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Bemelmans Bar

Critics' Pick

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
35 E. 76th St., New York, NY 10021
at Madison Ave. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-744-1600 Send to Phone

Reader Rating:
8.5 out of 10

6 Reviews | Write a Review
Scene: Cabaret, Classic NY, Hotel Bar, Live Music, Lounge

Map

Official Website

Rate & Review

Hours

Daily, noon-12:30am

Nearby Subway Stops

6 at 77th St.

Payment Methods

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Upcoming Events

Ongoing
Sat-Sun Madeline Tea

See Full Schedule >>

Profile

Nowhere is the discreet charm of the bourgeoisie more palpable than in this bastion of post-war decadence: think white-jacket waiters, 24-karat gold leaf ceilings, and nickel-trimmed glass tables splayed around the ivories. Settle into a leather banquette and order something strong and adventurous—perhaps with champagne and cognac or fresh mint and muddled lemons. Murals of frolicking animals painted by bar namesake and former Carlyle Hotel resident Ludwig Bemelmans offer a whimsical counterpoint to what might otherwise be suffocating sophistication (and they repay a close viewing—can you spot the armed rabbit stalking its brethren'). Feel an extra boost knowing you're enjoying pretty much the same thing as the folks across the lobby at Café Carlyle, for a fraction of the cover. — Julie Mehta and Andrew Yamato

Extra

Just in case you've forgotten, Ludwig Bemelmans was the author and illustrator of the Madeline series of children's books.

Reader Ratings

8.5

The Best Gin Martini

Tominchelsea from 10011 | Posted on 8/30/07

Overall Reader Rating: 10 (Highly Recommended)

I went to Bemelmans with a 23-year-old friend of Colombia: I in suit, he in jeans. The waitstaff was courteous and professional, just top-notch, and we were seated in a lovely corner of the bar. The table snacks...Read More

Staggeringly bad

pasquala from London | Posted on 3/17/07

Overall Reader Rating: 1 (Not Recommended)

Went with our 3 year old daughter to the Saturday tea. Frankly a spooky and dark place to hold a children's tea party. Plenty of suited and booted staff completely un-managed and unused to this sort of service. Table...Read More