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Martinis Above Fourth
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants Canadian (New) Lounges, Canadian (New) [Edit]
3940 4th AveSte 200
(between University Ave & Washington St)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighbourhood: Hillcrest
(619) 400-4500
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 4 pm - 12 am
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 1 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
148 reviews for Martinis Above Fourth
Review Highlights
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"My favorite is the "pearl necklace." In 12 reviews -
"I will definitely be back here for happy hour." In 22 reviews -
"The best was the peanut butter cup martini." In 4 reviews
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148 reviews in English
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Review from Mishaela G.
Bonita, CA
3/22/2012
I used to shun martinis. Wouldn't drink one if my life depended on it and I made sure everyone knew it. Yuck! When a dear friend had the audacity to suggest this place for my birthday celebration, I was offended. It took more than a little coaxing and bribery to get to me to go along with her plans. However, I am very glad that I decided to give in. This place is now at the top of my list for girls' night out and martinis and I are now in the midst of a passionate love affair!
I've been for happy hour, which is quite fantastic. It's loud and packed by 5:15pm, so don't expect to enjoy intimate conversations. They had the most fantastic montage of bawdy music videos playing on the numerous flat screen televisions hung throughout the place (one involved a woman I'm sure was Kristen Bell doing some very strange S&M things. I know!). We ordered one of everything on the menu and I did not leave hungry, sober, or penniless. What more could I ask for? Well, mini-tinis to start! They are little shots of martini perfection for lightweights like me.
Apparently I could also ask for dinner. I love food, but I'm not a food snob by any means. I've been to some of the more expensive places in SD and was not impressed. I've also been to some of the hole in the wall places that kind of scared me and nearly died and gone to heaven from all the yummy goodness. This was more like the died and gone to heaven experience. I ordered the duck breast with blackberry sauce and asked for mashed potatoes instead of fingerling potatoes, mainly because the name scared me. O. M. F. G....it was perfect! Then a server walked by with the ahi special. We ended up ordering one of those too (to share...I'm not that hardcore) because it was one of the most beautifully presented dishes I've ever seen. Tasted even better than it looked. I cannot wait to go back and try to bacon wrapped, blue cheese stuffed filet and the pork loin.
I aspire to try everything on the menu at least once and that includes the 50+ martinis (not in one night...I told you I'm not that hardcore!). So far, my favorite martini is the pearl necklace, but I haven't had a single disappointment.
If you've been on the fence about going due to the recent reviews about new management, I would highly encourage you to give it a chance. I've met the new owners and they are busting their asses to make this place more fabulous with each passing day. -
Review from Mat R.
San Diego, CA
5/2/2012
I stopped by last Friday for a friend's birthday celebration and was curious how this place was doing under new ownership. Suffice to say, it hasn't changed much. That's a positive in my book.
Prepare to spend $10+ per martini, unless you're going off their $5 happy hour menu. They also have a solid offering for their food happy hour as well. $3 for fries, $5 for mac and cheese are personal highlights.
Can't explain how close I was from deducting stars due to slow service. I felt bad for the fellow serving our table; they were obviously understaffed. Took quite a while for food to come out.
Me: "For each additional 10 minutes I wait for freaking mac & cheese and fries, I'm taking away a Yelp star!" (I get angry when starving--you won't like me when I'm angry)
My fiance: "Oh honey, chill out. Drink your drink and calm the heck down."
She was totally right. (Gotta get used to THAT). In fact, they brought out an extra large portion of fries, because they'd recognized that they accidentally given my order to another table. I won't let this deter me from going back. Good drinks and a solid menu are always A-OK with me. -
Review from Ryan K.
San Diego, CA
3/13/2012
I only went here for Martinis and if that's all they did then bingo, they nailed it.
The menu is staggering with tons of mouth watering options. The bartender was alert, friendly and clearly knew what he was doing back there.
I will definitely be back to try more of the martinis. -
Review from Jennifer G.
San Diego, CA
5/20/2012
Martinis Above Fourth has become my favorite place in Hillcrest! I had been to Martini's on a handful of occasions in the past and each time I enjoyed the drinks and had a good time, but it never seemed good enough to become a regular hangout.
