Brandy’s Piano Bar

Arrived at 8 PM this Saturday as part of a celebration for a bridal shower. We were a large group (12 people), but we were not loud/​raucous and it was completely empty in the bar when we arrived. As soon as we set foot in the door, a man behind the bar (the owner? the manager?) informed us, not very nicely, that he would not accept a large party because there was no space. He didn’t apologize or offer us an explanation besides there «was no space for a large party» (the entire place was empty). We were more than willing to pay the cover, drink minimum, and then some.
I understand that it might be hard to accommodate a big party in a small space. But it would have been nice to have been treated with more kindness. I’m turned off enough by his demeanor that I would not go back again even in a smaller group. We went to Bar Nine and saw dueling pianos instead, and it was great fun! The manager there was amazing, took us all last minute with a quick phone call, reserved us tables while we were on the way, and even came over personally to make sure we were having a good time!
TL; DR – very unpleasant experience, would not recommend.

These guys saw me looking at their hours an hour past closing. I decided not to ask them to stay later and walked away when one of the barbers came out and called after me, saying he’d stay late for me. He gave me a better haircut in 10 minutes then anyone else ever has in 30. Couldn’t have been happier with the service. Wish I lived in New York, they’d get all my business. Thanks fellas!

Great place to just let go and have fun… it looks like just a regular bar and for the most part it is. Except for the amazingly gay piano player who makes the bar rock. Writing down on napkins song requests and having the place go wild to the pianist sing was awesome. Highly recommend for a few drinks!

Kool vibe. But need to keep door open. For fresh air to filter though. Came all the way from sf to hair some live music… Cant wait to hear it…

It’s an alright place to go for a little while, have a few drinks and listen to some music. The place is pretty crowded on a late Friday/​Saturday night with really no place to sit. The pianist was great but the singing wasn’t the best. If you’re around the UES late night and want to just pop in for a few minutes go for it. Just be mindful of the crammed space and the average sounds. Plus side: one of the performers, did sing from «les mis» though — so if you can’t afford the broadway show you can always hear her at Brandy’s!

What a negative experience. 9pm on a Sat night, not crowded but made to wait by extremely rude doorman… Only to be let in 5 minutes later after no one else had left.
Barman had a seriously bad attitude as wanted to close the bar. Was swearing and shouting at the patrons.
Won’t go back — places like this give the UES a bad name.
Rather go to Wild Horse Tavern for a better atmosphere and less douche-​baggery. Live band too.

I’ll finally leave a review for this place from a year ago due to the the CRAZY unstable waitress with curly hair. She must be some terrible singer in her previous life who is now bipolar and angry. Maybe she is Brandy’s way of keeping the ‘bad’ patrons away but let me tell you SHE is the truly terrible one there. Makes a big deal out of people not ordering enough, calls people names, to make it worse the big fat guy who is also a singer, who sings only that one song «Hallelujah» and carries himself like he’s singing in effing Carnegie Hall is just as bad as her. Terrible that this place is still open. AVOID AVOID AVOID. Don’t give this trashy business your money. Take your fun somewhere else.

Fun, GAY dive piano bar, with a lot of (sometimes ornery) talent at the mic …
Why am I emphasizing GAY? I’m not. It doesn’t matter, nor should it. In fact, I’ve been here a hundred times and never even knew. But during my last outing here, I was treated to the singer announcing to the world that we were in fact in the midst of a gay bar. He even asked the crowd — repeatedly — to indicate by a show of hands if they were heterosexual (most were). A bit bizarre to me, and very unnecessary. Was he trying to embarrass people? Make them feel like they shouldn’t be there? The bar, though small, regularly draws a pretty diverse crowd of younger, older, singles, couples, groups and apparently, different sexual persuasions. To me, it shouldn’t matter, as long as everyone is having fun. And it certainly shouldn’t matter to the staff, as long as patrons are keeping their tip jars full. But what do I know …
That said, there is some pretty great talent at this place. There are two women who appear regularly, and they have voices that give me chills, and are sweet as can be. These two really have the talent for bigger and better places. There is a guy there who regularly sings the classic, «Hallelujah» (one of my favorites), and his version is spectacular, sung with an emotion that seems to rise up right from his inner core. Love it. The servers double as the entertainment, and group singalongs are not uncommon. After all, do you really expect to go into a piano bar and not sway with your neighbors to «Piano Man»?
Drinks are mediocre — best to keep it simple. I’ve gotten strange looks when I’ve asked for a more «exotic» cocktail, and I think I tested a bartender’s anger management capabilities when I — how dare I — offered to explain how to make it. Take it easy, fella … you are the professional mixologist. Message received.
I don’t know if it’s the starving artist thing or what, but, much like the sexual orientation-​obsessed gent mentioned above, there is sometimes an angry undercurrent flowing through the generally good vibe of the place. One time, I was snapping some pics, as I often do, and the singer kept asking me if I was taking selfies. He even ordered me to delete some pics. I didn’t. Another time, the piano player seemed to have some beef with the guy sitting next to me (who I didn’t know), which, in an attempt to lighten the moment, prompted me to say out loud, «can’t we all just get along?» Yet another time, I was trying to coerce my very talented but shy friend to get up and sing a song. I was reprimanded, and told not to speak for the guy — if he wants to sing, he will say so. I responded by clarifying that I did not have my friend by the «trousers» — I was just supporting him/​them. Even the piano player cracked a smile at that one.
Notwithstanding the occasional starving artist/​tortured soul syndrome, this is a cool place. No-​frills, generally good vibe and fun time. Even if you’re not gay.

