My favorite bar in the world. It's not just a bar, it's a gathering place for friends, a place to hear music and perhaps make some yourself. The piano bars of New York are special places, and the surviving ones must be treasured. Tip generously. read more

Brandy's Piano Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Great place. Non pretentious, great talent, good drinks! Don't Tell Mama = pretentious, tourist trap Brandys = local favorite. Worth the trip to the UES! read more

I have loved Brandy's since I discovered it about ten plus years ago. Ok fine, since someone was kind enough to let me in on NYC's best kept secret! Where else can you hear Broadway quality tunes, belted out by superstar singers, accompanied by a pianist who knows every single song ever written, oh! and that lets you make requests?! And these unparalleled (and warm and friendly) singers are also your waitstaff and bartenders! Brandy's is never ever ever anything but a fantastic time. Plus, there's no cover charge and the drinks are so affordable that you feel good about tipping the performers because you know where the money goes... and boy, do they deserve it. If a good mood were a place, Brandy's would be it! read more

See all

Very intimate piano bar, we came here on a whim after dinner and we got a round of drinks but didn't stay for long. There were not many people there but it was a weekday so I imagine it gets more packed on weekends. It was definitely an older crowd as well. Not sure I would go back but if you're looking for live music it could be worth checking out! read more

Not sure if singing Disney songs in the style of a theater production is the best idea in a ~500 sq ft bar, but it certainly has its charm. The Heavy use of AI in their social media posts despite being a bar that, on paper, should support artists, is much less charming. That's not even mentioning their mildly overpriced drinks. I do really like their logo though. read more

If you walk in and see the bartender with short red hair and glasses, do yourself a favor and walk out and just come back another time. She was incredibly rude and aggressive about ordering drinks, to the point where the pianist stopped playing because she was yelling at us. The bar was empty, it was 8:15pm (no minimum was indicated until 9:30) and we had been sitting for 5 minutes when she yelled at us that only 3 of us (out of 4) had ordered drinks. I don't understand why she still works there, it created an awkward and uncomfortable environment read more

There are so many rules at this bar you should bring an attorney with you. Bingo is fun on Sunday but rules are unclear and bartender gets upset. This is like if the town in Footloose had a bar. No dancing per "NYC Law". Again - attorney recommended. read more

Thanks for the memories . Years ago, I sang Barbara Streisand and Donizetti there. Jimmy Lazarr, the owner is an angel.

Super cute piano bar on the upper east side. Reasonably priced drinks too. Only downside is that it's a very small and intimate venue so it could get crowded very quickly. read more

On a recent trip to NY, my friend pitched the idea of going to Brandy's, and WOW am I happy I picked this for our Saturday evening! It was a PHENOMENAL evening! Live music starts at 9:30 pm, but you'll definitely want to go early to get a seat. My friends and I got there around 8:30 pm and had the pick of almost any table, so we picked a corner table and enjoyed a happy hour drink while we chatted. I will note that if you want to chat, definitely plan to get that done before the music starts, as the decibel level shoots up at 9:30 and talking becomes a no-go. By the time music starts, the place is packed though (and they do enforce the maximum number of people allowed inside), so be prepared to wait outside if you come later in the evening. Music started, and I immediately knew we were in for a treat. The pianist (John, I believe) was incredible - clearly a master pianist and also great at interacting with the crowd. The music selection was varied, but almost all are songs that most people knew and could sing along to. The musicians all take requests (with tips), but are great about playing popular songs in between requests. Everyone was singing and laughing - impeccable atmosphere! In addition to the pianist, the waitstaff also sings! The main waitress the night we went (Lauren) sang several songs and was sooooo good! Also, just on a logistical level, she was a GREAT server - took all orders without notes and didn't miss anything, helped people pay quickly, and did it all with loud music and minimal space to move around. A true icon. The bartender (Bobby) also sings wonderfully! Overall, a super fun, unique vibe to have all the staff be performers as well. There is a two drink minimum after the music starts, but it's easy to hit that since you won't want to leave once the music starts! My friends and I stayed until about midnight and they were still going strong when we left (apparently they keep playing until like 3:00 am!) They do pass a tip jar around (they also take Venmo), but it's honestly not annoying because there is no cover charge for getting in and it's clear that all the musicians [1] are very talented pros, and [2] love what they do and its infectious. The only downside is that the bathroom is TINY and you basically have to stand right up against the people sitting at their tables while you wait to enter the mini-bathroom. Minus that though, couldn't ask for a better time! Can't wait to be back next time I'm in town! read more

