Posted: 7/29/19 at 4:47pm
Will be seeing a show Saturday night and for my sister's birthday thought it would be fun to go somewhere after where there might be someone singing showtunes at piano. The only place I know of is Don't Tell Mama. Wondering if there are any others that you might recommend that's fun? Doesnt have to be in Times Square area.Thanks for any suggestions
Updated On: 7/29/19 at 04:47 PM
Posted: 7/29/19 at 4:52pm
As much as I hate the pretentious regulars, NOTHING beats Marie's Crisis on the weekend. Take the train to the West Village after your show, bring some $1 bills to tip the piano guy, and drunkenly sing your heart out.
Posted: 7/29/19 at 5:05pm
If you're looking to stay close to midtown/times square, then Don't Tell Mama is really your best bet. There are some other bars in Hell's Kitchen that do showtunes on specific nights, but Don't Tell Mama has that every night.
There are 3 other gay bars that will have what you're looking for:
Marie's Crisis: super divey but fun. Beware that many of the bartenders carry an attitude which can be offputting on your first venture there. It's worth noting that while this is a piano bar, the entire bar is encouraged to sing along together on most songs. Bring cash.
Duplex: Also in the west village. They have some great cocktails. The pianist/singer is not necessarily always doing showtunes (though they will definitely be present), so be ok with some pop songs, standards, etc thrown in. Bar patrons also get up to sing requests at certain points. The outdoor patio will also be open right now since its summer.
Townhouse - Lounge in upper midtown east. The main room has an incredible pianist. Bar patrons request songs they want to sing and he knows how to accompany on basically everything. He even changed keys for me once without blinking an eye, and did so perfectly. Clientele tends to be older, especially when compared to the west village bars. So the atmosphere is more upscale and relaxed.
Posted: 7/29/19 at 9:25pm
I walked past Marie's Crisis the Thursday before last at around 7:45 and there was a line out the door.
I suggest you go to Marie's Crisis if you can get right in. Grab a drink and hang by the bar and sing. Maybe after a few drinks, head down the street to The Duplex for a less cramped experience. I think you should do Marie's Crisis at least once if you like to sing along to showtunes. I had fun both times I was there but didn't hang around the piano. People right around the piano were hardcore!
Take the 1 train to Christopher and they are both right there.
I haven't been to The Townhouse in a while, but I think you might be more comfortable and have more fun down in the village.
JMO
Posted: 7/29/19 at 10:49pm
Is Marie's Crisis what used to be Midnight in the 1980s? Show tunes on the first floor, disco and back rooms in the basement. It was across the street from where the Stonewall bar had been.
'Cause if it's like it used to be in the late 70s, early 80s, that might be some experience for Sis! LOL.
Posted: 7/29/19 at 11:04pm
That sounds like The Monster which is directly across from The Stonewall on the other side of the park. They have a dance floor downstairs. They also have a piano in the main street level bar. They play showtunes.
Posted: 7/30/19 at 1:47pm
Thanks for the suggestions, all! I was thinking more of a place to listen to a singer-pianist perform rather than sing-along, although Marie's Crisis sounds fun. It's been on my list for a while to try.I remember watching a 1950s black and white movie on TCM a few years ago that was filmed in New York and at one point the character walks up a street and what looks like the identical sign for Marie's Crisis was there even then.
Posted: 7/30/19 at 2:36pm
uncageg said: "That sounds like The Monster which is directly across from The Stonewall on the other side of the park. They have a dance floor downstairs. They also have a piano in the main street level bar. They play showtunes."
THAT's what I meant: The Monster (not "Midnight"
. Thank you, uncageg for helping a senior citizen with faulty memory.
And, as I said, going to The Monster might provide all sorts of interesting experiences for Sis.
Posted: 7/31/19 at 5:02am
I desperately miss "88's"!!! A more wonderful piano bar there never was and it was a sad day when it closed!! I spend many a Saturday night there when I lived in NYC enjoying the bar staff's performances (especially the incomparable Terri White), participating in sing alongs, and, occasionally, getting to get up and sing a couple songs myself ("Who Will Love Me As I Am?" was one of my go to songs). Great memories of a great time in my life.
And whatever happened to Brandy's on the Upper East Side (in the E. 90's I think)? Still there or also lost to time? Also a fun and intimate place!
