Amazing evening at Bemelman's featuring the Bryan Eng trio! Vanessa took wonderful care of us, providing drinks and even keeping our water glass full. read more

Love the vibe here but it has changed over the years. The bouncers make you wait in line even if it is not full which I think is silly that two girls had to wait in line and then there were letting guys just walk in. The musicians are very talented and the mocktails are delicious. read more

Dropped in Thursday night with a group of 4 to celebrate a birthday. Thankfully we were able to snag some seats at the bar and eventually a table as we did not have a reservation. Servers were very kind and attentive, it's a very well decorated bar and we appreciated the live music as well. Drinks are pricy, but they are boozy and very well balanced when it comes to the flavors. I tried the Jackie O and the Ludwig's Brush and enjoyed both however the Ludwig's Brush was a more unique drinking experience (Apricot forward). From sampling my friends drinks I can also say they make a very good Dirty Martini. read more

Bemelmans Bar - Ludwig's Brush - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Historic bar with great cocktails and a gorgeous upscale energy. The live music adds to the experience and the place is bustling with energy since everyone is socializing. Definitely worth the visit if you can grab a table! read more

Bemelmans Bar - Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Good ambiance, upper east side chic, at least for the women. The dress code is a joke, their dress code is attached. read more

Bemelmans Bar - This dress code is a joke. Most men were there on a typical Saturday night wearing t-shirts, jeans and smeakers. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Very disappointed in our experience. We arrived at 4pm on Friday afternoon. We waited 10 minutes for someone to assist us as there was a sign that said "wait to be seated" While we were waiting I checked out the bar and there were multiple open tables. We were told that because we were not staying at the Carlyle Hotel we would have to come back 90 minutes later for a table. There was nothing advertised that this bar had preferential hotel guests first. read more

Popped in for a cocktail, or two. Moon over the Park was just right, and two did the job. Beautifully concocted. An array of complementary bar snacks.. Lively crowd, small groups but rather intimate. Cover charge after 5:30pm. I went in for the live piano show. Dim lit, classic feel. read more

Bemelmans Bar - Moon over the Park.. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I recently visited Bemelman's Bar with friends. Given the high price point and the prestigious location I anticipated attentive service and high quality cocktails. The service however was mediocre and did not meet the standards usually found at a luxury hotel bar. It felt impersonal and lacked the professionalism I expected for the cost. The cocktails were such a disappointment. I ordered a gimlet from the menu and it was incredibly basic. At these prices I expect a level of craft and balance that was simply missing. It was a standard drink that could be found at almost any mid tier bar in the city. The atmosphere was also difficult to enjoy because of the noise level. It was loud enough inside that maintaining a conversation was a struggle. The space seems to have become more of a scene for a specific social crowd rather than a place for a nice drink. On a positive note the restroom was well maintained and clean. It is a small space with two stalls. I do not quite see the allure of this spot based on this visit. The lack of creative or at least well crafted drinks and the loud environment made the experience feel like a poor value overall. There are several better options nearby for someone seeking a quality martini and professional service. read more

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I live in the neighborhood and I have not gone there in years. This is the hotel that I stayed in when I was moving to Manhattan decades ago when it was still really nice with great shows. I was so disappointed to discover that this once beautiful low key upscale place has become full of very loud sloppy drunks. There is no refinement or trace of elegance left. I did give it two stars for the reasons below, even though I will obviously not be rushing back there. PROS The bartender was polite and tried to be helpful amidst the ridiculous crowds (and noise) that they had to weed through to take orders and serve drinks. Clearly with the crowds, from where we were seated at the end of the bar extension, the service was definitely slower. They did make my guy an excellent (very expensive) martini. They also made me a good (also very expensive) zero mocktail. They bring bar nuts and snacks automatically. The beautiful Ludwig Bemelman murals are still there, The piano trio was excellent (we wish we could have heard them). Though drunk, I cannot say that anyone was nasty or ugly to us, they did seem to be happy enough. We were able to catch up with the musicians on break. CONS: I have no idea why the roomful of loud sloppily dressed drunks bother to go there and pay the cover for music when they clearly have no interest in listening to it. People were actually screaming. When my guy asked one man why he was there, if he wanted to yell so loud, the man answered that he went to that particular bar because it was full of hookers - and it was true, it seems like an obvious hooker bar. (The man was not offended by the question). I do not know why they bother to state a dress code when we actually saw people there in shorts and sneakers as if they came in from a ball game. We had to pay the music cover even though we were seated behind the wall at the bar and could not even see them never mind hear them. We both play music and really went there to hear the trio. Young influencer types were taking pics of themselves w/o any indication of appreciation for the art or music. They were more interested in the booze and picking people up. I spoke to the manager and asked him how someone who is interested in going there in the future to actually listen and see the music can go about securing a table in front of the music. He was not unpleasant per se, but he could have cared less and was certainly not helpful. He just said to just go on reesy to book and whatever table you get you get. (There is one table that is on the back of the wall from the piano so if someone reserved a table and got that it would be pointless). it is very sad to say, that among beautiful murals and music, what was once a low key elegant place now hosts the atmosphere of a dive bar clientelle. read more

