Dirty Martini

Every so often I’m reminded of how old I really am. I’m still at least a couple of decades from being the creepy old guy in the joint with the 21 year olds but time’s-a-passing. Besides, since I don’t venture out to these places solo (thank you Miss Paradise), how creepy could I be? (I feel better about myself already)
But goddamn, at this place I felt like I was back at a fraternity house with all the young dudes holding their drinks up to their chests trying, waiting, hoping to make time with the ladeeez. (*side note young dudes: holding your drink at your chest makes you look silly. Hold your drink with your arm down at your side, or better yet leave it on the bar/​table)
The drinks were a’ight, but at this point in the night I was not trying to be too creative. Just trying to order the same type of booze I had been imbibing earlier in the evening. (didn’t want the night to slip away from me.)
I would go back to this spot for a quick libation during a night outing downtown, but I wouldn’t make this the main destination for the evening. Also, places like this are not really my scene anymore. I’m afraid that if the lighting were better they might see my grey hairs and kindly ask me to leave.

went there for the first and only time when I had a cousin in town… the place was our first stop along the night… we only stuck around for a bit.
although the martinis are lip smacking the place is long and narrow… not ment for large crowds.
we ordered a flatbread pizza and a couple martinis before wandering off to neighboring bars.
this is where I discovered the acai berry! have to say that was the best find of the night… great martini and gave me ideas on creating my own version at home.

I am giving this place 5 stars because the entire time I was there, they played through not only the John Mayer Continuum CD, but also most of Any Given Thursday and the John Mayer Trio!!! Umm. I’m assuming this does not happen every Saturday afternoon but if it does, I’M THERE!!!
Also, their delicious dirty martinis with blue cheese olives get a few stars too.
Although we only came here because the Rockit Bar was WAY too full to watch the Michigan game, I thoroughly enjoyed the football game on mute with John Mayer in the background while drinking my awesomely delicious dirty martinis!

Hmmm, I like this place — -yep, it’s confirmed. I’ve been to the «Dirty» a handful of times, and have always had a pleasurable experience. Actually, it’s a pleasure just looking at the «good looking» clientele as well — –hmmm, yeah — -Oh, I forgot, I’m married. Vows, yep, I took them… I think?
Neverthless, this is a cool place to hang out after dinner and sip a few martinis. It’s not your typical «tourist» trap with rowdy patrons as you’d probably find at the Rockit or one of those white trash dueling piano bars — -UGHHH!!! Service, yep, bartenders have always been on top it. Vodka selection, as I am a «snob» is extensive as well. Actually, the martini «menu» is one of the most innovative and creative I’ve seen!
Prices — seriously, why do people complain? This is freaking Hubbard St.; do you realize what rent & taxes are in this area? Geez, $ 11-​$ 12 for a martini is actually a bargain compared to most of the filthy slum bars in this vicinity. Not to mention, you pay for service, and it’s always been friendly & attentive — -especially the cute blonde that always wears the «dirty» top — -hmmm, am I still married?
Vodka on tap — -what is not to like?

Can’t figure out what all the other good reviews are about. People must enjoy spending $ 10-​$ 12 for juice mixes with very little alcohol in them. Seriously, we had SIX martinis each, spent close to $ 200, and walked away with a little buzz.
Ordinarily, I can only drink two real martinis.
The service was slow, too. But our waitress was pretty nice and very good about switching out a martini we didn’t like for another one.
One bright spot was the trio of spreads with crostinis. All three seemed cream cheese-​based, but were really delicious.
If I ever go back, it would be to try some more of the food. But I’ll need to get a real drink somewhere else first.

dirty martini was stop #1 on our bachelorette party barcrawl.
we loved the icey vodka tapper and $ 2 off martinis. i choose one with red bull in it which tasted terrible, but it’s my fault for ordering anything with red bull… should know better by now. everyone else enjoyed their drinks and the spot on service.
cute place, especially the lighting. i’d come back to start a night out with a few martinis.

Still a fan of the martinis!
Dare I say they make some of the best I’ve tasted so far?
Our waitress on this particular evening was very attentive and just plain nice. Kudos to her for joining in on an interesting rendition of happy birthday started by a few drunken bar patrons. Usually between $ 9-​$ 11, the martinis were all $ 2 off so an even better excuse to have just one more (if you really need coaxing).
Pretty relaxed environment but it starts to get a little crowded around 10pm. Be on the lookout for bachelorette parties and such as they tend to take up most of the preferred seating in the comfy lounge type area in the back. We opted for a window seat because seriously Hubbard street is a complete freak show on Saturday nights and makes for great people watching.

Fun bar, great list of martinis, and perhaps one of the best espresso martinis I have ever had… next to mine. They can also make a great… yes, dirty vodka martini.