Brandy's Piano Bar - The night's line-up! - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Packed with customers but they were playing Little Mermaid songs on a Sat night. No thanks.

Elliot serenaded us! Jonathan fed us drinks! A 21st birthday celebration was thoroughly enjoyed!!!

This was such a fun night! It felt like living a modern day version of Piano Man. The bartenders were all so nice and everyone at the bar felt like they knew each other, everyone was singing and having a good time, a perfect place to go alone on a weeknight! They also have a happy hour right before live music starts! read more

Brandy's Piano Bar - Inside - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Definitely an Upper East Side staple! We have been coming here for a few months now and it is always so much fun. This is a perfect spot for a date night, girls/guys trip, or a family weekend! The bartenders and performers are always so welcoming and have good energy. The music is always top notch, ranging from Harry Styles to Billy Joel. They also always take requests (and actually play them lol). Brandy's is more relaxed during happy hour and the party typically starts picking up around 8 or 9. I would recommend arriving around 8 or earlier to snag some seats, but I prefer coming during happy hour because it's a great way to meet people! If Mario is bartending I recommend asking for his special margarita! read more

OMG had such an amazing night here! Incredible service with the best waiters and waitresses. Went early, not really knowing the vibe and ended up staying until 1am listening to Dan Pardo playing. Everybody was so funny and laid back and drinks weren't too expensive. Definitely coming back!! read more

Brandy's Piano Bar - Sex on the beach cocktail & a manhattan - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

My friend Jill introduced me to this place and I'm actually obsessed with it. They take song requests for a small tip and the whole place sings along read more

I almost don't want to write this review in order to keep this place my little secret, but it's too cool not to share, and makes me look like I always go to fun places and do hip things. My main man Phil and I swan in during the most crowded time and get a primo seat on the banquet by the pianist, like that continuous shot out of Good Fellas. Only without me having to flush cocaine down a toilet at the end of the night. The place is small and they pack in an eclectic crowd. Some older folks, some younger folks and some in the sweet spot of 40-something like myself. I knew every song that was played and thank God singing along is encouraged because boy did I ever! The sets are impressively long,with various bartenders and waitstaff taking a turn to sing. Everyone is crazy talented and it's a pleasure to listen (sing) to them. The service is prompt and attentive with a decent pour. There were a surprising number of small groups of friends at the tables, so don't let the size of the place stop you. You'll get in even on a Saturday night during lovely "I have to get out of my house!" weather. If not, just come back later. It's a great way to end a night out. So much fun! read more

Brandy's Piano Bar - Super talented pianist/singers - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Brandys is so great I wrote this poem for it. On the Upper East Side, there lies a bar so fine, You can find it at night if you look in time. The music is great, you don't have to choose, The Bartenders perform, it's never a snooze. The music is loud and the drinks are flowing, The happy hour is fun and relaxing. The Barkeeps are friendly, they make you feel good, The few times we've gone, we can't help but come back for more. If you're looking for a cocktail that's just right, Brandys is the best, it's worth the night. Happy hour is the time to be there and sing, You'll never forget the night at Brandys. read more

