I went here Saturday night with my boyfriend to celebrate our recent engagement and invited anyone to stop by and join us. There martinis are amazing, especially for dessert lovers and it only takes one or two to feel their strength.
Martinis Above Fourth apparently is trying to remake their image to appeal to a younger crowd. There is a new logo on the sign and words like "lighter and fresh" are used to describe it. There was a definitely a younger crowd when we got there, but the live music was still reflective of someone from 30 years ago. Don't get me wrong, I love live music and I don't mind if it is a bit older in feel, but the mismatch was evident of the music with the new TVs and decor.
Additionally, it was a great place for people to stop by and toast to our engagement, so I really do appreciate the space and the drink selection! Unfortunately, our waiter was a very rude. He was big cut around 11pm and promptly told us to close out our checks and go to the bar for more drinks. A bus boy walked by and echoed the same sentiment. This was really off putting. We moved to a closer table to the bar, but I don't understand the point of trying to develop a younger vibe but to say it is self serve only after 11pm.
I have mixed feelings because I really do love the layout and drinks of martinis, but there is definitely work to be done with the cohesiveness and wait staff.
12 Jul 2013, 4p
This was my third visit to MAF, all of which have been for happy hour. The staff is always very friendly and provide great service. The martini menu is extensive and the cocktails are strong, too.
This was our first experience of the new, easier happy hour where all food and drink  $10 or less is $2 off and all food and drink more than $10 is $3 off. More options are available now, I believe and it's much easier to figure out what kind of savings you'll be getting.
I have yet to experience a regular meal here, but the happy hour is definitely on my list of return visits.
After a 9 month hiatus, I returned to this place to see my friend in the Laugh Out Proud show. Â BTW, you HAVE to see this show (every 2nd Thursday of the month).
Wow! Â What a difference! Â They FINALLY got on the right track. Â They have redone part of the dining area and it's a GOOD noticeable change. Â
The tables are updated and the view to the stage is better all the way around. Â The colors are bright (green and purple) and the wait staff have new uniforms. Â They are awesome in their bright orange and burgundy t-shirts. Â
The vibe is TOTALLY different and in a GOOD way! Â I'd recommend stopping by for a drink, dinner, show, etc. Â
Even the menu got a makeover. Â I will scream it from the rooftops...get the CRABCAKES! Â They are the bomb and the Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding is to die for! Â It's taken almost two years, but I think the new management has finally got a product they can be proud of. Â They truly have come out of the dark ages and are lighter, fresher and hipper. Â
Stop in, catch a show, have a martini (did I tell you these were not weak either!), have a snack or have dinner, it's all good here!
I have been coming here off and on since 2001 since I am from out of town. Years back in 2001 I loved this place...........very Palm Springs from the '60's which is my favorite. I went only for cocktails and not eating this time around. The bar area is very nice and great drinks.........so tired of seeing everyone on their phones/I-pad's, etc. Oh well, welcome to the new world. My friend went for dinner and spent $190+ for crap. The place has gone down hill but that is his concept. It is not what it used to be 10+ years ago. If you want a Martini and plan to get really messed up, then this is the place. I would like to go again in the evening....just for the ambiance of Palm Springs in the '60's.
Review Source:I think Martinis Above Fourth may be having an identity crisis.
With a recent management and brand shift it seems lost between a classy joint and gay alley bar. This establishment might shine brighter as a bar with an alley entrance that hints at a prohibition gay-Gatsby-esk setting.
The servers and bus boys are cheaply dressed in maroon and orange T-shirts and the napkins sit folded in half hanging off the table and onto the seat chair. These small details don't make or break an experience but add to the unique ambiance. The unique ambiance that MA4 lacks. They do make a mean martini, in any flavor and sweetness you desire! Just make sure you read the ingredients before ordering, as returning a martini is frowned upon.
While I cant say I didn't enjoy myself, it seems that with the recent (in-house) rebranding efforts MA4 seems like a San Diego tween stuck between their prepubescent years and man-hood.
P.S. Unless you are a BIG fan of crème de menthe, avoid the thin mint martini.
