The 5 Best Martini Bars And Craft Cocktail Lounges In St. Augustine, Florida (2025 Update)
Planning a visit to the nation’s oldest city? While St. Augustine, Florida, is famous for its historic sites like the Castillo de San Marcos and its charming cobblestone streets, it also boasts a sophisticated and surprisingly vibrant cocktail scene. As of late December 2025, the conversation about the city's top martini spots is dominated by one name: The Tini Martini Bar, a long-standing icon whose high-class reputation and bayfront views have recently been mixed with a dash of drama, keeping it firmly in the spotlight.
The quest for the perfect martini in St. Augustine will inevitably lead you to a few key establishments, each offering a unique twist on the classic drink and the city's unique atmosphere. From historic inns to hidden arts district gems, this guide dives into the must-visit spots, their signature offerings, and the very latest updates you need to know before you order your next Vesper or Classic English Martini.
The Tini Martini Bar: The Historic Icon with a Viral Story
Located within the elegant Casablanca Inn on the Bay, The Tini Martini Bar is, without a doubt, the quintessential St. Augustine martini experience. It is a destination in itself, known for its torch-lit, European-style cafe seating that spills out onto a veranda overlooking the scenic Matanzas Bay. The atmosphere is romantic, breezy, and provides one of the best sunset views in Historic Downtown St. Augustine.
The Menu: Classic Martinis and Signature Twists
The menu at "The Tini" is extensive, moving far beyond the simple Gin or Vodka standard. It is a masterclass in classic and contemporary mixology, ensuring its topical authority as the city's premier martini destination. Key entities on their current menu include:
- Classic English Martini: A traditional preparation that can be ordered with Gin or Vodka, and is famously garnished with Blue Cheese Olives.
- Vesper Martini: A nod to James Bond, this cocktail blends Gin and Vodka with Lillet Blanco and a Lemon twist.
- The Bellini: A sweeter, fruit-forward option featuring Stoli Peachik vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and a La Marca Prosecco float.
- After Eight: A rich, decadent selection perfect for dessert.
- St. Augustine Sling: A signature house cocktail that uses local Nolet's Gin, B&B, Cointreau, Pineapple Juice, Grenadine, and a dash of bitters.
The Latest Update: The Martini Shaker Lawsuit
In a bizarre and very recent news event from mid-2025, The Tini Martini Bar made headlines. A Georgia woman, Ruth Blake, filed a lawsuit claiming she was injured by a martini shaker that allegedly fell from the second floor of the Casablanca Inn onto the outdoor patio area below. This high-profile incident, reported in June 2025, has unexpectedly thrust the bar into the national conversation, adding a layer of unique, if slightly dramatic, history to the establishment. Despite the legal proceedings, the bar remains a bustling, must-visit spot for both locals and tourists seeking a bayfront cocktail experience.
Beyond the Bay: St. Augustine's Best Craft Cocktail Alternatives
While The Tini Martini Bar holds the crown for the classic martini, the St. Augustine cocktail culture offers several exceptional alternatives for those seeking a more experimental or low-key vibe. These locations excel in craft cocktails and provide a different flavor of the city's vibrant nightlife.
Forgotten Tonic: The Hidden Gem of the Arts District
Tucked away on Aviles Street, the oldest street in the United States, Forgotten Tonic is a true neighborhood gem nestled in St. Augustine's historic arts district. It's less of a dedicated martini bar and more of a chic bistro that is laser-focused on expertly crafted, unique cocktails. The atmosphere is cozy, laid-back, and deliberately removed from the main tourist hustle, making it a favorite among locals.
The bar's recent success, including an announced expansion into the neighboring restaurant space, confirms its rising status in the city's drink scene. Patrons visit to explore the expansive cocktail list, which features constantly rotating specialty cocktails and house infusions, rather than just the traditional martini. The focus here is on creativity and innovative flavor pairings, making it a top choice for serious mixology enthusiasts.
The Well Bar: Historic Charm Meets Local Spirits
For a sophisticated, upscale experience, The Well Bar, located inside The Collector Inn, offers a more intimate setting. This establishment leans heavily into the local flavor of St. Augustine, particularly through its use of spirits from the St. Augustine Distillery. The cocktail menu is a testament to the region's burgeoning craft spirit movement.
Key offerings that cement its place as a top cocktail lounge include the Pink Lion, a house cocktail that often features local spirits, and a selection of tropical cocktails like the Painkillers and Mai Tai. The bar’s elegant ambiance, complete with small bites and a curated wine list, makes it a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or a quiet nightcap. Its location in the historic inn adds a layer of luxurious, old-world charm to the experience.
The St. Augustine Cocktail Culture: Waterfront Views and Tropical Flair
The Historic Coast of Florida offers more than just the traditional martini; it provides an array of lounges that capitalize on the stunning waterfront views and the tropical climate. These spots are essential for experiencing the full spectrum of St. Augustine's nightlife.
Cap's on the Water: Sunset Dining and Tropical Drinks
While not a dedicated martini bar, Cap's on the Water is a crucial entity in the St. Augustine drinking landscape, primarily because of its unparalleled sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway. Located a short drive from the historic district, Cap’s is known for its large outdoor deck and its focus on new coastal cuisine paired with a full-service bar. The drink menu here is geared toward tropical enjoyment, featuring classics like the Margarita, Tim's Rum Runner, Mojito, and the refreshing Cap's Rum Punch. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail al fresco as the sun dips below the horizon, offering a completely different vibe than the downtown establishments.
Tradewinds Lounge: The Dive Bar Alternative
For those looking for a complete change of pace and a taste of authentic local St. Augustine nightlife, the Tradewinds Lounge is a beloved, no-frills alternative. Located on Charlotte Street, this establishment is the antithesis of the high-class martini bar. It’s a classic dive bar known for its strong drinks, live music, and laid-back atmosphere. While you can certainly order a simple, strong martini here, its inclusion in the city's best drinking spots is due to its cultural significance and its role in providing a more casual, rock-and-roll experience compared to the historic inns.
Conclusion: The Best Martini is the One with the Best View
The search for the best martini in St. Augustine, Florida, in 2025 is a journey through history, elegance, and modern mixology. The Tini Martini Bar remains the undisputed king for its classic drinks and iconic bayfront setting, even with the recent, headline-grabbing drama adding to its lore. However, the city’s craft cocktail scene is thriving, with venues like Forgotten Tonic and The Well Bar offering innovative, high-quality alternatives. Whether you prefer your drink dirty with blue cheese olives, or a unique creation in the historic arts district, St. Augustine promises a sophisticated and memorable experience for every cocktail connoisseur.
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