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Bemelmans Bar

35 E. 76th St., New York, NY, 10075
at Madison Ave.
212-744-1600

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"Highly Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

100% would go back.

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Displaying 1-5 of 5

Perfectly whimsical, charmingly fancy

By shamrock on 1/31/2003

Overall Rating: 10
Yes, I would go back!

Have you seen the well to do? Up and down Park Avenue? On that famous thoroughfare? With their noses in the air? Well, after they get tired of parading on Park, they turn onto E. 76th and make a beeline for the elegantly shabby-preppy Bemelmann's. You practically trip over Holden Caulfield on the way in. A lovely dish of macadamia nuts is set before you and the drinks are generous. If you're very lucky, perhaps Peter Mintun will be singing songs of yesteryear in his suave tenor as he tickles the ivories. He knows every song, ever.

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436 out of 893 people found this review helpful.

A New York Landmark

By adsong on 7/2/2003

Overall Rating: 10
Yes, I would go back!

Remember the kid's books "Madeleine"? Ludwig Bemelman was the creator of the books, and the creator of the wonderful murals in this bar depicting animals celebrating Central Park,Including a skating elephant .This is THE Classic New York Bar.Great cocktails created by famed mixologist Dale DeGroff and Audrey Saunders, the Beverage Director of the Carlyle,where Bemelmans is situated. After 9:30 pm there is a cover, since there is music at that time.(Great music).Dont just order the same ol 'same ol drinks,, Try their own wonderful concoctions.You 'll love them, and you may start to see double the amount of murals... A bonus!!!!!.

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425 out of 847 people found this review helpful.

Creme de la Creme

By mrs_effingwell on 3/9/2005

Overall Rating: 10
Yes, I would go back!

The tops. Lovely room, excellent professional bartenders. I wish they hadn't gussied it up a few years ago but the change is slight. If only they would reinstate the fresh-fried potato chips on the tables!

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439 out of 863 people found this review helpful.

The Best Gin Martini

By Tominchelsea on 8/30/2007

Overall Rating: 10
Yes, I would go back!

I went to Bemelmans with a 23-year-old friend of Colombia: I in suit, he in jeans. The waitstaff was courteous and professional, just top-notch, and we were seated in a lovely corner of the bar. The table snacks were absolutely yummy and frequently refilled. The Bombay Sapphire martini was pure bliss! The best martini I've had in many a moon. Bravo, Bemelmans!

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301 out of 569 people found this review helpful.

Always a joy!

By Alessia_NYC on 8/6/2008

Overall Rating: 10
Yes, I would go back!

This is one of the most special lounge bars in the city. It's preserved so exquisitely well, that stepping into it one feels a sense of old New York upon them. The service is just wonderful, which is a complement to the lovely piano melody of live piano. This is a perfect way to unwind the day alone with a martini, bring a date, or take your friends. Very chic, very contemporary, yet nostalgic enough to feel in total comfort!!! My top pick for ANY lounge/bar in NYC.

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131 out of 237 people found this review helpful.