New York Cabarets for a Quintessential Night Out

Try These New York Cabarets for a Quintessential Night Out

The nightlife scene in New York City jams every night of the week. Whether it’s Uptown, Downtown, on the East Side or West. New York cabarets and their stages are where Broadway singers, jazz vocalists, and up-and-coming musical artists have been entertaining the city’s residents and tourists for decades.

Rooted in Europe, cabaret culture began in 1881 when Le Chat Noir opened in Paris. Additional cabarets launched throughout the City of Light and eventually in other towns in France and Germany. New York had become widely known for its cabarets as well. With several hot spots making their debuts in the late ’30s and ’40s. including Café Society on Sheridan Square in Greenwich Village and The Blue Angel and Spivy’s Roof in Midtown East.

Though times have changed in the past 80 years, New York City’s cabaret culture still thrives. I recently went to a performance at Birdland, one of Manhattan’s most lauded jazz clubs. It had been more than a decade since I had visited this nightlife venue in the Theater District, and the place was jumping on a Wednesday night. Birdland books top-tier talent. It’s also an ideal place to rub elbows with accomplished musicians, sitting at the bar having dinner or quaffing a martini.

The next time you long for a night filled with cocktails, atmosphere, and live music, head to any of these New York cabarets.

Café Carlyle

One of the ultimate New York cabarets since 1955. Café Carlyle has featured headliners like Steve Tyrell, Judy Collins, John Pizzarelli, and Sutton Foster. Woody Allen with the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band played on Monday nights for decades. But since Eddy Davis passed away, it’s not as likely that you’ll see him play (check the website for updates). An evening in the intimate, sophisticated space comes with a hefty price tag. Seating prices range from $100 to $295 for big name artists (prices are higher for holiday performances). Plus an additional food and beverage minimum per person. Bar seating is the most affordable option with a $50 food and beverage minimum. Jackets are required in this upscale club.

35 E 76th St, Upper East Side

 Don’t Tell Mama

You don’t have to worry about a dress code at Don’t Tell Mama, cabaret that’s been around since 1982. Broadway belters never disappoint as they take turns bartending, waiting tables, and performing onstage at this old standby on Restaurant Row just outside the Theatre District. While this sometimes raucous piano bar charges covers for scheduled shows, you can likely walk into the bar after 9 p.m. Pay only the two-drink minimum for a wild night of pomp and circumstance. This cabaret is open seven days a week and offers happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. I recommend dining at any one of the excellent restaurants on the block (Joe Allen, Becco) and then hitting Don’t Tell Mama afterward.

343 W 46th St, Midtown West

Brandy’s Piano Bar 

A go-to among Upper East Siders and anyone who loves a sing-along. Brandy’s is one of the few old-time piano bars left in NYC. Similar to Don’t Tell Mama, Brandy’s follows the same performing concept where professional musicians serve drinks to patrons until it’s time for their sets. You’ll need to arrive before the music starts for the best table, but probably not before 9:30 p.m. to grab a seat because this hole-in-the-wall bar gets packed. With no cover charge and a two-drink minimum, Brandy’s is one of the most affordable spots for live entertainment in New York. Go early for happy hour: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day. The music begins at 9:30 p.m. No large parties due to space constraints.

235 E 84^th St, Upper East Side

Joe’s Pub

One of six performance venues in The Public Theater. This East Village space features both established and emerging performance artists every night of the week. Joe’s Pub never fails to deliver unbelievable talent in a unique, intimate setting while supporting rising stars. See pop, rock, jazz, swing, R& B, and many other styles of music play at this modern-day supper club.  Taylor Mac, Alicia Keys, Mos Def, Audra McDonald, Lady Gaga, Pete Townsend, Sarah Bernhardt, and Norah Jones, to name a few, have performed here. Tickets start in the $25 range and go up from there depending on the act and show time; Joe’s also has a one food item or two-drink minimum per person. Purchase tickets through the website.

425 Lafayette St, Bowery, NoHo/East Village

54 Below

Located in the cellar of the Studio 54 building, 54 Below is relatively newer outpost on the NYC nightlife scene: the venue debuted in 2012. The “Broadway Supper Club” accommodates 144 people in the main dining room, offers pre-theatre dinner–-the food is delicious––up to three shows nightly, and a late-night lounge. Performances range from a “Tribute to Sondheim” to songs from the Rent” duo Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp to Grammy winner Melissa Manchester taking the stage. Expect to pay at last $30 minimum for a ticket, with some acts commanding $100 or more per seat.  An additional $25 food/beverage minimum applies. Purchase tickets through the website.

254 W. 54^th St, Midtown West

Have you been to any New York cabarets?

I’d love to hear about your experience. Tell me in the comments.

Also, have a drink in Times Square.  And know the rules before you attend a Broadway show.