I went several months ago and noticed that Martini's had changed . . . for the better. The drinks are still fabulous as always, but now so is the food, the service and the ambiance. And since then I've been going all the time. I've since learned that new ownership is behind the change for the better. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. The outdoor patio space is always lively. The indoor space is beautiful and now perfectly set up for the nightly entertainment they offer.
A glance at the menu might have you thinking that the drinks are a bit pricey, but they are delicious and strong, making them well worth the price. There are so many delicious ones, but my current favorite is Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Mmmmmmmm!
So whether you're looking for a night of entertainment, a great place to meet friends, a terrific happy hour or just plain great food and fantastic drinks, you can't go wrong with Martini's. -
Review from Kyle S.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2012
I have been to this joint a couple of times during happy hour. $5 select Martini's, as well as a limited (but delicious) happy hour bar menu. I recommend the crab cakes and a dirty martini. I like the second floor outside patio area on a warm day. The breeze is awesome.
The lounge area looks set to offer a fun, casual-classy evening.
Off happy hour drinks and specialty drinks are priced $10+ -
Review from Jackie H.
Hillcrest, San Diego, CA
3/12/2012
Go for the drinks and entertainment, do NOT go for the food.
This review is geared towards a recent restaurant experience, otherwise I'd rate the bar and entertainment at 4+ stars.
Avoid eating there though! It's not a large dining room and yet the wait staff seemed overwhelmed and/or inexperienced. Their Saturday night special was prime rib and they actually ran out. And it was still pretty early. When the food finally came out, it was cold and the waiter got half the orders wrong. Considering the prices they were charging, even for the special, this was totally unacceptable. -
Review from Brian G.
San Diego, CA
4/21/2012
Sexy bartenders mixing up some great martini's but unfortunately the food quality for dinner is still below average.
This could be one of the best places in town with just a little more effort and attention to the details.
The lobster risotto was stodgy and the sun dried tomatoes mixed in we're inedible .
The sausage trio was dry and I'm not sure serving it with fried dry sour kraut helped.
Duck was also average a little dry and the stuffed tiny filet mignon wrapped in undercooked bacon was ordered medium rare and arrived medium well with no stuffing visible. for $30 I would expect much more
If your looking for a great martini with good bar food then this place rocks. If your looking for a dinning experience I would skip until the details are worked out -
Review from Alison M.
San Diego, CA
3/8/2012
I was nervous to try Martinis Above Fourth, especially with all of the recent negative reviews. I ended up being pleasantly surprised and had an absolutely amazing time!
My boyfriend and I got there at around 5:30pm on a Wednesday night, anxious to try their happy hour. It wasn't crowded at all, so we sat at a high-top table next to the bar. The atmosphere is swanky without being pretentious.
The happy hour is perfection. $5 martinis, $2 Coronas, and even $1 "mini-tinis" of their special of the day. The $1 special that was on tap was called the Fountain of Youth. It was tasty and strong, with Acai-Blueberry vodka, St. Germain, and sours.
Our server was attentive and friendly and we didn't feel like we had to wait awhile for our drinks or the food. They serve up a bomb $5 macaroni & cheese dish, that we both tried and LOVED! It's made with bacon, but you can ask for it plain, as I did ;)
To top off the ambiance, there was a piano player there singing a bunch of classics, old and new.
I will absolutely come back!
You'll love it here if you love:
- Martinis
- Mac n cheese
- Cheap, well-made drinks
- An atmosphere that's not divey or "club" oriented -
Review from Devon K.
Ramona, CA
2/2/2012
I don't often use the word overrated, but I am going to here. People must have been drunk off Martinis when writing their reviews because what I expected from reviews on Yelp and what this place was actually like are two different things.
I think my favorite part was taking the elevator up to the place; it's on a second story.
But other than that, the inside was completely full and my boyfriend and I were forced to sit on the patio with the smokers. The group next to us was really drunk, and when a strange solitary man sat down in between us and them, they struck up some drunk conversation. They were very loud and words slurred. Not the romantic atmosphere I had expected.
The drinks are extremely expensive and our waiter was nice, but for some reason seemed a little snobby. Must have been the dress code.
