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    Don't Tell Mama

    3.5 (507 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 2:30 am (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

    Don't Tell Mama Photos

    DON'T TELL MAMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Casual

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    Reviews With Photos

    Menu, side 1
    Sarah W.

    We stopped here for a cocktail and to enjoy some live entertainment. Piano player and singer was great, and we also got a nice surprise when our bartender also belted out his rendition of "Don't Tell Mama", which is the inspirational name of the bar. I have been fortunate to catch a program on PBS regarding this venue. The owner was interviewed and discussed the origin and history through the years, which made this visit even more special. Worthwhile to revisit here during future NY visits.

    Mai tai
    Nina Z.

    09/2024: Had to check out the local piano karaoke bar scene! First thing we see is the bartender belting out Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin from behind the bar. The talent from the employees here is mind blowing! Patrons can also get up and sing but the emphasis is more so on the staff, which was fine by me. Had some time to kill before our show so stopped by for happy hour. $7.50 well drinks. Guac and chips. $2 oysters. Guac tasted like it was made in house. Went to see our show and then came right back after. They switch pianists after 9 PM and that's when the real party starts. Drinks are $20 apiece but they were strong! French fries and NY Cheesecake were delicious. We had an amazing time at Don't Tell Mama and would definitely return!

    Great performance by Marissa Mulder and Bill Zeffiro
    Dennis G.

    I had the pleasure of attending today's American Songbook Show at Don't Tell Mama, featuring the incredibly talented Marissa Mulder and Bill Zeffiro -- and it was an absolute smash! Their performance was everything cabaret should be: warm, engaging, and full of heart. What made the afternoon even more special was sharing the magic of live performance with two local public middle school choruses, many of whom were experiencing their very first show. Watching their excitement and curiosity was truly inspiring. A huge thank-you to the Cy Walter Foundation and Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth for championing this event and helping bring the arts to NYC middle school students. Don't Tell Mama continues to prove why it's such a beloved spot in the cabaret community. Highly recommend catching a show here. The environment is classic cabaret, and the service is excellent.

    Linda L.

    Had a great time at this place. Love that the wait staff and bartenders join in on the fun and sing. Surprised that I didn't know more songs, but it was still a great time. Expect to be packed in line sardines, but it allows for some joint camaraderie. Great staff. Great times.

    Eva G.

    Vocals and entertainment I have to say are AWESOME!!!!! That I would rate a 5! However, the food isn't that great. We ordered chicken tenders and some desserts. The desserts were a big miss especially the carrot cake. The drinks were okay, just on the pricey side. I would still come back and order drinks and listen to the amazing talent here. But I would eat elsewhere first.

    Nelli T.

    Fun piano bar vibes and some wannabe Broadway singers even jump in to belt out a song. I was especially impressed by the bartender who had a great voice!

    10 dollar flat diet coke
    Jadon S.

    0 Stars. This place should be shut down and the people who own it should be arrested. A complete and total scam. I only came here to see my friend perform but was forced to pay a 20 dollar minimum when there for drinks alone. On top of that i dont drink alcohol so i had to get soda meaning they charged 10 dollars for each soda. The sodas were flat and in small glasses . the place was stuffy and small. I downloaded yelp again after a while just because of how absolutely disgusting this place was. The waitresses were snarky and rude. Awful . I included here a picture of the 10 dollar flat soda. Update: They tipped themselves and there wasn't any say in it. Real scoundrels

    The Latte Boy Jameson, Bailey's Irish Cream, Ruby Red Slipper Cold Brew Coffee, Whipped Cream
    Alvin A.

    Had a night time cocktail prior to bedtime with my dinner date on a recent work trip to New York City. It was my first time to a piano bar located right on Restaurant Row or 46th Street in Hell's Kitchen between 8th & 9th Avenues. It's a really cute and quaint lounge for those wanting to listen to live show tunes performed by local broadway actors and actresses. Their voices are amazing and even the bartenders would sing live as they are making cocktails for customers. Their kitchen does serve food as well as desserts, but neither of us ordered anything from the kitchen as we came straight from dinner earlier. My friend she ordered a glass of wine as I was in the mood coffee drink with Bailey's, which The Latte Boy seems perfect for me! I think if you have a large group of people that you may have a challenging time fitting your whole entire party with you. Although the staff that greets you at the door will readjust tables and chairs to accommodate your group depending on how many other people are already in the bar. Will definitely go back again on another trip and maybe request some songs by the performers. It's a lot of fun and you'd probably bring more friends and stay out late too!

