The perfect place to have a drink and feel a little bougie. Loved the live piano, the drinks and the atmosphere.

Iconic jazz and piano bar from days gone by for perfectly stirred not shaken martinis and accompanying salty bar snacks. They don’t take reservations, so expect a line. NYC Bucket list item, at the Carlyle hotel.

Lovely bar. Go early enough in the day and there is no dress code. Great snacks to go with your cocktails. The bar and the hotel is totally a throwback in time.

Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle is pure magic. From the moment you step in, you’re hit with this amazing old-school charm that’s just perfect for a night out. The murals on the walls, drawn by Ludwig Bemelmans himself, are beautiful and add such a unique vibe to the whole place. It feels like stepping into a piece of New York history. The drinks here are top-notch. I had the classic martini, and it was probably the best I’ve ever had. The bartenders really know their stuff, and the service is impeccable. It’s a bit pricey, but honestly, it’s worth every penny for the experience you get. They use only the finest ingredients, and you can really taste the difference. The live piano music is a fantastic touch. It really sets the mood and makes the evening feel special. It’s the kind of place where you can just sit back, relax, and soak in the atmosphere. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, all enjoying the timeless elegance of this iconic bar. If you’re looking for a classy spot in NYC with great drinks and an amazing ambiance, Bemelmans Bar is the place to go. I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re on a date or just out with friends, you’re gonna have a great time. This place is truly a New York gem.

We had a lovely experience. Amazing Jazz Trio. Great Mocktail and Bar snacks. It’s a must go to for any occasion or no occasion at all. Enjoy 😊

It doesn’t get any more NYC than this. Serious quality, professional sharp attentive staff, marvelous vibe, exceedingly cool artwork, unmatchable atmosphere, perfect menu, and top line mixed drinks. Just did a drink each and a mixed platter. It has to be done! Expensive? Yes but welcome to New York baby!

It’s always a pleasure coming back to Bemelmans Bar. The bartenders and staff are stellar and polite, the music fits the room, and it’s still a staple of Old New York and everything great about it.

I love this place. You have to queue to enter but if you come at a right time you shouldn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes. I recommend sitting at the bar or with a good view of the piano if the jazz session is on. The drinks are pricey but you pay for the experience at drinking & dining at this iconic place.

Expected more of the Cocktails. The cosmopolitan was mediocre. The gin cocktails were excellent. The service very good and the atmosphere too.

If you want a quintessential New York experience, you must go to Bemelmans Bar at the Carlysle Hotel. Outstanding cocktails and service. Live piano music and Bemelmans murals were amazing!! See if you can find Madeline.

Bemelman's was a highlight of my trip to NYC. The ambiance was excellent and we were lucky to be able to have an excellent live jazz show the night we went. I loved the original mural painted by Bemelman himself, and the warm permeating candlelit cozy vibe throughout. The cocktail menu was so creative and delicious. The wait staff were attentive, kind, welcoming and quick.

Bar Carlyle !! What a magical place !! Classic NYC bar! What can beat live Jazz with complimentary snack plate filled with nuts, crackers and Idk I forgot the other one …lol !!! drinks are great and sliders yummy , that cheese melts in your mouth with the sweet taste of caramelized onions 😅😅

“I love a "cocktail lounge" piano. Outside it drizzles, grey. New York City, enveloped in the light mist. Two lovers have a date to meet at 6 o'clock. I've been coming here since they used to only serve me ginger ales by law. I love the piano players. And now I'm old enough to order gin and vermouth. Time flies. And unfortunately, it flies coach.”

I love coming here. The staff is professional and makes you feel taken care of. The food and drinks are delicious. Great vibe. Lots of history. A classy joint for sure. The drinks are a little more expensive but totally worth it for the experience.

A truly 5 star experience, starting with my phone call from Australia to enquire about the bar, music, best time to arrive etc, to my experience with concierge Helen and Jarad who were warm, helpful and more then accommodating, with Jared leading me personally to the bar, to bar tender John making me feel right at "home", to the wonderful piano playing of Earl Rose. Ah, lovely memory and will definitely be going back when in NYC next 😊

+1

This was such a great experience! The drinks were fantastic, the service was top notch and the decor was gorgeous. It's obviously a bit pricier given the location, but it's definitely worth it. The Earl Grey Martini and Madeline's Vesper were our favorites.