Just went yesterday and it was such a pleasant experience. Very friendly spirits in the air and although it is a small space that got packed with people I would still recommend going for a visit! John Bronston was on the piano. Very funny and quite talented with his hands and his vocals! He sang many tunes back to back and takes requests! Also reminds the audience that they may request songs. He sang British songs, older songs, and even Bruno Mars which I appreciated because the bar patrons were of all different ages. He really knows how to work a crowd :) loved his personality! PS I appreciate the rainbow flag on the front door even if if I was too shy to mention it in person. read more

One of my favorite spots in NY! I have been here multiple times, and the staff and customers are all so friendly. It's always a good time

It saddens my heart to write this review but I have no choice. Last night I went to Brandy's hoping to hear some great voices and possibly sing a song or two... to my surprise and heartache, I was approached as I sat down and asked if I had forgotten to pay my tab the last time I was there. I was taken aback by the gentleman that asked me because he had served me many times in the past. I laughed at first because I thought he was joking but he repeated that someone with a "jaw" had skipped out on their bill two times... WHAT THE SERIOUS FUCK... I over tip each and every time I am there. I didn't want to make it a color issue but noticed that no one else was being asked the same question. I sat there for a minute in shock and embarrassed but left shortly thereafter. Very disappointed and will NEVER return due to racial profiling. read more

Have you heard about Brandy's? Brandy's is a must visit for anyone that not only lives in the Upper East Side, but all of NYC. The ambiance and incredible hospitality makes this a go to spot any night of the week. If you enjoy live broadway quality vocals and delicious drinks - this is the spot to be. Make sure to give a friendly wave to Mario and Lauren when you're there! read more

One of my favorite places to go in NYC. It's funky in the best way possible. NYC's oldest piano bar, dating back before prohibition, survived the Depression for a reason. Not only have they had the likes Billy Joel and Huey Lewis perform here, but most of their performers are Broadway stars... like big big stars. One of the things I love about this place though, is that the spectacle is not who the performer is (aside from being fabulous humans), but his/her/their talent. And talented they are; not just at performing for an audience, but WITH the audience. My very straight-laced, golf-playing, lawyer uncle sings along. This place is what a piano bar is supposed to be. Understated decor with bigger-than-life personalities running the place. It is welcoming to everyone, and I mean everyone. This place has a city feel of the Crown and Anchor in PTown. I know the pandemic has his Brandy's hard, and I'm stoked that they've been continuing virtual performances. I have faith they will survive, as we know they've made it through worse. Anytime I talk to friends about places to go in NYC, I tell them to go here. So I'll give you all the same advice, check out Brandy's... even if it's virtual for now... you definitely do not want to let this place close, it's a true New York Gem. read more

This place is a lotta fun. Gay -centric piano bar that welcomes all. The whole staff (bartenders/waitresses) all can sing thier asses off and will pop over to the piano for sets of show tunes, rock, top 40, and contemporary music. Piano players are also terrific and will keep the crowd entertained. Fri and Sat nights are a blast, and can get very crowded as the place is small. Must get there no later then 10:30 to grab a table by the piano area or you will be standing for quite a while. People to do come and go to tables do open up now and then. Drink prices are average for NYC, so not too bad. Very casual and fun vibe, and you will make friends with people sitting next to you. read more

My favorite evening during my week-long trip visiting a friend. The staff, music and vibe were AMAZING. The energy lived on in my mind for days. The musicians were the highest quality and were personable and lovely. Great crowd. Great vibe. Affordable, strong drinks. Sing-a-long fabulousness. read more

The staff here are outstanding and take care of you. Live piano is fun, though sometimes they won't get to your song. Gets a little crowded, but that's because it's a fun place to be. Menu can be limited, but you shouldn't be expecting too much. read more

Brandy's Piano Bar - a blurry image of a group of people sitting at a table - Gay Bars Near Me - New York, New York

My friends are I were enjoying ourselves until it got political. The singers - who ironically 10 min prior were talking about how hard the lockdowns were on their business - then go on a tangent about how you need to vote for Kathy Hochul for governor. Did you not just 10 min prior say how hard the restrictions in which she places were on your business? Needless to say it's a comment like that which can spoil a night and leave you to never return read more