I've enjoyed this place through the years, and most recently was there twice for happy hour with friends on the patio - great experiences. Had an out of town friend here last Friday and food, service and drinks were great. We sat inside and ordered our drinks at 5:45 pm. We watched the bartender make everyone's drinks before finally giving us ours at 6pm. Not a problem, but he immediately followed up with charging us the full rate.
Disappointing, and turned me off to the point, where I just won't be coming back here again.
MA4 is good fun. Try the Pear Martini. See Andy and Nathan.
After eating downstairs at Kous Kous, some cocktails in the lively lounge upstairs at MA4 makes for a fantastic evening. The martini menu has around 30 different drinks, most of which are vodka-based. There is however, an option to build your own martini with gin if you don't see something you prefer. BTW, the drink menu is not on the MA4 website for some reason. We had a Pear and a Cosmo. martini. I recommend the Pear; mild and refreshing. We had the chocolate lava cake for two for dessert, which was definitely plenty for two people to share. Best of all was the piano music and songs by Andy and Nathan. The funny duo has been entertaining for 25 years and will have you singing and clapping in seconds. MA4 is great for a date night or a group.
I really do love MA4, but tonight--on a very special night (personally)--I invited my LOVE to Martini's to discuss our future together. Â I got a WOMAN AT THE ELEVATOR DOOR (standing in what looked like a cheap, fair KISSING BOOTH). ANYWAY, I dressed up with plans to enjoy MA4 Happy Hour. Â When I arrived, there was this weird-ass kissing booth type of set up: Â I saw two guys, dressed casually, looking to get in and I joked, "Oh, a kissing booth!?" Â The sweet lady asked for my name to see if I was on The List for The SPecial Event...I was so...pissed...that I said you have ME and another gay couple waiting-- clueless--about "The Special "EVENT"! Â Hmmm....I vetted their web site before I left home and I did not see any sign of a "special event" for that Tuesday evening, 6/4/13 . Â * IF * you are having an event then it should be on your site THE DAY OF, me thinkz. Â I will still go back, of course, because I love MA4, but tonight I am soooo in the mood of one star. Â I had a plan--not a proposal--but a nice date planned. Â I couldn't get in (early on a Tuesday)--wtf! Â Anywho, PLEASE, MA4, git on ur web site...I see changes coming, but keep the community up-to-date, okay? Â I left and spent my $ at Urban Mo's WITH the couple that was tryin' to get in when i arrived (spent $100 @ Urban my bill was slightly less). Â ** IF ** YOU R IN THE BIZ TO MAKE MONEY THEN SELL THE HONEY, honey. Â I AM The Honey = Money. Â I am assuming u want $$$$ and not * p u s h i n g * away customers.
Review Source:I've only been here for their happy hours, and let me tell you--- it's TOP NOTCH! Â They've got all their classic martini's for only $5-- dirty, cosmo, classic, lemon drop, etc etc! Â They don't skimp on their vodka! Â It is the happiest of happy hours! Â And they have the yummy appetizers too! Â I love their green bean fries. Â And they have a martini menu of biblical proportions. Â This place is well worth a try!
Review Source:Not impressed.
I asked for a table away from the music. Â I get a table right in the middle of the restaurant. Â Had to ask twice to al least be moved to the side of the restaurant.
The cost for value was not impressive. Â Expensive for very small portions. Â I wasn't overwhelmed with flavor of my dinner, so it wasn't anything that stuck out as much as flavors and textures of food.
The bill came before we ordered out desert.
I would come for a Martini and move on to somewhere else for dinner.
Not impressed at all!
"Look at that adorable jazz singer!" my friend Lisa noted as we walked in Martini's on 4th. On the stage behind a retro microphone a vintage vixen wore a cherry-print dress, classy pumps and a welcoming red smile. Â
A few minutes later, the jazz bombshell finished a set and came over to our table. "Heeeeeyyy John! So nice to see you here!" the gorgeous brunette cooed, draping one arm over my husband's shoulder and he gave her a little hug and introduced us all. Â
As a native San Diegan who's never moved out of the County, I'm proud to have a small cadre of friends all about town, but somehow my Bay-Area transplant husband knows EVERYONE. Â EVERYWHERE. Â The jazz damsel was sweet, and Lisa, John and his best friend Jon (visiting from SF) and I all exchanged pleasantries. Â She went back to the stage and serenaded us with some classic standards and we got down to business, over the course of three hours sampling...
