Dine-in
Yes
Bemelmans Bar in New York
Categories
Location on the map
New York, New York County, New York, US
Service options
Delivery
No
Takeaway
No
Highlights
Great cocktails
Yes
Great wine list
Yes
Live music
Yes
Live performances
Yes
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
No
Offerings
Alcohol
Yes
Beer
Yes
Cocktails
Yes
Food
Yes
Food at bar
Yes
Spirits
Yes
Wine
Yes
Amenities
Toilets
Yes
Atmosphere
Cosy
Yes
Upmarket
Yes
Crowd
Tourists
Yes
Planning
Accepts reservations
Yes
Payments
Debit cards
Yes
Comments (199)
Bemelmens is lively and so much fun. I just started a new job in the neighborhood so all of the Carlyle restaurants are going to quickly become regular spots for me. The storied wall art and live jazz are classic NYC. Excellent service and perfectly balanced cocktails. The complimentary bar snacks are delicious and such a nice touch.
Great place but the door staff is EXTREMELY RUDE AND JUDGMENTAL. We were waiting in line for more than 30 min and we were trying to get someone to ask a question about the wait and the door staff was so rude. Our bartender was very sweet tho. However, the other bartender was very weird when we came to the bar and sit then he said there is one lady also waiting for a seat. We were like who?? We didn’t see any lady waiting and it’s an open seat first come first serve basic. The bar manager was giving us attitude as well. We understood that he was probably stressed and overworked but working for a high class hotel, he should be trained to handle this kind of work stress. We paid extra $20/pp for the live music but the music stopped like 10 min in. Mind you, we are all entrepreneur and we got money to spend . Overall, this is considered a high end hotel but the service and the management was very low class. We had VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE at Bacarat hotel as they are way more classy than this hotel.
Went to Bemelmans Bar but had to leave because Dimitrios Michalopoulos (bar manager at entrance) was rude. He looks at everyone from top to bottom in an uncomfortable and judgmental way. It was so bad that everyone in line was actually shocked by his behavior. Place looked beautiful but bad managment is ruining it. Not going there again.
First time at the Carlyle. I went with my girlfriend here on a Friday night to celebrate a late Galentine’s Day. We waited almost an hour in line because we wanted to be at “the bar”. It was worth the wait. The staff works really hard to make the guests happy. The drinks are pricey but very strong. Great cocktails. VIP’s showed up at midnight and sat next to us, we felt like we were in a fairytale and had a wonderful time. The live music and atmosphere were amazing. Classic New York, transports you back in time…A+++
Bemelmans bar is a high end jazz bar at the Carlyle NYC, a Rosewood Hotel. Doormen and host would scan you from head till toe before letting you in. We could see most guests were regulars and from upper class. Theres a $15 dollars charge for each person. Drinks and foods menu of coz charged at upper scale price. Servers were extremely mannered and anything below 20% for tipping simply would not do.😂😂😂 We were there for the vocalist, it was a male vocal as well as the pianist that night. We made a call to enquire before going. Live music with vocal will begin from 6pm to 9pm. Sadly he only began to sing for the last 15 min of the entire session. Its such a shame, he had such magnificent voice. Wish he could sing few more songs.Anyone who will pay a visit to Hong Kong in the future, check the DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong. Its much better than Bemelmans. Much spacious, with a cool open patio for drink and mingle. Most importantly the live bands who perfomed at the DarkSide were simply the best!
This was such a great experience! The drinks were fantastic, the service was top notch and the decor was gorgeous. Its obviously a bit pricier given the location, but its definitely worth it.The Earl Grey Martini and Madelines Vesper were our favorites.
Great drinks, atmosphere and piano music. Fantastic bar to visit on a quick NYC visit.
Wow. What a busy place!! I love older hotels. Reminds me of NY when we’d get dressed up to visit. Bemelmans is a throwback. It’s cozy but not too small. I came in for a drink but there was high tea being served too. The staff is prepared for a crowd and help you find a place to sit. Loved it. Ps you may have to wait for a table when it’s after 3:30!
This place has gone down-hill ever since the long lines have been forming outside. Awful/Rude service/care with the new hostile staff they seem to have. Quality of the patrons attending this establishment has also gone down dramatically making it pointless for me to pay all the add-on fees for a 30$ cocktail. Theres other better places.The manager, Dimitrios Michalopoulos is very hostile and will embarrass you for his own pleasure.
I LOVE this bar! A classic New York piano bar with original vintage murals on the walls by Ludwig Bemelmans, writer and illustrator of the Madeline series, beloved childhood books. Drinks are great and service impeccable.
