Wichita's 11 Best Espresso Martini Spots, According to Readers

The Rise of the Espresso Martini in Wichita

In recent years, the espresso martini has become a staple on cocktail menus across Wichita. This unique drink, which blends energy and relaxation, has seen a significant resurgence over the past few years, especially in the local bar scene. Whether it's the classic version or a creative twist, nearly every establishment in the city offers some form of this popular cocktail.

The espresso martini was first created in the 1980s by a bartender named Dick Bradsell in London. According to legend, he designed the drink for a model who wanted something that would both wake her up and get her drunk. While it fell out of favor for a time, the cocktail made a comeback around 2021, fueled by the growing coffee culture and an increasing demand for sophisticated drinks.

A Growing Trend in Wichita

One of the most notable places where the espresso martini has taken off is at Grow, a plant store and cocktail bar located at 320 N. Market in Wichita. The bar has seen such high demand for its espresso martinis that it started offering flights of five different variations. These include the classic, sea salt caramel, honey lavender, dirty chai, and almond delight. The flights are set to return this fall, with two rich, frothy options currently available: the classic and the dirty chai espresso martini.

Emily Fertner, the bar manager and event planner at Grow, says that customer interest in espresso martinis continues to grow each year. She notes that the key to a great espresso martini is using quality ingredients, particularly freshly brewed espresso. "It has to be just made," she explains. "That way, you get the good foam on top and the good presentation." Traditional garnishes like three coffee beans symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.

Reader-Approved Favorites

To determine which local bars and restaurants serve the best espresso martinis in Wichita, I asked readers to share their recommendations. Nearly 150 responses were received, leading to an unscientific but informative list of the city’s top spots. According to the feedback, Georges French Bistro takes the top spot, with its espresso martini made using a fresh shot of espresso. The restaurant served 3,015 of these drinks in 2024, making it the fourth most popular item after French onion soup, steak frites, and berry pavlova.

Top Picks from Readers

Here are some of the other standout locations:

• Good Company Taps & Spirits – Located at 930 W. Douglas, this cocktail bar also operates as a daytime coffee shop called Pennant. It offers a classic espresso martini and a seasonal version made with clarified Oreo milk and Oreo cold foam.

• Siena Tuscan Steakhouse – Situated inside the Ambassador Hotel at 104 S. Broadway, Siena highlights its "bold, smooth" espresso martini on National Martini Day in June.

• The Candle Club – This private club at 6135 E. 13th St. serves an espresso martini made with Stoli vanilla vodka, espresso, Spirit Hound Cafe, creme de cacao, and half and half.

• Lotte – This fine dining restaurant at 320 S. Market uses Le Bon orange whiskey from Una Vida Tequila to craft its espresso martini.

Other notable mentions include First Mile Kitchen, Larcher’s Market, Chester’s Chophouse, and Grow Plant Bar. Additionally, several other restaurants, such as Napoli, Vorshay's Cocktail Lounge, The Sweet Spot, Cocoa Dolce, Flight 1868, YaYa's Eurobistro, and Layali, have been praised for their espresso martinis.

Conclusion

With its unique blend of caffeine and alcohol, the espresso martini has found a special place in Wichita’s nightlife. Whether you're looking for a classic recipe or a creative twist, there's no shortage of options to choose from. As the trend continues to grow, it's clear that the espresso martini is here to stay.