Went for a drink at Bemelmans Bar on Christmas Eve. The queue outside in the lobby may seem long but I was seated inside after a 20 min wait, right by the bar itself and the piano. That’s quick in my books! I skimmed the menu, ordered the Earl Grey martini (the vodka was steeped so well with the flavour & drink was strong!), and asked to settle the bill right away so I can fast sip before going to another venue for dinner. I love how there’s complimentary bar nuts and some cheesy cracker mix. Our server (name unknown) was awesome! Will definitely be back to enjoy a longer visit and Cafe Carlyle next door will open once again for music performances!

Awesome mocktails! Great ambience, very soft, medium-low volume jazz, tasty and authentic snacks keep refilling, I really felt in Europe

The old school New York staple for both locals and tourists. Other than the well-crafted cocktails and extensive champagne list, their food (esp. the Waygu sliders and fries!) is also delicious. Live jazz is performed daily from 5 to late, making this dimly lit cozy spot perfect for a casual meet up after work or chill date night.

One of the last of old school New York Historic Bars, drinks were incredible and bartenders were great. 10$ per person for entertainment while we were there but it was worth it. Miss my dirty martini. Can’t wait to come back.

+3

A special piece of New York. A must for anyone in town visiting. Upon arrival you feel transported into a movie set or into a different world. It’s a gorgeous setting and the perfect place for a drink or two before dinner or a nightcap. Enjoy live piano or jazz. The service is incredible and the atmosphere is unique.

Located in the Carlyle Hotel, Bemelmans Bar offers a blend of classic elegance and whimsy with murals by Ludwig Bemelmans. The expertly crafted cocktails, attentive service, and live jazz performances create a memorable experience. Prices are high but worth it for special occasions. A must-visit for its unique charm and historic ambiance.

Tops! Great drinks, food and live music what else could you ask for. Plus the prettiest place around. We arrived around 10:30 pm and it was packed on Thursday but lucked out with a table right away. The service and staff is impeccable. I love all the different rooms of the hotel to eat or have a drink. The restaurant and champagne bar are both incredible as well. A memorable experience and can’t wait to return. Very elegant and upbeat. Great vibe.

Fantastic place with great food and drinks. I wasn’t a fan of the pisco sour but I could definitely tell its quality even though it wasn’t my favorite. High shelf quality and it was super well balanced. My second drink was the Manhattan - their signature drink. And WOW was it good. Get this drink if you go here. Lastly their food was good. I had their burger and fries with a side of mac. Really good. The art both on the walls and ceilings are world class. The ambience is unbeatable. I will be returning.

The most "old new york" you can get: classy, but modern, with amazing service and great drinks menu, plus live jazzy music every day! A place where you can dress up to and not feel out of place. Unfortunately more and more Gen Z'ers discover this elegant place and show up in sweatpants and beanies (which is a fashion crime). Come early,the line is long (40-50 min) already starting from 5pm. Expect a cover charge to be added to your bill (and I feel they need to raise it as demand is so much higher now). The best thing - unlimited snacks and nuts. And of course live music.

+1

A fun New York City experience. Very cool murals. Check the times for live music before going. Price are high but its worth the scene and the drink portions are over the top--they bring you the extra from the shaker. Be sure to get a reservation. Cover charge from 6pm to 9pm.

+1

Stopped for a quick drink and apps. Very low lighting and a soothing atmosphere. Staff was great. Had the Jackie-o drink which had passion fruit and vodka. VERY GOOD. The pigs in a blanket were def the best I ever had. We ordered another round. Also tried the burrata which was good as well. The cheese plate was also delicious.

Relaxed and classy atmosphere at this iconic NYC hotel bar. Must visit if you can get in (we happened to just walk in on a slow Saturday afternoon and were immediately seated at the bar). The cocktails are amazing and worth the steep price, the service is classy but unpretentious.

+4

Very cool experience at The Carlyle especially with the drawing-focused murals all over the bar! Drinks are priced steeply but shockingly they’re actually worth the cost - they’re delicately made and served with class. Wait time can be around 15-25 minutes during the day if you are not a hotel guest, and i think the evening should be harder to swing a table given the popular piano performances.

