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Bar Crawl: Martini bars
Posted: Feb 07, 2008 in Nightlife
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VENUE INFO
British Secret Intelligence Service agent James Bond made "shaken, not stirred" a catch phrase in the culture of martini-making. But you don't have to be a movie spy who finds himself in life-threatening situations to enjoy the smooth drink served in a conical glass.
From the traditional gin-and-vermouth mix to fresh and fruity "girlfriend" drinks (think Cosmopolitan), there are bars waiting to serve up this classic cocktail.
Blu Martini
This high-end Northeastside martini bar/nightspot offers six VIP rooms and dazzling decor. Specializing in tasty cocktails, good food (including sushi) and a featured DJ on Friday and Saturday nights, Blu Martini is the place to get your groove and eat on. But you'll keep coming back for the martinis. Special flavors include "Vanilla Kiss," "Blu Lemon" and "Piece of Cake."
Where: 4705 E. 96th St., (317) 566-8650, www.blumartini.net.
Hours: 4:30.p.m. to 1.a.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30.p.m. to 3.a.m. Friday, 5.p.m. to 3.a.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Details: Full menu, Japanese sushi chef; reservations accepted. MC/V/D/AX.
Gelo Ultra Lounge
This hip nightspot is the place where cool drinks and mingling go hand in hand. The lounge is also known for its half-price martinis and 1980s and '90s music. It's a great Northside spot to relax and unwind.
Where: 5252 E. 82nd St., (317) 577-9570.
Hours: 9.p.m. to 3.a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Details: Appetizers and wood- fired pizzas available until 11.p.m.; reservations accepted. MC/V/D/AX.
Olive's a Martini Bar
Olive's is a sophisticated yet casual hotel bar featuring oversized leather chairs/couches and more than 30 martini choices.
Where: 40 Jackson Place (in the Omni Severin Hotel), (317) 396-3626.
Hours: 3.p.m. to 1.a.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
Details: Appetizers, plasma screen TVs and a humidor with specialty cigars. MC/V/D/AX.
Oceanaire Seafood Room
This swanky Downtown restaurant with a 1940s feel is best known for its array of fresh fish. Oceanaire offers more than 25 varieties of the catch of the day. But there's also a full-service bar for drinks with -- or without -- a meal. Oceanaire is the 2007 City Search winner for "Best Martini" and "Most Romantic Bar."
Where: 30 S. Meridian St., (317) 955-2277, www.theoceanaire.com.
Hours: 11.a.m. to 10.p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11.a.m. to 11.p.m. Friday, 5 to 11.p.m. Saturday, 5 to 10.p.m. Sunday.
Details: Oyster bar, menu changes daily; reservations accepted. MC/V/D/AX.
Lulu's Restaurant & Cocktails
Specializing in cocktails, entertainment and some of the best innovative American cuisine in town, Lulu's attracts business professionals and partygoers alike. There's also an extensive wine and martini list.
Where: 8487 Union Chapel Road, (317) 251-585, www.lulusindy.com.
Hours: 11.a.m. to 2.p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 5.p.m. to 3.a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 9.a.m. to 12:30.p.m. Sunday.
Details: Steaks, seafood pasta. Live entertainment nightly. Martinis and a full range of cocktails; reservations accepted. MC/V/!D/AX.
- Compiled by T.J. Banes