I read a recent article in the New York Times about the pianist, Earl Rose, who has been playing here for years and I had to check it out. The music is wonderful, the atmosphere is fun and the staff is fantastic. I will definitely become a regular here. Cant wait to come back!!!
John was amazing - cocktails were exactly what we were looking for after a stroll in Central Park. Will visit any time we are in NYC!
Bemelmans Bar is my favorite spot in all of New York. I always recommend it to visitors. Sure, the cocktails are steep, but you will not find another bar like it in Manhattan. It truly is a mark of an era gone by. I love the Madeline book series, but whether you’re 6 or 66, it appeals to all. The bar is secluded and a nice respite after a chaotic visit in the cement jungle. This is not a place for flip-flops, beach ware, or similar fashion. The bartenders are great as well. They have a variety of cocktails, wine, liquors and even beer. Come during the day to soak it all in.
I was looking for an upscale bar that is rather calm for NYE in NYC. Carlyle hotel and Bemman’s bar was the best choice I made for what I wanted. The entire hotel was decorated to celebrate the occasion and lobby was pleasantly full with holiday ambience with guests dancing in ballroom gowns.Bemelman’s experience was fantastic- special thanks to the bar manager Dimitrios for making our night so special. He took extra time to kindly explain the history of the hotel and library wines. He went above and beyond to ensure our experience was nothing but fantastic.Definable recommend this venue for any occasion.
Loved it! Was a great date place. Anywhere you sat, was a great place to look around. The art work was fun. Great vibe, lighting, the piano player made the evening even more enjoyable.
Had drinks there last night. It was super busy, and getting the waiter’s attention was a struggle, really. We waited a lot between drinks, which killed the mood a bit. Music was great, but during the breaks, because of the crowd, it got super loud. Talking about the crowd - it skews on the older side. Drinks were not that amazing. Oh, and there’s a $35 cover charge to sit at a table or $15 at the bar
An absolute NY Institution, the Bemelmans Bar is the sort of place you could go to every night and not get bored. The perfect mix of fantastic drinks, great people watching, and delightful music, not to mention quite reasonable prices.
This is old New York...great drinks and service! Nice selection of cocktails and classic drinks. Enjoyed The Earl Grey.
The hosts here are extremely rude. We were a group of 5 late twenties ladies dressed well and the way the staff looked us up and down repeatedly looking for reasons to refuse us service was disgusting. We walked away even after they somehow found a table in this non crowded bar for us. Sad that a once classy and elegant bar now thinks they’re a night club.
Ludwig paintings of Central Park and, of course, Madeline on the walls of this cozy piano bar.Free salty snacks augment the pricey drinks and light menu. Worth it for a quick drink, or longer if youre made of money!
This quickly became my favorite spot in New York! I came 4 nights out of a week long stay. Luis (bartender), a Honduran bartender, and the kind man at the coat check were memorably wonderful people!The crowd is generally more upscale and people tend to behave themselves nicely. The piano and singing is amazing, it feels like you are in the presence of Sinatra!At one point an older man began to bother me and Luis, along with the rest of the very attentive staff, proceeded to remove him immediately. Such great staff! I cant wait to visit the Carlyle and Bemelmans Bar again!
Glass of house Cabernet $35????? Retail on the bottle is $49. Rip off. The manager was apathetic when I expressed my discontent. I understand perhaps $18, maybe $20 maximum but $35 for a house glass? Complete rip off.
This is one of our favorite places in Manhattan. We are so happy they are open again. The servers are all friendly and attentive. The host always making sure there is room for people waiting to get in. Earl Rose was at the piano when we came, but we like all the players. Still have not gone later in the evening, which we hope to do soon.
If you want to feel like you’re in a Woody Allen movie than this is the place. Don’t get excited about the pianist though. Not to disparage his ability, I’m sure he’s great but no one at the place is listening or cares. His music is drowned out by the crowd noise talking over him. Overall a great place for a drink. People couldn’t care less about the piano music.
Wow! The cocktails are perfect, and the ambiance cant be beat. Its a lively place, so getting a seat can be tough, but I recommend sitting at the bar. Ill be back!
Little pricey, but amazing atmosphere and nice staff. With the martini you essentially get 2 drinks because they give you a little glass on ice with the remnants from creating your martini! Enjoy the free nuts and crackers while listening to beautiful piano
Terrible customer service, walked in with my friend, security opened the door and said wait here we have nothing at the bar or gallery, when I asked when the table or bar will be available ,he said”when the manager said so”. This is not how you treat customers.
Honestly, not worth all the hype. Its just a run of the mill bar and experience and not worth the discrimination. 1/10 would not recommend
Carlyle hotels Bemelmans Bar: especially love the enchanting murals by Bemelmans (same person who did the Madeline books!).
Great drinks, good Jazz atmosphere. Not impressed with ordered appetizers.
