Baldur has been a great conversationalist and host, never missing an order. 12/10 stars. No notes. Only feedback is allowing bartenders to choose their own playlists read more

Marty's newest incarnation is gorgeous but on the small side. Mostly bar stools and high tops but there are a couple low tops and club chairs in the back. The basic Manhattan is merely serviceable, so sticking with gin namesake may be the way to go here. A bit tight for a wheelchair but servers are friendly and will help you find a seat. The two restrooms are single service, large and fully accessible. read more

Loved Marty's it was so good. Great drinks and atmosphere. Overall 10/10 experience and I will be back soon. My fav was French 75

No because this place is so yummersville because the martinis are sooooo good and honestly not that expensive so I would totally come back here read more

How I chuckle at my reviews of the past! To my former self from 9 years ago: I've been back for the lemon drop, and though martinis are my #1 favorite drink and lemon drop is my #1 favorite variety, I wouldn't get the one offered here. It was too vodka forward (I guess it can be a thing!), not enough lemon, and no sugar around the rim! BUT I will say the Pom(egranate) and French martinis are solid. These days, it's $15 for the regular sized martinis (about 10oz), which are filled to the brim, so follow the 3 sip rule... take 3 sips before you try to test your focus and balancing skills by carrying the glass back to your table. Note there isn't waiter service, so you gotta go to and from the bar on your own. The patio is lovely in the summers! My sassy scoundrels and I try to come monthly during the season and mosey in right around opening time to get the prime tables along the sidewalk. The inside is very narrow, very dark, and very loud, so highly recommend getting there early for outdoor seating. Did you know they also have a plentiful dessert martini list? I tend to avoid the sweeter, chocolatey martinis bc it weighs me down on summer nights. Lol. Wine is offered here too. Fun fact! No food served here, but snack mix is available upon request. Cheers! read more

Marty's Martini Bar - Pom martini and First Slice pie - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Do not come to Marty's Martini Bar if you are not trying to get drunk because I cannot see a middle-ground existing! I have walked past Marty's for years and never stopped to visit because I am not a bring martini fan. But my friends and I decided to visit on a random Friday, earlier in the evening so we were able to grab seats at the bar rather easily. The inside of the bar gives a mix of diver bar and lounge. They have ample sitting for small groups but the tables go fast. They have a large side patio that was packed and I didn't even try to wait for a seat to free up. When I say they do not play about the martinis they do not play! After watching the bartender make two of my friend's drinks I almost fell over. The one suggestion I would make is ask for a specific vodka if you don't want the random default bottom shelf vodka. Ordered the French Martini and it was good. The default size the bartender gave us was 10oz and after he explained to us how many shots were in the drink I drank it slow. After one martini I was talking to anyone that would sit next to me because they were very strong and I am a chatty drunk! The loved my visit to Marty's because everyone was very friendly. I cannot imagine you visiting Marty's and not leaving without a new friend. read more

Marty's Martini Bar - French martini - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Tonight was embarrassing. I've come here for 15 years. I love the martinis and friendship in the community. Tonight I was victimized. The staff verbally attacked me. I was not privy to allocations till a bartender yelled at me in front of 10 of my loyal volleyball cmsa friends, who come in weekly bullied me to pay a tab I wasn't apart of. I felt small. He was aggressive. Forward. Mean. I've been here for years. Why. What do I do? read more

my first time at marty's was great! i was there for pride so it was extremely shoulder to shoulder packed. Someone did tell me that this isn't the usual on a normal weekend. the martinis tasted delicious and the bartender was super busy but was knocking the drinks out so quick. the ambiance is half dive bar but half a bit upscale. cannot wait to go back. read more

Marty's Martini Bar - chocolate martini - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love Marty's Bar and staff. Super drinks and ambiance. So many great memories and good times. read more

