It's on 6 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
One of my most unforgettable date nights in New York City was an evening spent at Bemelman’s Bar. Located in the posh Carlyle Hotel, the bar is known for hand-painted murals, celebrity sightings and live piano music.
The aged leather banquettes offer an air of sophistication few bars can emulate well (and not for lack of trying). Peel your eyes away from the handsome murals and let your eyes settle on the bar, watch generous pours of perfectly-executed drinks make their way from one table to the next. The cocktails are excellent, but the dirty martini is where Bemelmans Bar shines, can’t recommend it enough.
P.S. The murals were hand-painted by the famed author and illustrator of the Madeline Books, Ludwig Bemelmans. They were commissioned in the 1940s to depict Central Park in all four seasons.
Website. Bemelmans Bar (no reservations, first come, first served)Address35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021Featured in15+ Best Things to Do on the Upper East Side Good to know. The bar upholds a smart dress code policy (men are required to wear collared shirts, and casual attire such as shorts and hats are not allowed).
When it comes to iconic bars on the Upper East Side, Bemelmans Bar is an easy choice for the top of the list. Found in the classy Carlyle Hotel, this UES bar is best known for the alluring murals that adorn the walls. The murals were hand-painted by none other than the beloved illustrator behind the famous Madeline books, Ludwig Bemelmans (for whom the bar is named).
Commissioned in the 1940s, the murals depict Central Park in all four seasons. If you can peel your eyes away from the handsome walls you’ll notice the pianist serenading patrons. Allow your eyes to wander further to watch generous pours of perfectly executed drinks make their way from one table to the next.
In a lot of ways, Bemelmans Bar is exactly what an Upper East Side bar should be. The staff are dressed to impress, the bar is dimly lit, and the aged leather banquettes offer an air of sophistication and class. It’s the only place to celebrate a special occasion.
Pro tip: Bemelmans has one of the best martinis in NYC
When it comes to iconic bars in New York City, Bemelmans Bar gets my vote. Found in the posh Carlyle Hotel, this NYC bar is best known for the alluring murals that adorn the walls.
The murals were hand-painted by none other than the beloved illustrator behind the famous Madeline books, Ludwig Bemelmans (for whom the bar is named). The beautiful murals were commissioned in the 1940s and depict Central Park in all four seasons.
Peel your eyes away from the handsome walls and you’ll notice the pianist serenading patrons. Allow your eyes to wander and watch generous pours of perfectly-executed drinks make their way from one table to the next.
In a lot of ways Bemelmans Bar is exactly what a New York City bar should be. The staff are dressed to impress, the bar is dimly lit and the aged leather banquettes offer an air of sophistication and class. It’s the only place to celebrate a special occasion.
The kind of place you’ll tell friends about, and then wish you hadn’t.
Found inside the posh Carlyle Hotel, dimly-lit Bemelmans Bar has been a hot spot for celebrities since Truman commanded the Oval Office. Leather booths and handsome murals (depicting Central Park in all four seasons) adorn the walls.
The murals were hand-painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the famed author and illustrator of the Madeline books, for whom the bar is named. Peel your eyes from the wall and admire red-coated bartenders expertly crafting cocktails in quick succession.
Pay attention and you’ll notice a disproportion amount of martinis, the most common cocktail at the bar. The reason? Bemelmans serves some of the best martinis in New York City (and locals are known for requesting them extra dirty).
Note. Bemelmans Bar has a smart dress code policy after 5:30pm (when the $10 cover charge kicks in). Collared shirts are required for men, shorts and hats are not allowed.
When it comes to bars open on Christmas Day in NYC, Bemelmans Bar is a gem. Found in the classy Carlyle Hotel, this Upper East Side bar is best known for the alluring murals that adorn the walls.
The murals were hand-painted by none other than the beloved illustrator behind the famous Madeline books, Ludwig Bemelmans (for whom the bar is named). The beautiful murals were commissioned in the 1940s and depict Central Park in all four seasons.
The staff are dressed to impress, the bar is dimly lit and the aged leather banquettes offer an air of sophistication and class. What makes this one of the best bars open on Christmas Eve and Day in NYC is the fact that Bemelmans is open 365 days of the year. There’s no need to question where to go if you find yourself without plans on the 25th!
Found inside the posh Carlyle Hotel, dimly-lit Bemelmans is arguably the most iconic bar in New York City. This popular neighborhood haunt has been a hot spot for celebrities since Truman commanded the Oval Office.
Leather booths and handsome murals (depicting Central Park in all four seasons) adorn the walls. The murals were hand-painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the famed author and illustrator of the Madeline books, for whom the bar is named.
Peel your eyes from the wall and admire red-coated bartenders expertly crafting cocktails in quick succession. Pay attention and you’ll notice a disproportion amount of martinis, the most common cocktail at the bar. The reason? Bemelmans serves some of the best martinis in New York City (and locals are known for requesting them extra dirty).