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Bemelmans Bar

Bemelmans Bar

Hotel Bar and Cocktail Bar$$$$
Upper East Side, New York
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9.0/10
556
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Go here. Experience the jazz music. It's worth it.
  • Tips
    ❀✿ YIᑎG ✿❀
    "Love the artwork on the walls by Ludwig Bemelman!"(7 Tips)
    Arah C.
    "The Passion Royale was definitely my favorite!"(4 Tips)
    Susie B.
    "Drink martinis and classic cocktails while listening to live music"(5 Tips)
    Leszek D.
    "Stop in, unwind, listen to some amazing live jazz."(4 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon127 Tips and reviews
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  • jazz music
  • good for dates
  • passion royale
  • ludwig bemelman
  • murals
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  • Time Out New York
    Time Out New YorkDecember 19, 2017
    You can sip on some of Bemelmans' famous cocktails like the Red Velvet (rye whiskey, spiced plum syrup, egg white, fresh lemon juice, bee pollen) and the Luxury Sidecar. Read more
    Upvoted Aug 25
  • Yerelyn C.
    Yerelyn C.April 7, 2013
    Go in the evenings from 5:30-8:30pm & to listen to piano & great music. Great options to select from including drinks and appetizers. After 9:30 there's a cover fee of $30 p/p table $ $15 p/p at bar.
  • Alex M.
    Alex MizrahiJune 17, 2013
    "Ten or fifteen years ago, it was hard to get a decent drink in New York, particularly if you wanted anything other than a martini. Back then, my wife and I, unburdened by offspring or daytime jobs.." Read more
  • Aubrie A.heart icon on user image
    Aubrie AhmadpourJanuary 14, 2020
    This is the classic and romanticized version of the city we love, and it’s still very much alive at the Carlyle. This gorgeous bar and the charming staff never disappoint!
  • PureWow
    PureWowApril 14, 2017
    Sure, $23 is pretty steep for a cocktail, but it’s worth every penny when you get to soak up the ritzy, old-world atmosphere at this Upper East Side institution. Read more
  • Katerina K.
    Katerina KuvNovember 8, 2022
    Iconic bar with the golden Celling, unreal paintings on the walls. Piano and jazz music in the evening. Noisy, better to reserve the table in advance. Cocktails, beer and champagne exist
  • Matthew T.heart icon on user image
    Matthew TringaliMay 25, 2015
    Whatever your budget, find a way to make a date night here. Drinks are expensive, but worth it. Stay after 9p for great music that will make you think you stepped back in time. Dress for the occasion.
  • Bokyung P.
    Bokyung ParkJanuary 18
    Artist and author, Ludwig Bemelman painted a mural that expressed the four seasons of Central Park.It‘s a bit loud, but I’m sure it‘s a New Yorker-style place with excellent performance.
  • Marie L.heart icon on user image
    Marie La RueApril 18, 2022
    Step right into old NY.Masterful decor and atmosphere, staff at the top of their game, talented musicians play all night long. Expensive drinks but this is a top dollar venue. Good bar bites.
  • The Corcoran Group
    The Corcoran GroupSeptember 23, 2011
    Holy Art Deco – check out that gold leaf ceiling – the atmosphere is unlike anything else in NYC. Enjoyed best with a few friends who love a classic cocktail and pleasant music.
  • Brant M.heart icon on user image
    Brant McQuittyApril 16, 2016
    Best martinis and bar snacks on the UES, not to mention the Bemelman murals play nicely agains the dark space and great jazz trio.
  • DHR.com
    DHR.comFebruary 14, 2012
    This historical landmark and restaurant's namesake is Madeline creator Ludwig Bemelman. Both kids and adults will have the best time admiring the great food, artworks, and decor here.
  • ❀✿ YIᑎG ✿❀heart icon on user image
    Love the artwork on the walls by Ludwig Bemelman! Instantly brings me back to my childhood with Madeline! Great atmosphere which I definitely recommend people to check out.
  • Alexandre M.heart icon on user image
    Alexandre MunhozFebruary 24
    A NYC classic. Despite it has become a huge tourist attraction, the service and the charm remained unchanged. Quality of cocktails as well.
  • Julie T.heart icon on user image
    Julie TringaliMay 25, 2015
    Passion royale is so good. Live jazz music is better. Great service. Wish there were more diversity. You should go with Matt Tringali to top off the best evening out.
  • MrsCorksterheart icon on user image
    MrsCorksterAugust 20, 2015
    Fantastic service from Lori at the bar. They don't typically serve bar food until 5 p.m., but ask nicely and they will have the kitchen whip up something. Also, perfect Aperol spritz.
  • À LA GARÇONNE MEUF
    À LA GARÇONNE MEUFAugust 20, 2014
    Order the perfect dirty martini, people watch while snacking on cheese twists, and cape code chips. Dress code: cocktail chic no sneakers and cutoffs, remember you're at The Carlyle!
  • IrmaZandl Z.heart icon on user image
    IrmaZandl ZandlSlantDecember 17, 2014
    OMG love this place. Quite spendy but so "grown up" and fab. To get a good table you've got to be here by 5:30.
  • Cree L.heart icon on user image
    Cree LawsonSeptember 17, 2012
    Don't be fooled by Bourdain. We went here, paid $27 for a glass of wine. And were serenaded by Children of Hotel Guests. Hardly the place for a romantic drink. This is a Hotel Bar with great art.
    Upvoted Aug 13
  • Jastine K.heart icon on user image
    Jastine KhoJuly 11, 2016
    Great jazz music. Come on a Sunday night- it's not as crowded. Also, be warned that they strictly enforce their dress code. No shorts ladies and gents!
