Meet the People's Choice Awards Finalists for San Francisco's Official Martini Trail
See which San Francisco martini hot spots are competing to be added to our official Martini Trail—then cast your vote!
The toughest competition in San Francisco this summer isn't the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon; it's the battle to earn one of two People's Choice Awards on San Francisco's Official Martini Trail!
Read up on the nominees and then cast your vote before June 11. We'll announce the winners on June 18!
Bar Sprezzatura
As a classic cocktail destination, martinis are a core part of Bar Sprezzatura’s culture. They offer different styles to suit guests’ preferences, but their signature offering is the Memoria Liquida Martini, made with Engine gin, Guaco Camomilla grappa, Vicario olive leaf liquor, and garnished with a parmesan cheese-and-truffle cracker, citrus balsamic and aged balsamic pearls.
HAVE A DRINK AT BAR SPREZZATURA
Blondie's Bar
A Mission District institution since the '90s, Blondie's has been shaking things up on Valencia Street long before the neighborhood became the hotspot it is today. Their martinis are all XXL in size. These legendary 16 ounce pours essentially deliver three drinks in one, so pace yourself. The sprawling menu board behind the bar is packed with creative options and practically dares you to work your way through it.
HAVE A DRINK AT BLONDIE'S BARCauswells
Causwells is a neighborhood bar in the Marina, the kind of place where regulars feel at home and newcomers leave as friends. They love putting their own spin on the classics, and their martinis are no exception. From the Causwells Martini served in an iced bathtub and the Filthy Martini (made with house super olive brine and their own stuffed olives) to the viral French Fry Martini (distilled from actual French fries and garnished with sun-dried tomato "ketchup" oil!), there's always something new to get excited about.
HAVE A DRINK AT CAUSWELLS
Chief Sullivan's
Chief Sullivan’s blends the warmth of a classic Irish pub with the energy and history of San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. Inspired by San Francisco’s Little Italy, their Pizza Martini is a twist on a savory cocktail and a classic dish. Crafted with Haku Vodka infused in-house with San Marzano tomatoes, onions, olive brine, parmesan, and sourdough, it brings the flavors of the neighborhood into every sip.
HAVE A DRINK AT CHIEF SULLIVANSFog Harbor Fish House
Fog Harbor Fish House is family owned and operated and has been serving 100% sustainable seafood for nearly two decades. The large dining room windows provide guests with panoramic views of historic San Francisco landmarks, like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Their Ultimate Dirty Martini is truly is cocktail with a million-dollar view!
HAVE A DRINK AT FOG HARBOR FISH HOUSEMonte's Bar
At Monte's Bar, inside the Omni San Francisco Hotel, martinis are the star of the show. Generous 8 ounce pours turning a normal evening into a memorable night. With wrap-around windows on the corner of California and Montgomery streets, a classic atmosphere, and an elegant yet approachable vibe perfect for people-watching as the cable cars go by, Monte’s blends timeless San Francisco charm with standout cocktails.
HAVE A DRINK AT MONTE'S
Original Joe's
If you want a tase of old San Francisco, it doesn't get much better than Original Joe's. Overlooking Washington Square Park in the heart of North Beach, Original Joe's is defined by quiet elegance: leather booths, an open kitchen, and a standard of excellence that's been going strong since 1937. It's the kind of place where you settle in and stay a while, especially with a martini in hand. Visitors consistently rave about the generous pours and exquisite flavors, and the bar more than holds its own alongside the beloved Italian-American menu.
HAVE A DRINK AT ORIGINAL JOE'STop of the Mark
Perched 19 floors above Nob Hill inside the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Top of the Mark has long been part of San Francisco’s cocktail culture, known for panoramic views, timeless martinis, and classic San Francisco glamour.
As part of the hotel’s upcoming centennial celebration, Top of the Mark recently revived its iconic “100 Martinis • 100 Years” experience, inviting guests to explore a cocktail journey inspired by the city’s neighborhoods, history, and spirit through a collectible martini passport.
Their featured martini, “All Fogged Up,” pays tribute to San Francisco’s signature fog and classic martini culture with an ice-cold, cinematic presentation designed to capture the atmosphere of cool Nob Hill evenings above the city skyline.
HAVE A DRINK AT TOP OF THE MARK
The View Lounge
There's no shortage of rooftop bars in San Francisco, but The View Lounge at the Marriott Marquis has something most of them don't: a genuinely great story. When the Loma Prieta earthquake hit on October 17, 1989, practically every bottle and glass behind the bar came crashing down—except for a lone martini glass. It's still there today, proudly displayed above the bar. That survivor became the inspiration for the lounge's signature 10/89 Martini: Haku Vodka or Roku Gin, dry vermouth, olive juice, a hint of black pepper, and a dash of vinegar, finished with blue cheese-stuffed olives wrapped in prosciutto.
HAVE A DRINK AT THE VIEW LOUNGEWilder
Wilder offers a warm, "Tahoe chic" hangout where the cocktail program is the real draw. Their espressotini has been recognized as one of the best in the nation — made with Tito's, Kahlúa, horchata, and cold brew — and it absolutely lives up to the hype. With youthful energy and shareable comfort food, Wilder is the kind of place that turns a quick drink into a full night out.
HAVE A DRINK AT WILDERVote for Your Favorite Martini Spot
Now that you've met the People's Choice finalists, it's time to cast your vote! You can vote once a day from now until June 11. The winners will be announced on June 18 and added to our official San Francisco Martini Trail.
Tyler is the Director of Global Content & Communications at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco since 2015 and has been part of the San Francisco Travel team for just as long. He enjoys splashy production numbers and outdoor sporting events equally, which means you can usually find him at one of San Francisco’s many great theaters or at Oracle Park, cheering on the Giants.
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