Beautiful place, great atmosphere, very upscale, it will be delicious and memorable, but it will be also quite expensive :) its worth the money!
Always enjoyed bar at the Carlyle hotel, but not going back there after today. This is not a place, where you would expect poor or rude treatment. However, the guy, who was checking IDs and vaccination cards, was very standoffish, mean and haughty. NYC isn’t sweet and people who live here are used to it, but this man truly topped previous experiences.
Have been here numerous times over the years, but it seems it is now being managed like a nightclub. The lines are a new thing.If there is a line...dont bother. Managers allow whoever they want to jump in front.A sad turn for a NY classic, jammed with tourists these days. Not a great experience.
The best jazz bar in the city! Old school charm and perfectly crafted cocktails.
The bar is nice and cocktails are good but it’s so weird that all the waiters are African American and are serving white people. In addition to that I went with my boyfriend who is Korean-American. And they seated us in the back (worst table at the bar.) an African American gentleman was sitting there before us. I could be wrong but it gave me the impression they were trying to hide the people of color who were at the bar.
Wonderful love music and great atmosphere
A very enjoyable place to have a drink and take in the art of Ludwig Bemelmans. If you’re a fan of whimsical art work or the Madeline children’s books, it’s the place to see.
Cute and intimate. Such a find. I could live in this place. It really feels like a place you could go with your significant other and call it your place.
This place has lore, ya know. It’s the bar at the Carlyle, it’s a New York Institution, open since 1947, historic murals la de da. So, I had to check it out. Got here on a Tuesday at 10:30, with no reservation, got lucky and was able to snag a table for four people. Four drinks came out to $100 before tip so be ready for that. I had the earl grey martini. It was nice enough but a little too sweet for my taste. The crowd is definitely older. Seems to be a spot for UES locals, who were all wasted by 10:30 pm lol. Service was a litttle slow, and I expected a more polished and stiff atmosphere to be honest, it was messy! The crowd was a little rowdy and the staff was a bit overwhelmed! I expected a Mad Men style quiet bar but you know, whatever. I had my drink, I saw the place, I didn’t hate it.
Exceptional bar with a true classic New York ambiance. You should try their amazing martinis
Love this bar and its history. Usually I bit of a wait but well worth it.
Check out how the other half live.... so expensive but so beautiful. Live jazz, bar snacks, stiff drinks surrounded by such adorable art.
Was fairly disappointed about this place. The service was not the best, yes we got a table fairly quickly but the waiter had zero personality, the food took ages to arrive and was not worth the price. We got to experience a live jazz set which made up for it.
As I may have expressed previously, Bemelmans is one of the treasures of New York City, and should be on the itinerary of anyone who values conversation, exquisite service deftly delivered, or truly thoughtful staff with interesting and even intriguing personalities.Do not miss it, if you have the chance to go.
We came here 5 years ago and had a stellar time. On this trip to NYC we decided to visit again to repeat the experience. We were told we needed a reservation - at 5pm on a Thursday. The maitred had us wait for several minutes to see if something would open up. We watched several parties leave and then we were turned away and advised to book online. There are *NO* reservations for a party of two. If you put a group of 3 or more magically there is availability.
The adorable illustrations all over the walls by the bar’s namesake (who illustrated Madeleine) plus dim lighting was enough for me! Beautiful feel place.If you’re cover charge averse (but seriously guys show some love to the musos) check their website for times when this applies - but we saw at it as a very reasonably priced jazz performance ($25 for table, $15 at the bar) - the Earl Rose Trio were beautiful!!
Great place. They have jazz band playing there, the reason we chose that place. We really enjoyed the music. They have a cover fee to enter. The drinks were very good, although on a pricy side ($25+). The service was great, all the waiters were friendly, helpful and prompt. Overall vibe is very cozy and relaxing. We will be back!
The space is classic and absolutely beautiful. Nice touches like live piano after 5:30 and a cute fireplace; really cozy vibe. But beyond that, my experience did not live up to my expectations (or the price point of the bar). My cocktail glass was super sticky from the sugar rim and the bartender spilling the drink when delivering it. The service team members were generally stuffy and not particularly nice. There was also an odd focus on ensuring they were paid, and they even made us close out mid-way through our round of drinks, which created confusion later about what we had/had not already paid for. Id been waiting to visit for months and am so disappointed by the experience.
I was looking for something special to surprise my boyfriend with our anniversary dinner. I needed something romantic yet sophisticated cause its very hard to impress him :) And Im so glad my friend suggested this bar. To say we enjoyed it is to underestimate this truly beautiful place!The place had such a great atmosphere, we listened to jazz trio and had a delicious drinks! Plus the service was exclusive, the manager does a fantastic job!We definitely would love to come back again.
