8 Best Bars in New York City, New York

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. 

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).

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.

Maxfield Parrish's justly beloved 1906 mural of "Old King Cole" and his artful court (made famous by the 18th-century nursery rhyme) was fully renovated in summer 2024 and now gleams just like the day after it was finished. It adds to the already considerable elegance at this romantic and essential Midtown lounge. Try the Bloody Mary—since this is where this spicy drink was introduced to Americans as a "Red Snapper" back in 1934, with an nonalcoholic version available—and be ready to pay for the privilege of drinking in this legendary establishment.

Regardless of whatever "Marie's crisis" was or is (each employee seems to have a different story), all the customers here know all the words to show tunes you've never even heard of. Down enough drinks at this ultrafun West Village joint and you'll be singing along, even if you don't know all the lyrics. There's only one rule here: no songs will be played (and sung) by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Distinguished, mature men from the Upper East Side meet younger would-be versions of themselves at this "gentlemen's club" and piano bar. The attire is "uptown casual" if not fancier (though jackets are not required), and there are daily happy hours, $2 off from 4 to 8 pm, plus weekly special events. 

A fun find for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies, Uncle Charlie's is a second-floor haven for happy hours, piano singalongs, and quiet breaks on the back outdoor patio. It's a casual scene with flirty regulars and attentive bartenders pouring 'til the wee hours (from 4 pm to 4 am nightly). The daily happy hour special consists of $2 off any cocktail or spirit, from 4 to 8 pm, and open-mic night happens from 8 pm to 2 am daily except Sunday.