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.
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 |
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
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 .
"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
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!
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
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
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.
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 .
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 .
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 .
Best martinis and bar snacks on the UES, not to mention the Bemelman murals play nicely agains the dark space and great jazz trio.
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.
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.
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.
A NYC classic. Despite it has become a huge tourist attraction , the service and the charm remained unchanged. Quality of cocktails as well .
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 .
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!
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.
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 .
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!
#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.
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.
An absolutely lovely experience. Grab a seat at the bar , order a martini , and listen to the classics from the piano man
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 .
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 .
A great place for business meeting over drinks or some after work cocktails . Also there is some nice Jazz music .
named after the legendary artist . (Madeline, anyone?) You can see his works of art beautifully displayed. Unparalleled atmosphere. Pricey , but worth it. Soooo NYC.
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
Great cocktails , spectacular space. Be prepared to pay for it, however. Still worth it for a drink or two in my book .
Classic, great service. Any drink you order will be great.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
Great spot that does lovely live jazz . Really intimate vibe while still having great energy.
An only in NYC institution. Pricey drinks offset by free snacks and amazing ambiance.
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.
Classy bar , nice music , good service and good vibes
Classic cocktails made by classy bartenders in a throwback setting. Expensive but worth it.
Great cocktails and live jazz . The Passion Royale was definitely my favorite!
The only word that comes to mind is, iconic. Stop in, unwind, listen to some amazing live jazz .
Come before the $20 pp cover after $9pm. Expect expensive but delicious drinks. Decor is like none other, completely unique
Fabulous NYC transition. Visit this bar as it's known for featuring top music talents.
Great service n amazing cocktails . Stay for the 9:30 music trio they are wonderful.
Great service good wine and a great atmosphere for watching people
Jazz music on the weekend starts at 5:30, but arrive early before it gets crowded . Pricy drinks.
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.
Classicly New York. High end cocktails , really exceptionally classy vibe.
I always order the same two drinks whenever I'm here (which is very, very often): Passion Royale & Whiskey Smash. Highly recommend!
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
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
Everything on the menu here tastes sooo good! Great vibe and gorgeous view at the rooftop! Gets very crowded and there's a long line to get in so the earlier you arrive the better. - Lucy Maria
Wonderful place for a late night cocktail. One that is often overlooked. Bar Staff is amazing and friendly. - Dylan Boyd
Amazing space. Love the atrium above the bar. Menu is old-times to match decor and music. Great beer selection and cocktail list. Tables can only be reserved in person, so you'll wait for a few - Avin Narasimhan
Had a great bacon cheeseburger with fries. Very tasty with reasonable prices. Small place, has a pub vibe to it! - William Studart
A elegant place to have lunch and to “see and be seen.” Definitely go with the Truffle Pizza and the Croque M. Or you can go wrong with the Chilled Seafood Platter. - The Corcoran Group
Incredible museum. So much to see and to learn! Friday & Saturday it’s open till 9 pm, and the ticket works for 3 days! We spent 2 evenings there without crowds. We’ll be back. Loved Egyptian exhibit. - Diana Arz