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15 Iconic Bars on the Upper East Side (You Can’t Afford to Miss)

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bemelmans bar upper east side
Here I am sipping a cocktail at Bemelman’s Bar on the Upper East Side

If there’s one thing the Upper East Side Bar (UES) isn’t lacking, it’s first-rate bars. And if you’re not one of the trust fund babies this neighborhood is known for, spending over $25 on a cocktail can sting. While I can’t help too much on the price side of things, I can be your guide to ensure you steer clear of mediocre drinks.

After exploring this neighborhood for years, I’ve got my list of the best bars on the Upper East Side – ones that keep me coming back again and again. Think of me as your sacrificial liver.

All I ask is that you don’t let my years of “research” go to waste and put this list to good use. But enough about me, why don’t we get into the best bars on the Upper East Side?

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A quick word about health scores

Ever noticed that bold, colored letter in the window of restaurants? That’s the establishment’s official letter grade issued by New York City’s Health Department that correlates with their sanitary inspection. When a restaurant is inspected they are given points for each violation that adds up to their overall inspection score.

I don’t know about you, but I take sanitation seriously and will not eat at a restaurant with a letter score of less than an “A”. To that end, we only recommend restaurants with an “A” letter grade. If you ever notice a health score less than an “A” on a restaurant we’ve recommended please let us know and we will drop it from the list until its score improves.

Best Bars Upper East Side

Table of Contents: Upper East Side Bars

Table of Contents: UES Bars

Bemelmans Bar New York City

Bemelmans Bar

When it comes to iconic bars on the Upper East Side, Bemelmans Bar is an easy choice for the top of the list. Found in the classy Carlyle Hotel, this UES bar is best known for the alluring murals that adorn the walls. The murals were hand-painted by none other than the beloved illustrator behind the famous Madeline books, Ludwig Bemelmans (for whom the bar is named).

Commissioned in the 1940s, the murals depict Central Park in all four seasons. If you can peel your eyes away from the handsome walls you’ll notice the pianist serenading patrons. Allow your eyes to wander further to watch generous pours of perfectly executed drinks make their way from one table to the next.

In a lot of ways, Bemelmans Bar is exactly what an Upper East Side bar should be. The staff are dressed to impress, the bar is dimly lit, and the aged leather banquettes offer an air of sophistication and class. It’s the only place to celebrate a special occasion.

Pro tip: Bemelmans has one of the best martinis in NYC

The Penrose Upper East Side Happy Hour
This is the backroom bar at The Penrose on the Upper East Side

The Penrose 

Not surprisingly to those who have been, The Penrose is one of the best bars in the Upper East Side. The delicious food and cozy rustic vibe create an ideal setting for a romantic date night.

When you walk in you’ll notice a bar immediately to your left. If it’s full, keep walking to the back bar which is more dimly lit and sports an even swankier vibe.

For those visiting during regular bar hours, The Penrose stands out as one of the best cocktail bars on the Upper East Side, offering a diverse drink selection. The unique dirty-pickle martini is a noteworthy choice, showcasing the bar’s creativity and flavor profiles.

You should know that The Penrose is strictly 21+ after 8PM and reservations are only available for parties of 5 or more.

The Stumble Inn

Any time I’m looking looking for a hopping sports bars on the Upper East Side to get loud and have fun, The Stumble Inn is the winner. This place has music booming just about every day of the week so it’s a great place to bring a lively group of friends.

There are beer pong tables and TVs plastered all over the walls providing generous entertainment. You can easily lose track of time enjoying your company and taking advantage of the drink specials. 

Worth noting: The Stumble Inn is also one of the best happy hour spots on the Upper East Side.

Melody's Piano Bar Best Bars Upper East Side
Image Courtesy Melody’s Piano Bar

Melody’s Piano Bar

Melody’s Piano Bar, a charming 1940s-themed date spot with live music, showcases an elegant vibe with black and white tiles, Versace jungle wallpaper, and leather booths. Nightly performances on piano or by a small band contribute to its reputation as one of the Upper East Side’s top bars.

There’s a $20 cover charge per table after 8 PM, supporting the musicians—consider staying longer or bringing a friend to split the cost. The menu features a selection of shaken, stirred, and fun cocktails; try the Milky Way for a delightful choice. Melody’s is gaining popularity, so arrive early as reservations aren’t accepted.

