Val Smith
I went to Martinis for $5 well drinks . The atmosphere was excellent. The building is beautiful. The bartender was great. Great fun .
… moreJoe M
Ive gone twice. Once a year ago and there were 3 of us in the whole bar. Once recently with a very large group. Upon getting there we found the bar already had a very large group inside. There was a single bartender working, did not get her name but she’s short and red headed. She did such an incredible job handling so many people by herself. Ive seen bars with less patrons and more bartenders provide far worse service.
Also its beautiful inside. Photos are from my first visit when the place was nearly empty!
… moreDavid Vega (Tridence)
#MartinisonWater: Where #Peoria’s Railroad History Meets Modern Sophistication.
Located in the historic heart of Peoria, Illinois, Martinis on Water is more than just a place to enjoy a top-notch cocktail; it’s a celebration of the city’s rich history and vibrant present. Nestled near the once-bustling railroad that helped shape Peoria’s early economy, this upscale bar offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern elegance. It is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience Peoria’s legacy with a dash of class.
A Nod to Peoria’s Railroad Past:
The railroad was crucial in Peoria’s rise as a Midwest hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Water Street, with its proximity to the Illinois River, was a critical artery for trade and travel, and today, Martinis on Water pays homage to that history by offering a venue steeped in local significance. The building’s architecture is a subtle nod to the industrial era, blending old-world brick facades with sleek modern interiors—bridging Peoria’s storied past with its bright, modern future.
Crafted Cocktails with Historical Elegance:
Whether you’re drawn in by Peoria’s rich history or seek an elevated martini experience, Martinis on Water delivers on all fronts. Their cocktail menu features expertly crafted martinis, each with its character and depth. The Railroad Martini, for instance, captures the essence of Peoria’s dynamic spirit—bold, smooth, and unforgettable. If you want something refreshing, the Peoria Peach Martini adds a delightful twist to your evening, blending local flavors with a contemporary flair.
Atmosphere That Captures the Spirit of Peoria:
One step inside Martinis on Water, and you’ll feel the inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere that has quickly made it a favorite among locals. The bar’s chic interior, with its plush seating and ambient lighting, provides the perfect backdrop for intimate conversations and lively gatherings.
For those looking to enjoy a warm evening by the river, the outdoor seating area offers a breathtaking view of Peoria’s historic waterfront, creating a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
An Experience Unlike Any Other:
Martinis on Water is not just about the drinks—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re relaxing after work, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying Peoria’s nightlife, this bar offers a perfect blend of history, style, and impeccable service. Their attention to detail, from the expertly mixed martinis to the warm, inviting atmosphere, ensures that every visit is remembered.
Step Into Peoria’s Past, One Sip at a Time
So, the next time you find yourself on Water Street, take a moment to step inside Martinis on Water. You’ll not only be treated to some of the best martinis in town but also a piece of Peoria’s rich railroad history. It’s a destination where every drink tells a story, and every visit feels like a nod to the past while embracing the vibrant present.
#Tridence #hospitality
… moreTraci Tepen
This place was exactly what I thought it would be. The atmosphere was so neat. There were seats with tables and seats at the bar such a great start to a night out! Now let’s talk about the martinis…… so the menu can seam a little much but they have the menu on their website with full description of each one and I decided to choose 2 before we went so I can try them…. first was the chocolate covered cherry martini….. so delicious and tasted exactly like a chocolate covered cherry in a glass. next was the Famous bomb pop and that is what it tasted like for sure and it was so pretty and layered like a bomb pop so good next time I will be getting the less sweet ones but so good!! If you go check out the menu before hand so you know what you can look forward to or just have one of the wait staff to surprise you I know you won’t be disappointed
… morestarwarsrules2 “Carrie” Meagher
We had a lot fun. Great drinks made with Chopin Vodka! The band was entertaining.
… morePhil Davis
$5 martinis on Monday nights is amazing. Happy hour 4-6 on Fridays. Bar tenders are great. Love the atmosphere of the old train station bar.
… moreNorine George
Great ambiance. My complaints are as follows: No red, yellow, and green sugar on my Jamaicatini. Those colors are important to the culture (I’m from the Virgin Islands so it’s my culture too), so without it the drink is a basic martini with no identity. No wow factor! The pics below are exactly 10 years apart! The dressed one was made in 2012 for my college graduation. The size of the glass and the effort in the presentation is vastly different! And by the way, I know it wasn’t the correct flavor when I tasted it and you can see from the pics they are 2 different drinks! They said they haven’t been putting sugar on the rim for about a month! Hello…the name of the business is Martini’s! We want the drinks to be well dressed fully at all times! NO excuses! Sugar is a cheap garnish. For the cost of the drink, several bags of sugar could’ve been bought. It definitely changed my experience for sure. I felt the customer experience wasn’t considered.
Also, the bartenders didn’t acknowledge me when I walked up to the bar. They weren’t busy. One was helping a customer but he could’ve said ‘I’d be right with you.’ to let me know I was seen. The other was openly texting until he told her to help me…no effort on her part to move until then. So service and effort to live up to the Martinis name and vibe was lacking…considering there’s a cover charge. I actually had better service years ago when they were always packed elbow to elbow and you got so excited about the drinks that you’d wait forever for it if you had to because of tbe vibe and the excitement and passion the bartenders had making the drinks! They aimed to please! ♀️
… moreRich KR
Oooh how atmospheric cocktail bar, drink bar, pub. The decor from a bygone era transfers to the first half of the 20th century. Excitable service and everything neat. I want to stay here as long as possible.
… moreShawn Carroll
I came for martinis, and left with a friend for life. Brandon is a machine. Give that man a raise. He was left alone on a concert night and SLAYED.
… moreMalia Lewis
This is a very unsafe and discriminatory place for any person to attend. The bouncer at this bar harassed my friend in the bathroom because he thought he was a trans male. He first asked one of my other friends if it was a male that went into the bathroom. My friend told him yes and the bouncer said… “but he had tits”. It is very creepy first of all for him to even be regarding another human being this way. He then entered into the men’s bathroom after my friend and while he was using an actual urinal because he is a man, asked to see his ID and asked him if he was a man. My friend was incredibly upset by this as was his entire family and our whole group. It was very humiliating for him. We decided to take our business elsewhere after this. One of the workers was informed of what happened and did not offer even to give us the money we JUST paid to get into their establishment or offer any other condolences. The front door worker then yelled at our entire group that we needed to leave because we were standing outside trying to regroup and figure out where to go next. This is very clearly an unsafe and unfriendly environment for anyone who does not appear to be heterosexual or cisgendered. I imagine it is also not safe for anyone who uses the bathrooms there because there is a possibility that this man will come in and accost you to try to find out what is between your legs. I am very disgusted with all of the people in this establishment and I expect the owner to do something drastic about this place. We are definitely telling everyone we know about our experience there. You don’t deserve to have a business if you are discriminating against ANYONE or making ANYONE feel unsafe.
P. S. The music was also terrible and incredibly piercing to my ears. Overall my experience at this place has never been good. Every time I have gone in there it has had a vibe of being extremely stuck up.
… more