Brandy's Piano Bar

What can I say??? Perfectly, quintessential New York institution. Such an amazing night. The pianist was absolutely brilliant and entertaining. We arrived very early, so I was able to capture the space empty. The history within Brandy’s walls…. I can only imagine. We’ll be back!!

This is a very small establishment and seating is limited so you really do have to get there early! The bar staff were fun and kept the drinks flowing! It's a local hotspot, the crowd were friendly and we enjoyed socializing with New Yorkers. This is a place to enjoy the music and you can sing along but the management do not like you to chat amongst yourselves. We observed the management getting their security to reprimand some people at the bar for talking, and we did not think they were being loud at all. So it's definitely more of a listen environment (nothing wrong with that) but important to note for your expectations before you take your group there.

Our favorite piano bar ever. The best nights are where they play old classics, such a billy Joel, Elton John etc. Not a huge fan of the pop song nights. The service is incredible, every person who works here is a character of the best kind. Absolutely everyone needs to go at least once!!

There’s no place like Brandy’s. Proposed to my now fiancée here and then hosted a surprise engagement party. Everything from the communication with the owner to the service from the staff and the bar’s quintessential New York charm, it turned out to be a magical evening. Also, the pianists and singers that come and perform…the best.

So much fun! Thank you! Really glad I visited this spot during my weekend in NYC. Singing along to the talented pianist was a highlight. Very friendly bar staff too.

Definitely!!!! Have to come here!!!! A nice spot on lexington with the best atmosphere. Mario recommended a cosmo and I definitely say get it!!!!!!!! I'm definitely coming back!!!!!

I came with a friend to enjoy the music. We were sat at the bar and my friend tried to make friendly banter with the bartender by asking for a sweet drink. He immediately started berating us and demanding ID as asking for a sweet drink is “the first sign someone is underage.” I have no problem with showing ID; however, this man created a whole scene and continued to demean us in front of everyone (I assume bc we didn’t look like his typical white crowd?). The entire interaction felt extremely rude and discriminatory, even after we showed ID. I then asked for a nonalcoholic drink as I didn’t want to drink that night. The bartender scoffed at me for suggesting such a thing. We were made to feel EXTREMELY uncomfortable the entire time and left as soon as my friend finished her drink. I was very disappointed as all I wanted to do was listen to the music and chill. It was made very obvious that the two of us were not welcome in this establishment.

The talent of the singers is incredible! It gets really packed, but understandably. Best to come in a small group (2 people) and be there to listen and sing along (no dancing)

Super cute piano bar on the upper east side. Reasonably priced drinks too. Only downside is that it's a very small and intimate venue so it could get crowded very quickly.

On a recent trip to NY, my friend pitched the idea of going to Brandy's, and WOW am I happy I picked this for our Saturday evening! It was a PHENOMENAL evening! Live music starts at 9:30 pm, but you'll definitely want to go early to get a seat. My friends and I got there around 8:30 pm and had the pick of almost any table, so we picked a corner table and enjoyed a happy hour drink while we chatted. I will note that if you want to chat, definitely plan to get that done before the music starts, as the decibel level shoots up at 9:30 and talking becomes a no-go. By the time music starts, the place is packed though (and they do enforce the maximum number of people allowed inside), so be prepared to wait outside if you come later in the evening. Music started, and I immediately knew we were in for a treat. The pianist (John, I believe) was incredible - clearly a master pianist and also great at interacting with the crowd. The music selection was varied, but almost all are songs that most people knew and could sing along to. The musicians all take requests (with tips), but are great about playing popular songs in between requests. Everyone was singing and laughing - impeccable atmosphere! In addition to the pianist, the waitstaff also sings! The main waitress the night we went (Lauren) sang several songs and was sooooo good! Also, just on a logistical level, she was a GREAT server - took all orders without notes and didn't miss anything, helped people pay quickly, and did it all with loud music and minimal space to move around. A true icon. The bartender (Bobby) also sings wonderfully! Overall, a super fun, unique vibe to have all the staff be performers as well. There is a two drink minimum after the music starts, but it's easy to hit that since you won't want to leave once the music starts! My friends and I stayed until about midnight and they were still going strong when we left (apparently they keep playing until like 3:00 am!) They do pass a tip jar around (they also take Venmo), but it's honestly not annoying because there is no cover charge for getting in and it's clear that all the musicians [1] are very talented pros, and [2] love what they do and its infectious. The only downside is that the bathroom is TINY and you basically have to stand right up against the people sitting at their tables while you wait to enter the mini-bathroom. Minus that though, couldn't ask for a better time! Can't wait to be back next time I'm in town!

