8 Best Bars in Upper East Side, New York City

Amid music-themed 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 a rotating cast of pianist-singers. Bemelmans is known also for its wall murals and lampshades painted by the author of the Madeline books, who is said to have traded the artwork for lodging. Both nightspots feature old-fashioned cocktails and trendy new-fashioned ones. 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. In addition to a well-focused cocktail program (with a cold-brew espresso martini and featuring many nonalcoholic options) that spills over into brunch, the bar offers a colossal fried chicken sandwich, and the brioche bun burger is a crowd pleaser; a late-night menu served daily until 1 am; and even live jazz, blues, and folk music 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, and well drinks are all $7; Monday's is an all-day/all night offering. The kitchen stays open late, serving bar fare to soak up some of the suds.

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. Wednesday through Saturday evening features live jazz (no cover but it might be best to reserve a table).

The Victorian-style lounge brings a touch of downtown chic to the sometimes suburban-feeling UES with candlelit tables, high tin ceilings, and velvet couches. 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.

The cocktail bar companion to Café Boulud, also in the Surrey hotel, Bar Pleiades is a livelier alternative to the more staid atmosphere at the Carlyle's Bemelmans Bar. The design is classic to a fault, employing a black-and-white theme that's positively Audrey Hepburn–esque. Drinks rotate seasonally, and there are tasty nibbles from the café kitchen. Though it doesn't have the same drink menu, the rooftop bar is a cozy aerie good for people- and skyscraper-watching.

At this intimate uptown saloon and piano bar, the singing waitstaff warms up the mixed 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 performers schedule is listed on the bar's website.

Young-ish patrons and live music (ranging from jazz to blues to funk) set this sizable restaurant and bar apart from others in the neighborhood. If the youth and tunes aren't sufficient, then the eclectic assortment of tequilas and beers on tap probably will be.