Café Carlyle Introduce
Welcome to the world of quintessential New York City charm, where history, elegance, and world-class entertainment converge to create an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, Café Carlyle stands as a legendary institution, celebrated for its unique fusion of a cozy, historic atmosphere with the vibrant energy of live performances. It’s more than just a cafe; it’s a destination that transports you to a bygone era of sophistication and glamour, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors seeking a truly special night out. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a place to enjoy live jazz, or a memorable afternoon tea, Café Carlyle offers a diverse and luxurious experience that is uniquely its own.
This article will take you on a journey through everything you need to know about Café Carlyle, from its prime location and accessibility to the exceptional services and dining options it provides. We’ll delve into the highlights that make this venue so beloved, including its live music and extensive beverage list, and provide practical information to help you plan your visit. Our goal is to paint a vivid picture of what makes Café Carlyle a New York City gem, offering an honest and detailed perspective from the point of view of someone who appreciates its unique place in the city's cultural landscape.
Beyond the music and the menu, what truly sets Café Carlyle apart is its ability to create a sense of occasion. It’s a place where every detail, from the carefully curated decor to the attentive service, contributes to an atmosphere of refined indulgence. It’s a venue where you can make a new memory, whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself to an evening of luxury. So, if you are looking to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of New York's cultural scene, join us as we explore the many reasons why Café Carlyle remains an enduring symbol of sophistication and an essential part of the city's nightlife.
Located in one of New York City’s most prestigious neighborhoods, Café Carlyle can be found at 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10075. This address places it squarely in the Upper East Side, an area known for its elegant brownstones, high-end boutiques, and world-class museums. The cafe's location within The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, further enhances its status as a landmark destination. For those arriving by public transport, the cafe is conveniently accessible from several subway lines, including the 4, 5, and 6 trains at the 77th Street station, as well as the Q train at 72nd Street. This makes it a great option for New Yorkers from all boroughs. For patrons with mobility needs, the venue ensures a comfortable experience with wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating, making it a welcoming space for all.
Café Carlyle is more than a single type of establishment; it’s a versatile venue that caters to a wide array of tastes and occasions. Its multiple identities as a cafe, an American and French restaurant, a sophisticated bar, and a renowned jazz club allow it to offer a diverse range of experiences. This versatility is one of its greatest strengths, ensuring that it can meet the needs of a diverse clientele, whether they are in the mood for a full dinner, a casual drink, or an intimate live show. The ability to seamlessly transition from a formal dining setting to a vibrant music venue is a testament to its unique character.
Services offered at Café Carlyle include:
- Dine-in service for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
- Table service for a comfortable and refined dining experience.
- Reservations are accepted to ensure a seat, especially for popular performances.
- A full bar onsite, offering a wide selection of beverages.
The dining experience at Café Carlyle is a significant part of its appeal. The menu features a selection of appetizers, side dishes, and desserts that are both classic and refined. While the offerings may seem focused, the quality is a point of emphasis. For those seeking a truly luxurious experience, the menu includes high-end items like Kaviari Oscietre Prestige Caviar and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail. Side dishes such as Grilled Asparagus and Truffle French Fries complement the main courses perfectly. For dessert, classics like New York Cheesecake and Chocolate Tart provide a sweet end to the meal.
Features and highlights that make Café Carlyle special include:
- Great beer selection, offering something for every palate.
- Exceptional coffee and tea selections for both morning and evening visits.
- An extensive and impressive wine list, carefully curated to pair with the menu.
- Live music and live performances, which are a cornerstone of the venue's identity and provide a unique entertainment experience.
- A cozy, historic, romantic, and upscale atmosphere that is perfect for a special occasion.
- Vegan options are available, catering to a wider range of dietary needs.
- An onsite bar and clean restrooms for guest convenience.
