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    Marie's Crisis Cafe

    3.6 (478 reviews)
    InexpensivePiano Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 4:00 am (Next day)

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    Always a fun stop on our yearly trips.
    Hillari S.

    This is more of a 4 star place, but I'm giving it a 5 because EVERYONE who loves show tunes or broadway musicals should go here. In all my travels, I've never seen another bar like it. There are plenty of musical themed bars or piano bars, but none where actual performers from the shows may show up or where so many people know sich obscure songs. This bar has been around for at least 20+ years because I used to go when I lived in NYC when I was young. Anyways, someone plays the piano and everyone sings. They are rather militant at the bar, so that brings the rating down from a five. But, everyone should go here, if even only once. I am not surprised if many in the city are regulars.

    Montage of images from Marie's Crisis Cafe
    Ed U.

    "I got 36 expressions! Sweet as pie to tough as leather, and that's six expressions more than all them Barrymores put together..." OK, I didn't make a request for "I'm the Greatest Star" - but I was ready to be a bagel on a plateful of onion rolls if called upon. And frankly, if you didn't know this song was from "Funny Girl", you're in the wrong bar. However, if you know Sondheim's songbook by heart, you need to come to this subterranean watering hole at 5:30PM when the piano bar sing-along starts with show tunes performed by request. There was a bachelorette party of baritone-voiced Jersey girls who left when they realized what the bar was about. They were quickly followed out the door by a trio of horny dudes who were looking to get lucky but realized they didn't want to be mistaken for gay. The rest of the growing crowd was here for the long run as we lit into "Cabaret" and "Do Re Mi" with spirit if not talent. It helped that Jamie W. and I had a couple of $10 Makers Mark & Gingers and Dirty Martinis. It's a small space, and lots of Broadway queens bring their own lyric sheets as they gather around the garrulous woman playing the piano and leading the verses. Don't let that intimidate you as everyone is welcome. Just remember... "Who is the pip with pizzazz? Who is all ginger and jazz? Who is as glamourous as?Who's an American beauty rose? With an American beauty nose and ten American beauty toes?" It's YOU...after a couple of stiff drinks. DRINKS - 4 stars...full throttle, inhibitions gone AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars ...it's a "Boys in the Band"-era type of dive SERVICE - 4 stars...the bartender has seen it all TOTAL - 4 stars...practice your showstopper so you can bask in the applause RELATED - Thirsty in Manhattan? Here's a collection of places I've tried and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2YS9ELs

    Lindsay S.

    Ok... I fell in love with this place! I wish we had something like it in MN! For those of you who haven't seen it.. it's a community karaoke piano bar and it's amazing and divey. The songs they play are all musicals, so study up if you plan to go. You can request the ones you want with a tip to the talented piano player. Make sure to not video in there unless you get the persons consent. This is a big no no. I don't believe they have food, just drinks. The bartender was quick and attentive despite running the ship solo. Oh yeah and it's cash only! Bring your paper money here! **Do Not go here to talk louder than the piano and the singers... there are other bars! Yes, I had two gals in front of me doing this. #rude Overall, I'm excited to go back on my next trip to NYC.

    Us-ies at the bar
    Sadaf T.

    Came here with family from out of town over Thanksgiving weekend and it was such a blast. Grabbed seats at the bar and enjoyed singing along (or trying to) some fun numbers. There were some truly amazing voices in the crowd and the overall vibe was welcoming and warm. Never have I ever sang "These are a few of my favorite things in public before." Hopefully this won't be the last.

    Inside
    Lizzie S.

    This dive bar not known for good service, but known for its live piano music of show tunes. Get ready to sing your heart out! Wish the drinks were better and they took credit cards and they had food, though. Love the vibe--divey but homey and warm. The clientele seems to swing older--I was surprised by the Broadway show tunes people chose to be played, I hadn't heard of many of them!

    Bar
    Amanda C.

    It's never a bad idea to treat yourself to live music + drinks on a Friday night, especially when the music is focused on show tunes. I came here at 6 pm in Jan and was pleasantly surprised by how empty it was. The bar was cash only and the bartender made some nice suggestions on drinks to order. The drinks were small but mighty. Everything about the atmosphere was fun, from the way the staff interacted with each other, to the audience engagement. This place definitely feels well loved and cozy. I thought I knew a good list of show tunes but my experience here gave me a few more songs to learn. There were other people who had to pull up the lyrics on their phones too to follow along. Make sure to go early if you want to get some seats and bring cash for the bar and for tips.