OMG had such an amazing night here! Incredible service with the best waiters and waitresses. Went early, not really knowing the vibe and ended up staying until 1am listening to Dan Pardo playing. Everybody was so funny and laid back and drinks weren't too expensive. Definitely coming back!!

Definitely an Upper East Side staple! We have been coming here for a few months now and it is always so much fun. This is a perfect spot for a date night, girls/guys trip, or a family weekend! The bartenders and performers are always so welcoming and have good energy. The music is always top notch, ranging from Harry Styles to Billy Joel. They also always take requests (and actually play them lol). Brandy's is more relaxed during happy hour and the party typically starts picking up around 8 or 9. I would recommend arriving around 8 or earlier to snag some seats, but I prefer coming during happy hour because it's a great way to meet people! If Mario is bartending I recommend asking for his special margarita!

Omg Maria makes you feel like a superstar just being there. Fun vibe and loved singing with Maria

One of my favorite spots in NY! I have been here multiple times, and the staff and customers are all so friendly. It's always a good time

Been there several times. First on the waiting que line. People behind us gave door man $. They were admitted before us. Be prepared to pay door man to get in. Horrible

12/10 - incredible live music! All staff are also singers and take recommendations for songs. The drinks were lovely too and the vibe was spot on.

Brandys is so great I wrote this poem for it. On the Upper East Side, there lies a bar so fine, You can find it at night if you look in time. The music is great, you don't have to choose, The Bartenders perform, it's never a snooze. The music is loud and the drinks are flowing, The happy hour is fun and relaxing. The Barkeeps are friendly, they make you feel good, The few times we've gone, we can't help but come back for more. If you're looking for a cocktail that's just right, Brandys is the best, it's worth the night. Happy hour is the time to be there and sing, You'll never forget the night at Brandys.

Have you heard about Brandy's? Brandy's is a must visit for anyone that not only lives in the Upper East Side, but all of NYC. The ambiance and incredible hospitality makes this a go to spot any night of the week. If you enjoy live broadway quality vocals and delicious drinks - this is the spot to be. Make sure to give a friendly wave to Mario and Lauren when you're there!

It saddens my heart to write this review but I have no choice. Last night I went to Brandy's hoping to hear some great voices and possibly sing a song or two... to my surprise and heartache, I was approached as I sat down and asked if I had forgotten to pay my tab the last time I was there. I was taken aback by the gentleman that asked me because he had served me many times in the past. I laughed at first because I thought he was joking but he repeated that someone with a "jaw" had skipped out on their bill two times... WHAT THE SERIOUS FUCK... I over tip each and every time I am there. I didn't want to make it a color issue but noticed that no one else was being asked the same question. I sat there for a minute in shock and embarrassed but left shortly thereafter. Very disappointed and will NEVER return due to racial profiling.

Fun piano bar with sing-along type of music. Drink options are basic. Our waitress was friendly. FYI there's a 2 drink minimum after 9:30pm. Definitely the most I've been entertained since before COVID-19!

My friends are I were enjoying ourselves until it got political. The singers - who ironically 10 min prior were talking about how hard the lockdowns were on their business - then go on a tangent about how you need to vote for Kathy Hochul for governor. Did you not just 10 min prior say how hard the restrictions in which she places were on your business? Needless to say it's a comment like that which can spoil a night and leave you to never return

Absolute gem of a bar. Any time friends are visiting New York from out of town it's the first place I bring them. Come for happy hour to chat with Mario at the bar (he's an angel), stay for the piano sing alongs. It's part Broadway show, part comedy show. Absolute blast every time!!!