This New York City establishment is an old school oasis in the trendiest city in the world. Sip martinis while enjoying jazz from a by gone era. Do not miss this one. Just be aware prices are sky high. But the bar snacks are great. Enjoy the charm of a real New York City landmark. It is a RULE that you cannot wear shorts or SWEATPANTS. Have fun.
A classy NYC bar straight out of the Art Deco era. They have live music a lot of the time, which, when I was there, was lovely piano jazz. The wait staff is very courteous, and the drinks are splendid! This is a great place to bring someone special, or to show friends from out of town.
One of the most amazing places to go in NYC. Be prepared to pay the cover charge and for all that is holy - dress nice!!! There is always a mix of locals and tourists here listening to the live music and enjoying a drink. There is just something so New York about this place. The atmosphere is fantastic and you never know who you’ll run into here. The employees at Bemelmans are outstanding and always deliver great service.
This is a great jazz bar - very romantic, but also just a nice place to hang out. The Wall decorations by Ludwig Bemelmans make it even cooler, if youre into that. The one thing: it is pricy, especially if you go when theres a cover charge. So be prepared for that. But if youre willing to pay up it is a great experience and I highly recommend it.
We look forward to coming here for a few drinks every time we come to NYC. They really know what theyre doing at Bemelmans. The service is very good, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Some folks will likely find it a touch pricey but for the extra $$$ you really do get cocktails that are a cut above the rest. Where you might need to request that extra special vermouth in your Manhattan elsewhere, they already make it with that at Bemelmans. The bar has music (Jazz related) all the time and very often youve got a Grammy winner playing. Add in the exceptionally unique decor (not an easy task in this city) and you have the perfect place for a drink. Truly a New York best!
Beyond, we loved everything from Emilee Floor serenading us with her rocking talents, to the cool atmosphere, awesome murals, and then our great martinis! Loved our waiter too! This is class, and its a happening scene! Its New York at its best! I personally cant wait to go back!! Thank you!
Beautiful, classic New York hotel bar. Gorgeously painted by the artist who it was named for. Friendly bartender. But be prepared to spend though. A Budweiser here is $9. My Heieken was $11. Cocktails are pretty much north of $20.
Transported back in time.This is an old-world NY bar in the school of the great places that you associate with classic NY places.The atmosphere is wonderful and the surrounding painted walls and low light just make you want to stay there forever. However, when the check comes you realize that you can only stay for one or two. I am all for high-end, but the price tag leaves you more than a little breathless.Overall for a real treat, this is a nice little spot in The Carlyle, just bring your high limit credit cards!
Iconic bar at The Carlyle with prices to match. In other words, just because youre located on Madison Avenue doesnt necessarily give you the right to grossly overcharge for drinks. However, its NYC where everyone is used to overpaying for the same drink one gets at any neighborhood bar and would think that for the prices they charge and the places self-proclaimed pretentiousness they would serve their drinks in glasses commensurate with the cost, but of course they dont (although, to be fair the glasses are a bit nicer than those at other places). To add insult to injury they charged a $15 per person cover charge because there was someone playing piano, which on the particular night I went was nothing more than background music drowned out by the crowd. However, they do have bar peanuts that you can snack on to your hearts content, the quality of which you can find at any country club bar.
Rude door staff but bartenders are great and the music is wonderful
I’ve been going here a couple of times a year since 2012. The music ain’t what it used to be, the cocktails are now prepared like it’s a fraternity party, the wait staff could not care less, and the “Maître-d’” can’t keep anything straight. I really want to like this iconic establishment, but it gets harder every time I go back...
Drinks are fantastic and if you dont know what you want this asked the bartender and they will not steer you wrong. Even the appetizers are just amazing a must try will definitely be back in very impressed on how clean and safe all employees are being.
Bye-melmans! Standing in line with tourists to get in is Disney not NYC.
We love to stop by for a drink or two and sometimes stay for dinner. Our favorite place is the living room; the music in the bar itself is just too loud. Great service, great cleanliness, part of a great hotel. And the girls come from all over the world – – a true New York experience.
Classic bar with endless snacks. Great selection of single malt scotch and Irish. Live Piano player adds to ambiance and the art murals are interesting. Appetizer fare well worth a try.
I highly recommend a trip to Bemelmans to all when in NYC. It is one of the last Bastion of a age gone by....so pretend your in the jazz age and get dressed up. One of the few places a man can wear black tie and look dashing...though not at a wedding. Drinks are pricey but excellent, music is always super...and you never know who will be here..during the 80s I worked on Wall Street and met various well known people...Had Mick Jagger buy me a drink once...and talked to Omar Sharif about cards one night. These places are few and far between now..enjoy it while you still can.