-Coco Martini
-Dirty Svedka Martini
-Mojito-Tini
-Peanut Butter Cup Martini
-Southern Gentleman Cocktail
-Thin Mint Martini
-Butter Pecan Martini
-Dirty Bombay Martini
-Honey Do It Martini
-Strawberries & Cream Martini
Technically, I only ordered the Coco Martini and the Butter Pecan. Â But somehow we all got to sharing and trying new things, chatting with the fellas in the booth next to us and the next thing you know its Sunday Morning, I've slept through brunch, drank 3 liters of coconut water and was still the walking dead of martini wreckage! Â Around 4 p.m. I finally got out of my pajamas and met up with the boys at Pizza Port. Â When I went to get out my ID at the door I found the receipt for Martini's Above Fourth. Apparently I had picked up the entire tab for the group and left a very generous tip. Â It's amazing how a few martinis can make you feel like a millionaire! Â Next time, I'm being DD for sure!
Went on a Saturday night, live jazz by Michelle Shay and her pianist.
There's a main stage, with the dinner tables and lounge area surrounding it. Behind the lounge area is the bar section. My husband and I sat in the lounge, and enjoyed dinner and drinks.
They have a wide selection of martinis--anything from dessert, fruity, candy, signature to customized martinis, 4 pages full. They basically have their own menu. Warning: you can easily run a high tab, as martinis are from $10-14 each.
Very tasty martinis! Had the Lola's Bananas and the Banana Royale. The Lola's was just amazing (had 2!). The Banana Royale was a bit strong but also good! The only downside I would say would be the smoking on the balcony. It is outside technically but it's so inclosed it may as well be inside. Will be going back!!
Review Source:There are two types of places I enjoy visiting: one is so over-the-top, such that it becomes a perfect tourist spot (e.g., hash house a go go); and one is so-so but cozy, such that it becomes a local spot. Martinis above Fourth fits the second type perfectly.
I have been to MAF multiple times in the past months, whether it being an intimate evening, a impromptu friend reunion, or a low-key birthday celebration for Scruffy. MAF offers all the elements to make these occasions memorable: respectable crowds, live music, and obnoxiously strong drinks (well it's martinis after all). I only wish the lighting could be dimmer to allow for more intimacy.
One of my favorite happy hour spots to hit up after work. It's never too crowded and the specialty martini list is so extensive that my friend and I had to each make a list of ones that sounded good to us and narrow them down one by one to eventually decide. One of its biggest selling points to me is their $2 mini tini of the day. They're so cute! This and a full sized martini is about all I need for a quick happy hour to catch up with a friend. Their specialty martinis are a little pricey at $12, but I've purchased a few online deals for $25 worth for $12.50 so that makes it affordable. I can also stick with the $6 happy hour martinis if I feel like being frugal. Food wise, I've only tried the herb garlic brushetta and the seasoned fries--both fresh and delicious.
Review Source:Chic spot and as a straight guy I only come here with a lady by my side. Â It has nothing to do with insecurity but the doods here will eat you alive or try. Â Come here strictly for drinks and entertainment which accommodates a local piano player. Â I really enjoy my time here and drinks are worth the price, Â flavorful with a heavy punch.
Review Source:I've been told my first review reads like an advertisement or something written by an employee. But I am neither, hand to Buddha. Still I gotta agree it's too profuse in praise. Which is funny because I'm not even friends with anyone there. I don't know the owner or the name of anyone other than Federico (but, IMAO Federico is the only name I need to know ;-)
Maybe I was still brimming from my experience, but the food, entertainment, and prices were excellent. They seem new to the food part, which might explain why they are still working on consistent service. Our service (as I mentioned) was really fantastic.
