The best Upper East Side cocktail bars

Enter a piece of New York City history at this Upper East Side bar frequented by socialites, politicians, and movie stars. With murals painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, you will be surrounded by differing scenes and animals of Central Park.

Perfect for martini lovers alike, Bemelmans offers a master class for up to six friends led by the head bartender. You can learn how to make your favorite martini whether you prefer it with gin or vodka, shaken or stirred all the options will be accessible.

Once the pianist begins at 5:30 in the evening, Bemelmans requires a “smart dress code” where men must wear collared shirts, and shorts and hats are prohibited. Enjoying jazz music here comes at a price, with a cover charge of $10 per person.

Bemelman’s Bar accommodates 78 people for private parties.

If you are looking for a change from wearing heels and suits to dinner, The Penrose is the perfect restaurant to enjoy a casual meal or drink with friends. Be sure to test out their take on a TacoBell Crunchwrap Supreme with chorizo and the artichoke and kale ricotta dip to have a taste of some of their most popular dishes.

Although one of the most beloved aspects of The Penrose is its’ brunch, it is perfect for someone looking to have a late night, staying open until 4 in the morning every night of the week. Live Music Sundays takes place from 7 to 10 in the evening hosting local jazz and folk bands creating an upbeat atmosphere before returning to work Monday morning.

This 2,500 sq. ft. space can accommodate up to 250 guests for private parties.

This old-school, classic New York City piano bar is not shy of talent with many of the weekly pianists and singers performing on and off of Broadway. Customers are welcomed and encouraged to make song requests by writing the song name on a napkin, folding it up with some cash, and handing it to the piano player.

Brandy’s Piano Bar offers a happy hour from 4-8:30 pm everyday and runs on a first-come-first-serve basis. Entrance is free, but there is a required two-drink minimum… twist my arm. If you are looking for an intimate, music-filled cocktail bar on the Upper East Side, Brandy’s will not disappoint.

On the Keys and Heels social media accounts, you will see a plethora of videos consisting of workers repairing shoes and keys being cut. Walking by on the street, you would barely bat an eye at a rundown locksmith. However, this mundane store has quite a secret: all of this is fake.

Keys and Heels is a speakeasy located on Second Avenue open Thursday through Saturday starting at 6 pm. There is quite an extensive cocktail menu and even options for bottle service- because what locksmith doesn’t? There is a variety of bar snacks including pigs in a blanket, truffle sliders, and focaccia to compliment the drinks.

This cocktail bar comfortably hosts 74 for private events, and offers open bar and hors d’oeuvres packages. Add a DJ, photo booth, or even a tarot card reader to make the night extra special.

From the outside, the UES may appear to be your local New York City ice cream store with its vibrant colors and wide variety of flavors. However, once you ask to “volunteer in the storage room”, you will be led into a dimly lit speakeasy, similar to the ones found during the Prohibition era.

To enter behind the wall of empty ice cream cartons, there is a two-drink minimum which shouldn’t be difficult with the wide-ranging cocktail menu consisting of drinks named after iconic Upper East Side sites.

For parties greater than eight, contact the venue directly.