The Piano Bar Takes Manhattan
Soho Grand Hotel

310 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013

(212) 965-3000 https://www.sohogrand.com

The Piano Bar Takes Manhattan

Back to List

It’s no secret the piano bar is back. In recent years, Gen Z seemed to zero in on what had been overlooked by Millenials for so long: the glamor of classic New York. These days, people want to reconnect with the institutions that made the city what it is today. Both Bemelmans Bar and The Plaza Hotel experienced an unexpected resurgence, heavily motivated by TikTok culture. And with that influence in mind, piano bars started popping up in unexpected places—most notably among the downtown set. 

Here, we explore the city’s best.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Nines (@thenines_nyc)

The Nines

With its sexy decor and red velvet curtains evoking a certain Old Hollywood glamor, this is a place that encourages you to dress the part—to The Nines. But don’t be fooled by the aesthetic nostalgia: leopard print carpets and piano covers of today’s popular hits keep your feet firmly planted in the present day, Downtown-style. 

9 Great Jones St, New York; T. (212) 421-5575

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bemelmans Bar (@bemelmansbar)

Bemelmans Bar

Housed at the storied Carlyle Hotel, Bemelmans Bar is, undeniably, the classic NYC piano bar. In recent times, a wave of classic New York nostalgia has driven flocks of curious 20-somethings to the bar’s sophisticated doors—only to be turned away for not meeting the dress code requirements. You may find a line at this swanky establishment, but you’ll also get a taste of the iconic.

35 E 76th St, New York; T. (212) 744-1600

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Thomas Lyon (@blodlonn)

Marie’s Crisis Café

Marie’s offers yet another piece of historic NYC, albeit one without a dress code. This sometimes-raucous West Village fixture dates back to the 1850s when it was originally used as a prostitution den. By the 1890s, it was well-known as a gay bar (then referred to as a “boy bar”) and eventually purchased in the 1920s by Marie Dumont who successfully ran the place through prohibition. Today, it’s a hotspot for Broadway performers and fans alike. Oh, and the “Crisis” in the name refers to Thomas Payne’s The American Crisis. Why? Because he died in this building. Voila, NYC history at its finest.

59 Grove St, New York; T. (212) 470-6040

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aman New York (@amannewyork)

The Jazz Club at Amans

Manhattan’s legendary Crown Building was built in the 1920s, otherwise known as The Jazz Age. How fitting then that The Jazz Club at Aman New York–situated in the building–should call back to its historic roots with its modern-day equivalent of a prohibition-era supper club. With a 1962 Steinway Baby Grand, The Jazz Club puts emphasis on the quality of its nightly musical performances. And with its lush decor taking inspiration from the most decadent of speakeasies, The Jazz Club is undoubtedly bringing a sense of occasion back to Midtown Manhattan.

730 5th Ave, New York; T. (212) 970-2626

Barretto at Fasano’s

Another Midtown piano bar, Barretto at Fasano’s takes its cues from a time when a glamorous night on the town was invariably accompanied by piano music. Calling back to the 1950s with its earthy decor and Frank Sinatra covers, you’ll find yourself in a luscious time capsule—one with sumptuous velvet booths and delectable Northern Italian dishes.

60 E 49th St, New York; T. (646) 869-5400

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Club Room (@clubroomnewyork)

The Club Room at Soho Grand

And, yes, our very own Club Room also features live piano music. While the Old New York resurgence may be a bit of a breakthrough for some, we’ve always believed in blending the old with the new. Whether it be our gilded art deco-inspired bar or the iconic Terry O’Neill photography lining the walls, you’ll find retro touches alongside downtown grandeur wherever you might look. And while our sultry jazz nights capture that retro opulence, if you stay long enough you might even find vinyl DJs spinning disco. Either way, there is sure to be some dancing involved.

310 W Broadway, New York; T. (212) 965-3588

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Romi Howard (@romistable)

Melody’s

Maybe it’s the off-the-beaten-path Upper East Side location—or maybe it’s the original tile flooring leftover from the shuttered Lexington Bar and Books—but Melody’s manages to retain a certain Old New York quality. And that is quite the feat when you consider the Versace palm tree wallpaper lining its walls alongside art deco influences that just scream Miami. Whether it’s piano or a live jazz trio, expect music seven nights a week and find yourself transported to the Magic City—or the Big Apple of yesteryear, whatever your poison. 

1020 Lexington Ave, New York; T. (646) 559-2808

WORDS Hillary Sproul

You May Also Like

Autumn in New York with Jack James Busa

music
stories
The performer and DJ shares his soundtrack to fall in the city—from the jagged rock sounds of the ’60s to the introspective moodiness of the ’90s and beyond.

The GrandLife Guide to NYFF: 2024 Edition

film
food & drink
stories
We narrow down a few of our must-sees along with some tips to help you wine and dine your way through all those screenings.

Pictures and Words from Under a Rock

art & design
music
stories
Blondie’s Chris Stein talks to Richard Boch about his recently released memoir and upcoming exhibition of photographs at Soho Grand’s new Gallery space.

Pre-NYFW Chat with Cult Genderless Fashion Brand Private Policy

fashion
stories
We talk with co-founder and creative director Siying Qu as she prepares for another highly anticipated NYFW show.

Where to dine, drink and dance this NYFW

bars & nightlife
fashion
food & drink
stories
From a gilded speakeasy to a wild basement club frequented by fashion designers and models, keep reading for our curated list of spots to see and be seen.

Skin and the City: A Talk with Raquel Medina-Cleghorn

art & design
wellness
stories
We sat down with Raquel to discuss her Walker Street studio and what New Yorkers can do to better their skin game.

Ken Addington's Guide to Eating Out in NYC

food & drink
stories
The New York-raised restauranteur and chef shares his favorite places to eat, drink and unwind.

Ride On: Biking the Hudson River Greenway

art & design
food & drink
stories
A scenic, cultural, achievable ride on any given afternoon, all mapped out for you.
Soho Grand Hotel

310 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013

(212) 965-3000 https://www.sohogrand.com
Best Rate Promise