Service was so nice until we needed to pay for the check - it was like we couldn't get anyone's attention. Quite interesting. The drinks were nice and we had the pigs in a blanket bar bites then shared a cheesecake which was truly delicious. The pianist was so wonderful and played "Tenderly" when I requested it. The cover charge was $25 per person which we knew and expected. I did not tip on that and I may be in the wrong for that but the drinks weren't cheap and then the service was nonexistent when we were trying to leave. The bar is quite dark but we loved it and enjoyed the vibe of a classics NYC bar. The artwork on the walls and lampshades were also what we came for and that did not disappoint. read more

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Rudest service I have ever receive. after waiting for 10 minutes in the front of the line my party was told we would not be seated for an hour and a half after we told them we were not registered guests. This would have been fine if this was a closed but it is advertised as open to the public. Not even deserving of one star. read more

I wanted to love Bemelmans, but I had a just okay experience when I stopped by in the afternoon this past Saturday with some friends. So why was I so excited? Open since the 1940s, Bemelman's Bar has so much history. And you can still see it everywhere in the bar when you walk in. From the bartenders in red jackets, to the dark art decor decor, to what I consider the main attraction (the mural - more on that below), it's retro and classic and still very sophisticated. It looked just like I'd imagined it would. (On the mural: Ludwig Bemelmans painted a work - Central Park - on every wall of the bar in 1947. He was the author and illustrator of the Madeline books. You can find an ice-skating elephant, cigar-smoking bunnies, rabbits building a snow bunny, Madeline and her compatriots walking in a line, and Bemelmans himself as a waiter holding a bill. It's beautiful and whimsical and made me smile quite a bit. Bemelmans is a cocktail bar, but it has a full menu - food, cocktails, wine, mocktails... It's known as a spot for martinis (they claim to make 1,000 every night), so I started there, with their Gibson, which I loved (clean, classic, and exactly what I wanted). Two of my friends ordered dirty martinis (not an offering on the martini page of their menu), and my other friend tried two of their mocktails. I enjoyed my martini but got a glass of wine as my next drink. FYI Bemelmans is pricey. My Gibson cost me $42, and even my friend's mocktail (that didn't contain any N/A "liquors") cost $22. A chicken BLT will run you $35. When places are as expensive as Bemelmans is, people's expectations can be pretty high. And while the decor, ambiance, my Gibson, and the wine selection all lived up to my expectations, the service left quite a bit to be desired. We walked in on a Saturday afternoon, around 2pm. The bar was almost empty (2-3 tables with people). The bartender at the bar (just to the right when you walk in through the hotel entrance) said someone would be with us shortly, but then we watched the only server in the bar stand and talk to the back table (a couple) for so long I thought about feigning a coughing fit to get his attention. Even when we finally got seated at a table (not by him, he still hadn't turned around), the service wasn't great (unfriendly and not very welcoming). The service made the experience kind of lackluster for me, which was such a shame, because this cocktail bar in the Carlyle is really special. I definitely want to give it another chance, because I had already decided to love it before I visited for that first time. read more

Bemelmans Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This place is so iconic and has the best cosmopolitan of my life! We had an amazing time for their Sunday evening jazz trio show. Our server Julie was so sweet as was everyone else working and the people around us. The cover charge was $35 but definitely worth it. We ordered drinks and the cheese and charcuterie. We had an unforgettable evening! read more

