Café Carlyle, an Upper Eastside Gem, Shines Brighter

There’s a saying that good things often come in small packages, and nothing illustrates this better than Café Carlyle, an iconic and legendary venue on the Upper East Side. Located within The Carlyle, a Rosewood hotel near Central Park, the Café Carlyle showcases a diverse array of Broadway singers, jazz performers, and celebrities.

In addition to featuring world-class entertainers in an intimate setting of about 90 seats, Café Carlyle can be considered a star, a legend, and a pivotal part of the region’s entertainment scene.

Following recent enhancements, the hotel and Café Carlyle shine even brighter as the North Star of New York City’s nightlife. The Carlyle itself underwent a three-year renovation that concluded in 2020 to celebrate its 90th anniversary. Meanwhile, the Café Carlyle has received various updates and improvements, including installing a new bar last summer.

2025 will mark Café Carlyle’s Platinum Jubilee, commemorating 70 years of performances, adding even more significance to its legacy as one of New York’s most storied venues.

“It’s steeped in history and still feels relevant,” said Marlene Poynder, managing director of The Carlyle, regarding the hotel. “Experiences like those at Café Carlyle and Bemelmans Bar are at the heart of what makes it iconic.”

As one of the last true supper clubs, the Café Carlyle fosters a connection between audience and performer. Its rich tradition of outstanding performers has further enhanced its legacy.

Whether or not walls can talk, these walls stand as examples of fine art, thanks to the murals painted by Hungarian-born artist Marcel Vertès, who won two Oscars for set and costume design for “Moulin Rouge,” the 1952 film directed by John Huston about the life of Toulouse Lautrec. Vertès’ murals provide an intimate, art-filled backdrop for legendary performances, merging artistry with entertainment in a personal manner. He also designed the wall decorations for the Waldorf Astoria’s Peacock Alley, leaving his mark on some of New York City’s best-known locations.

However, while the setting makes Café Carlyle a must-visit venue, the shows breathe life into it with a variety of sounds and sights. Performers like Rita Wilson, Sutton Foster, and John Pizzarelli have recently graced the Café Carlyle.

After performances in December, Café Carlyle goes dark each January, allowing a pause for one of the city’s most storied venues. It will reopen this year with Isaac Mizrahi’s new show, Isaac Mizrahi: I Know Everybody, scheduled from February 4-15. Legendary musician Benmont Tench will then perform at the Café Carlyle from February 18-22, followed by Grammy-winning producer, bandleader, and trumpeter Brian Newman from February 25-27.

Singer-songwriter Peter Cincotti will then present a series of Tuesday performances on March 4, 18, and 25, before Broadway star Julie Benko returns for a five-night residency from April 1 to 5, 2025, with “Julie Benko: A Star is Born.”

“The beauty of the room is that it is so intimate,” remarked a regular about the performers, who appreciate the acoustics, appearance, and audience. “Many say it’s like performing in your living room because it feels so intimate.”

The Carlyle Hotel is named after British author Thomas Carlyle, a suggestion made by the hotel founder’s daughter, Diane Ginsberg Jaffe, who was reading Carlyle at the time. The hotel opened in November 1930 on Madison Avenue and 76th Street, establishing itself as a sophisticated, luxurious destination on the Upper East Side.

Café Carlyle opened in 1955, helping the upscale hotel become home to one of the city’s most notable performance spaces. Bobby Short, Elaine Stritch, and many others regularly performed there, enhancing both the venue’s and their own reputations.

“All these people played here for so many years,” noted a loyal patron. “It’s very special. There’s nothing else like it.”

In addition to the Café Carlyle, the hotel—a landmark building—also includes Bemelmans Bar, whose design the hotel notes harkens back to an “undefinable era of glamour.”

The Café Carlyle has previously undergone renovations, if not revisions. According to a 2007 announcement, it experienced a “soft renovation during the summer months,” celebrating the remodeling before Eartha Kitt’s performances. That renovation included new banquettes, chairs, and a state-of-the-art sound and light system, while the famous murals remained.

The Carlyle is a 35-story, 189-room hotel located a block from Central Park. It is conveniently near Upper East Side galleries, designer boutiques, and museums.

Its Art Deco design by Dorothy Draper combines with Mark Hampton’s style to create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.

The hotel itself has also been updated to blend a classy appearance with a contemporary flair, featuring designs by Tony Chi, Alexandra Champalimaud, and Thierry Despont.

While piano sounds often fill the Café Carlyle, pianos adorn several hotel suites, many of which offer picturesque views of Central Park.