The 5 Best Cocktails Around Martinsburg

Martinsburg may be better known for its Civil War roots than its cocktail scene, but don’t let that fool you—this town knows how to pour. From speakeasy-inspired lounges to farm-born distilleries, the Eastern Panhandle is home to creative mixologists who are turning local ingredients into liquid gold. And thanks to the Best of the Best contest, the spotlight is finally on the bars and lounges crafting drinks that go well beyond well drinks. Whether you’re chasing a smoked old fashioned or a perfectly balanced espresso martini, these spots are worth a visit (or three).

Black Draft Farm & Distillery

Located on the rolling farmland just outside Martinsburg, Black Draft Farm & Distillery isn’t just pouring cocktails — it’s growing them. This family-run operation crafts its own bourbon, vodka, and moonshine from locally sourced corn and limestone-filtered spring water. That grain-to-glass philosophy fuels a tasting room menu full of handcrafted cocktails that highlight the house spirits in seasonal and signature recipes. Their relaxed, rural vibe pairs seamlessly with a passion for West Virginia-made quality, making each pour feel personal.

Kitzie's Restaurant & Lounge

Kitzie’s is the kind of neighborhood place where everyone feels like a regular by round two. Tucked off Rock Cliff Drive, the restaurant’s full-service bar offers a cocktail selection that’s both crowd-pleasing and carefully executed. Margaritas, mojitos, and house martinis are popular picks, but what keeps guests coming back is the easygoing atmosphere and warm hospitality. With live music and local flavor on the menu—both culinary and conversational—it’s a true local lounge.

The Copper Still Pub & Grill

With a name like Copper Still, you’d expect this spot to take its liquor seriously—and it does. This polished pub delivers a refined yet approachable cocktail experience, balancing barroom comfort with upscale flavors. The menu rotates regularly and includes standouts like flavored martinis, spiked lemonades, and bourbon-forward classics. Tucked inside a rustic-chic space on Winchester Avenue, The Copper Still is a go-to for folks who want a strong pour without the downtown fuss.

Brix 27

While Brix 27 is known primarily for its wine cellar, the cocktail program here is anything but an afterthought. This downtown bistro serves up creative concoctions that match its culinary ambitions—think infused spirits, bitters, and garnishes that take themselves just seriously enough. Whether you’re pairing your drink with tapas or just sliding into the bar for a round, the bartenders know their way around a shaker. It’s a spot where cocktail culture and fine dining naturally intertwine.

Stoney's Whiskey Wine & Raw Bar

Stoney’s doesn’t just serve cocktails—they curate an experience. As the name suggests, whiskey and wine are foundational here, but the cocktail list pulls its weight with inventive riffs on classics and spirit-forward signatures that elevate the usual bar fare. Add in an oyster bar, moody lighting, and exposed brick, and you’ve got a vibe that leans urban chic without leaving Martinsburg’s historic downtown. It’s where mixology meets raw bar cool.

Thanks, ChatGPT.