Your Official (Unofficial) Guide to Espresso Martinis in Midtown Carmel

Published July 13, 2026

Let's be honest — the espresso martini is having a moment, and nobody's complaining. Equal parts cocktail and life support, it's the drink that somehow justifies staying out past 10 PM on a Tuesday. And if you live in or around Midtown Carmel, you are in luck: this little stretch of Indiana has quietly become a legitimately great place to find one. Here's a roundup of our favorites — and a few we haven't gotten to yet but you absolutely should.

1933 Lounge by St. Elmo

If you want your espresso martini to feel like a whole vibe, start here. 1933 Lounge on South Rangeline Road is pure speakeasy energy — moody lighting, dark walls, and a cocktail program that means business. Their espresso martini is built on freshly pulled Hubbard & Cravens espresso, Barkeep vanilla vodka, Nocello walnut liqueur, 8th Day Coffee Liqueur, and Bittermens chocolate bitters. It comes with that gorgeous frothy top and clocks in at $15. Worth every cent. Just note: it's 21+ only, so plan accordingly.

Anthony's Chophouse

Anthony's on West Main Street is best known as Midtown's go-to steakhouse, but their bar deserves its own spotlight. They take their martini game seriously — seriously enough that they branded it "Tini Time" — and the cocktail menu rotates with creative, seasonally-driven options. They just picked up a Wine Spectator 2026 Award of Excellence, which tells you everything you need to know about the level of care going into every glass. Grab a seat at the bar top (open from 4 PM) and ask your bartender what's currently on the coffee cocktail rotation. You won't be steered wrong.

101 Craft Kitchen

Chef-owned and locally focused, 101 Craft Kitchen on South Rangeline Road takes the same seasonal, fresh-ingredient approach to their cocktails as they do their food. Their espresso martini features Wheatley Vodka, Kahlua, Averna Amaro, and Hubbard & Cravens espresso — finished with fresh coffee beans on top. The Averna adds a pleasantly bitter herbal note that makes this one a little more interesting than your average pour. Pro tip: happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 PM, and craft cocktails drop to $9. That's a deal worth planning around.

Muldoon's Irish Pub

An espresso martini at an Irish pub? Hear us out. Muldoon's on West Main Street has been voted Best Neighborhood Bar by City Voter five years running, and with a fireplace, live music, trivia nights, and a full bar, it's one of those places where you just end up staying longer than planned. We'll be honest its not espresso, but coffee, but it's still very good and worth the stop.

Josephine

One of Midtown's newest arrivals, Josephine at 110 W Main Street brings French-inspired food and drinks to the neighborhood with the kind of effortless elegance that makes you want to linger. Their cocktail program leans into the French bistro aesthetic — and while we can't speak to a specific espresso martini recipe, the overall bar program is thoughtful enough that it's absolutely worth stopping in to see what they're shaking up. Think of it as homework.

Sun King Spirits

Sun King on Monon Boulevard is technically a brewery and distillery, but don't sleep on their cocktail offerings. They've featured an "Espresso 'Only' Martini" — a spirit-free take on the classic — which is a nice touch for those who want the experience without the buzz. Their house-made spirits fuel the full cocktail menu, and the setting (steps from the Monon Trail, with La Margarita and The Den by FoxGardin sharing the space) makes it one of the most fun hangout spots in the area. Open late on weekends.

Adagio Lounge at Hotel Carmichael

For maximum ambiance, it's hard to top Adagio Lounge inside the Hotel Carmichael. Grand piano. Wood-burning fireplace. Live music from the Great American Songbook. Craft cocktails until midnight. Honestly, the setting alone would sell you a glass of water. Their full bar service means a well-made espresso martini is always an option — we'll let you discover the details for yourself. Post-Palladium nightcap, anyone?

Fork + Ale House

Fork + Ale House on Veterans Way is a Midtown staple with a great patio, bocce ball, and a craft beer and cocktail program that keeps evolving. Their cocktail list has expanded in recent years as they've grown their spirits offerings, and it's well worth a visit to see what they're pouring. We haven't confirmed a specific espresso martini recipe from them yet — but with a bar this fun, we'll be going back to check.

The List Is Still Growing

Here's the thing — Midtown Carmel has no shortage of great bars, and we know we haven't tried them all yet. If you consider yourself an espresso martini connoisseur (no judgment, we get it), add all of these to your rotation and report back. There are plenty more spots in the neighborhood still on our list. The research continues — and honestly, that's the best kind of homework.