The Fairmont Olympic’s Terrace Lounge, with its upholstered Empire club chairs, patterned

Published 7:00 am Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Fairmont Olympic’s Terrace Lounge, with its upholstered Empire club chairs, patterned carpet, and tabletop flowers, hosts downtown’s poshest happy hour. There’s even a piano player on weekend nights. But sophistication is remarkably affordable here: A double-pour martini made with Plymouth gin goes for an astounding $7, and is so perfectly proportioned that it makes every drinker feel like a room key–carrying bigwig instead of a midday interloper. HANNA RASKIN 411 University St., 621-1700, fairmont.com