Marty's Martini Bar - Chilling at Marty's Martini Bar. - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This bar was adorable. Hit it up for martinis and sat right in the window. Such a cute bar with a great staff and the friendliest of people inside. read more

Marty's Martini Bar - Classic martinis at Marty's love this little joint!! Great staff and really friendly people inside. Had a great time. - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Consistent menu and experience is key for success. And I can say that Marty's is here to stay because of their delicious drinks. The ambiance is lively inside the bar or outside their outdoor area. This martini bar is a gem! read more

Marty's Martini Bar - Perfect drinks. - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

You really cannot explain how strong these drinks are. We got there right at opening and got two seats at the bar. If we had gotten there any later seating would have been impossible. The bar tenders are extremely entertaining to watch. The atmosphere is unlike any other. My husband and I left there completely smashed!! We only had two martinis but OMG . I'm not going to lie I was the most hung over I'd been in years! Go on a full stomach and drink as much water as you can handle. Definitely going back. read more

This place is an institution. If you're gay or liked by gays and like martinis in a comfortable, class environment, this narrow slice of bar might be a slice of heaven. Let the bartender shake something up for ya, and be careful when it's time to stand. They're strong, like they should be. read more

I miss Marty's soooooo much! So here are some things I love about Marty's: -The space is small and cozy and is the perfect neighborhood bar -Drinks are expertly crafted and they are definitely worth the money (read:STRONG and delicious) AND the drinks come in 2 sizes so you can tailor your tipsy level :) -All of the staff are so friendly and fun to hang with -Marty's supports great causes and have awesome fundraising events for various local organizations I love Marty's-I hope everyone there is staying healthy-I so look forward to returning in 2021(please let it be 2021) for some great drinks and good times! read more

Marty's Martini Bar - So good! - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This establishment is incredibly racist. My friend and I, both Latino men, were never acknowledged once while at the bar. The staff went out of their way to make us feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed. Another party, that arrived later than us, were attended to before us, and that party was of two white men. Not until we adamantly requested service from the bartender, did we finally get drinks. Additionally, the ambiance is dingy and subpar. It is not a very clean establishment and usually exceeds the legal capacity of people allowed in. I don't think any amount of " signature" or "specialty" cocktails could justify the blatantly prejudiced treatment we received. I highly recommend you go elsewhere, if you consider yourself a decent human being and want to be treated like one. I recommend Kit Kat for martinis, or literally ANY other bar in the Andersonville for that matter. read more

Small place way over crowded to be sipping on a Martini with people bumping into you. I'll go again maybe not on a Friday night lol. A guy fell on the floor and couldn't get up with three of us helping him. Ambulance came as well. Wasn't cute. Of course so much for my $15 martini. read more

The best Place is great music even better All good people The fat owner marty is really cool A must visit when in town read more

Lovely elegant space, but small, so get there early. But the martinis are big and they are not for the weak of heart. I usually do one big one and switch over to bubbles. It's not that the staff don't know what they are doing, they do it too well. I don't think a lot of people realize how much alcohol goes into a martini, especially the ones at Marty's, so you had better buckle up if you are going to have more than two. Otherwise you will find yourself on the floor like one of the patrons over the weekend :-) Service is great here and they actually will try and seat you if there is space. When getting bubbles, they always serve it in a cold flute. When the weather is warmer, they have a very cute patio to hang out in outside next to the building. Some folks complain about the prices, but for the size of the martinis and the punch they carry, it is well worth the price. read more

See all

I love a good cosmo! This is the perfect place to grab a good martini. The energy and ambiance is upbeat. Don't be afraid to try this place out. The prices are very good. They also have larger than normal martini glasses which one can appreciate. read more

