Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileBemelmans Bar
New York, NY · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bemelmans Bar delivers a polished cocktail program centered on a dedicated martini section, with standouts like Madeline's Vesper and Ludwig's Brush. The menu spans creative signatures and zero-proof options, all set within an Art Deco landmark. Cocktails command premium prices, and the Martini Master class adds an interactive draw. While the program is impressive, incomplete pricing and reliance on community snippets temper the overall assessment.
- What should I order?
- Order Madeline's Vesper, a Bombay Sapphire Gin and Grey Goose Vodka martini with Cocchi Americano, priced at $31. For a non-alcoholic choice, try Pepito 'The Bad Hat' at $28. Cocktails generally run $30-$35, so expect premium pricing for the craft.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Martini enthusiasts and cocktail purists will appreciate the dedicated martini section and the Vesper Martini challenge. Those seeking an upscale, classic bar experience with live piano and jazz will find it fitting, though the lack of reservations and premium prices may deter casual visitors.
- When should I go?
- For a quieter experience, consider an early afternoon visit, as the bar tends to draw crowds later.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are priced around $30-$35, with Madeline's Vesper at $31 and Mr. Carlyle at $30. Zero-proof options like Pepito 'The Bad Hat' run $28.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar's Art Deco ambiance, Ludwig Bemelmans murals, and 24-karat gold leaf ceiling set it apart. The cocktail program supports the setting with a martini-focused menu and a Martini Master class, while nightly jazz adds to the timeless hideaway feel.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A well-structured cocktail menu with a dedicated martini section and creative signatures. Pricing is premium, and the menu offers a range of styles from classic to contemporary.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated martini section with signature offerings like Madeline's Vesper and Ludwig's Brush.
- — Creative cocktail list including The Red Curtain, Mr. Carlyle, and Old Cuban.
Standout selections
- — Madeline's Vesper – Bombay Sapphire Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Cocchi Americano, $31.
- — Ludwig's Brush – Hard Cut Vodka, Jacoulot le Petit Brandy, Abricot du Roussillon Liqueur, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, Saffron Tincture.
- — Mr. Carlyle – Tanqueray No. TEN, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Badger Tonic Water, $30.
Pricing: Cocktails are priced around $30-$35; Madeline's Vesper is $31 and Mr. Carlyle is $30.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated 'Zero-Proof Cocktails' section offers creative non-alcoholic options such as Pepito 'The Bad Hat', Aegean Cooler, and Ginger Highball. While only one is priced, the section adds thoughtful choices for non-drinkers.
Menu strengths
- — Uses house-made syrups and specialty tonics, adding craft to non-alcoholic offerings.
Standout selections
- — Pepito 'The Bad Hat' – Ritual 'Tequila-Alternative', Lime Juice, House-Made Orange Syrup, Badger Club Soda, $28.
- — Aegean Cooler – Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup, Cucumber, Badger Aegean Tonic.
- — Ginger Highball – Lime Juice, Verjus Blanc, Saline Solution, Lemon-Thyme Foam, Badger Ginger Beer.
Pricing: Zero-proof options include Pepito 'The Bad Hat' at $28; others lack listed prices.
Spirits
The cocktail menu features a wide range of high-quality spirits, including Bombay Sapphire Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Los Siete Misterios Mezcal, and Bacardi 8YR Rum. While no dedicated spirits list was found, the selection supports a sophisticated program.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirit selection across gin, vodka, mezcal, rum, tequila, and brandy.
- — Use of premium brands like Bombay Sapphire and Grey Goose in signature cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Mezcalini – Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezcal, Mancino Secco, Rockey's Botanical Liqueur, Angostura Bitters.
- — The Red Curtain – Leyenda 1925 Tequila Blanco, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, González Byass Vermouth La Copa Rojo, Campari, Orange Bitters.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list or prices found; spirits are showcased in cocktails.
How it sits with the food
No food menu was retrieved, so pairing guidance is limited. However, the bar's upscale cocktail list suggests classic pairings like oysters or caviar would complement the martinis, though this is not confirmed by evidence.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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