The staff here are outstanding and take care of you. Live piano is fun, though sometimes they won't get to your song. Gets a little crowded, but that's because it's a fun place to be. Menu can be limited, but you shouldn't be expecting too much.

My favorite evening during my week-long trip visiting a friend. The staff, music and vibe were AMAZING. The energy lived on in my mind for days. The musicians were the highest quality and were personable and lovely. Great crowd. Great vibe. Affordable, strong drinks. Sing-a-long fabulousness.

I almost don't want to write this review in order to keep this place my little secret, but it's too cool not to share, and makes me look like I always go to fun places and do hip things. My main man Phil and I swan in during the most crowded time and get a primo seat on the banquet by the pianist, like that continuous shot out of Good Fellas. Only without me having to flush cocaine down a toilet at the end of the night. The place is small and they pack in an eclectic crowd. Some older folks, some younger folks and some in the sweet spot of 40-something like myself. I knew every song that was played and thank God singing along is encouraged because boy did I ever! The sets are impressively long,with various bartenders and waitstaff taking a turn to sing. Everyone is crazy talented and it's a pleasure to listen (sing) to them. The service is prompt and attentive with a decent pour. There were a surprising number of small groups of friends at the tables, so don't let the size of the place stop you. You'll get in even on a Saturday night during lovely "I have to get out of my house!" weather. If not, just come back later. It's a great way to end a night out. So much fun!

One of my favorite places to go in NYC. It's funky in the best way possible. NYC's oldest piano bar, dating back before prohibition, survived the Depression for a reason. Not only have they had the likes Billy Joel and Huey Lewis perform here, but most of their performers are Broadway stars... like big big stars. One of the things I love about this place though, is that the spectacle is not who the performer is (aside from being fabulous humans), but his/her/their talent. And talented they are; not just at performing for an audience, but WITH the audience. My very straight-laced, golf-playing, lawyer uncle sings along. This place is what a piano bar is supposed to be. Understated decor with bigger-than-life personalities running the place. It is welcoming to everyone, and I mean everyone. This place has a city feel of the Crown and Anchor in PTown. I know the pandemic has his Brandy's hard, and I'm stoked that they've been continuing virtual performances. I have faith they will survive, as we know they've made it through worse. Anytime I talk to friends about places to go in NYC, I tell them to go here. So I'll give you all the same advice, check out Brandy's... even if it's virtual for now... you definitely do not want to let this place close, it's a true New York Gem.

Just went yesterday and it was such a pleasant experience. Very friendly spirits in the air and although it is a small space that got packed with people I would still recommend going for a visit! John Bronston was on the piano. Very funny and quite talented with his hands and his vocals! He sang many tunes back to back and takes requests! Also reminds the audience that they may request songs. He sang British songs, older songs, and even Bruno Mars which I appreciated because the bar patrons were of all different ages. He really knows how to work a crowd :) loved his personality! PS I appreciate the rainbow flag on the front door even if if I was too shy to mention it in person.

What happened to this place? For years we enjoyed the laughs and QUALITY music. Seems like the old staff left and took their talent with them. Ugh. Bummer.

Just an amazing place with ridiculous talent. The waitress is wonderful. She has the most amazing pipes. The piano player has the greatest expressions and is incredibly talented. The bartender blows everyone away with his passion and intensity. And the drinks keep flowing. I have been here twice and both times I have shut the place down!!!

A friend went a few days ago after an event at The Met and was turned away at the door for some obscure and rude reason(neither him nor his companion had been drinking nor were they dressed shabbily)but the doorman was exceedingly rude to them.Its obvious this shit hole pays yelp to tone down the negative reviews as many are in the " NotRecommended" section. I hope people actually read those as they are most telling about this establishment. Brandys will never get my business nor will any of my friends patronize this establishment. NYC has too many available options. You can keep your shitty staff and practices until your doors are shuttered.

Not sure what the hell the Irish bartender is saying half the time, but there is something I love about him! Stay awhile, enjoy the drinks and most importantly, the company.

We had the BEST time here. And loved Nate on the Keys. 10/10 would recommend and will be coming back! Be sure to bring your vaccine card!!