Exquisite cocktails and snacks. This was the best Manhattan I have ever had.
The table snacks here are pretty unreal. It makes it totally worth it to get a $25 cocktail or a $12 beer. Our server had brought us another bowl of them before we even finished the first one. Free iced tea in the hotel lobby is a big plus too. You get to see Bemelmans art on the walls, and thats pretty awesome too!
I went here for my birthday and had a blast! The bartender was so nice and loved the cocktails. My roommate and I ordered the PuPu Platter (meant for 3-4 people) and almost finished it. The food on it was SO good! If you have 4 people and are very hungry, I wouldnt order only that. Very fun and satisfied for my birthday.
A truly delightful experience! Treat yourself and some friends to an evening listening to excellent music in an elegant and beautiful setting. The service is exemplary and the signature cocktails are delicious.
Loved it! Went early-ish (like, seven) on a Friday for a drink and to listen to music before we went to dinner. The pianist was fabulous and the drinks were excellent. The Bemelman murals were a joy. Super old fashioned place where you can channel the 40s and 50s. White coated waiters, stiff martini with generous amount, which it should be for the price. But I dont mind the price given the quality of the experience. (I think my husband wants to move in to the place.)
I miss the red leather couches...or am I imagining that they used to be red? The brown just does not do it for me, but heh, this iconic bar is THE quintessential place to go for a NY experience, the best ever for bars. it fills up every night by 5:00 so go early. Tim the concierge and Leo the classic waiter kept the four of us happy for a long time while it rained cats and dogs outside. We listened to solo piano but missed that Earl Rose was not there this past weekend. Earl is the best pianist who plays the Great American songbook. My great grandfather Howard Brockway taught George Gershwin how to play the piano- and going here and listening to some classics makes me proud. I love this place; everything is perfect- the lighting, the attentive staff, the setting, and the ambiance. We have been coming for decades and try to never miss it when we venture to NY. Thank you all at Bemelmans for keeping our family love of jazz alive and for making me smile this holiday season! Cheers, The Lefevres
Really nice very upscale bar. Expect to pay up here for a round of drinks. The major negative is that the bartenders are too busy hitting on women to serve you!! Then, they act like you are a peon and they are doing YOU A FAVOR BY SERVING YOU A $20 cocktail!!!
Really great cocktail list. Very nice, classy, quiet little bar/restaurant. Priced higher than most others but I suspect its the atmosphere that commands the higher price.
I LOVE this bar. Be prepared to step into a classy bar, with impeccable service and the most beautiful walls. The walls are painted by Ludwig Bemelman, whom wrote and illustrated the Madeline books. Drinks are slightly pricy, but delicious cocktails and a decent selection of spirits. Complimentary snacks are provided.
I went with a friend who was visiting the city and wanted to go to a fancy bar, which is exactly what this one is. We got a table right as we got there, and just before a live jazz band started to play. Each of us had 2 drinks, which were really good, and shared a creme brulee.Just notice that theres a cover charge of $15 for the bar, or $25, for a table - for each person!
Intimate space that truly comes alive at night. Its classy with unique touches, like Bemelmans Madeline artwork on the walls. Wonderful dirty martinis and fantastic live jazz trio!
I cant believe that Im reviewing Bemelmans Bar, because I want to keep this place all to myself! This is the place to spend a relaxing night with another couple or to take out of town guests for a taste of old-school New York. The drinks are wonderful: they make the best pisco sour outside of Peru, give you the extra in from the shaker for each martini (keeping it cool on ice for you to top your martini off when getting a bit low), and have the tastiest little bar snacks to make kicking back a drink that much easier. Food is recommended (especially when tossing back martinis), and everything Ive tried has been a success. The real draw though, is the cozy room, filled with whimsical murals and live music (jazz) that makes it impossible to peel yourself away. For the best service, sit at the bar, as the bartenders are prompt, proper, and professional. Service at the tables is nothing to turn you away, but can sometimes be a little slower. All around, A+.
Pricey... But worth every penny. A Sunday night must.
THIRTIES NEW YORKmust have felt like Bemelmans, though the murals are later, and it is possible amid the cocktails and old-school servers to imagine it so. The pianists help the illusion a lot. Forget the economics of that era, and be Cole Porter before the fall for the evening. Dress your best. Mind your manners. Display wit, or defer to those who do.
This place is quite something. The live music was fantastic, the art on the walls was definitely a big plus, the drinks were amazing and the service at the bar impeccable. The only downside is the price, probably one of the most expensive bars I have been to but worth it
Waiter was unbelievably rude telling my party we could not sit down in the room adjoining the bar after we spent $ 200.00 for 4 drinks ! There was no sitting or standing room in the bar thusno other place to go. Very inappropriate behavior for a 5 star hotel!
