There are some places so New York City classic, this town wouldn’t be the same without them. Bemelmans is squarely on that list. The place has some stories to tell. Bemelmans attracts everyone from 21 to 91 for a reason. This is what’s going on there this winter at one of the best places for jazz in NYC.
The History: Ludwig Bemelmans
First, let us remind you how great this place is, and why it’s called Bemelmans. Yes, it’s one of the best places for jazz in NYC, but there’s the bonus of an art exhibit too. The beloved author of Madeline, Ludwig Bemelmans, gave the bar in the Carlyle Rosewood Hotel its name. From the walls to the lampshades, Bemelmans adorned the room with Madeline-themed paintings in 1946. The Austrian-American writer agreed to a barter: his art for 18 months’ free accommodations at the Carlyle. So forget Eloise at the Plaza. Bemelman lived the dream at the Carlyle while creating this masterpiece murals.
It’s Amazing What Wonder Bread Can Achieve
Bemelmans Bar is the only place where Bemelmans’ work is exhibited in public. Naturally, guests have flocked to it while enjoying a beer or a cocktail while listening to the best jazz in NYC. But until New York outlawed smoking in public places in the late 1990s, thousands of visitors to Bemelmans also lit up cigars and cigarettes. This gradually yellowed the art. The owners undertook an extensive restoration in 2002. Legend has it that the restorers used Wonder Bread to help soak up the sticky nicotine deposits.
The Upcoming Schedule at Bemelmans
The anchor piece of Bemelmans, besides the art on the wall, is a Steinway grand piano where over the years, these walls have heard the best jazz in NYC. We’d advise against your plinking Chopsticks on it, mostly because legends play here.
Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays
Currently, Emmy-Award-winning keyboardist Earl Rose plays Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Jazz and pop interpreter Rob Mosci ably entertains the crowd every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Then there’s the talented double-bass player Steve Doyle, whose trio does the honors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The cover charge is 15-20 dollars.
FAQs
Q: What are the cover charges at Bemelmans Bar?
A: There is a $10 per person cover charge when the pianist goes on at 5:30 p.m. Below lists the cover charges applied when the jazz trio starts.
- Tables: $25 – $35 per person, depending on the artist
- The bar: $15 – $20 per person, depending on the artist
Q: What is the dress code policy at Bemelmans?
A: After 5:30 p.m. each night, men must wear collared shirts, and no shorts or hats are allowed.
Q: Where can one view the bar menu?
A: Read the extensive bar menu here.
Bemelmans Information
Address: 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
Hours:
Sunday 12p.m.-12a.m.
Monday 12p.m.-12a.m.
Tuesday 12p.m.-12:30a.m.
Wednesday 12p.m.-12:30a.m.
Thursday 12p.m.-12:30a.m.
Friday 12p.m.-1a.m.
Saturday 12p.m.-1a.m.
Phone number: 2127441600