I'm glad I went once but won't be going again. -
Review from Jen R.
Updated - 12/22/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Oh, my favorite spot is no more. UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. Le sigh. The same drink menu is offered however they are not made the same. I know weird but true. I had my usual, the key lime pie. It was watery and just eh. I didn't even finish it.
The staff is all new, I miss Dale and Aaron. And many new faces since all of the regulars have now moved on. Half the fun of coming here was the fun staff and the regulars.
The new owners should change the name of the place. I was embarrassed when someone I sent into MA4 long ago told me she had just went with some friends. As many of you know I used to rave about MA4 having the best martinis in all of San Diego. Well this is not the case now.
Martinis above fourth is dead to me.4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/22/2010
I had fun here, yet again! I made some new friends at the bar as Eli was creating his master piece… Read more »
Comment from Jim S. of Martinis Above Fourth 12/27/2009
Thank you for the review Jen. You and many others have… More » -
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Review from Sara S.
San Diego, CA
4/15/2012
Went here for the first time tonight on a friends reccomendation. Martini's=A+
Music = A+ Service = A+ Our server Topher was attentive without being obnoxious. Didn't hurry us out and let us enjoy the music. The music was mellow and at the perfect decibel to be heard without dominating the scene. The musicians were gracious and not your typical megalomaniac lounge singers. Overall, 5 stars. -
Review from Jessica L.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here during happy hour 4-7(I believe) and they had $2 well drinks and $4 martinis (not their specialty ones though :()! SO CHEAP and once again they did not disappoint and did NOT try and jip me on my alcohol. My gin and tonic was probably 90% gin :) that made me a happy camper especially after a long work day.
We also ordered food. Their happy hour menu is 1/2 off the original price and is super affordable. The bill came out to under $40 for 4 people and we ordered 3 or 4 rounds of drinks and TONS of food.
There was also live entertainment at this time. This cute little guy playing the piano and singing. It was a nice addition to our "classy" happy hour shindig.
The service was excellent and attentive as usual. I LOVE THIS PLACE!Listed in: get yo drizzy drank on, Fancy Date Spots
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/4/2011
I was recommended to come here by some old co-workers that live in the Hillcrest area. We all met up… Read more »
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Review from Justen S.
San Diego, CA
5/9/2012
Always have a fantastic time at Martinis!
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Review from Mingosd S.
San Diego, CA
1/14/2012
VERY VERY NICE
I decide to stop by just to check out the new Martine's , was fabulous ,as the elevator open the door ,The owner (Jim) had this big smile make you fill very welcome from there the cocktail (the martine's are the best in town) appetizer ,n a tuneup piano guy give to this place a plus 5 start . I'll b back for sure , but not alone ,this is the place take friends. N meet friends -
Review from Scott P.
San Diego, CA
3/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Really love Martini's for my normal Thursday night (pre-Friday) adventure. They've done some great changes to the happy hour menu. I really enjoy the Mac & Cheese. I'm a little disappointed that they've adjusted the happy hour end time on Thursday from 7:30 down to 7 and now to 6. It used to be the standard "go-to no-brainer" place. I'm now finding that with the happy hour change, there are so many other places to choose from that it's no longer a "no-brainer".
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Review from John J.
San Marcos, CA
4/18/2012
Always a destination for us on a weekend out. Great live music on Saturday evenings and where else can you choose from over 40 different Martinis?
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Review from Eva H.
8/8/2011
This place is awesome.
So, our threesome managed to rack up around $150 in booze (and an order of crabcakes) over the course of a Saturday night. I don't know how we walked home.
But it was still awesome.
The space was obviously created with care--think Mad Men goes to Ab Fab--and the staff is so incredibly kind and courteous, you think you're paying $15 for drinks...oh wait, you are. But they're good drinks! You can choose from like 500 of them and, though most are of the hurt-your-teeth-sweet variety, there is a nice variety of sour/smooth ones, as well. There's also reasonably priced wines, beers, and a full bar available. But you want the heavily sauced martinis and should toss back some asprin before you go to bed.