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Wonderful serendipity! Bemelmans Bar... wow! After an afternoon at the Frick with college friends visiting from Pittsburgh when also one of them had grabbed some items from the museum gift shop, we said it was time for a drink. She said dive bars were ruled out and the app identified Bemelmans Bar as the nearest recommended spot. With the rain coming down, I ordered a Lyft. To my surprise, we pulled up to The Carlyle Hotel, where my last time in 2007 created another memorable visit - I treated my mom to see the awesome Eartha Kitt perform at the Café Carlyle! Understanding then that this was the hotel's bar, we walked through the lobby to the bar's entrance. The host noted that normally the guests have more formal attire, but would make an exception given the summer weather. He led us through this absolutely elegant, warm space decorated with delightful Bemelmans expressionistic murals to a small table adjacent to the piano player. Even the table's lampshade was decorated in his mural art. (The hotel paid for it with 1 1/2 years of accommodations for his family and him.) My friend explained Bemelmans was the man who wrote the Madeline children's book series and apparently the artwork was adapted from that. Then, she pulled out her gift shop purchase - "To The One I Love The Best" by Ludwig Bemelmans! What a coincidence.. or not... we were meant to be there! Our table was equipped with a small threesome of tasty spicy nuts and nibbles, snack crackers, and potato chips. We ordered drinks, including a nice non-alcoholic beer for me. Additionally, my friend selected an order of their Fried Olives with Lemon Vodka Aioli to share. (Note - It wouldn't be something I'd reorder or recommend.) Bemelmans Bar provided a super atmosphere to unwind and reconnect, although our proximity to the piano did present moments challenging our conversation. Its classic New York sophisticated atmosphere of unique, charming, unpretentious, accessible style reminded me of the specialness of this city. Our afternoon there was meant to be! Keep in mind - Bemelmans Bar is not cheap. (Underline, understatement!) There are cover charges when there's live music, even just the piano. And those Fried Olives... super pricy! That being said, Bemelmans Bar elevates a moment to be shared with others into something not to be forgotten. (Btw, a show at Café Carlyle can do that too!) read more

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Literally a place I've had in my list for nearly 10 years! Finally came here and it was amazing. Sure, the drinks are expensive. Sure, you pay at least $25 for a cover to sit at a table. But the whole experience was amazing. We came on a Monday night and wanted a nice night out. There was no line to get in and decent amount of seating. We were seated right behind the jazz trio, and it was awesome! Think YouTube jazz background cafe/bar music but in real life. Think "jazz Christmas" and this is it, but all year long! Music was top notch. The drinks were also great. My wife got a Gin & Tonic from the menu, and it was very good. I ordered from the martini selection, I think a Carlyle Whisperer, and that was one of the best classic/classic-inspires cocktails I've ever had. In terms of drink pricing, it's not cheap. BUT if you order a martini, the size is closer to 1.5 of a normal martini for $30ish and up. They pour the drink into the cocktail glass and have the remainder in a mini carafe. If you do some weird math, it might make sense. Overall, we loved the bar. I wouldn't wait 20+ minutes to get in but if you're looking for a fantastic NYC jazz experience with great drinks, this is it!!' read more

Bemelmans Bar - Drinks - a Gin & Tonic variant (wine glass) and the Carlyle Whisperer - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Really great jazz bar at the Carlye. The prices are kinda crazy (cover and every drink ends up being +$40). You can't deny the great ambiance though. read more

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I was excited to go here after the Frick with my BFF. One goes here for the nostalgia and charm of the illustrated walls which are worth the visit. We arrived as Johnny the friendly bartender was opening. He made us feel so welcome! We had come to see the walls but ended up having such a nice visit due to Johnny. Had the Cuban cocktail, coffee, a mushroom appetizer called Cuban cigars (wrapped in filo pastry--yummy) and a decadent flourless chocolate cake (really good). The Carlisle Hotel is so classy. The bar and eateries are so dark yet unique and beautiful. Of course way too expensive! But we will return for the jazz! And spend more. This is a cool Manhattan experience. read more

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We stopped by after the MET and thankfully were able to get a spot. They did let us know after 5pm, we'd have to leave since they have a dress code at that time. That was fine with is as we were dressed casually. The decor is very detailed and cozy. Were ordered a charcuterie board and drinks. I ordered the Bobby Manhattan which tasted like Tawny port in the best way. I love places like this and as a cocktail enthusiast, thought their creation was fantastic. They do offer high tea and dinner in other rooms. If you like speakeasies, hotel bars and jazz this is definitely a great place to go to! read more

Vibes are awesome how this is cornered into a hotel and the dark lighting and music. Extremely unique experience compared to other spots in New York. The $30 drink prices are just ridiculous though for a martini that is nothing special. read more

