Enjoy a martini at these northern Illinois bars for World Martini Day

World Martini Day is the third Saturday in June, which falls on June 21 this year.

The martini is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made with gin or vodka and sweet or dry vermouth, it can be served with garnishes like olives, lemons or cherries. Additional spirits and ingredients can be added to create an unlimited variety of flavored martinis.

Northern Illinois is home to many great restaurants and bars, and there are plenty of places to enjoy a delicious martini to celebrate any occasion.

To find out where to get the best martini in Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties and the Illinois Valley area, we asked our readers to weigh in for the Shaw Media Best of the Fox, Best of the Illinois Valley and DeKalb County’s Finest contests. The results are in, and here is where you’ll find the top-rated martinis in 2024, as voted by audiences.

The votes are being counted and will be released soon for the 2025 Best of the Fox Valley, Best of the Illinois Valley and DeKalb County’s Finest contests, so stay tuned for the latest results for Best Martini and many additional categories.

BEST OF THE FOX

KANE COUNTY

BEST MARTINI: Balmoral Restaurant, 40W099 Route 64, St. Charles

Balmoral Restaurant is an authentic, fine-dining Scottish restaurant in Campton Hills, just west of St. Charles. Just a few of the custom martinis on the menu include Mr. Connery’s 007, with Greenall’s Gin, St Elder Elderflower Liqueur, Earl Grey-infused simple syrup, and lemon juice, garnished with lemon peel. The Chocolate Indulgence includes Grey Goose Vanilla Vodka, decadent Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Dark Crème De Cacao, and simple syrup, dusted with chocolate. And the Big Blue Olive is 50% Greenall’s Gin, 50% Tito’s Vodka and three blue cheese-stuffed olives on a stick with a lemon peel twist. Enjoy your cocktail with an authentic Scottish meal, like Bangers and Mash, traditional Shepherd’s Pie or the Manor House Duck.

ONE OF THE BEST: The Turf Room, 650 Randall Crossing Lane, North Aurora

The Turf Room’s signature martini list includes such gems as Son Kist, with Ketel One vodka, triple sec and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and the Pom-A Dor, with pearl pomegranate vodka, Cointreau, fresh pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice and simple syrup, just to name a few.

ONE OF THE BEST: Alchemist, 477 S. 3rd St., Geneva

The Alchemist’s menu offers a variety of custom cocktails made with unique ingredients, including the Hanky Panky, which has Windows Sunrise Gin, vermouth and Fernet; and The White Lady, which has lemon, simple syrup, dry Curacao, gin and egg white.

McHENRY COUNTY

BEST MARTINI: Golden Rolls, 790 Eastwood Drive, Woodstock

Golden Rolls Sushi Bar and Grill has a huge menu of sushi, fried rice, soups, salads, appetizers and more to enjoy with your martini. A full bar is available.

ONE OF THE BEST: Winestock Market & Lounge, 136 Cass St., Woodstock

Winestock is a boutique wine bar and retail shop. Guests are invited to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine while relaxing with friends.

ONE OF THE BEST: Da Baffone Cucina Italiana, 111 N. Main St., Crystal Lake

Da Baffone is a family-owned Italian restaurant in downtown Crystal Lake that focuses on authentic southern Italian cuisine. With the ambiance of the Tuscan countryside, the restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail with a delicious Italian meal.

DeKALB COUNTY’S FINEST

BEST MARTINI: Pub 64, 332 W. State St., Sycamore

Pub 64 is a bar and grill located in the heart of downtown Sycamore. Known for their outstanding burgers, Pub 64 also has a full service bar and a comfortable atmosphere.

ONE OF THE BEST: Nat’s on Maple, 112 S. Maple St., Sycamore

Nat’s on Maple offers a sophisticated dining experience in downtown Sycamore that offers trendy comfort food and a full service bar. Nat’s is open for lunch and dinner.

ONE OF THE BEST: Ellwood Steak and Fish House, 2219 Sycamore Road, DeKalb

A terrific upscale dining spot in DeKalb, Ellwood Steak and Fish House has a full dining room, as well as the adjacent 1879 Lounge, where you can sip on a handcrafted martini. Top off your meal with a tiramisu dessert martini. Ellwood serves both lunch and dinner.

BEST OF THE ILLINOIS VALLEY

BEST MARTINI: The Study Supper Club, 414 1st St., La Salle

The Study Supper Club brings a classic supper club atmosphere to the Illinois Valley. Highlights on the menu include prime rib, filet Bordelaise, and Chilean sea bass, as well as a variety of pasta, chicken and seafood dishes. The Study is only open for dinner.

ONE OF THE BEST: Garzanelli’s Supper Club, 750 N. Columbia Ave., Oglesby

A classic, old-school supper club, Garzanelli’s has been a staple in Oglesby since 1918. Step back in time to enjoy a martini (or glass of wine) with authentic Italian cuisine, fried chicken, fresh seafood or impeccable steaks. Garzanelli’s is open for dinner.

ONE OF THE BEST: Uptown Grill, 601 1st St., La Salle

A sophisticated atmosphere awaits guests at this popular downtown restaurant that has been a staple in La Salle for 40 years. Uptown has an extensive craft cocktail menu, which includes a martini list featuring the French martini, lemon drop martini, sunset martini, espresso martini and more. Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week, with seasonal specials in addition to the regular full menu that includes salads, sandwiches, fresh seafood, charbroiled steaks and much more.