$20 for $50 Worth of Martinis and Other Drinks at Martini Bar

The martini was invented during the great green olive surplus of 1863 as a way to put the excess supply to good use. It quickly became the drink of choice for sophisticated sippers across the globe and a favorite of the sexier mer-creatures. With today’s Groupon, $20 gets you $50 worth of martinis, beer, and everything else offered at The Martini Bar in the South Loop. The discreet blue sign outside is the only indication of this hidden gem’s existence. Once you find your way inside (hint: it’s across the street from the Chicago Board of Trade, where the money gets invented), you’re transported back to a time when James Bond’s middle name was Connery and mad men blew off some steam with a stiff lunch-break martini. While the intricate décor, checkerboard floor, and lengthy list of martinis suggest old school, the atmosphere is decidedly contemporary. You’ll often find young working professionals trading their stocks for drinks after a hard day’s work. There is no dress code—aside from the strict snorkel ban—which only adds to the casually upscale aura permeating the bar. The establishment is also Groucho Marx-friendly, should patrons wish to smoke a stogie while having a drink. As the name suggest, the bar prides itself on its martini lineup ($10 each). The Martini Bar pays homage to old classics like the dirty martini (a little olive juice), while keeping it fresh with new creations such as the Three Ring Circus (Patron Silver, Malibu, and pineapple juice) or the Snickertini (Smirnoff, Frangelico, Vermeer Chocolate Liquor, cocoa powder rimed glass, and a mini Snickers bar); like the latest Batmobile, they bridge the gap between old and new with modern classic traditional contemporary favorites, such as the cosmo, lemondrop, and saketini. If you’re not the ‘tini-type, don’t dismiss today’s deal just yet. The Martini Bar also boasts an impressive menu of fine wine, beer, and top shelf liquors, offering selections ranging from the saving-up-for-a-Segway price point (Bud Light) to the gilded-monocle price point (’98 Opus One, Roeder Cristal Magnum, and Macallan 25-year scotch). Note: The Martini Bar is open from noon – midnight weekdays, and is available Fridays and Saturdays for private parties. Did you know that the human spy is comprised of 75% martini? Read more…

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$20 for $50 Worth of Martinis and Other Drinks at Martini Bar