Set the Scene.
Nestled with The Carlyle, a landmark of Manhattan elegance, Bemelmans Bar is a living tribute to the city’s Golden Age.
Named for Ludwig Bemelmans, the artist and author behind the beloved Madeline series, the bar glows with the whimsy of his murals–vivid scenes of Central Park populated by picnicking rabbits, ice-skating elephants, and strolling children. Painted in exchange for eighteen months of residence at The Carlyle, Bemelmans’ work remains one of the few public displays of his art in the world.
Beneath the soft light of shaded brass lamps and the glint of gold-leaf ceilings, guests slip into a timeless New York tableau where socialites, statesmen, and stars have long gathered for martinis and music.
Come 5:30 PM, the hum of conversation gives way to nightly performances; evenings unfold with the Pianist Show until 8:30 PM, followed by a live jazz trio that carries the night forward.
Let’s Talk About the Drinks
The cocktail program is as storied as its setting–a perfect balance of classicism and artistry. The dedicated martini menu reads like a love letter: Madeline’s Vesper glimmers with vodka, apricot, and saffron; the Mezcalini seduces with smoky depth and botanical bite; and Room 34XX flirts with plum liqueur and Champagne essence.
Signature drinks extend the bar’s mythos–The JFK Daiquiri is brisk and tropical, Bobby’s Manhattan reimagines the icon with aged rum and cherry, and The Corner Booth, layered with rye, sherry, and Sauternes, feels like sipping on the room’s own history–complex, confident, and unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
At Bemelmans Bar, every note, brushstroke, and sip feels suspended in time–an evening that blurs the line between history and reverie.
Fast Facts
Location: Upper East Side – 35 East 76th Street, New York, NY
Cuisine: Cocktail Bar
The Vibes: In environs of timeless elegance and old-world glamour, whimsical art, live jazz, and expertly crafted cocktails create an atmosphere at once sophisticated, intimate, and distinctly New York
Pricing: $$$
Reservations: Recommended via Resy
Standout Sips:
The Attire: Smart Attire
Hours: Bemelmans Bar is open on Mondays from noon to midnight, Tuesdays to Thursdays from noon to 12:30 AM, Fridays from noon to 1:00 AM, Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Sundays from 3:00 PM to midnight.