Historical and iconic place where we thought of giving a try to see if we can get a table in the piano bar considering how difficult it is normally to get in and we are not staying in the hotel. Upon arriving we were told there might be 25 mins waiting time to get a sit-down table for 4 so we decided to give a try and wait for it. There were only a couple who were ahead of us but eventually they kicked off with the hotel manager and left so we ended up being in the first of the line. People were accumulated so swiftly at the glass door where the queue starts and we were very lucky given a table after 10 mins. The atmosphere was excellent but very busy. We were served as soon as we sat down while we were waiting for the other 2. A coverage charges $35 per head for a sit-down table so they didn't't end up staying. We tried countless cocktails and they were all excellent! Snacks were provided and I ordered waygue beef sliders as I didn't enjoy my dinner at The Mark Hotel across the road. The sliders were delicious. Our waiter Leo was excellent and suggested some great cocktails. The bar manager was outstanding in clearing a few groups of people who were not supposed to dance or standing right in front of the piano and next to our table. The musicians who played and sang throughout the night from 9:30 were extraordinary and we enjoyed our evening here thoroughly. Worth every single penny.

+3

The room was full. Graciously the Maitre D Maitre found us a chair at the bar. The bartender immediately offered us service. This place knows customer service. Pedro is a top shelf bartender. It is an incredibly gorgoeous room. The walls are a delight. It's small. It's cosy. Guests are enjoying their cocktails. And who can resist their trio of salty snacks that they bring you with your drink. Every trip to New York should include a drink at Bemelmans Bar. It's memory will linger with you for many years to come.

Nostalgic vibe on the Upper east side. The art on the walls by Bemelmans, the history, the music, the bartenders. It’s like a wonderful time capsule and at the same time, a hopeful feeling that you made it even if it’s just for a day, in NYC.

+6

Walked right in on Tuesday night. Crowd and trio on the inside were in great spirits. The menu’s delicious and our glasses never ran dry before the next one arrived. Incredibly friendly service and the ambiance is just what you imagine it would be… as smooth as the soft golden glow that bounces off the original Bemelman illustrated walls.

So, we came to Bemelmans Bar with high expectations and they were all exceeded. The place is beautiful, the music is excellent, food and drink top notch, and the service is warm and attentive (Thank you, Leo, for a wonderful evening). We plan on making Bemelmans Bar a regular stop for all future trips to New York. ________________ 🌏Weight Loss Motivation Blogger. 🔥Impressive Weight Loss. She Used This 1 Easy Trick! ⭐New Weight Loss Discovery Burns Belly Fat Like Crazy! Instagram👉 @slims_pro

+3

😎how many times have I been to this place? 10+ 👩🏻summary: A must visit place for jazz lovers in NYC 🎹❤️ Love the timeless atmosphere and music with high-end piano bar with renowned murals! The staff and servers are always nice and professional. Rob Mosci and Earl Rose are my favorite players!

+1

Bemelmans Bar never disappoints. The staff is incredible, the live music is pure magic, and the whole place feels like a love letter to old New York. If you know the city, you know this is its most elegant bar… timeless, glowing, and always worth the wait.

Really enjoyed our girls night out! Ceaser was a great security he made our night! Amazing positivity and smile and so sweet. Ceaser def made our night

Came here to celebrate my bday. Really posh vibe, you can feel the wealth in the attendees. Drinks are STRONG, not cheap, but you’re not coming here to skimp. Great place to chill out before a nice dinner.

+4

I went here for a drink to relax and enjoy myself. The ambiance is very nice , the staff very friendly from the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out. This is top of the line service. I only had drinks and the treats they place on the bar, but it was quite an experience. Will definitely visit again.

Pigs in a blanket & martinis, what more could you ask for? In addition to being inside the most beautiful bar in ny

+2

This bar was recommend by a friend. I tried to go during the holidays and then line was around the block. I’m told there may be special guest appearances but nobody showed up for my night However I will continue to go try have this bucket list item secured. There is a price just to sit. 35 and 15 for the bar. We got a bar seat. There was no view of the band but honestly it’s not needed however I want a seat next time. The bar snacks they give u are amazing and perfect. Love the variety. The drinks are very strong. And jsut the way I like them. I guess I didn’t read it right so I had a martini with mezcal which is my worst nightmare. But I still wanna go back just be more careful ordering. They give u enough for 2 drinks. Yum yum yum

We stopped into Bemelmans Bar and it was one of those classic New York experiences you hope for. The atmosphere is beautiful — the famous Bemelmans murals, soft lighting, and piano music make the room feel timeless and elegant. I ordered the Jacques O cocktail and it was perfectly balanced. One of the highlights was meeting Roger, who has worked there for 23 years and is retiring this July. We had actually seen him in the Netflix documentary about the bar, so meeting him in person was a fun surprise. A wonderful evening and a great reminder that some places in New York are more than bars — they’re part of the city’s history.

