# Bemelmans Bar Page: https://privatedinnerlist.com/restaurant/bemelmans-bar JSON: https://privatedinnerlist.com/venues/bemelmans-bar.json - Cuisine: Cocktail Bar - Neighborhood: Upper East Side (https://privatedinnerlist.com/private-dining/upper-east-side) - Space: Private Events - Capacity: Private event packages at The Carlyle Hotel; tailored menus; private martini masterclass available - Price range: $$$$ - Typical spend: $100+ per person - Google rating: 4.2 (901 reviews) - Address: 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021, USA - Phone: (212) 744-1600 - Website: https://rosewoodhotels.com/the-carlyle-new-york - Hours: 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 - Reservations: Takes reservations - Good for groups: Yes - Wheelchair access: Accessible entrance - Data updated: 2026-09-20 Step into the legendary Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel, where your group will sip expertly crafted cocktails surrounded by whimsical murals painted by the creator of the beloved Madeline books. The intimate setting transforms any gathering into an sophisticated affair, whether you're celebrating with their signature martini masterclass or enjoying tailored canapés beneath the golden glow of vintage banquettes. This Upper East Side institution delivers Old New York glamour with impeccable service that makes every guest feel like they've discovered the city's most elegant secret. ## Group dining, from guest reviews 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. What works: 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 out 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. Distilled from 14 Google reviews that mention a group, private room or celebration, read 2026-09-20. ## 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.