Bemelmans Bar.
In 12 Shout NY guides.
Music
The Best Cabaret Venues in New York City
While it operates primarily as one of the city's premier cocktail bars, the nightly live music pushes it into cabaret territory.
Go for: unapologetic luxury and classic New York people-watching.
Nightlife
The Best Cocktail Bars in New York City
Murals by the creator of Madeline, red-jacketed bartenders, a live piano and some of the best martinis in the city.
Go for: one martini during the piano set.
Nightlife
The Best Hotel Bars in New York City
There is no room in New York quite like Bemelmans.
Go for: A famously strong martini and the timeless Upper East Side glamour.
Nightlife
The Best Jazz Clubs in New York City
Not a jazz club, exactly, but one of the most beautiful rooms in New York to hear a piano.
Go for: one martini during the evening set.
Books + Ideas
The Best Literary Bars in New York City
Located inside the Carlyle Hotel, Bemelmans Bar is named for Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of the Madeline children's books.
Go for: A flawless, freezing cold martini.
Nightlife
The Best Piano Bars in New York City
Located in The Carlyle Hotel, Bemelmans is the gold standard of New York piano bars.
Go for: A special occasion splurge that feels like stepping into another era. One of the best hotel bars in New York, period.
City
How to Watch the 2026 NYC Marathon: Best Spots Along the Route
If you want to celebrate a successful race (or a successful day of drinking on the sidelines) in classic New York style, head to Bemelmans inside The Carlyle hotel.
Go for: a gin martini, served with a sidecar over ice.
City
Things to Do Alone in NYC
The Carlyle's bar, with the Ludwig Bemelmans murals on the walls and a pianist at the white grand, is a much easier get for one person than for a party of four.
Go for: a martini during the early piano set.
City
Things to Do in NYC as a Couple (Beyond Dinner)
The Carlyle's bar, with its murals by the illustrator of Madeline and a pianist at the grand, is the classic New York nightcap.
Go for: the early piano set, before the late crowd.
City
The Upper East Side Guide
Located inside The Carlyle hotel, Bemelmans is an iconic New York experience.
Go for: A classic martini and the live jazz.
Food + Drink
Where to Eat Near the Met Museum
The bar in The Carlyle, with murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the author of Madeline, is the most civilized room on the East Side.
Go for: a martini under the murals.
Nightlife
New Year's Eve in NYC 2026: Where to Celebrate That Is Not Times Square
Located inside the Carlyle Hotel, this is the gold standard for classic New York elegance.
Go for: the old world glamour of the Upper East Side.