This place is a freaking gem. I loved it so much- from the cozy interior to the kind people and servers to the martini options and taste. We tried to go here once and it was way too packed (around 10 pm on a Saturday so it figures). Went next door to kill time and came back an hour later to find some more space at the bar so we took our chance. The bar has nice dim lighting and cozy decor. Vintage style. The bartenders are hustling and busy but efficient and personable. They were so kind and genuinely happy to be there. In fact, the whole place had a friendly neighborhood vibe I loved. Some girl came up to tell me i had great hair, I just started chatting with the table next to me and they were happy to indulge. It was an all round welcoming culture. I got the expresso martini after asking if it would be sweet and he assured me it was not sugary. It was so good. I mean I understand it was mostly vodka but it was so smooth and flavorful. And holy cow it's strong. Should have opted for a smaller size. Actually what I would have done differently- gone early and started at Marty's. Very dicey place to end at as the drinks are very very strong. But maybe a 5 or 6 pm pregame- genius. Oh and the bathrooms are nice and clean. Gotta squeeze your way there but they are available and great. read more

Marty's Marty's Marty's!! Where do I even begin? I absolutely love this neighborhood Andersonville Martini bar! It is one of my favorite gay bars not only in the neighborhood but in Chicago! It's not the biggest place so it can get crowded but really though who cares? I certainly don't! The space is not big so if you're visiting please don't complain about how tiny the place is it's a neighborhood martini bar not a big martini bar in downtown Chicago. Been coming here for awhile and I must say that the martinis can be strong so just be careful of how much you drink coz you will get drunk, they have a wide selection of delicious martinis and cocktails so you have plenty of choices. This is one of the places you want to start your night out before you go to other bars in Andersonville, during the warmer months they have the patio open as well however the space isn't the biggest so just expect for it to be crowded. The bartenders are very welcoming and they know how to make good drinks for sure! I do believe that they have some deals weekly i believe and if you enter your birthday you'll definitely get your birthday martini. I've certainly gotten some during my birthday. One of the best martini bars in Chicago! I really wish that they will expand to a bigger space but i could understand the intimacy of this establishment. Love love Marty's read more

See all

We visited the bar on a Saturday afternoon for a small fundraiser. So, I can't say what the vibe would be during peak drinking hours. The other patrons appeared to be locals, stopping in for a glide path to a relaxing afternoon. The bar is small and intimate. The front window faces north and combined with a brooding blue wall color creates a serious drinking atmosphere. And serious drinks are served: 10 ounces of libation, much of which is potent. All for reasonable drink prices. The two bartenders were in constant motion: shaking, stirring, and dispensing while being polite, welcoming, and informative. The bar has a patio, but drinking a martini in the sunlight seemed off: give me the dark walls and burnished bar tones to complement this impressive drink. I asked those around me whether they would start or end an evening out at this bar. A few said start, most said end, and a brave few said both. read more

Best chocolate martini in all of Chicago! I went with a friend on a Thursday for a night cap. Marty's is a smaller bar tucked away and you might miss it. It is worth the visit! I got the larger chocolate martini and it packed a punch. It was a very strong drink so I opted for a smaller chocolate martini for my second. The staff was incredibly friendly and I had such a great time. I would add this on your list for amazing martinis! read more

Marty's Martini Bar - the menu for the restaurant - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Last of the great 11oz pours! Great little narrow bar with a few good window seats. Cannot beat the quality and quantity of booze in the marts! The bartenders are truly pros. read more

Fabulous martini's,terrific ambiance and great bartenders! A beautiful small garden patio fills up quickly! read more

Service has gone down over the years; it used to be the bartenders would service the tables. Now you have to go to the bar yourself to order a drink. What's worse is customers have to bus their own tables! Most recently, the bartenders stopped using cocktail napkins. When I inquired about this, the bartender told me it was too busy to use them. On many occasions, they don't have enough bartenders, so if customers are sitting out on the patio, they have to come inside to order their drinks. They also have to wait until the bartender is finished making the drinks to take them outside. Aside from that, the interior desperately could use a new paint job. One piece of advice: hire more help! read more

Drinks were amazing and would give five stars if that was the sole criteria. It is a small place and gets crowded easily. We stood by the count across from the bar, while there are chairs there really is no way to fit someone at the bar and counter. With it being so crowded it doesn't seem like the staff can easily get through to clear glasses/tables. All the tables were full of empty glasses that you'd have to clear yourself by squeezing by whoever was sitting at the bar. I will go back again but maybe wait until the patio is open. read more

Warm and welcoming with generous cocktails and great conversations. A neighborhood vibe.