Brandy’s can be hit or miss, some of the employees are disgruntled wannabe performers, others are outstanding. In this day in age, there is no reason for them to not have all their music on a tablet. Brandy’s is extremely small, not for large groups and you may have to stand for a while before finding a seat. The drinks are watered down and the place isn’t very clean, so I stick to bottled beer. Bad $%&ing language is the norm in this hole. This is a residential neighborhood, so the door man/​bouncer is aggressive. Brandy’s is small and not a cabaret, so don’t even think of dancing. The employees do drink while on the job, so don’t be surprised if they appear hammered and sometimes belligerent. But don’t let my review scare you, definitely go check Brandy’s out if you haven’t already. We’ve had many a good times and always bring out of towners there for a drink.

Waitress yelled at me for not tipping enough. I’ve been here three times and had fun every time. Four stars because the music is so. Damn. Good!

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.

My friend and I just had a horrific time here tonight due to the absolutely rude and unstable redheaded waitress that stormed that place like a tornado. There’s a 2 drink minimum to have a table, so when we got our table 10 minutes before the music started, we asked the bouncer and the bartender if we needed to wait for the waitress to arrive to order our 1^st of the 2 required drinks and they said no. They said that we could just get the first one from the bar, and it would be fine. Well, clearly the staff need to communicate better about this because as soon as the waitress arrived, she looked at our full glasses of wines and said rudely, «Just so you know, there’s a 2 drink minimum as soon as the music starts». I explained to the waitress that we were aware of the 2 drink minimum; however, no one told us the clock started as soon as the music began and that both the bartender and the bouncer told us we could get our 1^st drink from the bar. She then yelled at me and said, «So you’re just gonna have that ONE drink and then leave?!!». I couldn’t believe her rudeness and her tone. I said, «No, we’re having TWO drinks». As in, not 3, you idiot. Then, as the show went on, she stormed our path like a tornado several times, slamming empty bottles into the trash can next to us so that they shattered loudly, and was completely unpleasant and weird.
In order to be kind, my friend and I decided to help her out and get a 3^rd round of drinks anyway even though neither of us wanted to. In spite of doing so, she got my order wrong and brought the wrong drink. When I alerted her of this, she then had the audacity to yell at me, stating that I was the one who made the mistake. That’s when my friend and I knew this woman was absolutely out of her mind. Here’s an opportunity where we were trying to be nice by ordering a 3^rd round even though we only had wanted to order the 2 drink minimum, and she gets the order wrong, and THEN yells at me when I pointed out the error so she could correct it. By this point in the night, my mood went totally foul. I was having a good time, and she killed it. The other customers were also displeased with her as was evident by their mutterings and facial expressions.
When we were done with our drinks, my friend and I were SO angry and upset by how this unstable fool ruined our night that we decided not to tip her. And we NEVER do that. That’s how bad it was. In fact, she got 50 cents tip because I didn’t want to ask that woman to bring us change. We quickly left because she stormed our table as if she knew she was gonna get stiffed, and then she proceeded to follow us out the door and YELL at us down the street that we were not welcome back there! I was so appalled that I walked back in and informed the bouncer of what had just happened. It is completely and totally insane to employ someone like this in a bar in Manhattan. She doesn’t deserve to be in the service industry, and she ruined it for her colleagues as well who didn’t get a tip because we were so eager to get out of there. This woman brings the whole establishment down, which is a disgrace and a shame because everyone else there seemed welcoming and pleasant. Horrific experience. Great way to start the new year thanks to her.

