Bemelmans Bar
35 E. 76th St., 212-744-1600
Whereas most watering holes are just tuning in to the vintage-cocktail revival, The Carlyle's Bemelmans Bar has been serving it old-school since the beginning of the postwar era. Bartenders muddle mint to complement the Gin-Gin Mule's ginger beer and lime juice, or flame orange peels to top the Valencia, a concoction that also includes fino sherry, orange oil and gin. Nearly all else about Bemelmans evokes a long-gone era, too. The 75-seat establishment is set in a classic New York interior that features comfortable leather banquettes and a gold-leaf ceiling. Wall murals by Madeline author Ludwig Bemelmans portray his title character and her schoolmates, along with picnicking rabbits and a skating elephant in Central Park. The artisanal expertise of the barkeeps is set to the soundtrack of nightly live performances by powerhouse jazz and cabaret musicians. After sampling Bemelmans' exceptional cocktails, head across the lobby to Café Carlyle, where Woody Allen plays clarinet with the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band every Monday night, and musical legends, including the likes of Judy Collins, John Pizzarelli and Steve Tyrell, maintain established residencies. —DS