With National Espresso Martini Day coming up on Sunday, March 15, some of the Philadelphia region’s top restaurants are putting their own creative spin on this beloved pick-me-up. From eye-catching Espresso Martini Towers to house-made Kahlua, spots like Bolo, Flight Club, Little Walter’s, Mecha Noodle Bar, Patchwork, Red Owl Tavern, Restaurant Aleksandar, Square 1682, and Stella of New Hope are serving expertly crafted interpretations of this caffeinated classic.
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Bolo, Chef Yun Fuentes’ Latin American dining room and rum bar nestled in bustling Rittenhouse Square, offers a Latin-inspired alternative to the classic espresso martini with the Carajillo “Shakeado” ($18). Crafted with cold brew, Don Q 7 rum, and Licor 43, this shaken coffee cocktail delivers smooth, bold flavor with subtle sweetness, making it a rum-forward option for celebrating National Espresso Martini Day.
Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday, 5pm – 10pm for dinner, Saturday 10pm – 12am for late night, and Monday through Friday, 5pm – 7pm for happy hour
2025 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA | 267.639.2741 | Website | Instagram
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Flight Club, the world’s first Social Darts® experience in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, is putting a shareable twist on National Espresso Martini Day. During brunch, the Espresso Martini Tower will be available at a discounted price of $39 (normally $49), featuring four martinis for a playful way to sip and compete between rounds of darts. For solo sippers, the Espresso Old Fashioned ($17) blends Woodford Reserve, espresso, vanilla, and chocolate bitters for a bourbon-forward take on the classic coffee cocktail.
Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday from 3 PM—11 PM, Friday from 12 PM—1 AM, Saturday from 11 AM—1 AM, Sunday from 11 AM—10 PM.
1417 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215.923.2267 | Website | Instagram
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Little Walter’s, Philadelphia’s contemporary Polish restaurant and bar from Chef/Owner Michael Brenfleck, serves a bold and unique espresso martini on the dessert menu: The Baristka ($14). Crafted with rich, fresh-pulled espresso, coffee liqueur, and a crisp pour of Polish vodka, this cocktail strikes the perfect balance of classic flavors with a refined Polish twist.
Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday from 5pm – 10pm for dinner, and Monday from 4pm – 8pm, and Tuesday through Saturday from 4pm – 6pm for happy hour
2049 E Hagert St, Philadelphia, PA | 267.239.2228 | Website | Instagram
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Mecha Noodle Bar, a Fishtown noodle bar serving modern takes on pho, ramen, and bao, brings immigrant family recipes into a contemporary dining experience, complete with inventive cocktails and a robust sake program. Among its creative dessert drinks, the Midnight in Saigon ($15) stands out: an espresso-martini riff featuring Haku Vodka, Café du Monde, Giffard Banana Du Brésil, Fever-Tree Premium Tonic, and a touch of saline, delivering a perfectly balanced blend of coffee, banana, and umami flavors that pairs beautifully with Mecha Noodle Bar’s Asian-inspired sweets.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 12pm to 10pm, Saturday 11:30am to 10pm, and Sunday 11:30am to 9pm, with happy hour Monday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm.
1700 N Front Street, Philadelphia PA | 267.797.7577 | Website | Instagram
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Patchwork, a lively restaurant and bar focused on New American cuisine nestled on the second floor of the Hyatt Centric, offers theirversion of the classic Espresso Martini ($17) made with vodka, their house-made Kahlua, sugar, and fresh espresso. Rich and velvety with just the right touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect late-night pick-me-up.
Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday 6:30 am – 9 pm; Friday – Saturday 7 am – 10 pm; Sunday 7 am – 9 pm
1620 Chancellor Street | 215.985.1234 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
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Red Owl Tavern, the contemporary kitchen and bar located across from Independence Hall in Old City, offers a tequila-forward take on the espresso martini trend with its Carajillo ($18). Made with Espolòn, Cantera Negra, and fresh espresso, this bold coffee cocktail balances rich espresso flavor with smooth agave notes for a spirited alternative to the classic vodka build.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 7:30am—10:45am, Saturday and Sunday 8am—10am (breakfast); Monday through Friday 11:30am—4:30pm (lunch); Monday through Friday 4:30pm—10pm, Saturday 5pm—10pm (dinner); and Saturday 10am—4pm and Sunday 10am—2pm (brunch)
433 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA | 215.923.2267 | Website | Instagram
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Restaurant Aleksandar, a contemporary Eastern European restaurant located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, invites guests to celebrate National Espresso Martini Day with its signature Espresso Aleksandar ($16). This elevated take on the classic is crafted with vodka, fresh espresso, Don Ciccio & Figli Cioccolato, vanilla, demerara, and finished with a touch of nutmeg, delivering a rich cocktail layered with warm spice and subtle sweetness. Bold but balanced, it’s the perfect excuse for a late-night toast.
Hours of Operation: Dinner Tues-Thurs | 5-9pm; Dinner Fri & Sat | 5-10pm; Brunch/Lunch Sat & Sun | 11-3pm; HH Tues-Sat | 4:30-7pm; Late Night HH, every Friday 9-11pm
126 S. 19th Street | Instagram | Facebook | Website | (215) 279-7738
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Square 1682, the modern American upbeat kitchen located on the ground level of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, is putting a bold twist on the classic espresso martini. The 79 Groove ($16) features Singani 63, Licor 43, Montenegro, espresso, chocolate, and a hint of nutmeg, this cocktail balances rich coffee notes with subtle spice and herbal complexity for a uniquely elevated take on a beloved favorite.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8 – 11 am (breakfast); Monday through Thursday 11:30 am – 2 pm, Friday 11:30 am – 3 pm (lunch); Tuesday through Thursday 5 – 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 – 11 pm (dinner); Friday and Saturday 3 – 5 pm (mid-day menu); Saturday 9 am – 3 pm, Sunday 9 am – 2 pm (brunch).
121 S 17th Street, Philadelphia PA | 215.563.5008 | Website | Instagram
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Stella of New Hope, Bucks County’s modern American restaurant located in the Ghost Light Inn with 180-degree views of the Delaware River, offers a twist on the classic martini with its speciality dessert cocktail. Thoughtfully crafted by Stella’s expert beverage team, the Stella Espresso Martini ($16) blends vodka, Kahlua, vanilla bean, and La Colombe Cold Brew for the perfect post-dinner treat.
Hours of operation: Thursday 5 – 12am, Friday 5 – 2am, Saturday 8 – 2am
50 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938 • 267.740.2691 • Website • Instagram • Facebook