John's Favorite Dirty Martini's in Indy
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"There are so many places to choose from, but if I were to make a shortlist, I would go with these since I can be particular with my dirty martini.
Vodka-based, 1 oz olive juice, 1/4 oz vermouth, shaken with regular olives. I can usually tell if it’s right just off the color and smell. Honestly, it’s like a Starbucks order at this point."
Here are John's favorites:
This is one of those spots where you just trust the bartender. They don’t overthink it, and it comes out right every time. It’s usually my go-to, and one of the bartenders here actually put me onto the ratio I order now.
The name undersells it. They keep it simple but do it really well, and the balance is always on point. It’s an easy place to order and know it’s going to come out right.
Inside Bottleworks Hotel, they’re known for espresso martinis on tap, but they still do amazing with the basics. My martini here is never too heavy or too light, just really well made.
I kind of stumbled on this place, but the classic, dimly lit vibe immediately sets the tone, pairing well with a martini. They don’t mess around - it’s strong, cold, and exactly what you want from a proper cocktail spot.
A wildcard for a reason since they're known for their whiskey and rum selections, but they also make their own gin, and it’s one of the few places I’ll switch it up from vodka. It adds a fresh, slightly botanical twist that still works really well, definitely caught me off guard in a good way when I was wanting a martini.
More Local Picks
This guide is part of The Local's List — a series where we ask people who actually live here to share their favorite spots, routines, and opinions about the city. This is our first one, but there’s more coming.
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