The crabcakes were fine--I loved that they came with fresh greens--though I don't think dining is exactly the destination here. I've certainly had far, far worse, though, even on the East Coast.
Anyway, Tiffany Tanqueray (which I likely just misspelled) was fantastic, as was Aaron. We enjoyed the tunes, loved the Lucille Ball getup, and generally had a lovely, mellow time. Which is kind of rare, as the man and I are two of the most uptight, non-mellow, OCD freaks you'll find. As someone who is loud noise phobic, I also appreciated that the noise level was not deafening, which would have totally ruined it for me.
Regardless, we'll be back. We're the awkward ones in the corner swilling the sauce. Which kind of works, as the crowd last Saturday included a drunk Real Housewives-esque birthday party, plenty of neighborhood folks just wanting to enjoy the music, and (out on the patio) a threesome making out hardcore.Listed in: Hillcrest and Vicinity Hits
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Review from Ann S.
San Jose, CA
4/17/2012
Got a dinner reservation on Open Table for Sat eve. We were seated right away and the service throughout was perfect. We were on a bit of a time crunch and it worked out fine. Not too crowded until we were leaving. Would love to try the Happy Hour though it does sound a little intense. For our dinner the martinis were delicious, I had the executive one with the blue cheese olives and then the cucumber one after that and my daughter had the vanilla lemon drop since it was highly rated, we all enjoyed them very much. Two people in our group had the beet salad which they both really loved. I had the salmon which was delicious, there is a photo of it in the photo section, tasty and gorgeous. Also the shrimp cocktail and the bruschetta were excellent. I want to try the pineapple upside down cake martini next time for dessert, it just sounds amazing! We all really enjoyed the piano and the overall vibe of the place and will plan to return next time we are in San Diego - thank you Martinis Above 4th!
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Review from Jim A.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2012
Terrible service from the bartenders. All three we dealt with were extremely rude and obviously not the brightest bulbs in the chandelier. We asked to close our tab three times but none of them were able to manage or comprehend that menial task. We will never go back there again
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Review from Elizabeth H.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2012
I agree with Jen R.'s review.
If this new management wants to be successful they better play nice with their patrons.
I understand a busy Friday night. I also understand that mistakes do happen.
My friends and I went in to check out the "new" Martinis on a busy Friday night. At 6:30pm we ordered dinner. We were told by the server that a new server was going to take over. Our soup arrived on time and we waited patiently for our dinner. Wondering where our dinner was, I asked the server if our dinner was on its way. To his shock and embarrassment he admitted the order wasn't put through. By then it was 8:45pm. The bill came and they had taken off the most expensive meal we ordered, which we were grateful for. We showed the bill to the owner/manager and explained the situation upon which we were told, " I DON'T GIVE AWAY FOOD".
I have never been treated so POORLY by a restaurant manager/owner. I've never left feeling as if my business and hard earned money didn't matter. And guess what, it doesn't according to the new Martini's.
Martini's, with that attitude you'll go far and I wish you the very best of success.
I will not be recommending this establishment to any of my friends or family. You can be rest assured I will tell my friends in the hospitality industry to do the same. -
Review from Gary R.
I don't know why it has taken me sooooo long to return to Martinis. I'm in the area frequently and, somehow, it never seems to register with me that Martinis is a viable option where I can unwind and spend an evening. I'm glad, however, that I had a chance to reconnect with this very special place over the weekend.
After dinner at Donovan's Saturday night, I thought that it would be a nice finish to the night to have a well-made martini and dessert. So, off to Martinis I went. First of all, the space is absolutely gorgeous. I love the chic booths, the soft color palette, and the loungy-dim lighting. The atmosphere is light-hearted and relaxed, thereby creating an extremely welcoming ambience. Moreover, Martinis is flavored by a little intrigue given the fact that it sits on the 2nd story of a rather drab, unassuming building. Little do many people realize that an oasis resides atop of the building, an oasis where some of the most imaginative libations are created.
The martini menu is vast! I mean there are scores upon scores of martinis to choose from. They all looked so good that I finally just had to randomly pick one - the Summer by the Pool. The Summer by the Pool is a martini made of Pearl Coconut Vodka and Smirnoff Pineapple Vodka, with a splash of Intrigue and Lime; it's a truly refreshing option. A friend opted for the Coco LaChine which was made of Vanilla Vodka and Godiva chocolate. Delicious!