Robert Mosci plays there and he is the best.
Worse place ever. Drinks suck and super expensive! Avoid at all costs!
Classy and old school, cocktails, unfortunately, well below New York s average quality. Standard drink $23
Great beer selection and even bartenders! Im biased since I only go when I visit a friend in NYC and its one of his favorite places. I dont know what bloody mary mix they use, but it has a nice kick to it.
Warm and inviting place with a strong neighbourhood presence. Reservations are advised as it was packed when I went on a Thursday night.
Fantastic setting, with drawings of Bemelmans all over the walls and a piano player. Cocktails are unfortunately overpriced and less original than downtown options! The bar menu lists some small appetizers/tapas.
In a bar in Manhattan that is covered in art, lives the last public place Ludwig Bemelmans whimsy plays a big part.The story of the feisty literary heroine Madeline begins in Paris, but the girl with the red hair and big yellow hat travels all around the world in the books written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. Much like his most famous character, Bemelmans’ life began in Europe, in the Austrian Tirol, but he emigrated to the United States when he was nearly 20 years old. After working in the hotel industry and serving in the army, he began writing and illustrating books for children. He found huge success with his Madelineseries, the first book of which came out in 1939.He went on to write five books about the spunky seven-year-old and her adventures, and also produced popular artwork for publications like The New Yorker and Vogue. In the 1940s, Bemelmans took on a commission that combined two of his passions: hotels and painting. He was contracted to decorate the new bar that was built in The Carlyle, a luxury hotel in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.For this, he was paid not in cash, but received free board for himself and his family for a year and a half, the duration it took for the wall murals to be completed.The dull yellow of the walls is enlivened by elephants, rabbits, and other animals frolicking around Central Park, all painted in Bemelmans’ trademark style. Madeline and her friends can also be spotted, alongside other typical park scenes like dogs sprinting with their owners and nurses taking babies for a stroll. The simplicity of the wall art is contrasted by the more luxurious Art Deco interiors of the bar. The ceilings are coated in gold leaf and leather banquettes line the walls, placed near glass-top tables.The whimsical artwork adds to the New York City piano bar’s quiet appeal and it is the only remaining place where Bemelmans work that is open to the public. Its all there is, and there isnt anymore.
A Great underground bar with such a great vibe and Great Jazz music! Great for the grown and sexy! We enjoyed this spot on our visit to the beautiful San Diego!
Rude staff at the entrance. Left without sitting down after that encounter
Amazing atmosphere, amazing cocktails, but the prices are absolutely ridiculous. To enjoy yourself you need to spend at least $60 (I mean at least) plus the cover charge plus the tip. At the end of the day its worth it to go elsewhere.
At the Carlyle Hotel, NYC. First rate cabaret music (Bobby Short’s “home base”). Ask the bartender the story about the wall murals painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, author and artist of the charming Madeleine series of children’s books.
Cocktails are spotty (had one of the worst martinis of my life here), and wine list is meh, but the old school setting, people watching, and live performances make it all worth while.
Great mistake to order 2 Whisky Smash with Bookers :-) How did we get home? Who were those lovely people we talked to? When did the music stop? A very happy place.
You instantly feel like you have been transported to the glitz and glam era of days gone by . Everyone dressed nice including the staff who handle everything with class . Yes , there is a cover but it’s worth it to hear the live music and be a part of a special evening any night of the week .
In a bar in Manhattan that is covered in art, lives the last public place Ludwig Bemelmans whimsy plays a big part.The story of the feisty literary heroine Madeline begins in Paris, but the girl with the red hair and big yellow hat travels all around the world in the books written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. Much like his most famous character, Bemelmans’ life began in Europe, in the Austrian Tirol, but he emigrated to the United States when he was nearly 20 years old. After working in the hotel industry and serving in the army, he began writing and illustrating books for children. He found huge success with his Madelineseries, the first book of which came out in 1939.didnt paid in cash, but received free board for himself and his family for a year and a half, the duration it took for the wall murals to be completed.The whimsical artwork adds to the New York City piano bar’s quiet appeal and it is the only remaining place where Bemelmans work that is open to the public. Its all there is, and there isnt anymore.
Amazing place! Great music! We plan to make this place a regular basis!
What a wonderful place. Nothing compares.
Absolutely loved this place, such amazing Vibe, we had Earl Rose playing piano who was nothing but incredible! Cant wait to come again, highly recommended!
Very classy & excellent atmosphere. A timeless experience. Highly recommend.
