Martini Bar 5213 Chippewa (314) 832-2211 This bar is named after a venerable south St. Louis landmark that was torn down a few year ago: the Southtown Famous-Barr department store. It was one of the oldest department stores in the city and despite concerted efforts to save it; the wrecking ball had its way. That space is now a parking lot and the bar sits a few blocks away. The Famous Bar is part crusty hole-in-the-wall and part plush club. It’s a perfect combination for the south side of St. Louis come to think about it. The long dark bar dates from the 1930’s, and the rest of the place is kind of dim, but a recent update to the surroundings has helped. Original cocktails, lots of martinis, and a good selection of beer are available. Side note: if you like Bloody Marys this place will straighten your celery stalk.
Absolutli Goosed Martini Bar 3196 S. Grand (314) 772-0400 This classy little South Grand haunt usually draws an eclectic crowd, especially on the weekends. Its crimson walls and matching scones provide a spicy, but warm atmosphere. The 120 drink menu features a huge selection of vodka and gin choices including the bar’s namesake: Absolut Vodka. The drinks are categorized by type and theme. You might order something fruity or classic or a Bond Girl. Innovation is nice, but I’m not too sure about a chocolate Godiva Martini.
