We popped into Bemelman's the other night for a quick drink and found the room surprisingly busy for a cold January weeknight. Whether this was due to the live music or the famed bar being bullet-proof in our recessionary times is unclear, but the welcome at the bar itself was hardly warm and inviting.
Even before sitting, the bartender warned us there would be a $10 per person cover charge ($20 each at the tables, more on weekends). Then we looked at the menu - $19 for a cocktail. Sheesh. The list has fallen a ways since Audrey Saunders redid it and seemed tailored to the crowd. We were talked out of the famed "punch of the day" ($15) by the gruff bartender, who implied the punch is the same every day and predictably suggested the most expensive drink ($20). Instead, we got a barely stirred Manhattan made with Makers that was rough, to say the least. They do give you a sidecar and the nuts are good.
The room itself has seen better days, even though it was renovated in 2002. The famed murals seemed dim and the large piano right in the middle of the room forces you to dodge musicians and tables to reach the bar. The bar itself is merely functional, and the footrail was partially dislodged and not a secure place for feet.
I guess the joint is content to ride on its history and good will of the aged clientele. But who knows for how long at these prices?
Bemelman's Bar
The Carlyle Hotel, 35 E. 76th Street (at Madison)
Even before sitting, the bartender warned us there would be a $10 per person cover charge ($20 each at the tables, more on weekends). Then we looked at the menu - $19 for a cocktail. Sheesh. The list has fallen a ways since Audrey Saunders redid it and seemed tailored to the crowd. We were talked out of the famed "punch of the day" ($15) by the gruff bartender, who implied the punch is the same every day and predictably suggested the most expensive drink ($20). Instead, we got a barely stirred Manhattan made with Makers that was rough, to say the least. They do give you a sidecar and the nuts are good.The room itself has seen better days, even though it was renovated in 2002. The famed murals seemed dim and the large piano right in the middle of the room forces you to dodge musicians and tables to reach the bar. The bar itself is merely functional, and the footrail was partially dislodged and not a secure place for feet.
I guess the joint is content to ride on its history and good will of the aged clientele. But who knows for how long at these prices?
Bemelman's Bar
The Carlyle Hotel, 35 E. 76th Street (at Madison)
my mom was visiting from out of town and wanted to go here- the bartender was so bad that he didn't know what an "Irish Coffee" was!!!
It's sad that a NYC stand-by has been run into the ground. Unfortunately, hotels in this city have decided to rip off customers and no longer uphold their traditions. Bemelman's is on our "must to avoid" list.
H.B.