Bemelmans Bar

What groups say

Groups come for birthdays and celebrations, but seating is walk-in based and the whole bar is sometimes bought out privately.

• The full bar can be closed for private events, and one reviewer found no notice on the website, Google Maps or Instagram.
• Reservations are limited, with non hotel guests told to wait in line; one group reported a 4 hour wait before the kitchen closed.
• Tables are small and must be pushed together for groups; one reviewer said staff forgot and they moved tables themselves.
• Cost signals include a cover charge of about 25 dollars per person, a reserved seating surcharge and cocktails near 30 dollars.

Drawn from 14 Google reviews of Bemelmans Bar that mention a group, a private room or a celebration, read September 2026. The reviews below describe a group visit, private rooms and larger events first, with the critical ones kept in.

• full bar buyout

  I’ve been here before, but unfortunately last time I’ve wanted to go on 27th May, I was told on arrival the full bar is closed for a private event. This unfortunately wasn’t visible on their website, Google Maps nor Instagram. I wish this was communicated as we were really looking forward to the evening there

• friends group drinks

  I was so excited to bring my friends here, but the service was a series of unnecessary headaches. Despite arriving early, we were left to fend for ourselves. The waiter promised to join tables for our group but completely forgot; I eventually had to get up and physically move the tables myself while the staff just watched me. The drinks were also a letdown - I ordered an extra dirty martini that came out plain, and I had to add the olive juice myself from a regular side glass which I had to ask for, it wasn’t served in the chilled ice glass as shown in pics - it also took AGES to flag down a waiter. No one ever checked in on us or offered refills. To top it off, my friend was double-charged $108 for a single drink and now has to deal with a bank dispute. Between the lack of service and the billing errors, I won't be back

• family birthday

  Very disappointing and disrespectful experience I am a regular customer at this place because it’s very close to my home and I usually enjoy the crowd and atmosphere. Unfortunately, my experience today was extremely disappointing. I came to celebrate my birthday with my family. Since we were not hotel guests, the reservations were not available, which I understood. However, we waited in line and were repeatedly assured by the staff that we would get a table soon. We ended up waiting over four hours. During that time, multiple staff members told us “no worries,” “you have plenty of time,” and that we would be seated in time for dinner. Because of these assurances, we chose not to leave and go to another restaurant nearby. Around 10:00 PM, my husband spoke to a staff member and explained that it was my birthday, that we were very hungry, and asked honestly if we still had a chance to dine. Once again, we were reassured that we would be seated and able to eat. At 11:30 PM, after waiting all that time, we were finally told that the kitchen was closed and that they could only offer chips. To make matters worse, a group of three girls who were behind us in line (not hotel guests and without reservations) somehow received a table after a private conversation with a staff member. Many people in line were frustrated and confused by this clear inconsistency. Spending my birthday hungry after being misled for hours was incredibly upsetting. What bothered me most was not the wait itself, but the lack of honesty and respect toward customers. Sadly, I can no longer recommend this place due to the way we were treated.

• special celebration

  A wonderful bar to celebrate a special life event.

Good to know

The Carlyle Hotel's sophisticated, upscale piano bar, adorned with Ludwig Bemelmans' famed murals.

Hours, spend and amenities from Google. Private event hours and minimums are set by the restaurant.

Frequently asked questions

Can Bemelmans Bar host a large group?

Bemelmans Bar welcomes larger parties for group dining in Upper East Side and is flagged as good for groups by Google reviewers. Private event packages at The Carlyle Hotel; tailored menus; private martini masterclass available.

How much does it cost to book a private event at Bemelmans Bar?

Guests at Bemelmans Bar typically spend $100+ per person on a regular visit, according to Google, before drinks and tip. A private room or group booking is usually priced on a food and beverage minimum that scales from that per-head figure rather than a flat room fee. Minimums run higher on Friday and Saturday nights and through December. Contact Bemelmans Bar for the current minimum and deposit terms.

When is Bemelmans Bar open?

Bemelmans Bar is open Monday to Wednesday 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Thursday 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM, Friday and Saturday 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Sunday 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM. The restaurant takes reservations for regular tables. Private rooms can often be booked outside these hours, including daytime events, so ask when you inquire.

What kind of restaurant is Bemelmans Bar?

Bemelmans Bar is a $$$$ Cocktail Bar restaurant in Upper East Side, New York City, rated 4.2 stars across 901 Google reviews. Google describes it as: The Carlyle Hotel's sophisticated, upscale piano bar, adorned with Ludwig Bemelmans' famed murals. It has a wheelchair accessible entrance.

What do guests say about group dining at Bemelmans Bar?

Groups come for birthdays and celebrations, but seating is walk-in based and the whole bar is sometimes bought out privately. The full bar can be closed for private events, and one reviewer found no notice on the website, Google Maps or Instagram. Reservations are limited, with non hotel guests told to wait in line; one group reported a 4 hour wait before the kitchen closed. Tables are small and must be pushed together for groups; one reviewer said staff forgot and they moved tables themselves. Cost signals include a cover charge of about 25 dollars per person, a reserved seating surcharge and cocktails near 30 dollars. Reviewers praise: classic room with live piano and strong atmosphere; works as a backdrop for celebrations and special occasions; private event packages can take over the full bar. Watch for: no reliable waitlist or reservations for walk-in groups; staff slow to combine tables or check on larger parties; cover charges, seating surcharges and billing errors reported. Based on 14 Google reviews of Bemelmans Bar that mention a group, a private room or a celebration.

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