Wendy Zhou

Great drinks, great snacks, attentive service, and super elegant and intimate atmosphere. It is (expectedly) pricey but worth it for the experience. Perfect for unwinding post-gallery or museum hopping!

Lisa Potter

We sat in the lounge and had a fantastic time - the seats were comfortable, the drinks were delicious, and the service was outstanding.

Chase Fritchle

We had the best Christmas Eve here. In fact, it will be one a tradition. The bar is very classic, old and the murals were stunning. The overall vibe makes it what it is. You’ll likely see a celebrity or two. We saw some a listers. The staff are lovely, drinks are perfect. What a place! Can’t wait to come back!

Wayne Cox

Iconic nothing less nothing more!!! Found this place several years ago and my wife and I have always welcomed the nostalgia!!! Just celebrated my 60h and now based on these pics…..I have to be the oldest influencer ever!!! Serving up drinks with Johnny!!!

Kristjan

Writing an aggregated review across 3 visits. Typically easy to get a table. Even if it ends up in the lounge area. I would recommend going just for cocktails. There is no value in their wine selection and food is ok. The atmosphere is obviously the draw. Great live music, and you never know who might make a guest appearance.

MOira Dolan

On my bucket list as a life long NYer. We went on a random Sunday after after a museum. Had a lovely chat with an Australian at the bar. Loved the murals and the atmosphere. It's pricey so be aware!

trang ngo

Stopped at Bemelmans Bar after the Met. Dress code enforced, no shorts, no flip flops, collared shirt after 5:30 p.m. Nearly turned away, managed to slip in. Ordered a martini listed around $30, but with tax and tip the tab reached $50. Pricey, yes, but here it feels like the cost of admission to a piece of living history. Live piano in the corner, golden light on the leather banquettes, and walls covered with whimsical murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of Madeline. He painted them in exchange for eighteen months of room and board at The Carlyle. This bar is the only public place where his art still lives. The whole scene feels like stepping into Old New York, glamorous and timeless. Five stars for history and vibe, not for value.

Марина Харисова

There is always a table available for hotel guests in this bar. The cocktails and snacks are very exquisite, the service is exceptional, the music is magnificent, and the wall paintings are a delight.

+1

John Allie

This place deserves six stars. Bemelmans Bar is the epitome of classic New York elegance—white-jacketed bartenders, warm and intimate lighting, and a post-5:30 dress code that elevates the whole experience. The drinks? Spectacular. Genuinely some of the best we’ve had in the city, which was a very welcome surprise given how many places overpromise and underdeliver. The Corner Booth cocktail is a must—think Manhattan, but smoother, more complex, and full of unexpected flavor with none of the usual harsh bite. The Gramble was another standout—a bright, gin-forward cocktail with just the right citrusy edge to help you unwind from the energy of the city. Yes, it’s pricey. But every detail—from the service to the setting—screams old-school Fifth Avenue charm. Worth every penny. Don’t miss it.

Neha

How to get in: if you go closer to opening you will have a higher chance to get a table but usual bar seating goes fast. I always have a wonderful time here, they have great drinks. And very good bar snacks as well. You can see the original works for “Madeline” on the walls. It’s an NYC classic

+7

Christopher Brahim

Best Martini I’ve had in New York. There was a bit of a line to get in on a Saturday afternoon, but I think the experience matched the expectation. We were seated at the bar which was great for having a couple drinks and some snacks and enjoying conversation. The lounge area was lively, yet still felt really intimate. I had definitely been wanting to try this place for a while, given its reputation as classic upper east side haunt, and it lived up. It was a great stop on our afternoon exploring Central Park and the met.

Hikaru Hatanaka

Bemelmans Bar has a nostalgic, old-fashioned atmosphere that feels timeless. The walls are covered with charming artwork, adding a unique and whimsical touch. Live jazz music was soothing, and the pianist was happy to take requests. Even visiting alone, I felt completely relaxed and welcome. I’d love to come back again soon.

Such a nice enjoyable tea over the holidays. Cozy atmosphere delicious food and warm tea hits the spot on a cold winter day.

Overpriced, but a real NY bar with live music for those who enjoy. Pretentious enough, classy enough. Not my jam. Possibly good for a date night. But not for a friends out kinda night.

Carlyle hotel's Bemelmans Bar: especially love the enchanting murals by Bemelmans (same person who did the Madeline books!).