Smells like toilet there. It’s embarrassing for this place
Cool place. Too loud live music for conversation
The restaurant has an unique decor and ambiance. Me and my wife enjoyed the pleasant live piano music, adding to the great atmosphere.The problem was the food and the service. Food was mediocre at best and the service was slow and quite annoying.
The service and drinks here are outstanding and the decor is unique as it gets. Classy without being snobby. A little pricy but you definitely get what you pay for
Cool hip jazz bar. Classic crowd sans any tourists.
The artwork by Bemelman that adorn the walls is beautiful. The food was about average but it was the ambience including the talented pianist that day that really made it quite the experience.
A very enjoyable place to have a drink and take in the art of Ludwig Bemelmans. If you’re a fan of whimsical art work or the Madeline children’s books, it’s the place to see.
Old school charm. Love the themed walls painted by the Madeline books illustrator/writer. Its an adorable place good for business meetings or hanging out with friends...
The most incredible atmosphere at Bemelmans, and easily, hands down, the best Perfect Manhattan Ive ever l had. No matter where you are in the city, you must visit Bemelmans.
Perfect martinis in an old NYC landmark. Extra special around the holidays. If you want to save a few bucks, eat outside the bar.
If you are looking for a proper martini or Manhattan This hotel bar can do a classic. Great bartenders, old school NYC cocktails.
Great martinis & music. Come for HH. Don’t stay too late.
The Carlyle Hotels sophisticated, upscale piano bar, adorned with Ludwig Bemelmans famed murals.
This very cool wine bar. Great service and well mannered staff. Great vibes, good wine, and good bites selection.
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.
Delicious food, drinks and an amazing atmosphere!
I loved the hotel but particularly the piano bar with the stunning Bemelman Murals. The music was wonderful & the Manhattans were fabulous
Great place!Music was great, really enjoyed it.It wasnt too loud that you couldnt have a conversation, but it wasnt background music either.
No, i just saw y’all’s bar on “she’s gotta have it” and i wanted to check yall out and make sure y’all are real ! 🤣 ✅
GO HERE. Ludwig Bemelmans Frescos. Live music at night. Fabulous drinks and food. Classic New York.
Really cool place, piano player was wonderful. It is very crowded so be there early, perhaps go for afternoon tea and stay for the fun.
A very classy, well run cocktail bar. Wonderful piano, and atmosphere.
Expensive cover but strong drinks. Acoustics are less than expectations when crowded suggest early set.
Recently stumbled into this spot after Harvard and stone got too rowdy. Great ambience, friendly staff, and delicious drinks!
Wonderful atmosphete. Good drinks.Wonderful piano bar. Crowded on weekends.Could be pricey.Good meeting place.
Nice place for a drink and the piano music is nice. A bit overpriced like all the hotel bars on the UES.
Overrated. Long line, pricey drinks dont bother
Everyone at our table was glad to be there. The service here is great. This place has a cool design.
If you want a table on a Saturday nite you need to top the Maitre’d otherwise you can wait for an hour
Great drinks and atmosphere- a classic. Incredibly arrogant and dismissive waiters.
A wonderful bar to celebrate a special life event.
Great drinks, great music with incredible sound quality and beautiful atmosphere. Enchanting.
Amazing walls painted by the author of Madeleine, and we love seeing Chris play piano !
Same as Carlyle Hotel post. Terrible service, unfriendly front employees
Incredibly fun, rewarding place. Be prepared for crowds, but also be open to meeting new people.
Wonderful old timey jazz bar with a ton of history. Its pricey of course but worth it.
Great vibe tonight. The quintisentual NY cocktail lounge. The best!
Great classic environment! The menu had everything i needed to have a great night out
Surreal, there is a reason Bourdain graced this place with his presence. Come experience it for yourself.
Classy bar with great jazz music and excellent dry martini
Nice bar with interesting interior. Tasty cocktails!!! 5 STARS!
Always amazing though tends to get crowded early and require standing room only at the bar.
Great service at the bar
Interior thats was impressed mealso I met beauty woman in ur okay so it s totally five in my review
Good bar for an afternoon drink where you are bound to find celebrities and a lot of tourists.
The Basil Rathbone martini.
Surprisingly limited(bottom-mid shelf) spirit selection; especially considering its upscale notoriety
Good atmosphere with a live band and great cocktails.
I prefer The 777 club But only because it’s so much better
There is no where quite like Bemelmans, with its live pianist in the most unique setting.
This place is so New York. I love it.
My first time visiting & I felt right at home the staff was awesome the place is beautiful
Now my favorite non dive bar. Just sublime and gorgeous.
Classic NYC bar. The martinis are my favorite thing on the menu.
Fast service. Beautiful people. Great music. Flawless.
Quaint
Beautiful room. Relaxing atmosphere and excellent service.
Love this place!!
