Best Expresso Martinis on the UWS

The Upper West Side has become a strong neighborhood for espresso martinis, with options that range from classic versions to richer, dessert-style takes. It’s a good area if you want a serious cocktail without the crowded downtown scene, and you can find spots that focus on real espresso, balanced sweetness, and consistent quality. Whether you’re going out for a date, a pre- or post-Broadway drink, or just a late-night pick-me-up, there are a few reliable places worth knowing.

Canto is currently one of the most talked-about stops because of its Frozen Espresso Martini. It’s blended with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, vanilla beans, and vanilla syrup, and topped with mascarpone and Baileys, so it leans strongly into a dessert style. This is a good choice if you want something rich, cold, and visually appealing, especially for group dinners or celebrations where people want a drink that feels indulgent and different from a standard cocktail.

Da Capo on Columbus functions as both a café and a cocktail bar, which suits an espresso martini well. With a full coffee setup and a focused cocktail list, the drink here tends to highlight the espresso more than the sweetness. The atmosphere is polished but not overly formal, making it a solid option for people who care about the coffee component and want a straightforward, strong, and well-balanced version.

Carmine’s on the Upper West Side, known mainly for its large-format Italian dishes, also serves an espresso martini that fits its big, celebratory vibe. Their version uses vanilla vodka, Borghetti espresso liqueur, and espresso, landing somewhere between an after-dinner coffee and a dessert drink. It works well at the end of a long meal or for group occasions where everyone wants one more drink without committing to a separate bar stop.

Choosing between these options depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a dessert-like, attention-grabbing drink, Canto is the most obvious pick. If you prefer a more coffee-forward, classic approach, Da Capo is a better fit. If you’re already out for a big Italian meal and want to finish with something both caffeinated and boozy, Carmine’s is convenient and on-theme. Across all three, you can improve your order by asking about sweetness, adjusting it to your taste, and, if needed, checking on decaf or half-caf options so the caffeine level matches your plans for the rest of the night.