    Sean C.

    Stopped by for a quick drink before a show. The space is cute with live music, with a tiny menu for food and drink. From the other reviews, I think we got an off-night because the service and drinks were pretty lackluster. However, we enjoyed the live music as we were chatting.

    Meena P.

    Dueling piano bar at its funnest! Sunday night this place was jam packed and so much fun. Great relaxed laid back atmosphere, nice service,great bar And nice selection of food. The music was great and even some of the servers were singers. As the night went on it just got busier. We had a few rounds of drinks, the bubbly was plain good! And my friends had some fun colorful champagne cocktails. We got a charcuterie which hit the spot, and a great chocolate raspberry mousse, and we just had a great time. Lively , fun, great food and drinks. The music was excellent, and they honor requests. Was a great end to our day!

    Stage

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    7 months ago

    Our favorite place to go in NYC. Amazing singing by the most talented people, cozy little tucked away ambience and great drinks.

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    8 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Rude and not accommodating hostess when there was clearly open seats. It took a lot of convincing. Turned away a lot of customers

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    3 years ago

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    Gielie Ann E.

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    Gielie Ann E.

    Thank you for the 5-star review, Dave. We hope to see you again soon!

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    1 year ago

    Great drinks! Amazing staff! Broadway quality singing. Espresso Martini was my favorite!

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    2 years ago

    Yes!! Just yes! I don't have words... but yes! The piano. The singers... just go to this place! It is worth it!

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    Page 1 of 13

    Don't Tell Mama Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Don't Tell Mama

    Is there a cover charge?

    No there is not, but you will have to order drinks while there.

    Hoping to visit the restaurant on July 3. Is there an update on whether it has reopened? Haven't been able to reach anyone via phone.

    We were there two weeks ago, they are alive and well. Just stop in.

    Has the Restaurant Reopened? Please note the date today is 3/30/22. I'm traveling in 15 days and so want to go here. Specifically the Restaurant not just the Bar food.

    They do have food........Good bar food at that even ! I had a salad and some fries.

    How loud does this place get at night? Thinking of renting the apartment above it.

    Very, very loud. But I do not now how the noise travels to the apartments above.

    Is this 21 and up only?

    Yes

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Don't Tell Mama

    We were blown away by how talented staff was and were smiling ear to ear throughout the performances.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The Flatiron Room - NoMad

    The Flatiron Room - NoMad

    4.3
    (1.2k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$

    Low key establishment that manages to thread the fine line between a bar, restaurant, and music…read moreestablishment. Place is set up nicely for music. Each table has good visibility of the stage and the musicians played some jazz favorites. We went during happy hour and found the drinks to be affordable and the cocktail selection adequate. We stayed for the Branzino which was quite good. Recommend as an after work place to hang out with friends.

    Went here for a casual get together with some colleagues when I was in NY. The Jazz vibes were…read morehonestly the reason to pick this place. It's a low key establishment from the outside but once you are in it feels a lot more trendy. The stage is right in the front and all the tables can get a good view of the stage. The music can be loud at times and the ambience is more on the dimly lit side but still a great spot. The service was great, and the drink selection was cool too. I would definitely pick from the selection of speciality cocktails. I got the smoked old fashioned (or similar) and that was potent, Smokey and delicious. We also got a few bites to eat. Other than the tuna tartare (didn't feel fresh) everything we got was nice - nigiri combo, kimchi fried rice, kings toast.... Nice drinks, nice atmosphere, good food and great service!!

    Photos
    Live jazz and blues
    Live jazz and blues
    Shells & Bones: Escargot with bone marrow flan!
    Shells & Bones: Escargot with bone marrow flan!
    Have you attended one of our famous Whiskey Tasting Classes?