Phenomenal time! I went with a couple friends and had a blast! Chris and Mario were very friendly and made us feel like we were regulars even though it was our first time here. Everyone on staff was super friendly and welcoming. While I only had beer, they had cocktails and said they were great! Would definitely come back and recommend this spot to anyone!

This place is such a great concept and clearly has a unique history. I wanted so badly to love it, but both times I've been here have been nothing short of a nightmare. It's a popular spot due to its novelty and pastiche, so there's always a line to get in. The space is way too small, and it's always packed to capacity on the weekends. People get very moody, especially after a few drinks and will push and shove you to get by. This attitude extends to the staff who are rude, surly and snooty and will treat you with a general contempt for merely existing. The last time I was here was especially horrid. The guy who runs the door is a sexist jerk. I'm an attractive woman (working, agency-repped curve model, at your service *tips cap* ) who rarely dresses "sexy" but decided to that night for fun. The bouncer started giving me crap about having the top button of my shirt undone and my black bra peeping through. My boyfriend had to intervene and tell him to knock it off. It was incredibly offensive and demeaning. His job is to check IDs and control the flow of people into the bar. Not to police women's fashion choices like he's their father or some flyover state pastor. Once we got in there, it was no better. Saturday nights are insane, and we couldn't even get a drink because apparently, the doorman had failed to do his ACTUAL JOB. If I hadn't been treated in such an egregiously offensive way, I may try coming back on a weeknight but now, methinks not!

Went there for Friday after work drinks. Chris was such a great bartender. And funny too. We laughed so much. Can't wait to back soon.

I've had many a late night at Brandy's. Now that I love across the street, I tend to go less than I did before. I prefer Friday nights... getting in a little earlier to get good seats, this is typically before the doorman starts being a super asshole. I don't care who you are, he's a dick to mostly everyone... it's a wonder people don't just leave, honestly. There is a 2 drink minimum. Get seats and wait for the show. The cast and crew here bartending Ana waiting tables are all ex Broadway types, so most will belt out songs. The bigger man behind the bar sings Little Mermaid and it's awesome. Hope for a good crowd, enter tons of requests-and tip, then they tend to take better care of you. The bathrooms are disgusting. I honestly don't know why they don't put work into it, but it's always been that way and well, people keep showing up. Plus, I think they may be open til 4am nightly. Lol

I have been to Brandy's several times when visiting NYC. It's such a blast, but check to make sure Jennifer Pace isn't one of the waitstaff vocalists. She's rude to customers, ignores drink orders, is super condescending and won't sing songs after being tipped. Owen, the pianist, was great!

We try to visit bars with gay history anytime we vacation. And Brandy's did not disappoint. They are friendly to everyone! It is a small venue but when we went on a Sunday night it wasn't crowded. We sat at the bar but there were tables available. The drink price wasn't bad. And the bartender was awesome. It was an awesome environment. The pianist was excellent and the interactions among patrons was awesome. There were some amazing singers who stopped in. I highly recommend making Brandy's a part of your life.

I'm reluctant to write this review. I've never. In my entire life. Experienced what Brandy's put me through. It was outrageous. IT'S MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BAR. I don't want anyone else to know about it--that's how great it is. Order Irish coffees, see Lauren sing her heart out to Hamilton and come early because seats fill up quick or else you will literally be left out in the cold. My one and only quip came after the usually gentlemanly doorman scoffed at my boyfriend's and I's fabulous holiday outfits and took us a Santacon drunkards. Turned us away at the door! But that's why I love em. Take no shit because they are the shit. (Just don't break my heart next time!) So do me a favor, don't come here. Or do, but don't tell anyone else about it. Keep Brandy's the hidden gem it's always mean't to be!

I just didn't love it. Cramped seats and the singing was just ok. The prices for drinks aren't cheap by any means. I came here on Friday and it was packed. We miraculously found a seat for 4 in the corner. Tonight my gfs went back. They loved it that much. As for me, I would have to be enticed to return.

