Bemelmans Bar
4.3(877)google
3.9(445)yelp
Date SpotNight-FriendlyIndoorLuxuryLocal FavoriteLive MusicArtFolk Culture
Overview
Bemelmans Bar, nestled beautifully inside the historic Carlyle Hotel on Manhattan's Upper East Side, is the ultimate old-world sanctuary of timeless New York sophistication and live jazz elegance. Named after Ludwig Bemelmans, the celebrated creator of the Madeline children's books, the venue boasts incredible original whimsically painted murals of Central Park across its walls, complemented by a gold-leaf ceiling. Discerning patrons sink into plush leather booths to sip expertly mixed classic martinis, enjoy world-class nightly piano performances, and experience the quiet luxury of high-society Manhattan history.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeA world-renowned indoor institution open year-round. Arriving between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM on Sunday-Tuesday is best to minimize the legendary lines. Savor a masterfully made Martini under Ludwig Bemelmans' historic gold-leaf illustrations.
Getting ThereNestled within The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel at 35 E 76th St on the Upper East Side. Take the 6 subway train to the 77th St station and walk west to Madison Avenue. Note that a smart-casual dress code is strictly enforced at the door.
Travel Tips
- Tucked inside The Carlyle, a mandatory live music cover charge ($35-$50 per person) automatically appends to your tab starting at 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM nightly during the piano sets, completely separate from your expensive cocktail bill.
- The venue enforces a strict walk-in only policy with zero online reservations; weekend evening wait times routinely exceed 2 hours, so arrive by 3:30 PM to secure a table before the musical rush begins.
- A strict smart casual/elegant dress code is monitored; open-toe sandals, flip-flops, athletic gym shorts, ripped denim, or oversized graphic hoodies are banned, and hostesses will turn away improperly attired patrons at the door.
Reviews
Positive
- Nestled in the iconic Carlyle Hotel, the walls covered in genuine 'Madeline' murals sketched by Ludwig Bemelmans himself are stunning, full of timeless classical luxury.
- Classic live jazz piano complements the dim, golden, moody ambiance, crafting NYC's most peaceful, elegant, and historic premium social lounge.
- The staff are incredibly polite and professional in every way; the premium specialty cocktails served in fine silver and crystal are flawless, and facilities are spotlessly clean.
Heads up
- The pricing threshold is steep, with simple cocktails and small plates being overpriced; furthermore, peak evening showtimes incur heavy cover charges, reducing its value.
- Due to high popularity, long lines form in the evening; tables inside are packed close together, and the communal buzz during peak hours can feel a bit noisy.
- The venue enforces strict dress code etiquette (banning shorts and sandals), which poses rigid limits and discomfort for travelers seeking a casual, laid-back vacation style.