Bemelmans Bar
Hotel Bar and Cocktail Bar$$$$
Upper East Side, New York
The experts at Bon Appetit Magazine and Time Out New York recommend this place
"#madeline and one of the great UPE bars with old..."(8 Tips)
"Love the artwork on the walls by Ludwig Bemelman!"(7 Tips)
"The Passion Royale was definitely my favorite!"(4 Tips)
"Drink martinis and classic cocktails while listening to live music"(5 Tips)
127 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- jazz music
- madeline
- good for dates
- passion royale
- ludwig bemelmans
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Time Out New YorkDecember 19, 2017You can sip on some of Bemelmans' famous cocktails like the Red Velvet (rye whiskey, spiced plum syrup, egg white, fresh lemon juice, bee pollen) and the Luxury Sidecar. Read more
Yerelyn C.April 7, 2013Go in the evenings from 5:30-8:30pm & to listen to piano & great music. Great options to select from including drinks and appetizers. After 9:30 there's a cover fee of $30 p/p table $ $15 p/p at bar.
Alex MizrahiJune 17, 2013"Ten or fifteen years ago, it was hard to get a decent drink in New York, particularly if you wanted anything other than a martini. Back then, my wife and I, unburdened by offspring or daytime jobs.." Read more
Aubrie AhmadpourJanuary 14, 2020This is the classic and romanticized version of the city we love, and it’s still very much alive at the Carlyle. This gorgeous bar and the charming staff never disappoint!
Katerina KuvNovember 8, 2022Iconic bar with the golden Celling, unreal paintings on the walls. Piano and jazz music in the evening. Noisy, better to reserve the table in advance. Cocktails, beer and champagne exist
Matthew TringaliMay 25, 2015Whatever your budget, find a way to make a date night here. Drinks are expensive, but worth it. Stay after 9p for great music that will make you think you stepped back in time. Dress for the occasion.
Bokyung ParkJanuary 18Artist and author, Ludwig Bemelman painted a mural that expressed the four seasons of Central Park.It‘s a bit loud, but I’m sure it‘s a New Yorker-style place with excellent performance.
Marie La RueApril 18, 2022Step right into old NY.Masterful decor and atmosphere, staff at the top of their game, talented musicians play all night long. Expensive drinks but this is a top dollar venue. Good bar bites.
The Corcoran GroupSeptember 23, 2011Holy 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.
Brant McQuittyApril 16, 2016Best martinis and bar snacks on the UES, not to mention the Bemelman murals play nicely agains the dark space and great jazz trio.
DHR.comFebruary 14, 2012This historical landmark and restaurant's namesake is Madeline creator Ludwig Bemelman. Both kids and adults will have the best time admiring the great food, artworks, and decor here.- ❀✿ YIᑎG ✿❀July 31, 2015Love the artwork on the walls by Ludwig Bemelman! Instantly brings me back to my childhood with Madeline! Great atmosphere which I definitely recommend people to check out.
Alexandre MunhozFebruary 24A NYC classic. Despite it has become a huge tourist attraction, the service and the charm remained unchanged. Quality of cocktails as well.
Julie TringaliMay 25, 2015Passion royale is so good. Live jazz music is better. Great service. Wish there were more diversity. You should go with Matt Tringali to top off the best evening out.
MrsCorksterAugust 20, 2015Fantastic service from Lori at the bar. They don't typically serve bar food until 5 p.m., but ask nicely and they will have the kitchen whip up something. Also, perfect Aperol spritz.
À LA GARÇONNE MEUFAugust 20, 2014Order the perfect dirty martini, people watch while snacking on cheese twists, and cape code chips. Dress code: cocktail chic no sneakers and cutoffs, remember you're at The Carlyle!
IrmaZandl ZandlSlantDecember 17, 2014OMG love this place. Quite spendy but so "grown up" and fab. To get a good table you've got to be here by 5:30.
Jastine KhoJuly 11, 2016Great jazz music. Come on a Sunday night- it's not as crowded. Also, be warned that they strictly enforce their dress code. No shorts ladies and gents!- Nathan SukonikFebruary 17, 2018#madeline and one of the great UPE bars with old school tunes, piano and cocktails
An institution. The vibes on Friday night with live pink is incredible.
Narma LiyanaarachchiApril 3, 2014Great place to enjoy a quiet, yet entertaining night on the UES. Devoid of the b&t crowd from New Jersey who swarm venues in Midtown and Chelsea.
Amy RobertsonMarch 17, 2016An absolutely lovely experience. Grab a seat at the bar, order a martini, and listen to the classics from the piano man
Travel ChannelNovember 14, 2011At the only place where Bemelman’s art work is publicly displayed, Tony has a martini saying “a room like this calls for a classic.” As seen on Travel Channel’s The Layover with Anthony Bourdain.
LaurenMarch 30, 2014Sure, a martini is $21. But it comes with a side of extra martini, so it's really 2-for-1 and therefore one of the cheapest martinis in town.