Look, I swear I’m not a chick. Seriously. But since I was I was with two ones from out of town, and my old standby of HATM (Howl at the Moon) was plainly dead, I decided to take them to the random martini bar across the street.
Granted, I’d never been to a martini bar. Conversation and expensive drinks are abhorrent to me for a night out on the town. But, the concept of Vodka taps was pretty sweet and the drinks looked pretty interesting. But our drinks didn’t have that much kick to them (although $ 2 off on a Tuesday made it easier on the wallet). The music selection was off of a cable music station, which I thought was relegated to parties at people’s houses who don’t know how to download music illegally.
There were some hot girls in this place, I’ll give you that.

This place is THE best for martinis. They keep the glasses perfectly chilled with ice water before they pour their martinis.
Stopped in last night to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and they had delicious mint milkshake martinis. They tasted just like mint ice cream! I hope they continue to offer these after the holiday. I had a few of those, and an acai-​tini, which was also delicious. Major props to them for offering P.I.N.K vodka too!
— 1 star because the corned beef and cabbage I ordered was overcooked. For $ 11, I’d expect better.

Random night in River North. Two gal pals and I found ourselves with a free evening and no plans, which is rare. After a couple pops at Bin 36 we wandered over to Dirty Martini. Cozy and quaint, vodka on tap. We saddled up to the bar and got great service right away. Our bartender told us the most popular choices on the extensive martini menu and we took a few minutes reading through all the descriptions. I went with the «Sushitini» which was made with vodka, sake and ginger syrup and garnished with ginger. YUM! It was truly deelish and unique. One friend got the lychee flavored one and the other ordered hers «filthy» as she normally does. Both were very happy with their choices. Mine was so good it actually made me happy. Or was that the vodka? Either way, good times, cute bar for grabbing a drink before a dinner in that area. Also– Thursday night is Ladies Night– $ 3 off all martinis, so about $ 7 each.

This is a great place for delicious martinis and a laid back evening (minus the random sparkly drapes hanging over the walls… it’s weird). I went with three girlfriends and we didn’t have any problems finding a table and getting quick service.
I had the Dirty Pear and the Bitter Passion… they were both excellent and I left feeling tipsy but not wasted, which is a good thing. I also tried the Mochatini (delicious and sure to give you a caffeine buzz) and the Grape Soda (I’ve had better at other places). I think they have over 30 Martinis to choose from, so I’m sure you’d find something that strikes your fancy.
Another perk, this is a great location around a ton of restaurants and other bars. I would suggest this as an after dinner spot or starter bar before heading out to another destination.

4 stars for the hip factor. The décor is swank lounge. It is just intimate enough for a small group or a drink with a date. The lighting is perfect and the seating is pretty comfortable. Watch yourself though on the low bucket chairs on wheels. I saw some girl tip over and spill onto the floor.
I have to admit that I went here solely because is named after my favorite martini and DAMn do they make a good one! I tried some Russian cosmo or something too, but I didn’t care for it as much. Definitely will be back… I’m a sucker for a perfect Grey Goose Dirty Martini!

Grey Goose Dirty martinis on tap where they are chilled to a perfect 20 degrees? This place should be called Paradise!
The Dirty Martini Lounge is the latest reincarnation of the space that used to house Bella Rosa. This River North bar serves a variety of foods like sushi, thin crust pizza, and baked mac and cheese just to name a few.
But the real stars here are the martinis. In addition to my favorite martini on tap (why didn’t someone think of that before?) they have martinis to satisfy even the pickiest martini drinker. Like Tiramasu? They’ve got a martini for you. Grape Soda? Yep. One for you too. Or how about a more classic French martini? Yes. You too will be happy.
The space is long and narrow with exposed brick walls and blue flowing curtains. My favorite part? Look up. The chandeliers are made up of martini glasses.
Strange on the month that I vow to drink less martinis that I find this place. Life is so not fair!
Now how do I get one of those martini tappers in my house?

For my best friend’s birthday I was in search of something new– always a good reason to try new places. I believe this was Bella Rosa in it’s past life. Nestled in the downtown mass, across the street from the tourist traps of Howl at the Moon and Rockit, we were all curious about this new place.
Atmosphere– is cute with avocado green walls, but the place is TINY! Do not expect to show up with a group of 6+…the space is narrow and there’s only one place in the very back for «big» groups.
The Martinis– are OK. I tried the Lychee and the Cheesecake. As much as I hate to admit this, Martini Park does a better flavored martini.
The Service– sub par. It’s clear they just opened as our waitress was taking our order AND mixing the drinks. Add in the fact she had 4 other tables and us. It was clear she was trying, but for a Saturday night at that location, they should’ve been better prepared.
The Crowd– still trying to figure that out. It was VERY eclectic– tourists, downtown yuppie crowd and other (read Cougars) older groups.
I doubt we’ll ever go back… curious to see if little space lasts.