Bemelmans Bar

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.

9 / 10
557
ratings
Address

35 E 76th St (at Madison Ave) New York , NY 10021 United States

Reservations Yes
Credit Cards Yes (incl. MasterCard & American Express)
Wi-Fi Yes
Outdoor Seating No
Music Live Music
Drinks Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails

Comments / 127


Keywords:

jazz music good for dates passion royale ludwig bemelmans murals bar trendy restaurants tequila liqueurs books earl grey tea red velvet desserts margaritas roses gin good for special occasions city pricey pianists
Time Out New York

You 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.

Go 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 Mizrahi

"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 Ahmadpour

This 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!

PureWow

Sure, $23 is pretty steep for a cocktail , but it’s worth every penny when you get to soak up the ritzy, old-world atmosphere at this Upper East Side institution. Read more

Katerina Kuv

Iconic 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 Tringali

Whatever 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 Park

Artist 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 Rue

Step 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 Group

Holy 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 McQuitty

Best martinis and bar snacks on the UES, not to mention the Bemelman murals play nicely agains the dark space and great jazz trio.

❀✿ YIᑎG ✿❀

Love 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.

DHR.com

This 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.

Julie Tringali

Passion 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.

Alexandre Munhoz

A NYC classic. Despite it has become a huge tourist attraction , the service and the charm remained unchanged. Quality of cocktails as well .

MrsCorkster

Fantastic 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 MEUF

Order 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 ZandlSlant

OMG 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.

Cree Lawson

Don'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 .

Jastine Kho

Great 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 Sukonik

#madeline and one of the great UPE bars with old school tunes , piano and cocktails

Aaron Pang

An institution. The vibes on Friday night with live pink is incredible.

Narma Liyanaarachchi

Great 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 Robertson

An absolutely lovely experience. Grab a seat at the bar , order a martini , and listen to the classics from the piano man

Travel Channel

At 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 .

Lauren

Sure, 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 .

Ricky Sherrill

A great place for business meeting over drinks or some after work cocktails . Also there is some nice Jazz music .

Concert Ticket Agency

named after the legendary artist . (Madeline, anyone?) You can see his works of art beautifully displayed. Unparalleled atmosphere. Pricey , but worth it. Soooo NYC.

Untapped Cities

Ludwig 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 Ravenel

Great cocktails , spectacular space. Be prepared to pay for it, however. Still worth it for a drink or two in my book .

Andy Chapman

Classic, great service. Any drink you order will be great.

Eaters Heaven

Elegant 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.

Buford Barnes

Established 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.

Tiffany & Co

This 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 Habitat

Enter 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 Evans

Great spot that does lovely live jazz . Really intimate vibe while still having great energy.

eric bornemann

An only in NYC institution. Pricey drinks offset by free snacks and amazing ambiance.

Brad Graham

Gin 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.

Khaled ????????

Classy bar , nice music , good service and good vibes

Camilla C

Classic cocktails made by classy bartenders in a throwback setting. Expensive but worth it.

Arah Cho

Great cocktails and live jazz . The Passion Royale was definitely my favorite!

Leszek Dowgier

The only word that comes to mind is, iconic. Stop in, unwind, listen to some amazing live jazz .

Angela Mauro

Come before the $20 pp cover after $9pm. Expect expensive but delicious drinks. Decor is like none other, completely unique

Bruce Tilley

Fabulous NYC transition. Visit this bar as it's known for featuring top music talents.

Carlos Grotewold Rivera

Great service n amazing cocktails . Stay for the 9:30 music trio they are wonderful.

clive kornitzer

Great service good wine and a great atmosphere for watching people

Jennifer Yu

Jazz music on the weekend starts at 5:30, but arrive early before it gets crowded . Pricy drinks.

Esquire

Congratulations, 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.

Michael Muse

Classicly New York. High end cocktails , really exceptionally classy vibe.

Alexandra H.

I always order the same two drinks whenever I'm here (which is very, very often): Passion Royale & Whiskey Smash. Highly recommend!

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