For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate Lava Cake, and my friend had the Banana Tart. Both really hit the spot. I would have preferred the Lava Cake to have been a bit more lava-y, but it was gooey and savory enough to satisfy my chocolate urge. I also ordered a cup of coffee, but, sadly, it arrived lukewarm. They were getting ready to close; therefore, I didn't make a big deal about it.
All in all, a great experience. Looking forward to returning....soon. Probably Friday night. Anyone want to join me for a martini?Comment from Jim S. of Martinis Above Fourth 5/4/2011
Thanks for the great review. We think every night is a… More » -
Review from Mitch K.
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came to Martinis with pretty high expectations. They had great reviews and they are higher priced in an area that is known for really spectacular martinis.
We started with the pearl necklace and peanut butter cup. They were both amazing. The pearl necklace was so refreshing, I could drink these all day long poolside during summer. The peanut butter cup actually tasted like a peanut butter cup. So delicious!
For our second round we had the carmel machiatto and the gurlz night out.. These were also fantastic! The carmel machiatto reminded me of a starbucks beverage. The gurls night out was like a non sour cosmo with a twist to it.
The ambiance was great too, both the inside and outside bars were packed, but the dining room was empty.
They happy hour items are really well priced, but it doesn't include all their specialty martinis.
Four the four martinis we had our bill was 47 before tip.
Despite being expensive, it really earned the 5 stars for having the best martinis I've had. -
Review from Ashley D.
San Diego, CA
12/16/2011
10 oz Martini 'nuff said! Never had the food, I am always on a strictly liquid diet when I go there.
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Review from Su C.
New York, NY
1/2/2012
When I got the menu, I was a little disappointed at the usage of not-so high shelf alcohols. The price was friendly ($10-15), but I wish I could add $2-3 bucks to get better alcohol... I got the Skittles (which was with Smirnoff raspberry........) It was delish, sweet and sour patch kid-ish. And OMG how strong are these drinks??!!
On a Fri night, most of the patrons were gay males of all age ranges. There was an older gentleman crooning the Nordstrom piano music with a lot of improvisation. The staff were professional, though few accidentally (I think) jabbed me... -
Review from Jonathon B.
San Diego, CA
10/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
A second floor lounge with a patio bar complete with booth seating, that sounds good to me; oh what? They serve 10 Oz martinis at happy hour for only four bucks? THAT sounds like trouble....and it was.
FOOD/DRINK: I only sampled a few happy hour items but they were all pretty tasty and a great value before 7pm. I will go back and eat sometime when I not going with the 'liquid diet' for the evening. I have to say that I am a martini purest and I think that any flavored drinks put in a martini glass should have a name that doesn't start or end with the word martini. It is just kind of lazy I think; "chocolate martini" or "apple-tini" those names are no fun....side car, salty dog, adios muthafucka, blow job, White out, rusty nail, whiskey punch, etc. THOSE are drink names; it takes a little more thought than just adding a flavor in front of an existing drink name. That is my rant about martinis; you will only ever find me with a dirty vodka martini in hand, above 4th Ave but for those who do like flavored martinis the few that I sampled were pretty good and other patrons seemed to love them and were very quick to point out which ones I should try.
SERVICE: If they can put up with the crowd I was with when I first visited this place and not throw anybody off the balcony, they definitely get five stars for patience. The bartenders and servers were all very professional and on top of things. I was never waiting long for another drink and they somehow kept track of who was ordering what and kept everybody's bill separate. I would recommend this place to anyone wanting to get together with friends for happy hour; it is perfect for accommodating groups from four to about twenty.
LOCATION/DÉCOR: just about centered between University and Washington on 4th street, in the heart of Hillcrest can be one of the worst places to find a parking spot in Diego. I am lucky enough not to have to drive to Martinis Above Fourth though so I don't have any good parking tips for the area. There might be stairs but I couldn't find them so you have to enter through the elevator that opens up directly to the host stand. Make a hard right and you will be out on the large balcony with cushy booth seats and a full bar. The balcony is open yet covered and enclosed somewhat by Plexiglas panels along the side rails of the deck; you almost feel like you are still inside only that you can smoke and drink at the same time. The main dinning room has very dark finishes and is dimly lit, perfect lounge atmosphere right down to the baby grand in the corner with a lady in an evening gown playing and singing classic songs.