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    Have you attended one of our famous Whiskey Tasting Classes?
    So & So’s Piano Bar

    So & So’s Piano Bar

    3.9
    (37 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    I had such a magical experience here at So and So's. There's a band that plays here consistently on…read moreSaturdays and they're incredible. Beautiful jazz! They play a mix of classics and personal works and throw in some latino compositions. For food, we got the prix fix menu of a starter, main and dessert for $60. Beyond worth it! They also have a robust cocktail and mocktail menu. Something for everyone. I ordered mini lobster rolls, sesame tuna and boozy bread pudding. Lobster rolls were petite but mighty good, shiso leaf in the cucumber salad was a nice touch and the bread pudding was to die for. I could barely finish the food altogether the portions were very generous. My friend had steak and I definitely took a few pieces as well. Overall it's super modern inside, comfy and with great food to accompany beautiful music. Top of the list for piano bars!

    Nice spot, lovely drinks and vibe. Food was ok, but the menu is not vegetarian friendly (no main…read moredish options listed at all). However, the staff were accommodating and made an off menu pasta dish that was vegan/vegetarian. (I had also called first to confirm if this was possible) Docking one star because that dish should have just been an option on the menu in the first place, especially when this is a restaurant connected to a hotel. I'd recommend this place for a nice evening out with drinks only.

    Photos
    As we entered.
    As we entered.
    Wagyu in a blanket
    Wagyu in a blanket
    Lounge area.

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    Lounge area.
    The Rum House

    The Rum House

    3.9
    (714 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    We were staying in Times Square and were looking for a cool spot with live jazz. What luck that the…read moreRum House was just a few blocks away! Tucked into a very cool art deco hotel, the Rum House is a tiny little oasis amidst the insanity of Times Square. There was a guy at the door asking about reservations. We did not have one, but we were admitted regardless, and a friendly server / hostess informed us of the 2 drink minimum and seated us right near where the musicians were set up. The drink menu is a ode to rum. All kinds of rum; spiced, dark, overproof, high end. Most of the cocktails are tiki cocktails, but do not be turned off if you don't like sweet drinks! It's a myth that tiki cocktails are all sickly sweet. A properly crafted tiki drink will be a great balance between alcohol, sugar, mint and acid. These drinks were properly crafted! I honestly cannot remember what Larry and I ordered but all four of our drinks were delightful! You really can't go wrong with any of their rum cocktails. We were with Larry's brother, who is not much of a drinker. He ordered a whisky sour made with Crown Royal. The whisky sour was a surprising standout! The sour mix is house made (of course), which elevates this drink from an overly sweet attempt to cover up cheap whisky to a complex beverage that can be savored. The jazz was great - they had 4 musicians (kind of a lot in the small room) who played 2 songs before breaking and returning for another 2 songs, etc, etc. The short sets were welcome as they allowed for conversation between the entertainment. The Rum House is a great stop; don't miss it if you are in the area!

    Been wanting to check this place out for YEARS... I finally have. It was really small. It looked so…read moremuch bigger to me in pictures. This is not a bad thing, I was just surprised. Regardless, I love the dark decor. Its not loud or anything, just a more relaxing environment for drinks where you can actually speak to each other. They have a huge selection of drinks, not too much to eat but there's plenty of restaurants in the area to handle that for you. The popcorn did smell good though. It was also the end of Happy Hour when we arrived. My husband got the 'Hot Buttered Rum' and I got the 'Escape' which was Bacardi 8yr Rum, Coconut Crème, Pineapple Juice, Sweet Vermouth. The drinks were STRONG. They are also pricy but the Hot Buttered Rum was part of Happy Hour so that helped. The service was super friendly, knowledgeable and quick. I would come back or recommend if you are in the area. It was a nice little place and glad I finally tried it.

    Photos
    Rose & espresso martini before the show
    Rose & espresso martini before the show
    The Rum House
    The Rum House

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    Don't Tell Mama - newamerican - Updated June 2026

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