We went there on New Year’s Eve simply didn’t want to deal with the crowd. I’m so glad we made that choice. It was a fantastic experience! They charged $ 10 cover fee on NYE, but definitely worthy of it.
You can request songs to pianist to play or you can go on stage to sing a song if you would like.
Place is kind of small but who need a dancing floor when you’re here just for a drink and good music, right?!
This is definitely my favorite bar in upper east side, NY.

If I could give zero stars I would. The staff is so beyond unprofessional and rude. God forbid you enjoy the music and dance. I was yelled at for dancing and then when I asked the piano player to play a song and gave him a pretty hefty tip he said «I’ll play what I’ll play». What?! I watched the bouncer rudely yell at other patrons for standing in the wrong spot. There are so many other places to go in this city than this crotchety bar. Unless of course you want to sit and watch in silence the bitter musicians play «what they play».
There’s just no reason to treat paying customers with such disrespect.

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 karaōke 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!

Before, Brandy’s used to be my favorite bar. I had respect for it and had an amazing time every time, except this time. Due to having such a great time, I wanted to have my birthday celebration here. I knew their website said they didn’t take reservations for big parties but I assumed if I walked in with everyone, they wouldn’t refuse 15+ people’s business /​money /​company. I was very wrong.
As soon as I stepped in the door, with at least only 7 people with me, the bouncer immediately stopped me, started yelling at me, and asking how many people i was with. I said about 15 and he immediately rejected anything else I tried saying. Then the bartender chimed in and said I was fucking ridiculous and that I could’ve called. Bouncer then took over to tell us to get the fuck out, we can’t accommodate you. Even got an «are you kidding» after I said the amount of people.
I’ve never had someone speak so rudely to me. If they had given an actual explanation, maybe I would want to go back. But after being cursed at and kicked out for trying to give them business and have a fun birthday, me and the 20 something people with me will probably never return again.
Go to Duplex. Go to Marie’s crisis. Don’t go to Brandy’s if you want to be treated nicely.

I fell in love with Piano Bars in the midwest right out of college. While my favorite type of piano bars are the dualing college spots, this is awesome in its own right. This is the neighborhood spot. Always a lot of fun.

Absolutely amazing hole in the wall! Took a friend visiting who loves show tunes and we had an amazing night! It’s such a treat to have a bar like this in New York!

LOVE this bar. I come a lot– went last night and grabbed a table which was clutch. Only thing that’s annoying is the 2 drink minimum however, everyone always ends up staying late so you end up getting 5 or 6 drinks. Really great late night
spot, good music, waiters/​waitresses sing– it’s just s cool atmosphere.
Would love for a second one to open!

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.

This place is basically the piano bar version of the Soup Nazi (Seinfeld reference for this who don’t get it). Play by their rules (no dancing, etc), otherwise you get yelled at!

Great concept, not a fancy bar with live music and crowd getting involved but someone has to teach manners to ppl work there

My parents live in the neighborhood and every time I’m in town I make a point to visit Brandys — and I’ve been doing so for 20 years.
However after last night, I will NEVER patron this place again. Ever. It was a sleepy wed night around midnight and I walked in with my husband and two friends who I happened to run into on the street and haven’t seen in years. We were quite jovial about our reunion and went to Brandys to celebrate.
My friend was twirling me around as if in a slight «dance» bc he was so happy to see me, and the bartender yelled at us and was SUCH an asshole about their «no dancing» policy. He said if he were to see that again he would throw us out. We hadn’t even ordered yet! And there was hardly anyone in the place to begin with.
My friend then was grooving in place — basically moving his feet while he was talking– NOT dancing, and the bartender took my drink from my hand and threw it out, and told us to «get the fuck out of his bar» — he threw all of our drinks away and said how dare we not listen to him. Not once did we actually dance.
I was appalled, speechless, and so angry — I have brought countless guests to this place and he treated us like criminals. The waitress also told us to «get the fuck out» and called us horrible names. We were there for probably 5 minutes — here were so many better ways to handle it, and they were just mean.
Brandys, your staff and your bouncers are horrible and I hope your piano singers find work elsewhere.

