7 Best Bars in Upper East Side, New York City

Inside one of the city's most recognizable hotels from the big screen (the famous tango scene with Al Pacino from Scent of a Woman was filmed in The Pierre's Cotillion Ballroom) is Two E Bar & Lounge, a former gentleman's library turned chic lounge and intimate performance space that is meant to feel like an Upper East Side residence. Thursday through Saturday evening features live music---which can be jazz, American songbook standards, soul, or even pop---with new guests performing every week. There's no cover charge but it might be best to reserve a table. Be sure to grab a signature cocktails, mocktail, one of the many spirits, and try the truffle French fries or the simple-but-delicious meze platter. 

The Victorian-style lounge brings a touch of downtown chic to the sometimes suburban-feeling UES with candlelit tables, high tin ceilings, a mahogany bar, red velvet drapes, and a marble fireplace. This setting makes for a great date night spot. However, keep in mind that wearing real fur or baseball caps are not allowed. If you find yourself downtown on the Lower East Side, check out its sister bar, a speakeasy called The Back Room, once frequented by gangsters like Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky.

Amid music-theme murals by Marcel Vertès, the hotel's discreetly sophisticated supper club, Café Carlyle, hosts such top cabaret and jazz performers as Alan Cumming, Christine Ebersole, Judy Collins, Jon Batiste, John Pizzarelli, Steve Tyrell, and comedians Mario Cantone and Tony Danza. The less fancy-schmancy (though still pricey) Bemelmans Bar features performances by a rotating cast of pianists and singers.

Bemelmans also is known for its wall murals and lampshades. They were painted by the author of the Madeline books, who is said to have traded the artwork for lodging. Bemelmans features solo performers every Tuesday to Saturday and a jazz trio from Thursday to Sunday; cover charges range from $10 to $35. Both nightspots feature old-fashioned cocktails and trendy, new-fashioned ones, as well as luxurious food options such as roasted pumpkin risotto and caviar. Chic attire only (no active sportswear permitted in either one).

Amid varnished wood and exposed brick that reinforce the cozy vibe, the Penrose fancies itself "the Upper East Local" and has something for everyone. There are nearly endless choices of spirits and specialty cocktails, including many types of whiskeys, a cold-brew espresso martini, and several nonalcoholic options. The bar offers breakfast corn dogs and other treats at its popular weekend brunch, and a colossal fried chicken sandwich at dinner. A late-night menu is served daily until 2 am; and even live jazz, blues, and folk music are performed on Sunday nights at 7 (no cover charge).

"Drink craft beer" is the motto here, so grab a stool, saddle up to the bar or around one of the barrels fashioned into a table, and take your time poring over the video board displaying various lagers and ales, along with hard ciders and seltzers. There's a heavy focus on NYC and New York State brews, with some suds from other states. Take advantage of the Tuesday through Friday happy hour from 4:20 to 6:20 pm, when beer, wine by the glass, and well drinks are all $7; on Monday, happy hour is an all-day/all-night affair. The kitchen stays open late, serving bar fare to soak up some suds. A vegan burger is available.

Named for late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, and previously known as Dangerfield’s since 1969, this entertainment spot is under new ownership and has received a complete overhaul following a COVID-19-induced closure. Now featuring an art deco design and an upscale feel, the club hosts rising stars like Josh Johnson of The Daily Show, comedy podcast tapings, and more. A menu of snacks and cocktails—with names like the Gin Carrey, the Berry Seinfeld, or, of course, the Rodney Dangerfield—are on offer, and a fuller food menu is forthcoming. Ticket prices range from free to $25, depending on the show, and are slightly discounted online.

At this intimate uptown saloon and piano bar, the singing waitstaff warms up the crowd, getting everyone in the mood to belt out their favorite Broadway and pop tunes. Live music starts at 9:30 nightly; there's no cover charge, but the bar has a two-drink minimum per person. It can get crowded so get there early to snag a table or enjoy the music from the bar area. A schedule of performers is listed on the bar's website.