The Best Piano Bars in the World

The Top Piano Bars in the World

There is little more pleasant than settling down with a drink while listening to good music. For many years, people have gone to bars to enjoy the company of friends and relax. Piano bars have long been a favourite place to obtain some relief from the daily the stresses of everyday life.

If you like to go to piano bars to wind down then you will want to know where to find the best. You probably have your favorite in your home town, but if you are out of town or overseas, where should you go? Here are some of the some of the best piano bars from around the world that might like to try. You will be very glad that you did.

Bemelmans Bar, New York City

No list of notable piano bars in New York would be complete without Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel. The legendary Upper East Side destination is named for illustrator and T&C contributor Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the Madeline children’s books, who painted murals of Central Park on the walls in exchange for room and board. No reservations are taken, so expect a wait for one of the prime tables or bar stools—there have been lines to get in nearly every night since Bemelmans reopened on May 11, 2021 following its pandemic-required shutdown. Once inside, lucky guests can sip on martinis served with sidecars and savor the live music of pianists and jazz trios.

Address: 35 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021
Website: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york/dining/bemelmans-bar

The Duplex, New York City

Opened in the West Village in 1951, The Duplex is one of New York’s earliest piano bars. Over the years, a long list of famous performers, including Joan Rivers, Barbra Streisand, Rodney Dangerfield, Richard Pryor, and Nathan Lane, have graced its stage. The bar now has four distinct spaces: outdoor cafe seating overlooking the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Christopher Street (the perfect spot for West Village people-watching); a piano bar on the main floor where live piano is performed from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. on weekends, 365 days a year; an upstairs bar with live drag shows and dancing; and a historic cabaret theater with different shows each night of the week. Don’t be surprised if you run into a Tony winner or two.

Address: 61 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014
Website: https://www.theduplex.com/

Harry’s New York Bar, Paris

If you are looking for a historic and cozy piano bar in Paris, you might want to check out Harry’s New York Bar, which is a century-old bar that has been frequented by many famous American expatriates and international celebrities, such as Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, Humphrey Bogart, and James Bond. Harry’s is renowned for its cocktails, whiskeys, and its intimate piano bar in the basement, where you can enjoy live music and jazz every night. Harry’s is also said to be the birthplace of classic cocktails such as the Bloody Mary, French 75, Sidecar and Monkey Gland. Harry’s has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where you can mingle with locals and tourists alike. The staff are professional and attentive, and the prices are reasonable for the quality and location. Harry’s is open every day from noon to 2 am (4 pm to 2 am on Sundays), and you can make a reservation online or by phone.

Address: 5 Rue Daunou, 75002 Paris 01 42 61 71 14
Website: https://harrysbar.fr/en/

Boisdale, London

Boisdale is a chain of four Scottish-themed restaurants and bars in London that offer live jazz, blues, soul, and reggae music every night of the week. The flagship venue in Belgravia features a stunning art deco style piano bar that hosts some of the finest pianists and singers in town. You can enjoy a wide range of cocktails, wines, whiskies, and cigars while listening to the soothing sounds of the piano. Boisdale also serves traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis, smoked salmon, and Aberdeen Angus steak.

Address: 15 Eccleston Street Belgravia London SW1W 9LX
Website: https://www.boisdale.co.uk/belgravia/

Pat O’Brien’s Bar, New Orleans

Pat O’Brien’s Bar is a famous landmark in the French Quarter of New Orleans that dates back to 1933. It is known for its signature drink, the Hurricane, which is a potent mix of rum, passion fruit juice, and grenadine served in a souvenir glass. Pat O’Brien’s Bar also features one of the most popular dueling piano shows in the country, where two pianists take turns playing songs requested by the audience. The atmosphere is festive and energetic, with people singing along, clapping their hands, and having a blast.

Address: 718 St Peter St., New Orleans LA 70116
Website: https://www.patobriens.com/patobriens/

Howl at the Moon, Denver

Howl at the Moon is a chain of dueling piano bars that are located in various cities across the United States. The Denver location is situated in LoDo (Lower Downtown), a vibrant area with many restaurants, bars, and clubs. Howl at the Moon offers a high-octane show that features two or more pianists playing everything from classic rock to contemporary pop to hip-hop. The audience can request songs, dance on stage, or even join in on the keyboards. Howl at the Moon also has a full bar with a variety of drinks, including buckets of booze that can be shared with friends.

Address: 1735 19th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Website: https://www.howlatthemoon.com/denver/

The Bourbon Room, Los Angeles

The Bourbon Room is a live music venue and restaurant located in Hollywood overlooking the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Hollywood Vinyl District. The Bourbon Room features a 5,000-square-foot, 200-seat custom theater, flooded with neon lights and signs from iconic clubs that made The Sunset Strip, and a million-dollar, state-of-the-art sound and lighting system featuring a cutting-edge production for the ultimate live music experience. The walls are dressed in guitars and platinum records with zebra print carpet to further pay homage to The Sunset Strip. The Bourbon Room hosts comedy, musical theater, cabaret and live bands while dining on delicious upscale bar food and craft cocktails.

Address: 6356 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90028
Website: https://bourbonroomhollywood.com/

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for old-world charm or an upbeat sing-along vibe, these piano bars offer memorable nights filled with quality live music. Sip cocktails and enjoy the talents of pianists from New York to Paris. From historic hotels to lively nightclubs, the sound of pianos and clinking glasses create an unforgettable atmosphere. So next time you're planning a night out, consider visiting one of these top piano bars around the world. Their timeless energy and musical flair make for an evening you won't soon forget. Let the melodies transport you to another era or have you belting out modern hits - either way, these bars all know how to strike the perfect chord.