This place is a lotta fun. Gay -centric piano bar that welcomes all. The whole staff (bartenders/waitresses) all can sing thier asses off and will pop over to the piano for sets of show tunes, rock, top 40, and contemporary music. Piano players are also terrific and will keep the crowd entertained. Fri and Sat nights are a blast, and can get very crowded as the place is small. Must get there no later then 10:30 to grab a table by the piano area or you will be standing for quite a while. People to do come and go to tables do open up now and then. Drink prices are average for NYC, so not too bad. Very casual and fun vibe, and you will make friends with people sitting next to you.

This place has brought great joy to countless people throughout the city and the world. Even now, as covid crushes everything about life as we knew it, Brandy's is set up outside and bringing joy and comfort through music and a sense of togetherness that transcends the masks we must wear till this terrible moment is over. If you are reading this and you are one of the neighbors who have made perpetual noise complaints: please be more tolerant or move back to the quiet suburban life from which you escaped; people in the city need this and everything else like it now.

Great piano bar some players better than others The player we saw gat way too personal but was a good artist

The music portion of this bar is great. Great musicians. Great singers. They'll even let you sing if you're up for it! They make terrible drinks. Don't even bother getting anything besides a rail drink or beer. Also before the night staff (after around 930pm) arrived, the staff was horrible. Just unhelpful, didn't know what they were doing and would literally yell at you.

Brandy's has become a second home for me and my bff. We both live up here on the upper east side and walked in one day at 4pm and were greeted by Mario, the most wonderful and welcoming person! He took the time to teach me how to play Yahtzee and made us feel so comfortable and welcomed. Today we stopped by again and had the pleasure to be served by Lucas, who was the sweetest!! Love Brandy's mostly for the sweet people and conversation, but the music at 9:30 is a bonus!! Very thankful to have stumbled upon this place that now feels like a second home!

I've been going to Brandys on & off for 15 years. Tonight I witnessed the rudest most abrasive waitress I've experienced in all my 25 years of living in New York - it was shocking especially in these Covid/challenging times. She was probably in her 60's & was the only waitress there 8/16/2021.

LOVE this piano bar, never been to anything like it! you can write song Requests on a napkin & apparently singing along like you're at karaoke is encouraged! pianist wont know all the songs requested but a good amount, the bar tenders can sing too kind of a small bar but lots of seating around the piano and then the bar in the back. i hear there's a line to get in on weekends but on a thursday night there was a good amount of people but it definitely wasn't full! 2 drink minimum, my well drinks were $9 each NOTE: tip them when you request a song!

Brandy's is not only a treasured neighborhood establishment, but a gift to the arts community. Its ability to continue staying open during this pandemic means so much to the community. Thank you for amazing service, entertainment, and drinks!

Zero stars. (Although I had to give it one to post) I arrived last night with two friends, and we happened to be smiling and laughing and chatting as we approached. Immediately a doorman said "looks like you are going to trinity pub, not getting in here with those high pitched voices" I don't even know what else was said after this point (except that he said he'd been given direction by management to be extra hard on women with loud voices...) because I was so taken aback and was dumbfounded that someone could be so rude with so little information about us as patrons. Last I checked this was a BAR in NEW YORK CITY and generally people make noise when they are in and around bars, no? After reading other reviews, Brandy's management has been receiving subpar reviews as far back as 2016 and this interaction only confirms what I read. My friends and I are respectable, mature, regular patrons who have given this establishment enough of our money. Never going back and neither are any of our friends in our extensive networks.

Wow crappy night! So crazy and sad to see such poor service. Door man was beyond a #%€€¥$&&! Mean and rude and I hope it's a schtick because it is to abrupt for the regular person. The bartender hates his job. The star is for the piano player who tried. As a gay man I am insulted and underwhelmed. As a person who is in service I am never going back!

This place is amazing! The piano bar after 9pm has crazy talented musicians!. Stopped by cuz I was staying in the area and was by far my best stop while visiting NYC. The brutish Irish bartender was alright and the charismatic manager was better . This is a locals bar that you should visit. Will definitely be back. Can't recommend this place enough.