The perfect ambiance. While I can't speak to the food as we didn't have any, the drinks, ambience and service were beyond incredible. There's truly nowhere like this place and every time I come I truly enjoy my time. Service is without note and the ambience couldn't be better. It's such a New York classic and the kind of place you never wanna leave. From the live music to the gorgeous murals to the attentive staff Bemelmans bar is the place to be. read more

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This place is the living embodiment of "the emporer has no clothes." In my opinion, it has got to be one of THE most overrated bars in Manhattan. Stopped in for a cocktail on a random Wednesday night in the summer. After ignoring me for a while, the bartender comes over and tells me - in a most unfriendly way - that there's a $20 cover for the piano player. I knew full well that this was going to be an expensive drink, so I was unfazed. I ordered a manhattan and he brought it. No small talk, no "where are you from" ... nothing. This guy acted like he was doing me a favor by pouring me a $34 cocktail. Not once did he ask me how the drink was, whether I would like another or any other kind of pleasantries that one might expect at such a storied establishment. I've had friendlier and more attentive bartenders at Chili's. Oh, by the way, the piano player stopped playing about 10 minutes after I got there and never came back. The bottom line is that, whether it's Bemelman's, the King Cole bar at The St. Regis, or any other such place, you're not just paying for the drink ... you're paying for the atmosphere and the experience. My experience at Bemelman's was --- to put it bluntly -- lousy. There are a million bars in Manhattan that are friendlier, cheaper and not capitalizing on tourists based upon a reputation that has no basis in present reality. Pretentious, unfriendly and extraordinarily expensive is no way to run a bar in this city. read more

Meh dark old not all that's Martinez are like $35 a pop I guess in nostalgia of being somewhere where old movie stars would hang out fad did not have any food just drinks and after $235 I was kind of done read more

This place has fallen from grace and needs a serious reevaluation. Please don't have multiple well dressed clientele and hotel guests waiting in a makeshift line while accommodating single scantily clad "ladies" of the night. It seems like the staff would be better served working at a strip club. Avoid at all costs. read more

Bemelmans Bar - Punch - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I came here on a Saturday afternoon around 3:30PM and there were about 8 groups of people already waiting in line to get in. Overall my mom and I waited only about 30 mins and the line just kept getting longer. We were seated at the bar and ordered the guacamole (6/10 tastes fresh but not a lot of flavor but there was some nice seasoning on the chips) and the homemade pigs in a blanket (10/10 so good!) They also give you a small snack container of spiced nuts, chips, and cheese crisps which was good! I ordered the Serrano and the elevator ride (strong!) Live music started at 5:30 and there was a $10 cover. The music was fun and the staff was nice but the bartenders switched shifts twice in the 2.5 hours we were there which was odd. Overall such a fun jazz experience but be prepared to spend a lot of money! read more

Bemelmans Bar - Pigs in a blanket, guacamole, the Serrano, and jackie -o - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I like the experience of this upper east side bar. Often has live entertainment, very good. The people are nice here, makes it all the more enjoyable read more

Bemelman's is a NY institution. I had never been before, so we stopped by around 5PM the evening before Thanksgiving. There was already a line to get in. Bemelman's does not take reservations. The line had about 10-15 people in it but we decided to wait any way. Some people ahead of us eventually gave up and left, which helped our chances of getting in. If you are a guest of the hotel (we weren't), you can skip the line and go right in. In total, we waited 90 minutes to get a table for 2 people. My friend who has been before said she has shown up other times when there hasn't been a line, earlier and not around the holidays. I mentally prepared myself to wait and also took a break to run and get snacks while my friend waited in line. There is no place to sit while you wait, so you are standing the full time you are waiting. After 90 minutes, we were ushered into the dimly lit, lively bar. The bar is not that large and tables are pretty crammed together. The noise level was loud. We sat by the piano player so we had no trouble hearing him thankfully! After 6PM, every table in the bar is subject to a $10 per person cover charge for the entertainment. Happy to pay it, as the pianist that night was wonderful, playing some Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. He was also happy to take requests. My friend and I had the Mr Carlyle drink which is basically a gin and tonic. It was great. Every table receives potato chips and a snack mix upon arrival. That was tasty. We also ordered a cheese plate and olives. The server forgot about the olives but we didn't bother asking for them as we got pretty full with the cheese plate served. Cheese plate was good and had these yummy crisps served with it. Table service was very good as well as the service from the host who seated us. Obviously the decor in the bar is fascinating, with intricate drawings from the creator of the Madeline story book. Even the lamps have the drawings on it. Prices were average to upper range. But not surprising given the reputation and caliber of the bar. I did not see an accessible entrance to the bar. There are about 4 stairs leading into the entrance. The bar overall has a jovial, New York kind of energy that made the wait worth it. I'm so glad I got to experience Bemelman's finally. I'll definitely come back, hopefully at a time when there's no wait. There are not many vegetarian options sadly outside of olives and the cheese plate. read more

