Named in honor of the legendary artist and "Madeline" creator Lugwig Bemelmans, this timeless watering hole has drawn crowds of refined New Yorkers for more than five decades. Restored in 2002 by designer Thierry Despont, the bar maintains its Art Deco legacy with chocolate-brown leather banquettes, nickel-trimmed black glass tabletops, a dramatic black granite bar and a 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling. With an engaging bar menu that not only includes cocktails rarely found in today's bars, but a few dating back to the 1860s through Prohibition, the 75-seat bar combines wit and coziness in unique New York style.

See more: Upper East Side bars, Hotel bars