+6

Iconic, sophisticated 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

Ludwig paintings of Central Park and, of course, Madeline on the walls of this cozy piano bar. Free salty snacks augment the pricey drinks and light menu. Worth it for a quick drink, or longer if you're made of money!

Bemelmans bar is a high end jazz bar at the Carlyle NYC, a Rosewood Hotel. Doormen and host would scan you from head till toe before letting you in. We could see most guests were regulars and from upper class. There's a $15 dollars charge for each person. Drinks and foods menu of coz charged at upper scale price. Servers were extremely mannered and anything below 20% for tipping simply would not do.😂😂😂 We were there for the vocalist, it was a male vocal as well as the pianist that night. We made a call to enquire before going. Live music with vocal will begin from 6pm to 9pm. Sadly he only began to sing for the last 15 min of the entire session. Its such a shame, he had such magnificent voice. Wish he could sing few more songs. Anyone who will pay a visit to Hong Kong in the future, check the DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong. Its much better than Bemelmans. Much spacious, with a cool open patio for drink and mingle. Most importantly the live bands who perfomed at the DarkSide were simply the best!

Very classy intimate bar. If you want to get seating in the evening , arrive early (before 5pm). The live piano is a nice touch. The only con is that it’s a very expensive place…. $32 for one cocktail! Oh vey! I think that is the most I have ever sent on one cocktail.

Came on a weeknight and had wonderful service. My cocktail (The Jackie O) was made perfectly and the ambiance was just what the doctor ordered. Lovely piano and chill vibes. The only thing I wish they would change is having to pay more than one cover charge. If you get there during piano, that’s $10 and if you stay a little longer for jazz, it’s an additional $25. It should just be one price depending on the time you get there!

Matt

Absolutely worth a visit. We went around 4:30 on a Saturday and the line was just getting long but we only had to wait about 20 minutes. Service was great, atmosphere also great. We came specifically for the Martini. There were a few to choose from and we went with the Vesper. Loved how it was served with a sidecar on ice. No olives but maybe a Vesper doesn’t traditionally come with one. The snack mix on the table was also tasty and there were a few different options to choose from which was nice. Only complaint is our martinis weren’t ice cold. Just used to that being prioritized at other places, we were a little surprised they were served almost room temperature. Could be on purpose. Either way.

Lara Levin

Delightful atmosphere, absolutely loved the murals and the old timey feel. We went in around 2:30 pm, well before the music started, and it was really hard to get service. We had to wait for someone to leave the bar, and even then the bartender was not the most attentive. Drinks were good, definitely overpriced. You’re paying for the experience and atmosphere for sure. But not a bad way to spend a winter afternoon, if you want to be spendy.

+1

I was very much looking forward to trying this bar but unfortunately it did not meet my expectations. The service was very slow, it took 10 minutes for us to even receive menus and after our first round of drinks was finished we waited another 10 minutes to get the servers’ attention to order more. The most responsive service throughout our experience was once we paid and they lingered to grab the signed check. It was disappointing. Drinks were mid, not bad but not at the level I expected for $30+ each. We had the fried olives and sliders, both of which were fine but not standout. I expected luxury service and flavors and it did not deliver.

Definitely a bit of a one and done experience, I've been meaning to come for a decade. You're paying for the ambience, the room is cool and deserves the praise. The martini I ordered was fine, but the service was incredibly slow and we ended up staying about an hour, ordering two drinks which cost $70 then left unattended to the point of frustration when we just wanted to leave

It’s worth going to say you’ve been. Go earlier to avoid a huge wait. It would have been nice to know only one bartender was working the bar and room, while the other poured a couple who spent $500 on a tasting drink after drink—as it took 15 minutes to be served. For the price, an explanation would have been helpful. The drinks (a mescaline and The Essayist) were well mixed and delicious, it’s true. But not sure this is for anything other than the occasional visit.

Had drinks there last night. It was super busy, and getting the waiter’s attention was a struggle, really. We waited a lot between drinks, which killed the mood a bit. Music was great, but during the breaks, because of the crowd, it got super loud. Talking about the crowd - it skews on the older side. Drinks were not that amazing. Oh, and there’s a $35 cover charge to sit at a table or $15 at the bar

Pro tip: come for the drinks, stay for the vibe and live music - but don’t expect anything from the food - they should be ashamed. The place is amazing, drinks at $30 and up (but good) - while it is old school and older crowd - service was good - but the food? Please do something about it…. Not hard, charging what you guys charge… you can do better, much better.