The atmosphere is particularly noteworthy, often described as cozy, historic, and romantic. This ambiance is cultivated by the venue’s classic decor and intimate seating arrangements. It’s a place where conversations feel private and every moment feels special. The combination of the beautiful setting and the high-quality entertainment creates an immersive experience that is hard to find elsewhere. While it can be trendy and a popular spot for tourists, its historic roots ensure it retains a timeless charm that appeals to a diverse crowd.
For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact Café Carlyle.
Address: 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10075
Phone: (212) 744-1600
What is worth choosing Café Carlyle for?
For New Yorkers seeking an evening that goes beyond the typical night out, Café Carlyle presents an compelling choice. It's a place to choose when you want to combine the intimacy of a classic cafe with the excitement of a live performance. The venue’s live music, especially its jazz performances, attracts world-class artists, ensuring that the entertainment is of the highest caliber. This focus on quality entertainment sets it apart from other dining establishments. While some have noted that the seating can be intimate and the prices reflect the premium experience, the chance to see a performance in such a close-up setting is a major draw. For a special occasion, like an anniversary or a celebratory dinner, the romantic and upscale atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop. As some customer reviews highlight, the service can be truly exceptional, with staff like Gilberto going "above and beyond" to ensure a "superb" experience. This personalized and attentive service is what transforms a simple visit into an unforgettable memory. While opinions on the food and cost may vary, the consensus is clear: the live performance and the unique ambiance are the primary reasons to visit. For those who value a memorable and culturally rich experience over a budget-friendly meal, Café Carlyle delivers an unparalleled evening of sophistication and artistry.
Café Carlyle Food & drink
APPETIZERS
- HALF DOZEN EAST BEACH BLONDE OYSTERS* $30.00
(GF, NF) Ginger-Sake Mignonette
- KAVIARI OSCIETRE PRESTIGE CAVIAR*
(GF, NF) MP Buckwheat Blinis | Lemon Crème Fraîche Chives | Toast Points
- KAVIARI OSCIETRE GOLD CAVIAR*
(GF, NF) MP Buckwheat Blinis | Lemon Crème Fraîche Chives | Toast Points
- JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAIL $29.00
(GF, NF) Brandy Cocktail Sauce
SIDE DISHES
- GRILLED ASPARAGUS $17.00
- BROCCOLI RABE $17.00
- GRILLED CORN $17.00
- CREAMED SPINACH GRATIN $17.00
- OLIVE OIL WHIPPED POTATOES $17.00
- SPRING PEAS $20.00
- ICEBERG $17.00
Feta | Italian Dressing
- TRUFFLE FRENCH FRIES $20.00
DESSERTS
- CHOCOLATE TART $22.00
(V) Apricot Orange Blossom Ice Cream
- ICE CREAM & SORBET $18.00
- NEW YORK CHEESECAKE $19.00
(NF) Peach | Caramelized Buckwheat
- MIGNARDISE $22.00
- FRUIT COCKTAIL $18.00
(GF, NF, DF) Sour Cherry | Raspberry | Strawberry | Plum Sorbet | Meyer Lemon Coulis | Kirsch
Café Carlyle Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeout
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
Popular for
- Dinner
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Café Carlyle Photos










Café Carlyle Location
Café Carlyle Reviews
tableeveninghotelwoody allenfood and servicebartendersteakbandintimatelive music
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The reputation does not precede the Carlyle Cafe. The atmosphere is dated but semi-elegant. Their dress code is old fashioned and not needed; times have changed-get with the times!Purchased tickets to see a performer that I had been wanting to see. I was so happy she was performing at The Carlyle as it is a smaller venue and I would get to be up close with the performer. I plaid extra for VIP/Premium Seating. When I arrived (40 min before my allotted time) I was stuck in a a table in a row of 6 tables. The people on each side of me were so close you would think we were the same party. Being forced to dine with the Cafe is the only way they would get patrons-their food Sucks. Their staff is horrible. The room is cramped-the waitstaff continued to bump my chair-never saying excuse me. After paying a premium for the show tickets-I was VERY unhappy to be seated in a squished seating-and then. Forced to purchase over priced food. My glass if Chardonnay was $30 while my after dinner coffee was $15. I don’t mind paying for good food, I have been to restaurants and paid $550 per person for a tasting menu and enjoyed every moment and bite. But to pay $95 for a small salad and steak tartare in a cramped room with rude staff; isnt my cup of tea. LOVED the performance, LOVED it. They wait until the end of the performance to bring everyone-Yes, everyone in the venue (over 60) their checks. Yep, 60 plus checks-and cc-tho be handleded at one time-I had to stand and wait over 20 min to pay and get my cc back. Inefficient. Did I mention their staff is rude? Yes, well, let me mention it a 4th time. RUDE!
