• Martini bars reflect the calm nature of Seattle.yellow martini image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
  
  Seattle is home to some of the greatest nightlife in the nation. Known for it's laid-back coffee-drinking, jazz-listening, alternative rock-making, and raindrop-dodging culture, Seattle's martini lounges, bars, and restaurants reflect the calm, upscale yet welcoming nature of Seattle life. There are hundreds of bars and lounges in Seattle's downtown and outlying neighborhoods, but when it comes to searching for the perfect local bar to wear your waterproof little black dress, there are a few names that stand above the others.
  
  

Marcus' Martini Heaven

• Located in Seattle's historic underground, Marcus' Martini Heaven is one of the sexist nightlife locations in Pioneer Square. But don't be intimidated--the atmosphere inside is laid-back, warm, and welcoming, particularly due to the 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. happy hour and the cocktail menu that boasts nearly 50 drinks. Marcus' is a perfect night out with the girls or a romantic date. The lounge is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily and offers a cocktail menu categorized into $6 to $10 cocktails (as of February 2010), but the bartenders will shake up anything you request. Want a taste of Seattle? Try the Starbucks Tini containing Stoli vanilla, coffee crème liquor, Frangelico, and Starbucks coffee. Hungry? Marcus' offers a variety of tasty cocktail bites, the house specialty being the grilled cheese sandwich. Order the Salumi grilled cheese, made from local sausage cured at the famous nearby Salumi Deli.
  
  Marcus' Martini Heaven
  88 Yessler Way
  Seattle, WA 98104
  206-624-3323
  marcusmartiniheaven.com
  
  

Tini Bigs

• Self-dubbed "Seattle's Second Best Cocktail Bar" (not sure who is number one), Tini Bigs is undoubtedly a favorite local hotspot. The interior of Bigs is relaxed antique, that is, varnished tables, vintage upholstered booths, antique bar top, and pitch black walls. Not to mention the pink florescent lights above the bar. Bigs is known for its quality of liquor and experience of its bartenders. The name "Tini Bigs" is no lie; the martinis made at Bigs are big; a 10-ounce glass filled with Finlandia vodka or Bombay gin and magic mixers. The menu boasts all the classics, as well as some odd yet sinful house specialties, such as the "Dirty Girl Scout" made from hazelnut espresso vodka, melted chocolate, fresh mint, and cream liqueur, all inside a graham cracker-rimmed glass. However, the bartenders are more than happy to mix up any personal request. Bigs is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day.
  
  Tini Bigs
  100 Denny Way
  Seattle, WA 98109
  206-284-0931
  tinibigs.com
  
  

The Chapel Bar

• Looking for a bit of glamor? Head over to Seattle's upscale Capitol Hill district and you won't be disappointed. Chapel is a multistory bar and restaurant situated in an historical building built in the 1920s. The lounge/club specializes in unique and international cocktails as well as a menu focused on local rich ingredients ingredients. Sounds expensive? Chapel is reasonably affordable, with cocktails ranging from $7 to $10, and starters and main plates peaking at $11 (as of early 2010). The house martini menu includes such favorites as The Bruce Lee (sake, orange, and pomegranate) and the Stigmata (pepper-infused vodka with lime). The specialty cocktail menu comprises a bit of an international flare, with Brazilian caipirinhas, French cava, and a variety of margaritas and mojitos. Happy hour runs daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  
  The Chapel Bar
  1600 Melrose Avenue
  Seattle, WA 98122
  206-447-4180
  thechapelbar.com