Bemelmans Bar is inside The Carlyle at 35 E 76th St on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Its hand-painted Ludwig Bemelmans murals, including scenes of Central Park, give you plenty to take in between sips; the illustrator is best known for the Madeline books. Live piano jazz and other performances add to the evening, and the room’s old New York style is part of the appeal. Order a martini or Negroni, or ask about the Pepito, a non-alcoholic drink with a tequila-like character. It is a pricey stop, so plan for a special drink rather than a casual round.
Murals inside The Carlyle
Bemelmans Bar is named for Ludwig Bemelmans, the illustrator and author best known for the Madeline children’s books. He painted the bar’s murals in 1947, with scenes inspired by Central Park. Look closely at the panels: they include playful details such as a rabbit smoking a cigar and a man giving balloons to a boy.
The artwork gives the room its distinctive character. Around it, dark wood, brown leather banquettes, black glass tabletops and a black granite bar create a more formal setting. A ceiling finished with gold leaf adds another detail to look up at as you settle in.
A bar with a long history
The Carlyle opened Bemelmans Bar in 1947, and the space has remained closely associated with the hotel and the Upper East Side. Its murals are a lasting part of the bar’s identity, linking a cocktail stop with the work of an illustrator whose books are familiar to generations of readers.
The bar’s appeal is as much about its setting as its drinks. You can take a seat beneath the murals, watch the room and listen to live music. The atmosphere can become noisy, particularly when the bar is busy, so it suits an animated evening better than a quiet conversation.
Drinks and live music
Classic cocktails are central to the menu. The Negroni and martini are listed choices, and the Jackie O is another drink people recommend. For a non-alcoholic option, ask for the Pepito, which has a tequila-like character. Prices are high, so choosing one drink and giving yourself time to enjoy the room may suit you better than treating this as a regular bar stop.
Live music is part of the experience, with piano jazz and other performances described at the bar. Music can include a jazz trio, adding a livelier feel as the evening progresses. The entertainment and crowd are part of what draws people here, but the sound level may not suit anyone looking for a hushed drink.
Planning your visit
You’ll find Bemelmans Bar at 35 E 76th St, inside The Carlyle on the Upper East Side. It does not accept reservations, so prime tables and bar stools may require a wait. Arriving earlier can improve your chances of sitting down, especially if a seat matters more to you than staying late.
The bar works well as a pause after time spent around Central Park or the nearby galleries, or as a destination for an evening drink. Come for the murals, music and setting as well as the cocktail. If you are prioritizing low prices, a quiet room or guaranteed seating, this may not be the right stop.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Bemelmans Bar?
It is inside The Carlyle at 35 E 76th St on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Can you reserve a table at Bemelmans Bar?
No. The bar does not take reservations, and you may need to wait for a table or bar stool.
What drinks should you order?
The menu includes a Negroni and a martini. The Jackie O is also recommended, and the non-alcoholic Pepito has a tequila-like character.
Is there live music at Bemelmans Bar?
Yes. Live piano jazz and other performances are part of the bar’s evening atmosphere.