A friend recommended we visit Brandy's on a Friday evening. That evening, Will Hall was on the piano - Will is SPECTACULAR. He's an extremely talented piano player and he kept us singing and laughing all night. The wait staff & bartenders are also talented singers. Quick tips: * It's a small bar so if you want to get a seat, I'd suggest arriving between 8:45-9:00 pm. The place fills up quite quickly. * Great for 2-4 people; otherwise, it might be tough to find a seat. * There's a two drink minimum and the place doesn't serve food.

What an interesting spot. I was in the area, enjoying a night on the town solo. I decided to venture to Brandy's. It's been on my list for a while and I wanted to check it out. I arrived a little after 8:30pm, deciding to enjoy a drink before the show started. The bartender was very nice & informative, sharing his experiences about the establishment. I told him that I didn't expect the place to be a small bar, but more like a dressed up Broadway-esque establishment decoration-wise. He took no offense and said others have also had the same expectation, yet it didn't deter them from enjoying Brandy's. I ended up being approached by a random woman and her suave, gentleman friend. We hung out for a few hours at this place. The tunes were amazing. Many great voices. There wasn't a bad singer in the house. Broadway tunes, some recent top 40, tunes from the 50's - 80's. It was all incredibly enjoyable. My intention was to enjoy the crowd and sing along. Should the guy at the piano know the song I wanted to sing, I would sing it. He didn't know it. It was an old school Mariah Carey tune from 1990. No worries though. I asked the random woman I met what she did for a living. Well, she transformed into an insanely deranged psycho, viciously attacking me with her words, which I then cleverly & clearly corrected her for, saying she was crazy & delusional. She literally embodied the soul of a rabid female dog. Hopefully, when you go, you don't meet any people who are deemed appropriate for a straight jacket and padded room. Other than that crazy interaction with an insolent crazy, I truly had a good time at this place.

What an amazing bar with amazing performers!!!! This is one of the few places in the city to go during these times to find Broadway caliber live entertainment! The staff is amazing!!

DOUBLE-CHECK YOUR BILL!!! I have never left a review on Yelp but I just felt like I had to after tonight. I took my mom here who was visiting me from Sweden and they "mistakenly" overcharged us. I politely brought this up with the bartender and he did not care at all and ignored me. When I told him a second time he started screaming that we were thieves and that we will never be allowed in this bar again, out of nowhere without even a conversation. I have never been mistreated like this in my life and I was shaking for hours afterwards because of the shock. All the bad reviews are unfortunately true. I will never go here again and neither should you.

If any place deserves to survive Covid it is this bar. This place brings good times to people of all beliefs and affiliations. It unites like few other places do. All the best to this bar. I will go here I long as I am able :)

I went to Brandy's on NYE with four friends, and overall was a nice fun night. We got there at 8:30 pm to catch a good table, since they don't take reservations and there are not many tables. Usually there is no cover charge, but on NYE you have to pay $10, which give you a party hatband/hat and a glass of champagne at midnight. We ordered few bottles of champagne and few other drinks. The pianist was ok; he was fun but didn't want to experiment too much in song he didn't know. He also had an iPad where he download notes (I miss old music-books and artists who memorized songs!) The two bartenders who joined him for few songs were talented: a redhead lady and a young guy. We had a good time, but the all night was "ruined" by the redhead waitress who follow us outside the bar to complained we didn't gave her enough tips. She was a tornado, really upset, yelling at us. I think we did fine, the usual 20%, plus my boyfriend previously paid with a good 25% on drinks at the bar. Beside this upsetting moment, it's definitely a nice piano bar to try on, and have a good time.

We just went to this place for the first time. It is very tiny. We got there early.......around 8:30. It is very dingy. There are some very cool vintage posters on the walls. I guess someone cared about this place at some point. That person must be long gone. The piano player was just ok. There was a female singer who was talented. The song selection was meh. One of the bartenders sang and he is talented too. Now on to the ladies room. Absolutely disgusting. Filthy hardly describes it. One stall and the floor literally has a hole in it. I almost sprained my ankle while squating!!!!!!!!! So, so bad! I honestly don't know how they pass any sort of inspection with the lack of concern for hygiene throughout.