If you had to distill Tortoise Supper Club to its very essence, it would come down to four timeless symbols. The Tortoise. The Oysters. The Piano. And finally, the Martini.
The Tortoise
Consistent. Classic. Timeless. All the things we strive to be. The tortoise reminds us to admire the qualities of consistency, humility, and taking the long way. It motivates us to see the possibility of winning the race without needing to announce it to the room. With, of course, the occasional touch of wit.
The Oysters
Cold, crisp, briny, and refreshing. The oyster is a small celebration of the ocean placed directly onto your table in River North. Every oyster shell is a tiny piece of the deep sea that somehow found its way to downtown Chicago.
The Piano
At the heart of our lounge sits a 1919 Steinway concert grand piano, gifted to Keene’s grandmother on her tenth birthday. It has become part of the soul of Tortoise. There is something about seeing that piano that instantly changes the room. Whatever you choose to eat or drink tastes better when live jazz becomes the soundtrack to your evening.
The Martini
Very few cocktails carry the same timeless silhouette. The martini belongs to everyone and no one simultaneously. It is elegant without trying too hard. Confident without being loud. It quietly invites people to sit down, sip slowly, and connect.
Those who don’t consider themselves “martini drinkers” are still drawn to that iconic glass. Something about a martini feels celebratory. Cinematic. Cool in the most unbothered way possible.
Because the martini is such an essential part of the soul of Tortoise Supper Club, we dedicate an entire week to celebrating it every summer.
During Martini Week, guests enjoy our House Martinis at the special Martini Week price of $4.95—regularly $14—with the purchase of an entrée.
Seasoned martini drinkers know exactly who they are.
They know their gin. They know their vodka. They know whether they prefer a twist or olives. They know precisely how cold they want the glass.
Frankly, martini drinkers can be wonderfully particular people.
And we love them for it.
That is why the foundation of our cocktail program has always been “Martini Your Way.” We are not here to tell guests how they should enjoy a martini. Instead, we are here to serve it the way they love it—beautifully chilled, properly prepared, and presented in crystal glassware while jazz hums softly in the background.
However, Martini Week is also for the first-time martini drinker. The curious observer.
It is for the person who has stared blankly at a martini menu without knowing what “dirty,” “dry,” or “up” actually meant.
Perhaps you’ve admired the martini from afar, assuming the glass was reserved for experts, purists, or glamorous people in old films.
We promise: it is not.
Martini Week at Tortoise is your invitation to cross over.
No pressure, no judgment, and no memorization required.
Just sit back, listen to the jazz, and allow us to guide you toward your version—whether that means vodka or gin, a whisper of vermouth, extra olives, or simply starting with what sounds good to you.
Because we believe there is no perfect martini. There is only your martini.
And we look forward to saving you a seat during Martini Week at Tortoise Supper Club.