Two bars . . .

[ParisKat]

I have always wanted to have drinks at both the Oak Bar at the Plaza and at Belemman's bar at the Carlyle. I know that both are fairly pricey, but I am more than willing to pay if it's worth it. So. . . is it worth it?

[Up With Olives]

Yes!

A thousand times, yes!

[stephaniec25]

Oak Bar is a nice old-school atmosphere. The drinks are fine, nothing out of the ordinary but I would recommend checking it out. Never been to Bemmelman's.

[trishottawa]

The Oak Bar is a must as is the champagne bar

[hcbk0702]

Expensive, but fine for normal drinks. You're paying for the room and atmosphere.

If you actually want truly great cocktails, you'll have to look elsewhere.

[ParisKat]

We're mostly interested in the atmosphere. I'll probably just have a glass of wine, my husband will probably get a martini.

[tbear]

You should think about adding The Old King Cole Bar in the St. Regis. They make great old-time cocktails. in a fabulous room. Also, please dont have a glass of wine. Stretch out a little: have something like a Manahtten, old fashioned or whiskey sour - just something that reflects the space that your in.

With your two choicesl, I would go with Bemmelmen's as it far less touristy (yes I know they are both in hotels).

[TurkTravels]

There's no better evening (or afternoon) than one with good friends at the glowy Madeleine-covered golden walls of the Bemelman's bar at the Carlyle. Yes, it costs $10 to sit at the bar after 9 pm when the jazz trio plays and $20 for a table. Yes, the drinks are pricey. But go early and it doesn't cost to sit down, and you can sip that martini slowly. Ahhh nothing is nicer than Bemelman's. And the music is divine at night. Atmosphere? Yes. But it's more than that. It's magical.

[ParisKat]

Thanks for all your comments. We went to both bars, and loved them both. At the Carlyle, we were the only ones there for most of the time (early afternoon), but at the Oak Bar there was a reasonable amount of people. I took the suggestion to have something besides wine at Bemelmann's bar, and really enjoyed it. I had a Passion Royale (passion fruit infused vodka, champagne, and lime juice). The visits to both places helped make our trip great. Thanks!