I am a new fan of Martinis Above Forth; I have been saying that Diego needs more lounges for adults who like to drink and talk (not drink and shout in each other's ear over crappy hip hop that is turned up too loud) maybe I have just not been looking hard enough because this is a great lounge and it was right in my back yard. -
Review from Suzy S.
3/26/2011
I've been meaning to try out this place FOREVER, and I have no idea what was holding me back now! This place is awesome.
Their martini menu is overwhelming - but in a good way! I seriously wanted to try every martini on there. But I don't think my liver would have appreciated that. So, I went for the Chocolate Covered Strawberry, and it was sooooo goooooooood! The bf's Peanut Butter Cup was even better. ::Jealous::
Surprisingly big area, outside deck overlooking Fourth (hence the name), friendly bartenders, and a cozy lounge feel. I'm very impressed, and will DEFINITELY be back! -
Review from Mark T.
Beverly Hills, CA
12/28/2011
This place is the BOMB! I had the best Martinis I've ever tasted here... can't say I could walk all that great when I left but it was well worth it. I highly recommend the Key Lime Pie... this is now my new fav tini. It rocked! I like the new folks and owners and it was a great time. Sometimes you need a change to reinvigorate a place ya know? I will definitely go back!!!
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Review from Mel B.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2011
The martinis were excellent. The atmosphere was great. The lighting and background music was just right. We also ordered appetizers and they were yummy. They have good Happy Hour deals. I can't wait to go back here!
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Review from Mike C.
Great happy hour martini specials!!!
$4 martinis served Tuesdays through Saturdays from opening til 730pm. And its strong stuff. I only drank 3 martinis this evening because I needed to go, but even then...3 was enough.
Lemon Drop - slightly bitter, but sweet from the sugar rim. It's a good starter.
Dirty Martini - I should had this one last. Guy told me he put about 4 shots of vodka in this one, and a splash of olive juice. Super strong. The olives helped out a bit...nah...not really.
Raspberry cosmos - nice and sweet, but I was already hammered from drink #2, that I couldn't get the full flavor from this one.
They also have half off appetizers during happy hour...and man...you'll need it to get through these martinis.
Seasoned fries - garlic fries served in a cone with ketchup, cheyenne mayo, and this sweet thai like sauce. I like the cheyenne mayo, nice kick.
Note: It's not good if you dunk your fries into your dirty martini. Yah...I don't recommend doing that.
Chicken quesadilla - yah I wasn't done...still inebriated, but the quesadilla helped out a bit....yum...chicken and cheese!!!
Nice decor, sat on the outdoor bar, second story view of 4th avenue. Customer service was decent. The bartender kept going in and out of the bar so the attention level decreased as the night progressed.
The patrons were super friendly though and had some decent conversations with some random people. But then again...I don't remember much...and I lost all my ability to think, to react, and ability to speak, after the 2nd drink.
Overall...one of the better bars I've been in. Of course I'm coming back especially if you give so much alcohol for only 4 bucks and the appetizers are pretty cheap enough...ahhh yah!!!!Listed in: Suhweeet North Park
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Review from Patrice B.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2011
The food is to die for, the service good and the ambiene wonderful. As an appitizer I can really recommend th crab cakes, my favorite, the cheese plate, shrimp cocktail and the calamari. For an entree try the duck, it is fabulous
The Happy Hour Prices are great/ -
Review from Anna D.
San Diego, CA
6/30/2011
Exceptional happy hour entrees, the crab cakes are to die for and as for the raspberry drops they are truly decadent; plus the service is always exceptional. Plus Happy Hour prices are great.
Happy Hour should not be this good. -
Review from Joe M.
San Diego, CA
2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
A good drinkery does not necessarily make a good eatery!