Good, but not great.
Cozy little bar. It was not hard to find seats when we came here on a Thursday evening a little before 9:30, which is when the live music begins. Drinks are reasonably priced at approx $ 9 – 10 each (fyi they do have wine).
Everyone who sang/​played was extremely talented. It’s cool that both the waitress and the bartender are also amazing singers and split their time between working and coming up to perform.
However, the songs they played were very old and some of them were slow and depressing. No one had heard them/​knew the words. The main pianist often asked the audience if they knew the songs, and everyone kept saying no. It was a young crowd mostly in their 20s and 30s. People were putting in tons of requests… but maybe 1% of them were being played. They didn’t have the music for even famous pieces like «seasons of love» from Rent. The performers made no effort to cater to what the audience wanted to hear.
We stayed for 2 hours, but left after because it was just unbearably boring.
I have heard so many great things about this place and had walked in with high expectations. Perhaps this was one of their «off» nights, but first impressions matter. and there are plenty of other options in the city.

After a few gin and gingers, and the Staten Islanders long departed, the burly bartender took the stage. After a reminder that gays are the reason sing along music exists, he belted out the best rendition of Moon River I have ever heard. His soulful voice filled the room and the sardine packed house was silent, for the first time all night. I cried. Go here and expect to be reprimanded if you act up. It’s all in good fun. The bathroom will stay pristine, somehow. The drinks are mandatory and tipping is essential. Request your favorite song and he just may play it. Put your damn phone away. Go with your Huckleberry Friend and have an unforgettable time.

I went to Brandy’s the other day after Writing Room post-​92^nd Y Borowtiz talk (beyond amazing). I’ve been twice since my last review, once in 800 degree heat. It was too hot and crowded. And the music was okay but not as good as it often is.
Well, the crew I heard that Tuesday night was the best! I have always enjoyed weeknights more than weekends here.
I forgot to take down names, but the server had just returned from Europe (Spain I think) and she has a gig on ²⁄₈. I have to find the name as I seem not to have written it down in my phone.
I will make it a point to return more often now that I have fallen in love with Writing Room.
Very convenient via subway. 86^th and Lex is just a few minutes to 84^th between 2^nd and 3^rd.

I am not a New Yorker. If you asked me Monday morning if I would ever really love New York, I would say «no». I’ve lived in too many cities to realize that New York sucks for a lot of reasons.
Then Monday night happens to me and I realize that while New York sucks in so many ways, it also freaking rocks. Brandy’s was my seminal moment… the moment where I realized I need to embrace New York for what it is: a place so full of talented people that my waitress can break into a Cyndi Lauper tune followed by «all about that bass». I shit you not. Mind you, that doesn’t even count the talented guy playing piano who definitely didn’t belong in a dive bar late on a Monday night, the awesome new friends that I had just met and had a great dinner at Elios around the corner, and the fact that you wander into a bar at midnight on a Monday and have a great time (can’t do that in Philly or DC).
Thank you Brandy’s for making me realize NYC really is a great place that I probably won’t be forever. I promise from here on out to stop hating (fingers crossed) on NYC. I am going to try to get back to Brandy’s again soon, I suggest you do the same.

War zu Besuch bei einer befreundeten Familie in in der Eastside und wurde am zweiten Abend ins Brandy’s mitgenommen. Super Laden für ein Bierchen oder zwei mit super Live-​Musik. Eher linksalternatives Publikum. Sehr offene Athmosphäre. Habe mich sofort wie zu Hause gefühlt.

Hier muss ich jedes Mal hin, wenn ich in New York bin. Es ist eine urige kleine Piano Bar, in der es gerne auch mal sehr voll wird. Man sollte auf jeden Fall zwischen 19 und 20 Uhr da sein, um einen Sitzplatz an einem der wenigen Bistrotische zu bekommen.
In der Mitte steht ein Klavier, die Sängerinnen und Sänger sind klasse, witzig, ein wenig frech und servieren nebenbei auch noch die Getränke. Mitsingen ist ausdrücklich erwünscht, aber keine Pflicht. Die Stimmung war jedenfalls bei allen meinen Besuchen bisher großartig. Die Musikauswahl bewegt sich irgendwo zwischen Muppetshow (Rainbow Connection), Billie Joel (Piano Man) und Lady Gaga (Bad Romance).
Brandy’s ist kein Touristenschuppen, sondern wird vorrangig von den Locals besucht.
Einziger Minuspunkt: die Toiletten. Aber irgendwie passen auch die zum Ambiente