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    2 years ago

    This is the Theater Kid bar. Love show tunes, fun MCs, they take requests... This is the place to be

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    2 years ago

    It is my must go place when I'm in NYC! Such a fun way to spend a few hoursJust go early enough so you don't have to wait in line.. 7-8 pm

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    Page 1 of 12

    Marie's Crisis Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Marie's Crisis Cafe

    What time does the music start?

    5:30 ish

    Can people under 21 get in? Is it 18+?

    21 and up. They are very strict (as well they should).

    Open on Thanksgiving?

    Yes.

    Must check your purse...do they still have this policy?

    Coats and bags are checked during the colder months; I've never heard of anyone being asked to check their purse, unless it was huge.

    How late is this place open on week nights?

    Depends on the week night; some nights closer to the end of the week are open later, sometimes as late as 4am; if there is a smaller crowd, they may call it earlier.

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    Review Highlights - Marie's Crisis Cafe

    on a historical note--if the plaque outside the bar is to be believed, this is the place where thomas paine died.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

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    Kinda wild that I didn't write a review the last time I was in this jazz joint…read more Last time I popped into the 2am show and it blew my sox off. I saw Miki Yamanaka randomly for the 1st time. But apparently i missed writing a review. Maybe because there are many glowing reviews already. But may I put my 5 star review on the pile. This time we caught the 2pm Sunday open jam. We were smartly near the front of the line so we got my favorite spot, right on the bar rail near the stage. The drinks were good and strong, the service was quick and succinct. The jam was incredible. I didn't know all the guys but the guy on drums is a legend named muppet. He held back on his solos on the first 2 songs. On the third, when the baton was passed to him, he ripped off an impressive solo that would be amazing for anyone, and he is 93. We had to dip out to catch our flight, but cant wait to stop in again next time.

    This was our last stop during our must recent NYC trip. Were only able to stay for a an hour or…read moreso, because we had to run to the airport. Still, this was enough to get a good feel of what the club is all about. Just standing in line we got to talk to a musician, who had just played at another location, but told us the people playing there that day were amazing, including the 91-year-old drummer "Muppet". We went during the day so no cover charge, but think they do at later hours. We got some spots at the bar, knowing we would not be able to stay long. From any seat you are able to enjoy the whole atmosphere and set. They had one server and one bartender, and I honestly thought at first they would be scrambling with all the drink orders but the way they worked, quickly and still being personable with each guest was impressive. The band playing was great, we stayed a bit more than we should have because of how good they were. Very intimate, chill way to spend time enjoying live music. The only reason I took one star off is the restroom situation. I went down hoping I could use the facilities but the mold smell and other strong smell made me sick and I had to run out. Just make sure you go before you are inside or hold it. Apart from that, very intimate, chill way to spend time enjoying live music.

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    Smalls Jazz Club
    Some artwork right outside
    Some artwork right outside
    11.19.22 7:30pm show

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    So & So’s Piano Bar

    So & So’s Piano Bar

    3.9
    (36 reviews)
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    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!

    This spot was cool. My brother and I ended up here after getting shaken down at Mickey's (younger…read morebar down the way) after my brother lost his wallet. The vibe here was exactly what I wanted, good enough volume to blend in, but quaint enough for some classy glances across the way. We were greeted at the door about 45 minutes before closing. We got walked to a table and there was an amazing group performing some tunes. We moved to the bar for more efficient drink drinking. I got a New York Sour (if you haven't had one, try it) and my brother got a gin and tonic I believe. I got three, the first two were made by a polite male bartender, they were good, but then the lady bartender made mine and it was exactly the way it should be (10/10). Only complaint was that I had to ask for a cherry [could have been because they were closing] but there was a seasoned mixologist back there for sure and she took our picture for the gram. WILL DEFF BE BACK!

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

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    Lounge area.

    Marie's Crisis Cafe - pianobars - Updated June 2026

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