Martinis Above Fourth
3940 Fourth Ave
San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 400-4500
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Music: Live
- Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: Yes
- Coat Check: No
15 Reviews for Martinis Above Fourth
This place was really as nice as I'd heard. Was really in the mood for exactly what it offered. Classy ambiance, mellow vibe, really tasty (strong) drinks. The server was very friendly and easy to like also. Just wish that we would have gotten at least ONE free drink since it was a celebration of a graduation, is all... lol...
Sometimes I enjoy cocktails with food. Other times, I enjoy cocktails AS food. This happens to be the case at Martinis Above Fourth.
I would recommend coming here for dessert-- Not that I've actually ordered dessert.
But with martinis that taste like Snickers Bars, coconut cream pie, pear Jelly Bellies and bananas foster, what's the point in eating a sugary post-dinner treat when you can drink it?
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So, the place closes at 11pm. Big deal, right?
WRONG.
I was actually warned of this phenomenon, but didn't believe it -- they take your drink if you haven't finished it. As in, they literally took my martini out of my hand and dumped it out. Damn! That thing cost me $15!!!! Couldn't they have given me another minute? Or perhaps a to-go cup??
So be forewarned - the drinks are strong and good, but you will be physically parted with yours if you don't slam it before Last Call.
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"We're at a baby shower!" I exclaim as our waiter approaches with our pink and blue martinis. Ironically enough, the pink drink was for me and the blue one for my male friend.
That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the night. One drink turned into two. Two turned into us yelling comments at the TV while watching "American Idol" and "Project Runway" with the Wednesday night social club. I was close to heaven, like a diabetic in candy store while admiring the unattainable men...at least I could partake in the alcohol action.
In all seriousness folks, MAF is a hilarious bar with an extensive and ever changing list of you guessed, martinis. My friend and I order the calamari/artichoke dish which was phenomenal, especially considering that it is "bar food," albeit classy bar food, and the bruschetta, both of which I recommend.
For the martinis, if you stick with the three "p"s, you can't go wrong: pomegranate, pear, and the oh so tongue and cheek martini - the pearl necklace. Order one and you've got half a pearl necklace, order two and you've got a Barbara Bush.
Thus portrays my enthusiasm for Martinis Above Fourth!
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You won't be disappointed (or sober) if you start your evening out with Martinis Above Fourth. I made a trip here before hitting the club, and 2 10oz. martinis later the conversation was flowing and my girlfriends and I were giggling over the oodles of eye candy that frequent the place.
I had the Almond Joy, which literally tastes like a liquid alcoholic candy bar- ummm... heaven! The Pearl Necklace was equally divine, and there are dozens more martinis to chose from.
you may pay a little more for a martini, but they come strong. and if you sit by the bar and express curiosity about a drink listed on their menu, sometimes they'll give you a small taste shot of it if they got extras from another order. 5 stars, and definitely come with a DD.
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Customer service is horrible. No one takes care of you ( unless its Ian.) For as much as you pay you would expect a lot more respect. The attitude from management and staff ( other than Ian) is pretentious!!! Fix the attitude and maybe this place would be good. The way we were treated did not make me want to come back!!!
This is a ridiculously amusing spot.
Two former co-workers of mine make it a point to meet up every month in a different spot for drinks, kickin' back, and swapping stories. This time, we met at Martinis Above Fourth.
Martinis Above Fourth, you are a random, random adventure. I sat back with old friends, drinking amazing drinks and eating a huge load of delicious appetizers--garlic fries, quesadillas, and other snacky items. There's a ridiculous number of martinis--anything from root beer float to bananas foster, to pureed peach, there are three pages of delicious vodka fiestas.
A night of deep conversations, arguments, discussions on everything from the Taliban to Virginia Tech, made Martinis Above Fourth super awesome. However, one caveat: this is the gayest establishment I have ever stepped foot in. If you feel uncomfortable with LGBT folk, or being assumed that you are LGBT identified, it may not be for you. If you are able to not be lame about such things, and just have the best time EVER, then MAF is the greatest martini spot in the history humanity. That's right. GREATEST. EVER.
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Martini's Above Fourth isn't so much a hidden gem as it is a gaudy gem-encrusted broach half-hidden behind a lapel. Horrible metaphorical imagery aside, this is a great place that gives patrons two choices: have a good time, or have a fantastic time.
With a selection of something like 40+ martinis, plus a delicious variety of appetizers, Martini's Above Fourth offers a little something (or a lot of something if maritnis is your thing) for everyone. The staff is very much into interacting with you, even in their busiest of times. While a moderately swanky, refined establishment, Martini's has been able to preserve an understated homeyness that permeates through and through and doesn't let go of your inebriated self until you reluctantly ask for the check.