We went for Valentine's Day, when a fixed, 5-course meal was being offered.  Hit and miss.  The overall ambiance and music were wonderful.  The facility is clean and the overall layout  is done well.
The major downfall was the service. Â We waited 15 minutes before a server checked in with us, were given cold soup, and then waited over an hour for our entrees. Â All in all though, for a holiday meal, that is to be expected. Â The quality of the food was good and once our service issues were worked out, things were much more streamline.
Of course, this place is known for their cocktails. Â They've got an extensive drink menu; aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the cocktails go down easily ;).
All in all, this is a fun place to go. Â The food is tasty and the drinks are well done. Â I don't think I would go back for a holiday again, but realistically, that's a tough night to judge an establishment.
Happy. Hour. Heaven!
Came here with about 10 others. We were able to sit comfortably in the balcony patio. There are space heaters on the patio ceiling, ask the waiter to turn on! Live music playing inside but the crowd seemed older (and now everyone who sits inside is going to hate me). There are so many drink options so if you're indecisive like me you might just be there forever.
I'm not into the fruity froo drinky poos. I do like top shelf, dirty, martinis. Bonus for blue cheese!
Enter the "Dirty Executive" martini. Belvedere vodka, fresh ground pepper, and hand stuffed blue cheese olives. Two of these and you are flying!
My only wish is that I could enjoy more of them before I get obnoxious and start knocking over delicate martini glasses!
Bring a date and your AmEx and you'll almost certainly get lucky.
This place was great. Â Nice ambiance (perfect warm up bar before hitting the dance clubs) and a great Martini menu. People in San Diego probably take a good martini bar for granted, but having nothing like this in LA I really appreciate it. The only other bar I've been to with a martini menu this vast is the Monkey Bar in Provincetown, another one of my favorites.
You have to take an elevator to get to this place, and the drinks are kinda pricey but they have so many concoctions and they are strong, so it's well worth it.
Friendly staff, comfortable booths, and a big video screen too. Saw a piano there but no one was playing it at the time we were there. Â I do remember them closing kinda early so we did feel a little rushed.
Stop by and give this place a try, if you like martini's you'll surely love this place,
This is your average piano bar (well they were playing piano when I was there). It had a nice vibe to it and the place was pretty kept up.
Me and a party of 2 decided to stop by and try it out. Our server came and took our order. The minute he came to the table he was basically rushing us and seemed to not be paying much attention to us. We put in an order for 2 martinis and he left.
When he came back 15 minutes later with the drinks, again he felt very distant and had a horrible attitude. Even when it came to getting the bill later on, he was on edge. Perhaps he had a bad day? Maybe.. even so, you do work in the food industry and you are working for your tips.
All in all, we had a bad experience. The martinis were of average size and pretty pricey. Definiately not a spot I would come to anytime soon.
Stacking the deck in any town are those popular but hidden neighborhood spots that reside outside of the trendy and tourist packed hell holes. The San Diego crowd is definitely holding an ace when it comes to Martinis Above Fourth.
The selection of infused vodkas is mind bending. The martinis are excellent and the balcony patio bar was at least above average. We didn't bother with food or entertainment, we were strictly there for strong drink and a few good laughs.
This may be a completely inflated review because it stems from an extremely positive experience during a night where La Jolla Playhouse and Martinis Above Fourth combined forces for a night that was pure awesomeness.  Don't get me wrong.  The martinis are out of this world and they have quite the intense selection with clever names (Who Needs a Man with the main ingredient of Effen Cucumber Vodka...I mean come on...funny!) makes this  place a treat on its own.
I don't know the feel of Martinis Above Fourth on its own, but I can tell you the night I went it felt somewhat magical. Â The work that The La Jolla Playhouse put on was "Sam Bendrix At The Bon Soir". Â I truly felt in that moment that I had indeed been transported to New York in the 1950s to hear this gentleman perform his last show and tell the story about the empty chair that he was hoping would be filled. I felt that this restaurant was a perfect venue for something like this.