My goto place for great atmosphere and drinks and service
Fantastic! Classic NYC hangout. Amazing bartending.
5 star service, drinks and painted lamp shades and walls!!
Bring $$$$$$$$, but its worth it. Dress up, too. Fun murals!
Fantastic atmosphere great must. Attentive staff.
Great drinks, just pricey
Really terrible I mean you go to a bar to get drinks and none of the drinks were made properly
Pure romance. I love this place and you will too.
No bad bar, beer good.
Up close and personal on Sunday night live music..
Service was TERRIBLE. Had to get up to ask for standard appetizers. Ditto to pay
The best bar in NY by far.
No music and cover charge on a Friday night. Not worth it.
STIFF drinks. You know the martinis are like boobs joke? Idk if that even applies..
Whimsical Central Park Art in a traditional bar
Doesnt better in NYC.
Cant beat the setting and atmosphere- not to mention the painted walls!
Sinatra vibes
This is a hidden gem and feels like a time machine back to New York in 1950. Go here!
Great cocktails, ambiance and service.
Great place to unwind and relax! Cheers!!
Old fashioned but never old...a New York classic !
Really nice and relaxing and fine jazz
Too loud at 5 pm. Go early.
Nice place and great atmosphere
The best bar!
Best bar for nightly music!
Quaint bar with good jazz music!
Historic, charming and great drinks.
Beautiful...such a wonderful history.
A singular experience.
Total reviews rating
199 Reviews for Bemelmans Bar 2023:
Review №1
2022-06-28Walked right in on Tuesday night. Crowd and trio on the inside were in great spirits. The menu’s delicious and our glasses never ran dry before the next one arrived. Incredibly friendly service and the ambiance is just what you imagine it would be… as smooth as the soft golden glow that bounces off the original Bemelman illustrated walls.
Review №2
2022-01-10Went for a drink at Bemelmans Bar on Christmas Eve. The queue outside in the lobby may seem long but I was seated inside after a 20 min wait, right by the bar itself and the piano. That’s quick in my books! I skimmed the menu, ordered the Earl Grey martini (the vodka was steeped so well with the flavour & drink was strong!), and asked to settle the bill right away so I can fast sip before going to another venue for dinner. I love how there’s complimentary bar nuts and some cheesy cracker mix. Our server (name unknown) was awesome! Will definitely be back to enjoy a longer visit and Cafe Carlyle next door will open once again for music performances!
Review №3
2022-06-18Expensive but a great evening cocktail if can grab a table. Comes with a good portion of snacks (chips, nuts, cheese crisps) and drinks are well made. Got the homemade pigs in a blanket and they were really good. Had a table requesting songs not sure if that’s allows but made for a fun time with the piano man.
Review №4
2022-05-10The old school New York staple for both locals and tourists. Other than the well-crafted cocktails and extensive champagne list, their food (esp. the Waygu sliders and fries!) is also delicious. Live jazz is performed daily from 5 to late, making this dimly lit cozy spot perfect for a casual meet up after work or chill date night.
Review №5
2022-02-08A classic Manhattan hotel bar if there ever was one. Great ambiance, excellent service and wonderful drinks. Been coming here for 20+ years…
Review №6
2021-11-13One should read a little bit of the history of the bar and how the murals came to be as this bar is basically historical. Hi he bartenders know their stuff and are always available to make a quick suggestion. The martini pour is always ample and comes with a little extra on the side. While Bobby Short no longer plays the musicians who do “tickle the ivory’s” always play to the room. Plan ahead and get there well ahead of cocktail hour as this place will be jumping.
Review №7
2021-06-23A fun New York City experience. Very cool murals. Check the times for live music before going. Price are high but its worth the scene and the drink portions are over the top--they bring you the extra from the shaker. Be sure to get a reservation. Cover charge from 6pm to 9pm.
Review №8
2022-04-22Can’t go wrong. Could live on the snacks they serve w drinks (free). Only thing I’ve eaten there that I haven’t been the biggest fan of is the sliders - think you can pass on that.
Review №9
2022-05-05I would like to thank Pedro at the bar for making my first good alcoholic drinks (just turned 21!) at Bemelmans, he was very professional and fast paced at his job and gave a great recommendation for beverages. It is very busy but cozy atmosphere. I will definitely be back! -Paco
Review №10
2022-03-23Go early.Jazz at night sounds like a good idea until you realize its packed shoulder to shoulder.We went early and got great seats only to be bumped into by drunk German tourists after the jazz started.I recomend leaving before they open it up to standing room. Arrive at 4 leave before 9. Unless you like being bumped into.Aside from over crowding the place itself is amazing. The menu is simple but nice. The bartenders are friendly.The wait is about an hour to get in after 5pm.