Also, have to agree with Teej on the LGBT thing. But also like he wrote, if it's a non-issue, be prepared to have an effin blast.
On-the-spot service, high-quality drinks, and a vague feeling of camaraderie make Martini's a sweet place to spend an afternoon, evening, or night. Just be careful not to mistake the elevator for a stubborn door. Not like anyone would do that after five drinks.
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Martinis Above Fourth is a great place to have a party! When we called up to ask if they could accommodate a party of 15-20, they offered us use of their private room with our own waiter. Not only did they not charge us extra for the room, but there was no minimum either. Trust me, we called around and a lot of places wanted to either charge us for the room, required a minimum and/or have everyone in our party there to seat us. Who needs that when you can get the VIP treatment at Martinis Above Fourth for free?
The private room reminded me of a model apartment or a hotel room. Not exactly swanky or loungy, but comfortable enough.
Our waiter was adorable, helpful, attentive and friendly. The martinis were amazing. The martini list is massive. Appetizers were delicious. The salmon entree that I ordered was just okay. I have eaten dinner here in the past and remember liking it a lot better before.
Go to Martinis Above Fourth for excellent service and delicious drinks. Definitely consider them for your next party. Tell your guests to park next door in the Bread & Cie parking lot for $6 or else they will be 45 minutes late from driving around Hillcrest in search of a parking spot.
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I'm am never disappointed with the food, the fun, and the entertainment, not to mention the HUGE martinis. This place is hidden away and truly a find. I have to reccomend the ribeye over the scalloped potatoes. I know one of these times I'm going to have a coronary from all the fat coursing through my veins after eating this, but it's worth it. Also, the shrimp carabonara is amazing so my partner and I each get one of the above and share. I'm sure the other dishes are just as good, but I just can't make myself order anything else. Also, I believe the martinis are doubles. Caution, these are killer martinis. I'd advise a cab afterwards.
Here is a swanky but truely comfortable cabaret lounge in the heart of Hillcrest. Where you may sip martinis at the indoors/outdoors bar or indulge in the sinfully delicious menu . All of this can be savored to the pleasing melodies of live entertainment in their beautiful dining room. Try Saturday nights with the Vintage Vegas Duo of Laura Jane & Franko Z, FANTASTIC !!
The Restaurant is stunning, the Food Fabulous and the Staff Oh Sooo Friendly. Also plan ahead for the monthly event of Babette Bingo Brunch, usually every second Sunday of each month. A true "do not miss" event.
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Munch upon mouthwatering appetizers, sip one of dozens of martinis, enjoy the urban street views of Hillcrest from the comfort of their large balcony or quite tasteful lounge. Two bars, one servicing inside and the other outside, are hosted by some of the nicest bartenders in San Diego and ensure that you won't wait too long for your drinks. My favorite was the margarita martini and I'm hard-pressed to pick a favorite munchie thing... they do serve fabulous french fries, though, with four different dipping sauces to please even the pickiest of palettes. Rumor has it they've got a pretty good dinner menu, too.
Please either be gay, or be prepared to have people assume that you are.
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A gem of a place in Hillcrest, Martini's Above Fourth is my home away from home--just ask my sponsor. Of course, it was when it was Martini's Bar & Grille too, but the new owners, Dale, Chaz, Johnny, have made it so much more.
You want a place where everyone knows your name? You've come to the right place. I can only assume the guys' first requirement for hiring staff is that they be friendly--over the top, sincere, I-want-to-be-your-friend, friendly. I've been out to dinner or partying with these guys more times that I have with my own family. Honest.
Although it has a martini list that rivals webtender.com, MAF isn't all about the drinks though. It's hip, swanky, and filled mix of with good looking people--young and "not so old"--great entertainment and wonderfully filling food. Executive Chef Jason also presents a creative menu (the calamari & artichoke hearts and garlic mushroom beef rib chop are my faves!). Spend the evening with Carol Curtis singing your favorite requests, or swoon to Laura Jane and Franco Z belting out songs from vintage vegas. I always like to get a table right up front. AND--If you can get a table for the packed Babette Bingo Brunch or some "one night only MAF show" (reservations *strongly* suggested) you're in for an extravaganza!
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first and foremost: the owners are all great guys and they go out of their way to help out local and national causes. bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, the bar/restaurant itself is tastefully appointed and the bathrooms are typically clean. street parking is hit or miss, but they have a fee parking garage right next door. cons: i think the martinis are over-priced (even with the crazy and numerous incarnations), and the food, while also relatively expensive, is mediocre, at best. also a few too many worn and leathered bar flies to make it a fun place to hang out.
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