We came here as it's listed as one of the top bars in NYC. I will admit that the service and ambiance were excellent and it totally makes sense why it gets labeled a top bar. The ambiance is very posh and upscale. The decor is very classy but also unique as it Bemelman's art. The service is excellent as everyone there is very kind. The day we went, there was only one bartender/server and the poor guy was so busy but still would stop by as much as they could. The bar also gives you little snacks with your drink and they were delicious. The drinks in my opinion were pretty average - the same as all other upscale cocktail bars but obviously not as good as some of NYC's famous speakeasies such a Death & Co. or PDT. The price was also pretty steep for a drink, however, given the bar, I guess that part should have been expected. Instagram: TheShahLALand

Bemelmans is a New York institution for a reason. I’ve been a few times and while I’ve had a lovely experience every time I’ve gone, I’m not sure that the experience justifies the price tag - even with the complimentary snacks. The drinks are well mixed and beautifully served, but there are so many wonderful and reasonably priced bars to go to if you want to listen to music while you sip a drink. The music can be a bit sleepy here, as well as the crowd, but that’s what you should expect at the Carlyle. There’s no doubt that the space itself is quite special and the experience is worth doing at least once. It's the perfect way to end a day after going to a museum.

Eshita Nandini

Belmelmans used to be my favorite bar in NYC, we stop by at least once a year. This year, not sure why but everything has gone down in quality a lot. We saw a lot of people underdressed, while there used to be a dress code - which isn’t the biggest issue but it definitely detracts from the vibe that we used to know and love. Secondly, there was no security when we were waiting to be seated (the doorway to the bar). For about ~5 mins a houseless individual walked in and was bothering everyone waiting and no one of the staff was around to deal with it. Was a bit terrifying for me. The bartenders are amazing, but the drinks have also started to lose the quality it had. I usually get martinis and it wasn’t the same as it was. Honestly unsure if worth it anymore.

Avoid unless you want to stand in a cramped hallway for half hour with a dozen other guests while being totally ignored by the staff that disappears for 15 min at a time. No acknowledgment, no greeting, no “you might wait for…”. All that for the privilege of paying $50 a drink. It’s nice inside but not worth the dismissive attitude.

If you ever heard the word "hype", oh it applies here. An hour and a half wait, and for what? For a half asleep waiter who didn't give a hoot about even basic service? Or food that was stale and tasteless? The only pleasure was the decor, but definitely NOT worth it!

+1

Overhyped, the service wasn’t good. I asked for a gin martini the bartender didn’t asks which gin I prefer the were different olive types the bartender didn’t offer different ones. Very pushy before he gave us a drink he asked for a credit card. We had to ask for water it wasn’t given and then ask for refill. The bartenders weren’t attentive at all and kept rushing the customers.

Fair warning: there's a $10 per person cover charge once you order a drink. This might not be mentioned at the door, but the bartender will certainly inform you. Unless you're a hotel guest or know someone like a regular or the manager, expect to wait at least over an hour to get in. And yes, the drinks are pricey--you'll likely spend around $50 for a single cocktail when you factor in the cover charge and gratuity. I visited on a Thursday around 4 PM and waited about an hour to get in. Once seated, we had to wait an additional 20 minutes for someone to clean our table, followed by another 30 minutes for a server to take our order. The drinks were good, but were they $30 good? Not really. I tried the Bobby's Manhattan and a regular Manhattan--both well-crafted, but not worth the steep price. On a positive note, they offered complimentary mixed nuts, chips, and cheese crackers, which was a nice touch. The dark, moody ambiance with live music was lovely, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. However, the service was frustratingly slow, and there were several empty, uncleared tables even though the place was busy. While the vibe was enjoyable, I wouldn't go out of my way to return given the service issues and overall value.

Honestly, I’ve been wanting to come here for a while and way very disappointed especially in the service. I ordered what I intended to be an appetizer but it took over 30 minutes to come. My friend ordered her app 10 minutes after me and hers came out. We actually had to flag the waiter down to find out what happened. If he’d have come to check on us in that period of time, he’d have known I didn’t receive any food… my friend is allergic to oranges and apparently the Caesar salad has oranges in it. When we alerted him, he didn’t really seem to care… a manager never same. I tried to order the max and cheese after and it wasn’t good. So unfortunately we left so we could find better food and service, which sucked because we paid a cover to see the jazz band and weren’t able to stay.

