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Piano Bars in Manhattan offer an elegant escape from the city’s hustle, combining live music, craft cocktails, and sophisticated ambiance that captures the timeless spirit of New York nightlife. Whether you’re seeking a romantic date night venue, pre-theater drinks with a soundtrack, or an evening immersed in classic American standards and jazz, the city’s piano bar scene delivers unforgettable experiences across every neighborhood.

From iconic hotel lounges adorned with historic murals to intimate basement speakeasies tucked beneath Manhattan’s bustling streets, these venues cater to discerning guests who appreciate live entertainment and refined atmospheres. The best piano bars feature talented musicians—many with Broadway and conservatory backgrounds—performing everything from Great American Songbook classics to contemporary requests, creating interactive experiences where sing-alongs and quiet conversation coexist harmoniously.

Piano Bars in Manhattan span the elegant Upper East Side, the theatrical Midtown district, the historic Greenwich Village, and trendy neighborhoods like Chelsea and NoHo. Each venue brings its own character: some offer singing bartenders and cabaret performances, others showcase world-class jazz pianists against backdrops of leather banquettes and crystal chandeliers, while hidden gems provide cozy, neighborhood charm with exceptional talent and welcoming regulars.
These establishments range from legendary institutions operating since the 1930s to stylish newcomers featuring Art Deco design and craft cocktail programs. Many require no cover charge, though popular hotel bars may have lines during peak hours and minimum drink requirements. Dress codes vary from smart casual to cocktail attire, with most venues encouraging guests to dress up for the full experience.

Whether you’re a local seeking your new regular spot or a visitor wanting an authentic New York evening, Manhattan’s piano bars promise sophisticated entertainment, exceptional drinks, and memories set to live music.

List of Piano Bars in Manhattan

Arthur’s Tavern (Greenwich Village): A historic speakeasy-style jazz and piano bar operating since 1937. Features nightly live jazz, blues, and piano performances with no cover charge. The venue has an unpolished, authentic charm and attracts a mix of serious jazz fans and neighborhood regulars.  Beli Score:  8.4

Barretto at Fasano (Midtown): An intimate, upscale lounge that feels like a private club. It often features Frank Sinatra-style covers and an excellent Northern Italian menu. Beli Score 8.4

Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side): Located in the Carlyle Hotel, this is the gold standard. It features murals by Ludwig Bemelmans and leather banquettes. While it has become popular with younger crowds on social media, the primary demographic remains upscale and mature.
Note: Expect a cover charge and a line during peak hours.

Bo Peep Cocktail & Highball Store (Midtown/Fashion District): Tucked beneath The Ragtrader, this basement “speakeasy” piano bar is cozy and vintage-inspired. While the servers sometimes join in on the singing, it remains far more civil and adult-oriented than the rowdy dueling piano bars in Times Square.

Brandy’s Piano Bar (Upper East Side): A cozy, narrow “hidden gem” that has been around for decades. The performers are world-class, often coming from Broadway backgrounds. It is much more intimate and less frantic than the piano bars in the West Village.

Chez Josephine (Theater District): A French bistro that celebrates the spirit of Josephine Baker. It features a live pianist playing French chansons and American standards. It’s a favorite for the pre-and-post theater crowd.

Dizzy’s Club (Columbus Circle): While primarily a jazz club, the “Songbook Sundays” and various piano-centric sets here are world-class. It offers one of the best views in the city (overlooking Central Park) and a highly sophisticated audience.

Don’t Tell Mama (Theater District): This is a New York legend, split into a restaurant, a piano bar, and two cabaret rooms.

The Piano Bar: Features singing bartenders and waitstaff. It’s lively and fun, but table seating draws a more seasoned crowd.

Duplex Cabaret Theatre and Piano Bar (West Village): NYC’s oldest continuously running cabaret (since 1950), this LGBTQ+ landmark features a piano bar with open mic nights starting at 9pm nightly. The downstairs piano bar features singing bartenders and waitstaff, while upstairs hosts cabaret shows, drag performances, and comedy. Open 4pm–4am daily.

Fraunces Tavern – Piano Bar (Financial District): Located upstairs in the oldest building in Manhattan. Dimly lit with a massive whiskey selection, offering live jazz and piano in a setting that feels like a 1700s gentleman’s club (but welcoming to all).

Kaoru (Location varies): A unique Japanese restaurant with a piano bar featuring jazz classics and 80s ballads. Offers fresh sushi, rice bowls, and other Japanese cuisine alongside live music in a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Melody’s Piano Bar (Upper East Side): A recent but instant classic on Lexington Ave. It features Art Deco fixtures, a working fireplace, and Versace wallpaper. The music leans toward melodic alt-rock and Great American Songbook standards, with a consistently 40+ crowd.

Mimi’s Restaurant & Piano Bar (Midtown East): An unpretentious neighborhood institution that feels like a 1970s time capsule. Known for a loyal older regular base and a very welcoming atmosphere.

Monkey Bar (Midtown): A legendary spot since 1936 that feels like stepping into a 1940s film set. The crowd is consistently professional and older, making it ideal for a classy evening out.

Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar (Theater District): Features live lounge music, jazz, Russian gypsy folk music, and show tunes in red leather booths. Known for Russian classics, vodka with caviar service, Sunday jazz brunches, and Monday dinner concerts.

Sid Gold’s Request Room (Chelsea): A retro piano bar featuring live piano karaoke six nights a week (closed Sundays and Tuesdays). Professional pianists accompany singers live. Two-drink minimum; reservations recommended. Known for its welcoming, supportive atmosphere.

The Flatiron Room (NoMad): Known for its massive spirits library (over 1,000 whiskeys), live jazz and piano nightly, plush booths, and a decidedly grown-up crowd.

The King Cole Bar (Midtown): Situated in the St. Regis, recently renovated while preserving its historic Maxfield Parrish mural. Famous for inventing the Bloody Mary and offering a quiet, regal cocktail environment.

The Nines (NoHo): A supper-club-style venue with red velvet decor and leopard-print carpet. Chic, dressy, and draws a stylish middle-aged and older crowd.

The Rose Garden (at Magic Hour, Midtown): While the rooftop can be trendy, specific piano nights have a refined, older-sibling vibe. A great choice if you want Empire State Building views with your music.

The Rum House (Theater District/Times Square): Located in the Edison Hotel, this cocktail bar features nightly live piano and jazz in an old-world copper-and-wood setting. Intimate, polished, and ideal for pre-theater drinks or nightcaps.