Jazz & Blues
Bemelmans Bar
New York City-Midtown Manhattan
May 11, 2018
Named for the gorgeous mural by children’s book creator Ludwig Bemelmans that covers the entire wall space, this beautiful bar at the Carlyle Hotel exudes an old fashioned elegance and charm. The interior is old-money plush in the way only a New York bar can be and its chocolate brown banquettes, gold leaf ceiling, tinkling jazz piano and low, golden lighting are particularly suitable for the romantically inclined. Renowned bartender Audrey Saunders has long since moved on to the Pegu Club but the drinks remain just as dazzling.
What their peers say
“Bemelmans is a timeless New York watering hole that has drawn socialites, politicians, movie stars and moguls for more than five decades. Restored in 2002 by designer Thierry Despont, the bar maintains its Art Deco legacy with chocolate-brown leather banquettes, nickel-trimmed black glass tabletops, a dramatic black granite bar and a 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling. This is one of the most special lounge bars in the city and is preserved so exquisitely well, that upon stepping into it one feels a sense of old New York upon them. The service is attentive, which is a complement to the lovely piano melody of live piano and jazz music.” Sean Muldoon of The Dead Rabbit, New York City
Main photo credit: Arvind Grover on Flickr via CC License
