San Francisco Launches First-Ever Martini Trail

Whether you like your martini dry, dirty or even extra dirty, you’ll want to make for this new martini trail in San Francisco. This experience from San Francisco Travel Association highlights 23 standout martinis and local establishments in the city, covering some of San Francisco’s distinctive neighborhoods like the Embarcadero and The Richmond.

True Laurel © San Francisco Travel Association

Curated by San Francisco-based writer Omar Mamoon, the trail “shines a light on just a fraction of the many bars and restaurants in San Francisco making excellent martinis. The Martini Trail is just a starting point—use it as a fun way to explore the city and make your own trail, too. There’s so much to uncover and explore in SF.”

Highlighted establishments include Absinthe, Bar Iris, BIX, Brazen Head, Club Waziema, Hi Dive Bar, Holbrook House, Lillie Coit’s, Martuni’s, Osso, Starlite, Tadich and Wildhawk.

© San Francisco Travel Association

Bar Iris, for instance, has a unique take on a martini using sweet potato gin, a mix of shochu and sake, and a seasonally changing pickle as garnish. You’ll know you’ve entered martini heaven at BIX thanks to its giant, ice-filled metal bucket topped off with martini glasses in the middle of its long bar. Lillie Coit’s utilizes locally made gin, while Osso makes its own brine with muddled olives, salt, black peppercorn and lemon peels.

Find the interactive martini trail map here.