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My girlfriends and I came here on a whim after going to the Salon Art & Design show in the UES. So we decided - "when in UES..." My friend had mentioned this place was featured in some tv shows and films at the Carlyle Hotel. We arrived just as Bemelmans opened, and got a nice small table next to the bar. It was intimate and warm, with that Old New York feel. Apparently, they have a piano player on some nights which I would love to experience one day. We ordered wine all around and were served bar snacks, which were actually very delicious. As a creative, the details of the place really added a nice touch - from the branded cloth cocktail napkins to the menu design. Have yourself a Gossip Girl day and stop by The Carlyle! xoxo read more

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These Pigs in a Blanket single handedly changed my life. I've eaten my body weight in franks in blanks over the past few years (I'm 6'5 230 haha), and these stand alone at the 1 spot. The crown is heavy. It is 5 pieces of Andouille sausage wrapped in pastry dough that has the perfect crisp on the outer layer, topped off with a meticulous dab of spicy mustard. I mean just look at that picture. It tastes better than it looks if you can believe that. While the rest of our group was enjoying the live piano, looking for famous people, or scanning the Ludwig Bemelman murals that drape the walls, I was staring at the lone little piggy left on the plate. Between sips of my Vesper, my internal dialogue was going crazy: "I can't just take it, that would be rude... But I want it so bad. You can tell they cooked the sausage separately before wrapping it too... I NEED it... No I don't... You're with your girlfriend's family Johnny do NOT take it... But they know me well enough now..." Just then my big bro said "J Novo that has your name on it, take it. I see you eyeing it." SEE! THAT'S WHY HE IS BIG BRO. I also gotta shoutout the piano man, Roberto. He was taking request after request, just bodying EVERYTHING. His rendition of Vienna by Billy Joel got me a little emotional if we are being honest. He was way better than the live jazz trio that came on after him ($35 a person cover charge). Roberto came over to our table after, in his full suit and tie, and started RIZZING up all the ladies at our table. It was inspirational. I had to put my arm around my girl cuz I was getting nervous... Roberto the Rizzler! I actually loved this bar, even though it's damn near $30 a cocktail. You're paying for the vibe. I'm ecstatic to come back in the winter, as having a couple cocktails (and piggies) around Christmas time in a bar like this is what I think of when I think of New York City. Ig @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews read more

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This is the epitome of the Upper East Side. Classy, elegant, beautiful live jazz music under a soft dim glow. It's the most charming bar and my absolute favourite, especially for a date night. The bar snacks are the best free bar snacks ever. So addicting and I could munch on them all night. Drinks are fabulous, but it's really al about the vibes here. Sip on your Jackie O cocktail whilst listening to the trio perform Frank Sinatra -- there's nothing more NY than that. And the service here is excellent. Not pretentious at all. read more

Bemelmans is truly a standout experience from start to finish. The food is exceptional, beautifully prepared, flavorful, and clearly crafted with attention to detail. The service matches that high standard: attentive without being overbearing, warm, and genuinely welcoming. What really elevates the experience, though, is the bar. The drinks are nothing short of amazing. Their classic cocktails are executed to perfection, and there's a timeless quality to the menu that's hard to find anywhere else. It's the kind of place where you can order something like a Jackie-O and feel transported, refined, elegant, and unforgettable. If you're planning a visit, be sure to ask for Alban, his expertise and hospitality truly enhance the entire experience. If you're looking for a place that combines incredible food, impeccable service, and some of the best classic drinks around, Bemelmans is simply unmatched. read more

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Took my son there for a fun little cocktail hour. Disappointed to have the check tossed down and rushed through like this was a chilis. My drink was too sweet - no big deal- just a preference- so asked for the same as my son- mine came back with half the portions of his and we never saw a server again. Apparently don't go there at shift change. I didn't want to complain and ruin it for my son- but it was pretty disappointing for a 30$ martini. Art, music & atmosphere live up to the reputation though. read more