The Mark Bar

If you’re trying to impress than The Mark Bar is the Upper East Side bar for you. Located in the famous Mark Hotel, this place is ritzy.

Part of that comes with the fact that it also serves as a kind of waiting room for folks on their way into The Mark Restaurant by famed Michelin starred chef, Jean Georges. Anoher other part comes with the fact that a night at the Mark Hotel will run you right around $1,000.

However you slice it, The Mark Bar is the kind of Upper East Side bar you go to celebrate and YOLO the good times.

Five Mile Stone

Five Mile Stone, with its New Orleans-style exterior, stands out amongst the Upper East Side bar scene. This two-story bar, reminiscent of the French Quarter, boasts a fun balcony bustling with locals in the summer. Renowned for beer enthusiasts, it offers 24 rotating craft brews on tap, including a variety of international options.

Whiskey lovers will appreciate the selection of 90 different whiskeys in a laid-back atmosphere sans the snobbery. Beyond its impressive drinks, they’ve got a pretty diverse menu that features everything from chicken shawarma to classic burgers, making Five Mile Stone a top bar in the UES for grub.

Bondurants

Bondurants, a standout bar on the Upper East Side, offers a rustic and homey vibe with brick walls and wooden features, creating simple charm. Despite a lively atmosphere, attentive service and delicious food make every visit feel exclusive.

Its versatility shines, accommodating both casual hangouts and easygoing date nights. This UES bar is not just about drinks; the standout tater tots and wings add to its reputation as one of the best spots in the area.

Worth noting, Bondurants is a top notch bar for brown spirits, specifically bourbon and American spirits.

You might be interested: Top 20 Best Scotch Whisky Bars in NYC

Serena’s Wine Bar

Wine at Serena’s Wine Bar on the Upper East Side is simply delightful, especially on sunny afternoons. With an extensive wine list catering to every taste, it’s easy to find something you’ll love. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.

If hunger strikes, Serena’s kitchen offers delicious flatbreads and pasta that rival any local restaurant. For lighter bites, indulge in their charcuterie meats and cheeses. The relaxed atmosphere makes leaving one of the best wine bars in the UES quite challenging.

Best bars Upper East Side Festival Cafe
Image Courtesy Festival Cafe

Festival Cafe

Festival Cafe has given the farm-to-table movement a twist, instead opting to go farm-to-bar. As one of the best cocktail bars in the Upper East Side, every drink is crafted using natural, responsibly sourced ingredients.

The bar even takes it a step further by publishing a list of the farms and businesses they work with, which adds an admirable level of transparency. It’s easy to enjoy a drink that you know was made using clean ingredients.

The same high-quality standard translates to the food too. Both the drink and food menus rotate frequently to utilize ingredients that are in season, so popping into this UES bar is always a treat.

The Bar Room

The Bar Room on the Upper East Side is like a scene from a movie with checkered floor tiles and chandeliers creating a picture perfect setting. It’s undoubtedly one of the finest bars on the UES, blurring the lines between bar and restaurant seamlessly.

Expertly crafted classics like martinis and mojitos await a sophisticated dinner experience. Notably, their crispy duck wings are a must-try, irresistibly smothered in soy glaze. The Bar Room’s solid happy hour, from 3-6 PM daily, offers sangria, wine, and more for just $10, making it one of the best bars in the Upper East Side for a deal.

The Five Lamps

Offering a homey atmosphere to watch a game, unwind, or catch up with friends, it’s easy to lose track of time at The Five Lamps. With plenty of seating and friendly waitstaff, hanging out here feels like hanging out with roommates.

The outdoors area at Five Lamps is massive and definitely one of the largest of any Upper East Side bar. During the warmer seasons this is about as prime a spot as they come.

This UES bar is also a go-to for deals, featuring $2 tacos and $6 margaritas on Taco Tuesday (after 4 PM) and a burger with a beer for just $20 on Wednesdays. If you enjoy trivia, don’t miss out on the NYC Trivia League every Thursday at 7:30 PM for some friendly neighborhood competition and the chance to win prizes.

