VIBE

This swanky 1930s piano bar in The Carlyle pairs classic ritz (think: gold-plated ceilings and plush carpets) with quirky New York charm, thanks to whimsical hand-painted murals of Central Park by Madeline author Ludwig Bemelmans. Virtuosos tickle the ivories while well-heeled clientele sink into the deep leather banquettes for discreet chitchat and perfectly mixed classic cocktails served by well-mannered waiters.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Cocktail dress and classic heels.

GO HERE WITH

A date; parents; clients or colleagues

CROWD

A mature mix of New Yorkers, expense accounters, and couples looking for romance.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Perfect spot for wooing clients or having a quintessential “old New York” style date. And, of course, the witty imagery in the Bemelmans mural is a must-see (and a great conversation starter).

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

It’s “re-mortgage the house” pricey. (Though we comfort ourselves with the fact that it’s still quite a bit more affordable than Café Carlyle across the lobby, and most agree the drinks here are better, too.)

GOOD TO KNOW

There’s a cover charge after 9:00pm Sunday and Monday and after 9:30pm Tuesday through Saturday. Though Bemelmans is best known for his Madeline books, he was also an illustrator for many high-profile publications like The New Yorker and Vogue. The mural in the bar is the only surviving example of his large-scale artwork that is available to the public. A fun fact for Carlyle history buffs: when Bemelmans painted the mural in bar, he forfeited payment in exchange for 18 months of free accommodation for his family at the hotel.

CLOSEST COMPS

King Cole Bar (New York); Monkey Bar (New York); Claridge’s Bar (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.