Bartini's Lounge

Category: Restaurants, Cafes, Bars

Martini Bar

ZAGAT Review:

“Much nicer than you’d expect from a Queens hangout”, this Forest Hills martini specialist comes equipped with a “block of ice built into the bar so your drink will stay cold”; but those who complain about “wasted potential” cite “Manhattan prices” and “lounge-lizard” patrons poured into “tight spandex.”

VILLAGE VOICE Review:

Featuring over 600 martinis, this spot, located in the basement of the Forest Hills Inn in Queens, leaves the much revered cosmopolitan in the dust. Whether dry, dirty, shaken, or stirred, the dark den of excess has a flavor for every taste. The chart-like 21-page menu divulges ingredients, ratios, and garnishes in drinks like the Vampire-Proof martini, which arrives with a garlic-stuffed olive. Although not all drinks are equal (the Italian Ice martini and Guru martini were sub-par), flickering candles, Moroccan-style banquettes, and plush couches allow for plenty of comfort for the decision-making process.
(BASTIDAS)

QUEENS TRIBUNE Review:

By Angela Montefinise

Reading and drinking usually don’t mix.

But then again, Bartini’s isn’t a usual lounge.

After entering the posh Forest Hills Inn, located off the beaten track just south of the ever-bustling Austin Street in Forest Hills, follow the always-playing top 40 dance music downstairs to the dimly lit couch and candle filled lounge, where 20 and 30 somethings dress to impress and kick back after work.

Take a seat on one of the comfy velvet seats, flag a waitress, and ask the ultimate question – “Can I see a martini menu?”

The waitress disappears into the dark towards the bar, and comes back with a textbook-sized spiral book. You take it and browse over the lounge’s 600 plus flavors of martinis. That’s right – 600 plus.

Everything from macaroon martinis to peach kiss martinis to chocolate orange martinis to honeydew martinis to margarita martinis to regular old perfect martinis are available, some with vodka, some with gin. This is all in addition to regular cocktails, beer, cordials and ports.

Four single ladies sitting on one of the four couches in the middle of the lounge order Cosmopolitans, while the three couples sitting in the private cushy booths against the wall sip on wine and martinis of all different colors. A group of friends laugh it up in the large booth in the back, while a bunch of young single guys hang out at the bar.

You try an orgasmitini to be cute, a mix of crème de cocoa, Bailey’s and vodka. As you sip, you sway to the music and glance at the lava lamps and the flourescent purple lights.
On ladies’ night, the place is packed with women ordering free cosmos from 9 to 11 p.m., and on Tuesdays, the karoake crowd comes out in full force. Happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. offers two for one drinks. All this with no cover.

Only one word for it – cool.