Beyond the bustle of Manhattan, within the storied walls of The Carlyle Hotel, awaits one of New York’s most unforgettable nights out. The Café Carlyle combines the intimacy of a 1940s jazz club with the polish of an Upper East Side icon—a place where every performance feels like an invitation into the city’s golden age.

Since its opening in 1955, the Café has welcomed some of the world’s most revered artists.
The late Bobby Short, the pianist-singer who defined the stage for more than three decades, became synonymous with the Café Carlyle, transforming it into a cultural institution. His performances drew New York’s elite and international glitterati, from Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana to Woody Allen, who himself often played clarinet here with his band.

Elaine Stritch, Broadway’s grande dame, gave performances that were masterclasses in authenticity. Her candor and vulnerability were what made her most compelling to audiences.  For Eartha Kitt, the Café Carlyle was almost a second home. She sang beneath its chandeliers over many seasons, immortalizing the connection in her album Live at the Café Carlyle.

Today, the stage continues to host acclaimed contemporary musicians, with recent seasons featuring performers such as John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey, ensuring the tradition remains vibrant and current. A Carlyle evening unfolds like choreography: the clink of glassware, a ripple of laughter, and then the unmistakable pull of the bass line. Here, the line between stage and audience is almost invisible—what unfolds is not simply a performance, but a shared moment.

The Carlyle Hotel itself adds to the magic. Built in 1930, it has long stood as a symbol of Upper East Side sophistication, its art deco elegance and storied guest list giving it an aura of quiet grandeur. The Café reflects this legacy: a space with the polish of a 1940s jazz club, where a refined dress code endures, and guests are asked to honor the tradition of dressing for the occasion.

As part of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts family, The Carlyle preserves this heritage with care. Known for properties that embody a “Sense of Place®”, Rosewood ensures the Café Carlyle is a living tradition. An evening at the Café Carlyle is still among New York’s most refined experiences. Guests sip martinis beneath Marcel Vertès’ murals, dress for the occasion, and share in a tradition that bridges past and present. For travelers, it is more than a night of music—it’s a glimpse into the soul of the city itself timeless, elegant, and ever evolving.

View the New York Live Shows and Music Calendar at Café Carlyle