Joseph Flanagan

I recently visited Bemelman’s Bar with friends. Given the high price point and the prestigious location I anticipated attentive service and high quality cocktails. The service however was mediocre and did not meet the standards usually found at a luxury hotel bar. It felt impersonal and lacked the professionalism I expected for the cost. The cocktails were such a disappointment. I ordered a gimlet from the menu and it was incredibly basic. At these prices I expect a level of craft and balance that was simply missing. It was a standard drink that could be found at almost any mid tier bar in the city. The atmosphere was also difficult to enjoy because of the noise level. It was loud enough inside that maintaining a conversation was a struggle. The space seems to have become more of a scene for a specific social crowd rather than a place for a nice drink. On a positive note the restroom was well maintained and clean. It is a small space with two stalls. I do not quite see the allure of this spot based on this visit. The lack of creative or at least well crafted drinks and the loud environment made the experience feel like a poor value overall. There are several better options nearby for someone seeking a quality martini and professional service.

+1

Daniel Gloven

I don’t get inspired to write many Google reviews, but this place is very overhyped and I’d like to save others the time and money. I can relate to the negative reviews about the service, drinks, and food. Bemelmans is fine if you want to grab a martini and post it on social media, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a date night. Whoever called it an “archaic money pit” is spot on. There are countless spots in New York with a better vibe, better cocktails, better food, better service, and more soul. Pros: Ludwig Bemelmans’ artwork is beautiful. Cons: The service was terrible. We had a two-hour limit (fine), but I spent most of the night just trying to flag someone down to order anything. When the two hours were up, they dropped the check, I immediately put in my card and then waited 5-10 minutes with no one returning. When the server finally came back, I was rudely scolded for not having already left… while I was literally trying to pay. We also had a serious dietary restriction (Celiac Disease), noted on our Resy profile and mentioned to the server. The steak frites are listed as gluten-free, but when the dish arrived we noticed the fries and asked about cross-contamination. The response was a casual, “oh.” with no acknowledgement or remedy. The charcuterie board doesn’t mention bread on the menu, yet it was delivered with a large piece of bread touching everything. Any good restaurant in New York understands that Celiac Disease is a big deal, which is why we give plenty of heads-up, remind them when ordering, and tip well as a thank you. The “medium-rare” steak itself was overcooked/tough and cold, and we were given a butter knife to cut it. After struggling, we asked for help and they begrudgingly returned with a slightly sharper knife - like I’m a pain for wanting a steak knife to cut steak? The food was absolutely terrible across the board. I ordered one gin martini, ordered a second gin martini and received a vodka martini. Both were warm. I can make better martinis at home. These are all first-world problems, of course - but when you’re spending a lot of money, it’s reasonable to expect to be treated well and/or have semi-decent food and drink. I can see this place appealing to an out-of-town tourist but we have much, much better in New York.

Nataliya Pylypiv

We wanted to go to this bar for years. Once we finally did - it was a major disappointment! The ambiance was very nice, but nothing else beyond it. The snacks were terrible - nuts were stale and moldy, the chips tasteless. Martinis (what the bar is famous for) were strong (so they are definitely not holding back on alcohol), but it was the warmest martini I have had in Manhattan, which is definitely not the standard you expect. Oysters were fresh, but not particularly tasty, and the shrimp cocktail was underwhelming, especially for the price they charge for 4 pieces of shrimp. Would not recommend or go back.

+2

Cool room but that's where the positives end. They pre mix their drinks which is outrageous for a $25+ drink. Service is non-existent to begin with but with roughly 30 minutes to go before the piano player (and the additional music charge that accompanies them) our server vanished. The conveniently reappeared 5 mins after the piano player showed up with the music charge added to the bill (2 other friends confirmed similar shenanigans). Maybe this place was great once upon a time but in NYC where you can get the best of the best at every corner this place was an archaic money pit.

I guess we were very lucky because we did get a table! and we did enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, nice music, and cocktail However the people in line with us were so lucky. We did witness very rude and judgemental discrimination against those people. I was actually shocked. Worse than the lady at the door was the short guy (the tip receiver) at the door bar. To me make no sense that such a classic place hires such low-class RUDE personnel. To avoid of offending people, you should give the possibility to get a reservation at the Bemelmans Bar as well. I'm expecting to see very different personnel at the Bar door, to honor the history of your beautiful historical place. Thank you

Bemelmans bar - the place that used to be legendary, the place that was so loved by Jackie Kennedy. What happened to it? I have been there many times before. Overpriced cocktails and bad service. Though the music has always been nice. We came to the bar around 5:20 pm on Sunday and stayed in line for an hour watching residents of the hotel walking in and getting seated. I feel embarrassed that a place like that can’t find a way to accommodate better to their customers.