I selected the Garlic Herb Chicken Fettuccini from the menu. When it finally arrived after 1 hour, I was truly disappointed. My friends shared my concerns after sampling the dish. The ingredients did not seem to work together. The asparagus and the dried tomatoes did not have the flavor that you would usually get from them (They came probably from a glass jar), and the pasta was slightly overcooked with the after taste from re-cycled broth.
I could not eat the dish and ended up returning it. I informed the waiter about the poor quality of the dish and he was so nice to waive the charge. I left hungry and unsatisfied. Martinis may be known for their excellent drinks, however, I don't believe that the dining experience is a forte that Martinis should strive for. -
Review from Mike H.
El Cajon, CA
Updated - 5/16/2011
I've been going to this place on and off for a while now and the last time we went I asked for another round of martinis and the waiter was like "its happy hour you have to finish what you ordered first". WTF ?? come again ?
Let me tell you something buddy If I want to order 10 freakin drinks at the same time I will and if you have a problem with that I simply will not come back.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/10/2010
This place is freakin AWESOME.. $2 coronas ?? $ 4 martinis ?? and yummy appetizers for around $5 ??… Read more »
Comment from Jim S. of Martinis Above Fourth 5/19/2011
Hi Mike: I apologize that your server/bartender did not… More » -
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Review from LK A.
San Diego, CA
6/9/2011
I came here a little more frequently before I had my spleen removed and was advised not to tax my immune system with a lot of alcohol.
That's very hard to do at Martinis. The drinks are STRONG. I mean, obviously, a classic martini is basically iced liquor. But even the mixed martinis are brutal.
But boy are they delicious! The chocolate dipped strawberry is my favorite, followed by strawberries and cream, and the snickers bar.
The food is good. You can get some yummy stuff for a few bucks during happy hour.
Only wish is that they'd have a bigger indoor bar. It's hard to find a seat at the inside bar, and outside is thick with smoke, which for me is gross. -
Review from Miss Vanessa T.
Chula Vista, CA
Updated - 9/7/2010 2 Check-ins Here
So there I sat, sipping my deliciously girly $10 strawberries and cream martini. The feeling in the air was happy and full of glee. Nearly naked men clad only in skin tight swimwear sauntered by. They were beautiful to look at. Their perfectly toned bodies made me nervous and when the cutest one (in my opinion) winked at me, I literally giggled like a Catholic school girl.
There was just one tinyyyy problem.....they were all gay.
FML!
Why are all the hot ones always gay. No fair ='[
Sigh....this girl will have to be satisfied with just looking.
At least I got a picture with one hot drag queen dressed in hot pink, 5 inch hooker heels and a 2 foot tall blonde wig.
Fabulous!Listed in: I happy!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/9/2010
The UYE HH @ MAF was insanely fun. I like acronyms =P
Mix $4 martini happy hour + Yelpers = Insanity.… Read more »
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Review from Melanio F.
San Diego, CA
9/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am not a rich person so money is tight in most households like mine. We try to get the good deals, we try to only buy necessities within our budget.
I have eaten and dined at Martini's before (on better financial circumstances) and was not wowed by the food or the ambiance. I felt a little bit like being in Palm Springs (if you are gay and reading this, you know what I mean - older crowd). I am sure there are many younger men who come in but the pricing for the martinis and food are not the working man's budget.
Here is the good news for the 4 stars. Happy Hour. for those of us watching the dollars, the Happy hour offers a nice option to eat here, enjoy a couple of martinis and still not spend a lot. Happy Hours are posted on their website and highly recommend it if you are going with a lot of friends. The HH menu is smaller of course but some of us can survive and be happy with h'our derves for dinner since we eat light ( I save the big meals for lunch or brunch).
So a lot of the 5 stars are for sure for the HH. I normally don't give 5 stars unless I am wowed by the food and service at the same time (whether its HH or a dinner time).
Try HH and if you like it and the menu for dinner, go ahead and try them for dinner and judge for yourself. I do admire that this establishment does a lot of charity work for the community. -
Review from Alisa M.
8/9/2010
Ian!!!!! Ian!!!! Ian!!!!!