The Sefton

The Sefton, a standout Irish pub, is among the best bars on the Upper East Side, popular for its generous pours of Guinness. While they offer cocktails and wine, it’s the perfect spot for a simple brew.

The Sefton is not you’re traditional Irish pub but more elevated. The Guiness is still here but the cocktails are a bit too nice and the setting too modern for what you’d expect at your typical pub.

Enjoy a generous happy hour from 11 AM to 7 PM with $5 domestic bottles and $9 margaritas.

Something to know: The Sefton is named after a horse that was seriously injured in the Hyde Park Bombings in London. The horse remarkably regained its health and became a symbol of defiance against terrorism, even winning Horse of the Year in 1982.

Doc Watson’s

For over 25 years, Doc Watson’s has reigned as one of the best bars in the Upper East Side, embodying the quintessential Irish pub experience with quality brews and a laid-back vibe.

Equipped with darts, Jenga, and sports on multiple TVs, it’s a perfect spot for casual entertainment. Soccer enthusiasts will find it especially appealing for European games like the Champions League and Europa League.

For outdoor lovers, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot in the cozy backyard beer garden. Surprisingly, Doc Watson’s is also a top brunch spot on the Upper East Side, offering a steal of a deal at $23 for a brunch dish and two drinks.

Auction House 

For an intimate date night, Auction House is a go-to bar on the Upper East Side. With its posh red velvet drapes, marble fireplace, and candle-lit tables, it’s a charming venue. The lounge-style seating allows for cozy conversations while enjoying tasty drinks.

After all, Auction House is known for being one of the best cocktail bars in the UES.

What the cocktails lack in innovation they more than make up for with simplicity and deliciousness. Note that it’s 25 and older on Fridays and Saturdays and no real fur is allowed. If you’re under 25, visit any other day of the week and leave the mink at home.

Third Avenue Ale House

With 30 draft beers and over 40 bottles, Third Avenue Ale House is a beer lover’s haven. The knowledgeable staff is open to beer discussions, making it easy to discover new favorites. Offering a variety of traditional bar food, their old-school nachos with chicken tinga are a satisfying choice, perfect for sharing with a friend.

This Upper East Side bar also features enticing specials, including a $20 burger and beer deal on Mondays, and a taco, side, and cocktail combo for $20 on Taco Tuesday. Happy hour, running until 6 PM daily, offers $2 off standard drafts, well-drinks, and select wines.

For dog parents, Third Avenue Ale House is pet-friendly in outdoor seating areas, making it a top choice among the best bars in the Upper East Side.

Best Bars in the Upper East Side (Post Summary)

  1. Bemelmans Bar
  2. The Penrose 
  3. Third Avenue Ale House
  4. Doc Watson’s
  5. The Sefton
  6. The Five Lamps
  7. The Bar Room
  8. Festival Cafe
  9. Serena’s Wine Bar
  10. Bondurants
  11. Stella & Fly 
  12. The Auction House 
  13. Five Mile Stone
  14. Melody’s piano bar
  15. Keys & Heels

Best Upper East Side Bars (Map)

Further Reading for the Upper East Side

Best Things to Do on the Upper East Side: 15+ Great Things to Do in the Upper East Side
Where to Eat on the UES: 15 Epic Restaurants in the Upper East Side
Best Brunch UES: 15 Flavorful Brunch Spots in the Upper East Side
Where to Score a Deal on the UES: 12 Epic Happy Hour Spots on the Upper East Side
Best Bagels UES: 12 Tasty Upper East Side Bagels

More Great NYC Restaurants 

Restaurants in Greenwich Village: 12 Charming Restaurants in Greenwich Village
Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants: 10 Amazingly (Affordable) Michelin Star Restaurants in NYC (Worth The Price!)
Iconic Restaurants in NYC: 10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try
Restaurants Near Central Park: The 20 Best Restaurants Near Central Park
Best Weather Appropriate Restaurants: 15 Cozy Restaurants with Heated Outdoor Dining in New York City (For Even the Coldest of Days!)

And there you have it my friends, the best cocktail bars in the Upper East Side.

Cheers!

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  1. DD says

    Please also visit and review this new bar “Somebody’s Darling” at 1664 1st Ave New York, New York. It’s been an INCREDIBLE addition to the UES!

    Reply

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