Typically they have very good martinis lately I've found it a bit hit or miss. I've come in a few times recently and ordered martinis that I'm sure were made incorrectly or just bad. They make all the drinks with well liquor unless you specify the alcohol. I'd probably rate them 5 stars if the drinks were more consistent and they'd use premium liquor. The prices are premium but the liquor is not. It's pretty much a guaranteed hangover but you'll enjoy yourself for the evening! read more

Marty's Martini Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great variety of martinis, a favorite to meet friends for a cozy time or a first date. Perfect place to start your night with a great ambiance. The bartender was very welcoming and courteous. If the bartender is Miguel read more

Holding solid at five stars. My new go-to place with friends visiting from out of town - sorry, Signature Room. Marty's doesn't have the view, but more than makes up for it with ambiance, dishy, flirty bartenders and utterly delicious drinks. read more

DELICIOUS! I am not a Martini person, well that's what I thought. Such a variety and a fun staff. It was a bit loud..the drunk people, but I had great company with me. read more

One of my favorite gay bars. Martini's are strong and taste great and reasonably priced. Will, the bar manager is also so nice, as well as the rest of the staff. Glad to see them open and that they are requiring proof of vaccination since it's such a small place. Only complaint is the space is pretty inside, they could easily double their space and the place would still be packed. No food but fun place to go for a cocktail before of after dining at Replay next door or before heading to Boyztown. read more

Great vibes, my girl and I love this place. We've been coming back here for over a year , one of our favorite places.

Love this cute bar (and even cuter bartenders) for a yummy martini! Extra blue cheese stuffed olives in an extra dirty martini is my go-to, but there are options for any palette. Such an intimate and cute space to take a date or grab a drink solo! read more

Marty's Martini Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Oh my gosh, what can I say about this place other than it is absolutely amazing! Such great atmosphere, everyone is just there to have a good time. Inside it gets a little tight, but nobody really minds bumping into one another here and there. Just super friendly. The drinks themselves are just works of art, and strong as hell. The way I like it! If you're a fan of a good strong martini this is your place! read more

Marty's Martini Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

drinks that used to be strong are now super-weak. yes another business trying to save money at the expense of the customer experience. it used to be super-busy and now it's not; i see why now read more

Marty's is a true classic yes it's small and compact and we can not pick a thousand things, keep it real the staff is ALWAYS wonderful and accommodating! The TINIS if that's your thing are next to perfection! Thanks for introducing me to the French thing ie with Champaign on top... lol keep Up the good work! read more

Staff seemed unconcerned with the line and slowly mixed drinks. My friend and I left after waiting for 15 with no acknowledgement from anyone working. read more

I am so sad about the state of affairs at Marty's. I have been coming to this bar for probably since the day that it began. If you look at my previous reviews you will see that I am very nostalgic and wish that things could return to the way they were. Tonight I returned with friends who have been going there for years. I get that it was a Sunday night. In the entire bar there was one bartender. He was amazing and the fact that he could make drinks for anybody that walked in. But the customers had to clear tables, wiping tables, and bring their drinks to their tables. He was totally alone - no other bar back or bar tender. This is a far cry from the excellent service and hometown disposition that the bar had when I opened years ago. I am disappointed in the lack of customer service let alone the lack of service. The bartender did everything he could to provide drinks for the patrons. He did it with a smile. However the quality of the experience has gone down exponentially. Please Marty's Figure something else out because this is more than a cash machine. read more

See all