And in very much the opposite corner, fighting it out--as usual--with The Shelter (and Kingfisher) is the bar at Sullivan's, the sleek, mahoganied perch of gin-and vodka-swilling River Road professionals. The full rack of gussied-up signature martinis is headed up by the delicious, pineapple-infused, not-that-alcoholic Knockout, the perfect martini for people who don't actually like them--and we do mean that in the nicest way. The fast, kindly and utterly professional bartenders undoubtedly make terrific real martinis, too. We've just never been able to get past the Knockout jar to find out.
Runner up:
3. Kingfisher Bar and Grill, 2564 E. Grant Road, 323-7739, www.kingfisherbarandgrill.com