POV: You’re Drinking the Best Dirty Martini in Chicago
Let’s get one thing straight: if your idea of the best dirty martini in Chicago is just vodka and olive juice in a warm glass at some sad rooftop bar, this post is not for you.
This is for the girlies (gender-neutral) who know the vibe: cold glass, extra dirty, maybe a bleu cheese olive if you’re feeling chaotic. You want a martini that tastes like it would gossip about you behind your back but still post you on Close Friends.
That kind of energy.
Chicago has no shortage of cocktail spots, but I did the (very buzzed) legwork to find the best dirty martini in Chicago for your next night out—or your next existential crisis with a side of fries.
Here’s where to go when you want to sip something strong, salty, and maybe accidentally text your ex after.
1. Sepia (West Loop)
If you want your martini to feel like it has a LinkedIn and a lover in Paris, go to Sepia. This Michelin-starred restaurant makes an elegant AF dirty martini that’s chilled to perfection, stirred—not shaken—because we’re adults now. They use high-end vodka (or gin if you’re classy), quality olive brine, and serve it in a coupe that whispers “you have taste.”
Vibe: Minimalist chic with jazz energy.
Order with: The duck confit and someone emotionally unavailable.
Perfect for: Impressing your date—or yourself.
2. The Violet Hour (Wicker Park)
This spot is basically a martini speakeasy. You walk past a graffiti wall and suddenly you’re in a sexy, candlelit cocoon of cocktails. The bartenders here are lowkey mad scientists, and their dirty martini is chef’s kiss. You can request the level of “dirty” you want like it’s a personality trait (because it is).
Vibe: Moody, mysterious, a little euphoria-core.
Order with: A knowing glance and no plans tomorrow.
Perfect for: Girl dinner with a secret.
3. Le Select (River North)
French bistro but make it martini-forward. The dirty martini here feels cosmopolitan (not the drink, the vibe). It’s heavy on the brine, icy cold, and the olives are bougie—like, hand-stuffed. The bar staff knows what they’re doing, and they’ll serve it with just the right amount of snark.
Vibe: Sofia Coppola film with a Chicago accent.
Order with: Steak frites and self-confidence.
Perfect for: Posting “martini mood” on your story and meaning it.
4. The Aviary (Fulton Market)
Okay, this one’s extra. The Aviary is where cocktails go to become art, and while the dirty martini isn’t always on the printed menu, ask for it. What you’ll get is a theatrical, slightly scientific, highly delicious version that hits all the right salty notes and might involve smoke or science.
Vibe: Luxury science fair.
Order with: Zero shame and a phone at 2% battery.
Perfect for: When your outfit has an agenda.
5. The Martini Bar at Gibsons Italia (West Loop)
It’s literally called The Martini Bar. Enough said. Gibsons doesn’t mess around with the classics, and their dirty martini is bold, balanced, and extra cold. You’ll get your olives skewered like it’s a love spell. It’s the kind of place where someone in finance might hit on you, but you’ll forgive them because the martini is that good.
Vibe: Power lunch turned power flirt.
Order with: Burrata and boundaries.
Perfect for: Main character mode, no notes.
Bonus Tip:
Wear something that matches the mood: an oversized blazer, slinky top, vintage denim, and a shoe with an attitude problem. Like these: Iridescent Amina Muaddi Lupita Mules – The heel says “don’t text me,” the technicolor pattern says “but do.”
Final Verdict?
Every martini on this list slaps, but your fave will depend on your vibe. Want moody and mysterious? Violet Hour. Want to be seen and admired? Gibsons. Want to feel like your martini could pay your rent? Sepia.
Stay salty, stay sexy, and don’t forget to post the glass clink boomerang.
Got a martini spot I missed? DM me @TheFoodheaux (you know the vibes). Let’s drink dirty and live loudly.