NYC’s Best Piano and Martini Bars

Bemelmans Bar

1. Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle

Step into a fairytale at Bemelmans Bar, tucked inside the legendary Carlyle Hotel. Named for Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the Madeline children’s books, this is where New York’s elite sip martinis under whimsical murals. The vibe is old-school luxury: think chocolate-brown leather banquettes, a gold-leaf ceiling, and nightly live piano that draws everyone from celebrities to jazz aficionados. Bemelmans is as classic as it gets, and if you want to feel like you’re in a 1940s movie, this is the place to start your night.

2. Marie’s Crisis Cafe (our personal favorite)

For pure, unfiltered Broadway joy, Marie’s Crisis in Greenwich Village is unbeatable. This historic piano bar is all about the singalong: show tunes, standards, and a crowd that knows every word. The atmosphere is intimate, inclusive, and wildly fun, with a cozy vintage vibe that makes everyone feel like a regular. If you’re a musical theater fan (or just want to belt out “Defying Gravity” with a room full of strangers), Marie’s Crisis is a rite of passage.

3. Don’t Tell Mama

A “nightlife mall” on Restaurant Row, Don’t Tell Mama is a triple threat: piano bar, restaurant, and cabaret showroom. It’s legendary for its singing waitstaff, who might serve you a martini one minute and bring down the house with a Broadway number the next. With over 40 years of history and a parade of celebrity guests, this is where cabaret dreams come true. Don’t miss the chance to catch a show—or just hang at the bar and soak up the electric, anything-can-happen energy.

4. Brandy’s Piano Bar

Hidden away on the Upper East Side, Brandy’s is a beloved, no-cover piano bar with a fiercely loyal following. The staff doubles as the entertainment, leading the crowd in raucous singalongs that range from Broadway to pop classics. It’s intimate, it’s unpretentious, and it’s the kind of place where everyone ends up singing—whether you planned to or not. Brandy’s is perfect for a late-night adventure or a date night with a twist.

5. Duplex

A West Village institution, Duplex is a piano bar, cabaret, and LGBTQ+ landmark all rolled into one. The main floor is all about the piano, with a crowd that’s equal parts theater kids, locals, and out-of-towners. Upstairs, the cabaret theater hosts everything from comedy to drag shows. The vibe? Welcoming, high-energy, and just a little bit rowdy—the perfect spot to let your inner diva shine.

6. Arthur’s Tavern

Jazz lovers, rejoice! Arthur’s Tavern in Greenwich Village has been serving up live jazz, blues, and piano since 1937. This speakeasy-style spot oozes history, with a cozy, unpolished charm and a nightly lineup of top-notch musicians. There’s never a cover charge, and the crowd is a mix of die-hard jazz fans and neighborhood regulars. If you want your piano with a side of saxophone, Arthur’s is the place to be.

7. Feinstein’s/54 Below

Dubbed “Broadway’s living room,” this supper club is where you go to see Broadway stars up close, backed by a grand piano and a world-class sound system. The vibe is elegant but never stuffy, with a menu of classic American fare and cocktails to match. Come for the music, stay for the martinis, and leave with a newfound appreciation for NYC’s cabaret scene.

Honorable Mention:

Club Cumming – a bar and entertainment venue in the East Village, owned by actor Alan Cumming (and we can confirm he’s frequently there). It’s known for its welcoming, fun, and kitch atmosphere, especially popular within the LGBTQ+ community. The venue hosts a variety of events, including live music, drag performances, and open mic nights.

NYC’s Best Martini Bars: Where to Sip in Style

Now let’s talk martinis. Whether you prefer yours dirty, dry, or with a twist, NYC’s martini bars are in a league of their own. From Art Deco icons to speakeasy hideaways, these spots serve up the city’s best cocktails in unforgettable settings. Here are five you absolutely can’t miss.

1. King Cole Bar at The St. Regis

If you want to drink where history was made, head to the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis. This Midtown legend claims to have invented the Bloody Mary (here called the Red Snapper), and its Maxfield Parrish mural is the stuff of NYC lore. The clientele is a who’s-who of business moguls, celebrities, and cocktail aficionados. The martinis are strong, the service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is pure Gilded Age glamour.

2. The Campbell

Hidden inside Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell is a swanky cocktail bar with 1920s flair: soaring ceilings, wood-paneled walls, and a grand stone fireplace. The martinis are expertly mixed, the jazz is live on weekends, and the setting feels like a secret club for those in the know. Sip your drink, soak up the old-world elegance, and toast to NYC’s golden age.

3. Monkey Bar

A Midtown legend since 1936, Monkey Bar is the epitome of retro chic. With its famous murals, plush booths, and a menu of classic cocktails, it’s the kind of place where you half expect to spot a movie star in the corner. The martinis are cold, the lighting is flattering, and the atmosphere is pure New York nostalgia—perfect for a glamorous night out or a boozy brunch.

4. Employees Only

In the heart of the West Village, Employees Only is a speakeasy-style bar that’s racked up awards for its cocktails and service. The vibe is lively but refined, with a menu of creative and classic drinks, including a martini that’s the stuff of legend. Arrive early or make a reservation—this place gets packed, and for good reason. It’s a must for anyone who loves their cocktails with a side of NYC cool.

5. Raines Law Room

For a true speakeasy experience, Raines Law Room is hard to beat. Enter through an unmarked door, settle into a velvet armchair, and summon your server with a discreet buzzer. The cocktails are inventive, the martinis are flawless, and the atmosphere is intimate and romantic—a hidden gem for date night or a special celebration. Bonus: there are two locations, in Chelsea and at The William hotel, so you have options for your next secret rendezvous.

6. Death & Co and PDT (Please Don’t Tell)

For cocktail nerds and martini purists, Death & Co in the East Village and PDT in the Lower East Side are essential stops. Death & Co is a temple of mixology, with a moody, intimate vibe and a menu that changes with the seasons. PDT is a true speakeasy—enter through a phone booth at Crif Dogs and prepare to be wowed by inventive takes on classic drinks. Both spots serve martinis that are anything but ordinary, and the atmosphere is always buzzing.

Why You Should Visit These Bars (as if you need a reason!)

NYC’s piano and martini bars aren’t just places to grab a drink—they’re destinations in their own right. Each venue on this list offers a unique slice of the city’s nightlife, from singalongs and show tunes to rooftop views and secret speakeasies. Whether you’re chasing a bit of old-school glamour, looking to belt out your favorite Broadway number, or searching for the perfect martini, these bars deliver unforgettable experiences, incredible drinks, and a chance to be part of the city’s living history.

So next time you’re planning a night out, skip the ordinary and head to one of NYC’s best piano or martini bars. Who knows? You might just find yourself singing with strangers, sipping with celebrities, or discovering your new favorite haunt.

Cheers to the city that never sleeps—and to the bars that keep its heart beating long after midnight!