Best Spot for Martinis in the Triangle

[emazzone]

Saturday is a friend's birthday, and he has expressed an interest in going out for martinis (traditional martinis, gin or vodka, not the appletini, chocolatetini kind of thing). I wanted to get some opinions from y'all.

I really like the drinks I've gotten from the bar at Lantern, but would love to get some other ideas.

Thanks for the help!

[emazzone]

Thanks for all of the input. Looking forward to checking out the bar at Bin 54. I ate there once, when it first opened, and I agree with HeelsSoxHound -- yikes, waste of money! The bar sounds like just the ticket, though. Thanks again.

[HeelsSoxHound]

lantern actually makes a pretty kickass traditional martini, too... and they actually use a glass big enough to hold the drink without spilling it all over the place. too many places try to fit a normal sized drink in a tiny little stem, and it's generally disastrous.
also agree w/bin 54 rec, although only if you're not going to eat. what a waste of money.

[Jeanne]

"As I recall, they make their mojitos with creme de menthe" - You've got to be kidding?

Bin 54 has a nice bar area. Have been for cocktails a couple of times - and as I recall Wednesday's is Martini Night for those wanting to try it.

I didn't have traditional martinis when I was there, but I'd bet they are good.

[LulusMom]

The martinis at Bin 54 are very good. What does martini night mean? (salivating and already planning my next wednesday night...)

[Jeanne]

It was advertised as $6 or $7 martinis (I THINK - don't quote me) and discounted appetizers. They had flyers in the bar advertising it and I think I threw the flyer away (OOPPS). Haven't been yet but want to.

[ncpearl]

On the Bin 54 website, it advertises Wednesdays as $6 Martini nights in the bar.

[dubedo]

NOT the East End Martini Bar, that's for sure. Yugh! Mass-produced, shortcut, frat party martinis. As I recall, they make their mojitos with creme de menthe, if that tells you anything.

I don't mean to sound nasty - they fill a niche - but I never enjoy myself there at all.

The Lantern has great drinks, but it could be difficult for a group on a Saturday night, unless you arrived early and staked out a table or two. It becomes standing room only pretty quickly, and that's definitely "standing" not "moving."

So this has been totally negative . . . Talullah's has good cocktails, but not as traditional as you describe. The bartenders at Aurora tend to be knowledgeable, but it may not be the ambience you were looking for.

What about the bar at the Washington Duke - or the Angus Barn? Both have the whole leather-couch-and-cigar ambience. Bin 54 might also, but I've never been there.