Omg Maria makes you feel like a superstar just being there. Fun vibe and loved singing with Maria

Been there several times. First on the waiting que line. People behind us gave door man $. They were admitted before us. Be prepared to pay door man to get in. Horrible read more

My mom went here when she grew up, my older brother's friends all told me about it and I came and found the best drink, night, song, and shoulder dance. Mario and Chris making the most Delicious shots read more

See all

A friend went a few days ago after an event at The Met and was turned away at the door for some obscure and rude reason(neither him nor his companion had been drinking nor were they dressed shabbily)but the doorman was exceedingly rude to them.Its obvious this shit hole pays yelp to tone down the negative reviews as many are in the " NotRecommended" section. I hope people actually read those as they are most telling about this establishment. Brandys will never get my business nor will any of my friends patronize this establishment. NYC has too many available options. You can keep your shitty staff and practices until your doors are shuttered. read more

Be prepared to tip an INSANE amount if you don't want to be confronted when you leave. Despite tipping the pianist and two bartender/ vocalists throughout the night, we were told our additional tip (on already overpriced drinks) at the end of the night was not enough. Gave them the benefit of the doubt the first time this happened, but after the second time we won't be going back. Rudest bartenders we've ever encountered!! read more

12/10 - incredible live music! All staff are also singers and take recommendations for songs. The drinks were lovely too and the vibe was spot on. read more

Fun piano bar with sing-along type of music. Drink options are basic. Our waitress was friendly. FYI there's a 2 drink minimum after 9:30pm. Definitely the most I've been entertained since before COVID-19! read more

Absolute gem of a bar. Any time friends are visiting New York from out of town it's the first place I bring them. Come for happy hour to chat with Mario at the bar (he's an angel), stay for the piano sing alongs. It's part Broadway show, part comedy show. Absolute blast every time!!! read more

I have been to Brandy's several times when visiting NYC. It's such a blast, but check to make sure Jennifer Pace isn't one of the waitstaff vocalists. She's rude to customers, ignores drink orders, is super condescending and won't sing songs after being tipped. Owen, the pianist, was great! read more

Just an amazing place with ridiculous talent. The waitress is wonderful. She has the most amazing pipes. The piano player has the greatest expressions and is incredibly talented. The bartender blows everyone away with his passion and intensity. And the drinks keep flowing. I have been here twice and both times I have shut the place down!!! read more

I've been going to Brandys on & off for 15 years. Tonight I witnessed the rudest most abrasive waitress I've experienced in all my 25 years of living in New York - it was shocking especially in these Covid/challenging times. She was probably in her 60's & was the only waitress there 8/16/2021. read more

I've had many a late night at Brandy's. Now that I love across the street, I tend to go less than I did before. I prefer Friday nights... getting in a little earlier to get good seats, this is typically before the doorman starts being a super asshole. I don't care who you are, he's a dick to mostly everyone... it's a wonder people don't just leave, honestly. There is a 2 drink minimum. Get seats and wait for the show. The cast and crew here bartending Ana waiting tables are all ex Broadway types, so most will belt out songs. The bigger man behind the bar sings Little Mermaid and it's awesome. Hope for a good crowd, enter tons of requests-and tip, then they tend to take better care of you. The bathrooms are disgusting. I honestly don't know why they don't put work into it, but it's always been that way and well, people keep showing up. Plus, I think they may be open til 4am nightly. Lol read more

See all

We try to visit bars with gay history anytime we vacation. And Brandy's did not disappoint. They are friendly to everyone! It is a small venue but when we went on a Sunday night it wasn't crowded. We sat at the bar but there were tables available. The drink price wasn't bad. And the bartender was awesome. It was an awesome environment. The pianist was excellent and the interactions among patrons was awesome. There were some amazing singers who stopped in. I highly recommend making Brandy's a part of your life. read more