Concert Ticket AgencyOctober 18, 2012named after the legendary artist. (Madeline, anyone?) You can see his works of art beautifully displayed. Unparalleled atmosphere. Pricey, but worth it. Soooo NYC.
Ricky SherrillDecember 8, 2014A great place for business meeting over drinks or some after work cocktails. Also there is some nice Jazz music.
Untapped CitiesJanuary 22, 2014Ludwig Bemelmans painted murals of Central Park at the Hotel Carlyle Bar in 1947, in exchange for living accommodations. Definitely check this place out. Read more
Alex RavenelMarch 12, 2015Great cocktails, spectacular space. Be prepared to pay for it, however. Still worth it for a drink or two in my book.
Buford BarnesMay 29, 2012Established 1929, restored 2002, all original murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, author of the Madeleine children's books. Hotel bar at The Carlyle. Features entertainment on weekend nights.
Eaters HeavenJune 3, 2017Elegant old school NY bar, jazz music was ok. There were lots of tourists the night I was there. Service was horrible by the tables. Stay by the bar, your drinks will come faster. Once was enough.
Tiffany & CoJune 1, 2011This is the real thing. A place for Gotham insiders. Gold leaf ceilings and enchanting murals by Madeline author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. Arrive by 8pm and take a small table near the piano.
New York HabitatDecember 13, 2011Enter Bemelmans in the Carlyle Hotel through an unassuming door off the lobby. Expensive drinks but one of the finest atmospheres in the city, complete with dim lighting and a piano player.
Chris EvansApril 1, 2015Great spot that does lovely live jazz. Really intimate vibe while still having great energy.
Cree LawsonSeptember 17, 2012Don't be fooled by Bourdain. We went here, paid $27 for a glass of wine. And were serenaded by Children of Hotel Guests. Hardly the place for a romantic drink. This is a Hotel Bar with great art.
eric bornemannMarch 15, 2015An only in NYC institution. Pricey drinks offset by free snacks and amazing ambiance.
Brad GrahamSeptember 21, 2013Gin martini. Inside Carlyle hotel. Not a place to hang out, but cool to go once. Named after Ludwig Bemelmans (Madeline), only public display of his artwork.
Camilla CSeptember 11, 2014Classic cocktails made by classy bartenders in a throwback setting. Expensive but worth it.
Leszek DowgierSeptember 14, 2018The only word that comes to mind is, iconic. Stop in, unwind, listen to some amazing live jazz.- Bruce TilleyFebruary 3, 2015Fabulous NYC transition. Visit this bar as it's known for featuring top music talents.
Angela MauroSeptember 30, 2016Come before the $20 pp cover after $9pm. Expect expensive but delicious drinks. Decor is like none other, completely unique
Michael MuseDecember 14, 2014Classicly New York. High end cocktails, really exceptionally classy vibe.
Carlos Grotewold RiveraDecember 6, 2014Great service n amazing cocktails. Stay for the 9:30 music trio they are wonderful.
EsquireJanuary 31, 2011Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. Order a stinger. They'll be cold and crisp, with the cognac outweighing the crème de menthe, the way they should be.
Jennifer YuApril 5, 2019Jazz music on the weekend starts at 5:30, but arrive early before it gets crowded. Pricy drinks.
I always order the same two drinks whenever I'm here (which is very, very often): Passion Royale & Whiskey Smash. Highly recommend!
405 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Best remembered as creator of the classic Madeline books for children, Ludwig Bemelmans once joked he'd like his tombstone to read: "Tell Them It Was Wonderful." Well, it was, and still is, at Bemelmans Bar. Named in honor of the legendary artist, Bemelmans is a timeless New York watering hole.
Closed until Noon (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- Noon–1:00 AM
- Fri–Sat
- Noon–1:30 AM
(212) 744-1600
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. MasterCard & American Express)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
Other places inside The Carlyle
- 8.4
"Great menu for summer 2010 Restaurant Week. Reco the pea soup, steak, chocolate cake"
Lana Chan 
"The food is great, but be prepare to spend a lot time waiting... And if u want the main "stage" to eat at, make sure to bring a jacket! Magic Castle anyone? :)"
Marcos Andres- 8.4
"Jp is so talented an professional. I got the keratin treatment, with their new machine izunami fume iron, it extracts all the fumes so you're free of chimicals. Love it!!"
Carine Ould
You might also like
- 8.8
"Beautiful space and pricey drinks ($24), but they are big, unique and well-made (worth it)."
Jason Schulweis - 7.0
"Classy and elegant! Get a seat overlooking the lobby and order the salami plate (with cheese to die for)."
dara lynne - 8.1
"Vibrant and quirky art. The food and drinks were fantastic and the service was impeccable! Salmon is good. Getting to the bathroom downstairs is a journey. They have high tea!"
Carol
Appears on 1,798 lists
Created by Foursquare City Guide
25 items • 353 followers
Created by New York Habitat
48 items • 559 followers
Created by Travel Channel
27 items • 1,943 followers
