Our Story
Martiny's opened in April 2022, bringing an exquisite cocktail experience to a historic carriage house in Gramercy located at 121 East 17th Street. Founder and Beverage Director, Takuma Watanabe, has created an experience that goes above and beyond just outstanding cocktails. Everything is intentional and purposeful - from the hospitality, to the design elements, to the elevated bar bites, and of course, the drinks. Martiny’s is the cocktail destination for anyone looking to imbibe while in a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere.
In 2023, Martiny's won Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar at the Spirited Awards. In 2024, Martiny's was named #4 of North America's 50 Best Bars and #24 of the World's 50 Best Bars.
Takuma
Takuma’s name in Japanese is “渡邉琢磨”. The last character of his name “磨” (“migaku”) means “to polish” in English, which is exactly what Takuma has been doing over the last 10+ years in his career. Always in the pursuit of “shokunin”, a Japanese term used to describe an artisan who masters their profession, Takuma has polished his skills to embrace the “shokunin spirit” and is excited to share his meticulously honed craft with the world via Martiny’s cocktail menu. In 2024, Takuma won Bartender of the Year at the Spirits Business Awards and won Best Bartender in North America at the Shaker Awards.
The name Martiny’s is a play on the fact that you will definitely find a martini on the menu, since it's Takuma’s favorite cocktail. But, it also pays homage to Philip Martiny, a French-American sculptor, whose studio used to occupy the space. The design respects the history of the original 1800’s carriage house, allowing its fundamental structure to dictate the flow of the space in a natural way. Modern Japanese elements are worked in throughout the space to honor Takuma’s influences from training in bars across Japan. The original wood and brick work mixed with Japanese sensibility and refinement offer a cozy and welcoming environment with enticing, tasteful cocktails to match. The signature cocktail is the Grand Martiny's made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, La Cigarrera Manzanilla, Churchill's Porto 2016, St. Germain, Hine Rare, and Grapes.