Think about it: martinis are so prominent in the world of specialty drinks that there’s a designated glass just for them. Cool, huh? That’s why this drink is so important…and it’s even more important when made just right. Whether you like yours dry or dirty or fruity, you can always make it your own this year at the home of the Best Martini in Queens.
2024: Queens Voted Diner Bar Best Martini!
Diner Bar
97-45 Queens Blvd, Rego Park
(718) 897-6000 – thedinerbar.com
Whether you like yours shaken or stirred, vodka or gin, with twist or olive, raise a glass to Best of the Boro’s Best Martini from Diner Bar. The Rego Park brunch, dinner and cocktails spot combines a welcoming, casual atmosphere with stylish elegance to deliver a modern take on the classic diner counter. (Think boozy root beer floats and truffle mac and cheese bites.) The delicious dishes are more than Instagram-worthy, but the cocktail selection is also picture perfect. Brightly colored variations on martinis and cosmos, including mango and cucumber, are also available and pair great with the menu of flatbreads, truffle fries, burgers, pastas and more. We’ll drink to that!
2023: Queens Voted Maiella Best Martini!
Maiella
4610 Center Blvd, Long Island City
(718) 606-1770 – maiellalic.com
This restaurant is classy and sleek with delicious Italian food. All dishes you order come fresh, portioned properly, and most importantly, elegantly plated and yummy. A favorite often mentioned is the shrimp appetizer and a substantial meal option you might want to boast about is their Chicken Marsala. The duck here under the culinary guidance of experts comes cooked to perfection and has to be tried. The traditional fare made the expert Maiella way produces poultry patrons described as moist, tender, and succulent. Maiella is a great date restaurant with a romantic vibe where a meal is an experience. The wait service is attentive. Their pasta is legendary around Long Island City.
2022: Queens Voted Dazie’s Best Martini!
Dazie’s
39-41 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside
(718) 786-7013 – daziesitalianrestaurant.com
Whether you like your martini shaken, not stirred or stirred, not shaken, the best place in Queens to find a martini is Dazie’s Restaurant in Sunnyside. You might be wondering, how could a martini possibly be the best at one place when it’s the same simple drink? Well, at Dazie’s Restaurant, the bartenders not only make a martini quicker than anyone else, but regardless of your modifications (vodka vs. gin, dry or dirty) they will have it ready and on the bar for you to enjoy with your meal. The full bar has a variety of alcoholic options so you can truly make your martini your own. Be sure to swing by sometime for happy hour!
2021: Queens Voted Vetro Restaurant and Lounge Best Martini!
Vetro Restaurant and Lounge
164-49 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach
(718) 843-8387 – www.vetronyc.com
Whether you want it shaken or stirred, Vetro Restaurant & Lounge has the best martini in Queens. For the ultimate martini experience, it’s worth a trip to the bar at Vetro. In addition to a traditional martini, Vetro offers a True Lychee Martini with True Vodka and lychee syrup to put a sweet twist on the classic cocktail. Be sure to check out the rooftop bar during your visit for an incredible view of the bay. Don’t forget to ask for some olives to snack on while you sip on your tasty martini, or swing by for Happy Hour for a complimentary appetizer to go along with your drink.
2020: Queens Voted Maiella Best Martini!
Maiella
4610 Center Blvd, Long Island City
(718) 606-1770 – www.maiellalic.com
Maiella may be best known for their authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist and its picturesque view of the waterfront section of Long Island City but they are also known for their carefully crafted Martinis. Maiella sits at the base of the iconic Pepsi sign in Gantry State Park and features spectacular views of New York City. Designed by a leading New York City Architecture firm, Bluarch, the rustic space features seating for up to 180 guests inside and almost 100 guests in the outdoor terrace facing Manhattan and Gantry State Park. Have yourself a night out, or with the company on the town and savor the food and cocktails at Maiella.
2019: Queens Voted Dazie’s Best Martini!
Dazie’s
39-41 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside
718-786-7013 – www.daziesrestaurant.com
James Bond himself would marvel at the martinis served up at Dazie’s Italian Restaurant. Their chefs have been cooking only the finest of Italian-American cuisine since 1972. Their desserts are prepared daily, and their tiramisu won best dessert at the Queens: A Taste of the World contest in 2010. Dazie’s offers an extensive wine menu featuring drinks from across the globe. In addition to their bar and restaurant areas, Dazie’s also has private space for parties and events. Stepping into the restaurant is like going back in time; Dazie’s has a quiet, romantic vibe and features live piano music every night of the week. An episode of 30 Rock with Tina Fey was filmed in the restaurant.
2018: Queens Voted Donovan’s of Bayside Best Martini!
Donovan’s of Bayside
214-16 41st Ave, Bayside, NY 11361
(718) 423-5353 – www.donovansofbayside.com
Donovan’s of Bayside, a longtime Irish pub, first opened in Bayside in 1978 after premiering in Woodside in 1966, serves up a mean martini (or, according to residents, the meanest martini in town). Order one at their happy hour or with the best burger in town!
2017: Queens Voted Donovan’s of Bayside Best Martini!
Donovan’s of Bayside
214-16 41st Ave, Bayside, NY 11361
718-423-5353
Donovan’s of Bayside, a longtime Irish pub, first opened in Bayside in 1978 after premiering in Woodside in 1966, serves up a mean martini (or, according to residents, the meanest martini in town). Order one at their happy hour or with the best burger in town!