I will definitely check out this venue again. Â I see they have events fairly often, so I will report back after going on a night where they are 100% Martinis Above Fourth. Â The experience was just so positive that I didn't want to wait to write this review
Made reservations through Open table the day before with a note that read "birthday", then called one hour prior to reservation to confirm that they got the note about the birthday. It was important that they knew because I had planned for the entertainment to sing to her. The host (or hospitality director?) confirmed that he saw that and would let the entertainer and server know. .... Well, he didn't so there went that.
Martinis: I ordered a "Georgia Peach" because I'm a fanatic about Sweet Tea vodka. Not only could I not taste the vodka but for some reason there was Frangelico (and a lot of it) which was not a part of the recipe.. I sent it back. Not only did they not offer to remake it but they wouldn't take it off the bill (and at $11+ per martini I want my damn drink) until I asked to see the bar manager. While he was rather condescending, I explained to him that I was a bartender and really just wanted what I ordered or nothing at all. He took it off the bill.
The birthday girl had the "pearl necklace" which was fantastic.
Food:
We ordered two appetizers to start: the mozzarella salad and something else i can't remember.. we never got either of them because our server left them in the kitchen until after our dinner. When we ordered dinner the server didn't understand us and couldn't answer any questions about the menu.
I ordered the Mahi-Mahi and was SO excited because I lived in Hawaii for several years and have become addicted. Unfortunately it was awful. Fishy, pre-frozen, not cooked correctly and the salsa it came with made me sick all night long.
The birthday girl ordered the Salmon; it too was tasteless and obviously pre-frozen. Neither were worth the $24 we paid for it... the rice pilaf was good though.
We gave it one last shot for dessert (at the time I thought they were still going to do the birthday song) which is the only reason we tried for something else. We ordered the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee which was not cooked.
The best part about our meal was the bread they serve before the appetizers (which we had to ask for because our server forgot that too).
Entertainment: Cheap, WAY TOO LOUD, and sounded like a good karaoke singer with a keyboard.
We will never be back to this place.. It's a b**** to find, overpriced, bad food, poor service, poor entertainment. Go to a real 4 star restaurant if you're going to pay those prices.
I thought of going to Martini's to kick off my birthday weekend last night but I just walked right by the place remembering why I stopped going there back in May of 2012. Â I was going there pretty regularly, until they messed up one night times three. Â Here's what happened:
1. Â Bartender surliness. Â I asked the bartender what his name was, and he immediately shot back at me, "what's yours?" without answering me. Â I think the guy was from a foreign country, but this is not what we do here in America. Â If you are serving me, I'd like to know your name. Â This is not a social situation and I wasn't trying to flirt with you.
2. Â My food order was messed up. Â They couldn't tell me where my food was. Â Apparently, they gave it to someone else who started eating it and they had to start anew for me. Â They gave me excuses before they fessed up to what really happened (yes, they lied to me). Â It was over ONE HOUR before I got my food, a simple appetizer order
3. Â A drink that two women on the patio bar bought for me did not show up on (or was not taken off) my bill. Â I only realized this when I left, after I paid. Â I guess it's my fault on that one, caveat emptor and all that.
So, no more Martini's. Â It's a shame because it seemed like it had so much potential.
Oh Yelp, you rarely disappoint me that this one is such a wonder.
Several Saturdays ago, it was date night with my mom and I decided to bring her here because of the famous martinis.
We entered, stood awkwardly by the door for about 5 minutes but no one came around to seat us even though there were servers walking around. So we took our seats and waited for another 20 minutes, trying to catch the server's eye or even the bartender's. NO such luck. Everyone just flat out ignored us for the entire time. I even went up to the bar and waited for the bartender to acknowledge me but nothing. Mind you, the bartender and the servers were interacting with other customers plenty. So we gave up and went to Jake's instead.
I have never been treated that way as a paying customer at ANY establishment, given that I am always more dressed up than down. I am wondering if it had been a men-only night (as we were the only women there when we went) and the management simply forgot to put a sign on the door. But if that is the case, one of the server's should have told us so. It would have much less offensive.
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