The classic spot for an old school, uptown NYC experience. You're likely to see a Real Housewife or a Broadway star here, but everyone will be behaving themselves and minding their own business while enjoying one of the city's most perfect martinis in a super classy environs. The entertainment and bartending is top notch, the vibe is classy but fun. It may be standing room only if you don't get here early enough but the drinks, service, and ambiance will be well worth it. Top notch. read more

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so cute and festive! did not eat just had drinks. service was good. bar snacks delish read more

Bemelmans Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Bad, just all around bad. If you can skip this place, don't just skip. Run away!!! We started with a one and a half hour wait. Of course the expectations were high given the great reviews. When we walked in the atmosphere did not disappoint. It was like an old fashioned bar you would see in the movies from the 1960s. However, everything after that just plain old stunk. The food was absolutely horrible. Dry, stale, oversalted, embarrassing. The drinks were nothing to write home about, and the waiter was not only half asleep when he served us, he didn't smile nor give a darn about providing even remotely basic service. It was a garbage show (eplace the word "garbage" was any euphemism you want). All in all, besides the nice decor, this is a one and never again stop. Oh yes, did I mention that for this wonderful pleasure of being disappointed it was hundreds of dollars for two people? So overpriced it's truly sickening. Just awful. read more

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Fair warning: there's a $10 per person cover charge once you order a drink. This might not be mentioned at the door, but the bartender will certainly inform you. Unless you're a hotel guest or know someone like a regular or the manager, expect to wait at least over an hour to get in. And yes, the drinks are pricey--you'll likely spend around $50 for a single cocktail when you factor in the cover charge and gratuity. I visited on a Thursday around 4 PM and waited about an hour to get in. Once seated, we had to wait an additional 20 minutes for someone to clean our table, followed by another 30 minutes for a server to take our order. The drinks were good, but were they $30 good? Not really. I tried the Bobby's Manhattan and a regular Manhattan--both well-crafted, but not worth the steep price. On a positive note, they offered complimentary mixed nuts, chips, and cheese crackers, which was a nice touch. The dark, moody ambiance with live music was lovely, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. However, the service was frustratingly slow, and there were several empty, uncleared tables even though the place was busy. While the vibe was enjoyable, I wouldn't go out of my way to return given the service issues and overall value. read more

This is my favorite hotel bar in NYC. It's so special. I recommend going on the early side to avoid a wait. I went the night before Thanksgiving and it was. 90 minute wait. It was worth it. The cocktails are amazing and the ambiance is charming. It's like walking back in time to old New York. If you go while live music is playing there is.a cover charge but it's worth it. Be aware that hotel guests do receive priority seating at the bar since there are no reservations. read more

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One of favorite bars in #NYC. Bartenders are super friendly and make some of the better cocktails. My personal favorites are the Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Warning, there is a bit of a dress code. But we'll worth visiting one of the more unique jazz bars/clubs in city read more

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Gorgeous bar with murals from the children's book Madeline. Loved the piano player. This would be a romantic spot for a date. There is assigned seating at the bar, which is understandable, given how busy it gets, but that keeps things a lil stuffy. read more

I mean, it's exactly what is supposed to be. Old school bar with bartenders in red jackets. Gotta love the snack tray they bring you. Martini? Good... but this is the main reason I came here and I was hoping for perfection. I'm trying not to give minus points for shitty blue cheese olives because what kind of assh0le asks for blue cheese stuffed olives. But... if you say you have them, don't give me some bottled crap that is inedible. If you are THE martini place, take some blue cheese and stuff some olives and have some pride in your product. Would I go back? Oh, yeah. read more

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For such a historical bar I was frankly underwhelmed. I stayed at the Carlyle and used the entrance off the hotel lobby. Dressed appropriately since I was told it was a classy place. It was early Friday evening and I asked for bar seating. The server placed me at the end with a cash register in front of me. Not sure how they expected me to enjoy a drink or food. I waited a moment then moved myself when another seat opened. The waiter asked for my credit card then held it, which I never experienced before. I opted for a Kentucky Mule with a side of Oysters. Surprised to find my cocktail served in a glass rather than the classic chilled copper tumbler. A paper straw seemed beneath Bemelmans. Oysters were good, music better but I won't return. I think I can find a $30 cocktail elsewhere. read more