Bar is cool but only go if you're staying at the hotel. The line outside is a scam and the only way in is to bribe the doorman. Scummy experience.

Just awful. Went because I heard great things, but the bartenders were incredibly rude to me, and I left feeling genuinely upset and hurt by how I was treated. It went around 5 p.m. (during a busy rush), there was confusion because my friend had already taken care of our check, but I stayed behind to finish my drink. Somehow, I got charged again even though we had paid together. When I tried to clarify the mix-up, the bartender brushed me off and said, “I’m super busy, I can’t keep track of everything,” and treated me like I couldn’t afford to pay. It was humiliating and uncalled for. My friend and I have been trying to reach the bar to figure clarify this, and we’ll continue following up. Overall, a terrible experience that left a really bad impression. Additionally, because of how crowded and loud it is during piano time (5pm), there's very few seats at the bar and it's so loud you can barely hear him play. I do not think this place lives up to its name or history anymore bc I couldn't have possibly been treated worse than here.

I’m a local Upper East Sider, and I’m genuinely confused by the popularity of this place. I don’t understand why there’s a line to get into a cramped room simply because a celebrity once sang at a piano there months ago. For what it actually offers, it’s wildly overrated and overpriced. Prove me wrong. You’ll regret waiting in line.

Don’t try. They told us that we’d get a table in 45 minutes. We waited for an hour and then they told us to wait two more hours. We never got a table. Dimitri was really rude. Not what you expect from the Carlyle.

Extremely Disappointing Experience I visited this bar tonight with a friend and unfortunately, the service was beyond disappointing. From the moment we walked in, the staff seemed uninterested and unapproachable. We had to stood 2 hours to got seated?! The management not even care to provide waiting areas or chairs for us to wait ?! We waited over 20 minutes just to get someone to take our drink orders, and even then, the waiter Roger J. appeared impatient when we asked for recommendations. To make matters worse, the waiter Roger J. ignored us for the rest of the evening, and we had to flag someone down every time we needed something. The atmosphere of the bar was nice, but the terrible service completely ruined the experience. I expect better treatment, especially when paying premium prices for drinks. I won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone unless they improve their customer service.

+6

Gregorio C

I’m a former performer and I rarely write reviews like this, but I feel a responsibility to be honest so people aren’t disappointed. The musicians who preform here are clearly talented, but the repertoire leans heavily into safe, nostalgia-driven smooth jazz that ends up functioning more like background music than a live performance. Most of the room was talking throughout the set, and the applause felt polite. The one moment where the room actually locked in was when ‘Mack the Knife’ was played — and even that only happened after multiple audience requests. That contrast said everything. The energy is there, but it isn’t what the set is built around. If you’re looking for music as atmosphere while you socialize, you’ll probably enjoy this. If you’re coming to really listen and want a show that naturally engages the room without having to push for it, this may not be the experience you’re expecting.

Aliona D

Very disappointing and disrespectful experience I am a regular customer at this place because it’s very close to my home and I usually enjoy the crowd and atmosphere. Unfortunately, my experience today was extremely disappointing. I came to celebrate my birthday with my family. Since we were not hotel guests, the reservations were not available, which I understood. However, we waited in line and were repeatedly assured by the staff that we would get a table soon. We ended up waiting over four hours. During that time, multiple staff members told us “no worries,” “you have plenty of time,” and that we would be seated in time for dinner. Because of these assurances, we chose not to leave and go to another restaurant nearby. Around 10:00 PM, my husband spoke to a staff member and explained that it was my birthday, that we were very hungry, and asked honestly if we still had a chance to dine. Once again, we were reassured that we would be seated and able to eat. At 11:30 PM, after waiting all that time, we were finally told that the kitchen was closed and that they could only offer chips. To make matters worse, a group of three girls who were behind us in line (not hotel guests and without reservations) somehow received a table after a private conversation with a staff member. Many people in line were frustrated and confused by this clear inconsistency. Spending my birthday hungry after being misled for hours was incredibly upsetting. What bothered me most was not the wait itself, but the lack of honesty and respect toward customers. Sadly, I can no longer recommend this place due to the way we were treated.