I freaking love this place. I must have drank 180 $2.00 Coronas and the only reason I didn't want to partake in the martinis is because I was trying to have stamina and not hit a wall. Smart huh?
Anyway Ian was my server for most of the night and remained friendly and efficient even as I got more belligerent. You know how the more drunk you get you think no one can hear you when you use your normal indoor voice? Well......IAN!!! IAN!!!! IAN!!! I am sure by the end of the night Ian was contemplating legally changing his name. By the looks of him though it's quite obvious that he is quite used to people chanting his name. Ohhhh Ian.
My drunk hot mess of a self demanded (and received) a hug from a man who I think might have been the owner. he also patiently listened while I was trying to find my words.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone who likes fun and great service. I only had one bit of food and it was the chicken skewers. They were a little dry and I wasn't as in love with the peanut sauce as I was with the other stuff this place has to offer. But it was one dish so I will come back and try something else.
In fact I have to come back. I had a blast .
IAN!!! -
Review from Melissa S.
San Diego, CA
8/18/2010
Upon approaching Martini's Above Fourth, facing West...you will see, Kous Kous down a small flight of stairs and wonder if there is a stairwell leading up to the second floor where MA4 is located.
Rather than looking for the stairs, you will opt to take the elevator.
When entering the elevator on the "PLAZA" level, do NOT assume "S" is for "Second" (yea, kicking myself in the ass for assuming that, unknowingly the girl who entered the elevator with me was on her way to MA4 also). I didn't even have a drink yet!
After pressing "S" and not paying attention to whether we were going up or going down, I stepped out of the elevator and saw Kous Kous...WAIT WHAT? The girl with me stepped out also, she was on her phone...I got into the elevator, looked at the buttons (thought to myself..."wtf you're so dumb hahahha") and pressed "2" and FINALLY made it to MA4.
Outdoor/Overlook Lounge, nice.
10 oz, $4 lemon drops..YES PLEASE.
The crab cakes and fries were delicious.
I had a regular Lemon Drop Martini and a Vanilla Lemon Drop after...not a big fan of Vanilla but it was all right.
Milk...NO. Alcohol does the body good. =) [sometimes] -
Review from michael L.
San Diego, CA
2/18/2011
Martinis Above Fourth3940 4th Ave
Martinis earns 1 star right away for being located next to a paking lot in Hillcrest. I must say there is so much to enjoy here. The batenders are friendly, atmosphere great and the Happy Hour prices the BEST!
Sitting at the bar inside gives you the opportunity to watch these mixologists at work. I appreciate the fact that no matter who you order from the taste is consistent and always COLD. There is no question about where you can find a the best martini...
The OVERLOOK OUTDOOR LOUNGE is on the second floor balcony. Smoking is allowed out in the lounge. But non-smokers never fear. They have ceiling fans that distribute the smoke so it is nit offensive at all. Heaters are there for the colder nights, as well.
They also have Happy Hour Munchies as well..Calamari and Artichoke hearts, Chicken skewers and Martini's Crab cakes to mention a couple......
There is a good size diningroom offering a number of salads and entrees including Bacon wrapped Filet or a Rosemary caper Salmon. Entertainment on Fri/Sat
The establishment is called MARTINIS...they are masters at this. There is no "cafe", "bistro" or "trattoria" in its name. That being said, the "Lighter Fare" Menu selections enjoyed with a cocktail perhaps. But, with so many great eateries within a block's radius (see some of my other blogs) we usually move on for dinner.
Oh, did I mention Martinis attracts a very ecclectic crowd ...... -
Review from Chad H.
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice place! Lots of great martinis to choose from and a pretty decent ambiance, complete with slightly sleezy looking lounge singer. They have a TON of martinis to choose from. I had 3 last night :D. The best was the peanut butter cup martini. I'm a huge sucker for chocolate martinis (my favorite drink) and this was basically that with a hint of peanut butter. What's not to love? I also ordered the grape kool-aid and the rootbeer float martinis. Both were decent (B / B- range). Also got to try a few other martinis that my wife and her friend ordered, including a delicious Snickers martini.
Kind of expensive, so I can't justify a 5 star rating. But it's definitely a fun place to check out. I'll be back again for another PB cup martini!