May 10 · MatthewIt’s been for a while since I wanted to come for afternoon tea at the Carlyle cafe, and now it became my second favorite place for afternoon tea in the city.My daughter, my daughter in law and I, we go every month to a different tea salon, but for some reason never got a chance to try it at the Carlyle.Perhaps, we saved it for a special occasion.I loved everything, the red water glasses 👍, the decor, the ambiance small quiet room, the tea selection, the food (little scones baked at the premises are just delicious), and most of all - exceptional service.Gilberto, our server, went above and beyond to ensure that our tea service experience was beyond superb. Everything was just perfect.We came with two toddlers and a month old baby. Our first afternoon tea with the new family addition! Glad we picked this room.What a wonderful and unforgettable experience, we enjoyed every minute of it.Thank you! Can’t wait to be back.P.s. one little comment on sugar packets- brown sugar cubes would make the whole experience even better ☺️
September 17 · Belma P.I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience at this restaurant was truly disappointing. While the food itself was good, the service was absolutely terrible and ruined the evening.From the beginning, our waiter never introduced himself, never mentioned any specials, and didn’t even bother to ask if we were ready to order. We had to call him over just to place our order. I asked for steak tartare as an appetizer and Bronzino as my main course. About 15 minutes later, the captain came to our table acting as though he was about to take our order again, which left us confused since we had already placed it. When we told him so, he seemed frustrated and started removing our menus from the table, in a manner like as it was our fault that the menus were still on a table, asking then why the waiter didn’t remove the menus.When the food finally arrived, a different waiter brought me a dinner-sized steak tartare instead of the appetizer portion I had ordered. I pointed this out, and he said he would “fix” it. Ten minutes later, yet another staff member came over—not to apologize, but to argue with me, insisting there was only one size of steak tartare on the menu. If that’s the case, why did the waiter say he would change it? The staff clearly weren’t communicating with each other and left us feeling uncomfortable.To make matters worse, our drinks took about 40 minutes to arrive. Overall, the service was disorganized, unprofessional, and by far the worst dining experience I have ever had—especially at a place that calls itself a luxury restaurant.I cannot recommend this restaurant based on the service we received.
September 05 · Kristina KurakinaThis is my favorite hotel in the city because of the old New York charm. Magic always happens here. On this night I bumped into Reese Witherspoon and got to watch a mesmerizing jazz performance by Dianna Agron.That said, I wish they would include the price of dinner in the tickets since there is a mandatory minimum spend. I thought dinner was included with the tickets. It’s not. Alas, it was a beautifully pricy evening winding back the clock to old New York. 🕰️🗽🎷🍸
April 05 · Elizabeth FischerI came here for afternoon Tea with my group this past June. The decor alone takes you in-I looove. Though it is a small space, you do not feel as if people can intrude on your conversation- the layout has been well planned to exude intimacy but also a feeling of spaciousness. The spread was adequate. I recommend the peaches and ginger tea if your into spicy sweet. I had the Tropical green which is more on the herbal side.My only objection is the packet sugar. It screams diner and cheapens the experience. Sugar cubes are a must.
August 07 · Ginou l
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