Austin's Best Martini Deals for National Martini Day

Well, you're in luck, because National Martini Day is Thursday, and Austin's bar scene is ready to shake it up. From the classic gin-and-vermouth concoction to a Tex-Mex marvel, we’ve rounded up the city’s top spots to get your martini fix.

Just be sure to pace yourself – these potent potables are as charming as they are chuggable.

Cedar Door

No Austin martini pilgrimage would be complete without a stop at the legendary Cedar Door. Why, you ask? Because this is the hallowed ground where the Mexican Martini was born. For the uninitiated, this delightful drink is the ultimate Tex-Mex mashup: a tequila-based margarita served straight up in a martini glass, finished with a whisper of olive brine. It's proof that sometimes the best innovations come from a little creative cross-cultural pollination.

201 Brazos St. Bldg A. cedardooraustin.com. 512-473-3712.

Cedar Tavern

Ever wished you could clink glasses with Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, or Jack Kerouac? While a time machine isn't on the menu, Cedar Tavern is the next best thing. This isn't just any bar; it's the transplant of an iconic Greenwich Village watering hole where legends once roamed. And now, you can channel your inner bohemian while enjoying $7 classic, Martinez, and espresso martinis daily from 5 to 7 p.m.

615 S Lamar Blvd. eberlyaustin.com/cedar-tavern. 512-916-9000.

Este

For a martini that tastes like a refreshing sea breeze, drift on over to Este. Their Del Mar-tini is a true aquatic marvel, crafted with navy strength gin, blanc vermouth, muscadet, and a touch of kombu. The muscadet, a dry white wine known for its crisp, saline notes, elevates the drink's "sea-like" quality, while edible seaweed adds a subtle briny whisper. It’s basically a beach vacation in a glass.

2113 Manor Rd. esteatx.com. 512-522-4047.

Murray’s Tavern

If you believe that good food and even better martinis should go hand-in-hand, Murray’s Tavern is your happy hour haven. Every Friday from noon to 3 p.m. you can snag up to three 25-cent martinis with your choice of entree — prime rib, a duroc double bone-in pork chop, or a classic French dip. And if Wednesday rolls around and you're still craving that perfect pairing, they offer a $35 steak frites and martini special starting at 5 p.m.

316 Webberville Rd. murraysaustin.com.

Small Victory

For the serious martini aficionado, Small Victory is less a bar and more a temple to the cocktail. They dedicate an entire menu page to the martini, showcasing their reverence for this classic. But what truly elevates their game is their in-house ice program. We’re talking crystal-clear, slow-melting ice in various cuts, ensuring your martini stays perfectly chilled without a drop of unwanted dilution.

108 E 7th St. smallvictory.bar. 512-903-9450.

The Grackle

Looking for a martini that’s as unpretentious as it is potent? Look no further than The Grackle. This East Sixth Street gem offers the best "divey" martini in Austin. It’s the kind of laid-back spot where you can catch up with friends, shoot some pool, and enjoy $2 lunchtime martinis from noon to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. And for those who prefer their martinis with some tang, you can go extra dirty for just an additional dollar.

1700 E 6th St. the-grackle.res-menu.com. 512-520-8148.

Whisler’s

East Austin's Whisler’s palo santo-infused atmosphere sets the mood, but the real star of the show is their not-so-secret 75-cent summer martini deal. Every Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., you can indulge in martinis of all stripes – espresso, regular, dirty, and cosmopolitans – for a mere three-quarters of a dollar. Just remember, this secret is out, so arrive early and snag your two drink tickets before the rest of Austin descends.

1816 E 6th St. whislersatx.com. 512-480-0781.