  • Nathan S.
    Nathan SukonikFebruary 17, 2018
    #madeline and one of the great UPE bars with old school tunes, piano and cocktails
  • Aaron P.heart icon on user image
    Aaron PangMay 7, 2019
    Been here 5+ times
    An institution. The vibes on Friday night with live pink is incredible.
  • Narma L.
    Great place to enjoy a quiet, yet entertaining night on the UES. Devoid of the b&t crowd from New Jersey who swarm venues in Midtown and Chelsea.
  • Amy R.heart icon on user image
    Amy RobertsonMarch 17, 2016
    An absolutely lovely experience. Grab a seat at the bar, order a martini, and listen to the classics from the piano man
  • Travel Channel
    Travel ChannelNovember 14, 2011
    At the only place where Bemelman’s art work is publicly displayed, Tony has a martini saying “a room like this calls for a classic.” As seen on Travel Channel’s The Layover with Anthony Bourdain.
  • Lauren
    LaurenMarch 30, 2014
    Sure, a martini is $21. But it comes with a side of extra martini, so it's really 2-for-1 and therefore one of the cheapest martinis in town.
  • Ricky S.heart icon on user image
    Ricky SherrillDecember 8, 2014
    A great place for business meeting over drinks or some after work cocktails. Also there is some nice Jazz music.
  • Concert Ticket Agency
    Concert Ticket AgencyOctober 18, 2012
    named after the legendary artist. (Madeline, anyone?) You can see his works of art beautifully displayed. Unparalleled atmosphere. Pricey, but worth it. Soooo NYC.
  • Untapped Cities
    Untapped CitiesJanuary 22, 2014
    Ludwig Bemelmans painted murals of Central Park at the Hotel Carlyle Bar in 1947, in exchange for living accommodations. Definitely check this place out. Read more
  • Alex R.heart icon on user image
    Alex RavenelMarch 12, 2015
    Great cocktails, spectacular space. Be prepared to pay for it, however. Still worth it for a drink or two in my book.
  • Andy C.heart icon on user image
    Andy ChapmanDecember 21, 2016
    Classic, great service. Any drink you order will be great.
  • Buford B.
    Buford BarnesMay 29, 2012
    Established 1929, restored 2002, all original murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, author of the Madeleine children's books. Hotel bar at The Carlyle. Features entertainment on weekend nights.
  • Eaters H.heart icon on user image
    Eaters HeavenJune 3, 2017
    Elegant old school NY bar, jazz music was ok. There were lots of tourists the night I was there. Service was horrible by the tables. Stay by the bar, your drinks will come faster. Once was enough.
  • Tiffany & Co
    Tiffany & CoJune 1, 2011
    This is the real thing. A place for Gotham insiders. Gold leaf ceilings and enchanting murals by Madeline author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. Arrive by 8pm and take a small table near the piano.
  • Chris E.
    Chris EvansApril 1, 2015
    Great spot that does lovely live jazz. Really intimate vibe while still having great energy.
  • New York Habitat
    New York HabitatDecember 13, 2011
    Enter Bemelmans in the Carlyle Hotel through an unassuming door off the lobby. Expensive drinks but one of the finest atmospheres in the city, complete with dim lighting and a piano player.
  • eric b.heart icon on user image
    eric bornemannMarch 15, 2015
    An only in NYC institution. Pricey drinks offset by free snacks and amazing ambiance.
  • Brad G.
    Brad GrahamSeptember 21, 2013
    Gin martini. Inside Carlyle hotel. Not a place to hang out, but cool to go once. Named after Ludwig Bemelmans (Madeline), only public display of his artwork.
  • Arah C.
    Arah ChoApril 10, 2013
    Great cocktails and live jazz. The Passion Royale was definitely my favorite!
  • Camilla C.
    Camilla CSeptember 11, 2014
    Classic cocktails made by classy bartenders in a throwback setting. Expensive but worth it.
  • Khaled .heart icon on user image
    Khaled 🇸🇦June 29, 2021
    Been here 5+ times
    Classy bar , nice music, good service and good vibes
  • Leszek D.heart icon on user image
    Leszek DowgierSeptember 14, 2018
    The only word that comes to mind is, iconic. Stop in, unwind, listen to some amazing live jazz.
  • Angela M.heart icon on user image
    Angela MauroSeptember 30, 2016
    Come before the $20 pp cover after $9pm. Expect expensive but delicious drinks. Decor is like none other, completely unique
  • Bruce T.
    Bruce TilleyFebruary 3, 2015
    Fabulous NYC transition. Visit this bar as it's known for featuring top music talents.
  • Michael M.heart icon on user image
    Michael MuseDecember 14, 2014
    Classicly New York. High end cocktails, really exceptionally classy vibe.
  • Carlos G.heart icon on user image
    Carlos Grotewold RiveraDecember 6, 2014
    Great service n amazing cocktails. Stay for the 9:30 music trio they are wonderful.
  • clive k.heart icon on user image
    clive kornitzerJanuary 8, 2019
    Great service good wine and a great atmosphere for watching people
  • Jennifer Y.
    Jennifer YuApril 5, 2019
    Jazz music on the weekend starts at 5:30, but arrive early before it gets crowded. Pricy drinks.
  • Esquire
    EsquireJanuary 31, 2011
    Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. Order a stinger. They'll be cold and crisp, with the cognac outweighing the crème de menthe, the way they should be.
  • Alexandra H.
    Alexandra H.January 6, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    I always order the same two drinks whenever I'm here (which is very, very often): Passion Royale & Whiskey Smash. Highly recommend!
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