New York's cabaret venues offer a way to hear Broadway performers beyond the theater, while its piano bars give guests a chance to join the music themselves. If you're planning an evening for colleagues or clients, choose an announced show or a format your group will enjoy.
Check the calendar for your date before making plans. A venue's theater connections don't guarantee that a particular performer will be there.
Cabaret Shows and Booked Performances
54 Below
54 Below's calendar includes solo concerts, musical theater programs and themed shows. Choose a performance by its announced lineup. Browse the current calendar.
What to know: Book tickets and budget for the food and beverage minimum. Cabaret seating can mean sharing a table with other guests. Arrive at the reservation time on your booking; you don't need a separate dinner reservation. Read 54 Below's visitor information.
Birdland
Jim Caruso's Cast Party brings Broadway, jazz and emerging talent into an open-mic variety show. It is scheduled on Mondays, but check the specific date for availability and any cancellations. See Cast Party dates and tickets.
What to know: Seating is first-come, first-served, even with a ticket. Birdland lists a $20 food or drink minimum per person and asks parties larger than 12 to contact the venue. Check Birdland's booking policies.
The Green Room 42
The Green Room 42 is a cabaret venue on the fourth floor of YOTEL at 570 Tenth Avenue. Use its show listings to choose the performer and program that suit your evening. Explore The Green Room 42.
What to know: Read the individual event's ticket and seating terms before booking. Confirm any food or drink requirements with the venue rather than assuming every show has the same conditions.
Café Carlyle
Café Carlyle is a supper club at The Carlyle on the Upper East Side, with a program spanning cabaret, jazz and visiting performers. It is a booked performance experience. See Café Carlyle's performances and dress guidance.
What to know: Reservations are required. Allow for the ticket price and the dinner or bar minimum associated with your seating, plus applicable extras. Check the current dining and minimum-spend terms before booking.
Live Music, Piano Bars and Singalongs
Club Cumming
Club Cumming's calendar mixes cabaret, live music, drag and other performances. Its Monday program includes Mondays in the Club, but programming and admission vary by event.
What to know: Some events have no cover; others are ticketed or require advance reservations for guaranteed entry. Choose a specific listing and follow its age, admission and payment rules. Check Club Cumming's schedule.
So & So's
So & So's is a restaurant and piano bar in Hell's Kitchen with live entertainment Tuesday through Saturday. Check its calendar for the performer and start time instead of relying on a universal late-night schedule.
What to know: The venue is 21+ and lists a $10 entertainment fee per person during live performances. Reservations are available; separately ticketed events have their own terms. See So & So's calendar and reservations.
Marie's Crisis
Marie's Crisis in the West Village is an acoustic showtune singalong. Guests sing together around the piano; it isn't a solo open mic.
What to know: Entry is 21+ with valid ID. There is no cover, but there is a two-drink minimum per person, and the bar is cash-only. Nonalcoholic drinks are available. It takes no reservations, and groups may need to wait when the room is full. Read Marie's Crisis visitor guide.
Don't Tell Mama
Don't Tell Mama's piano bar has a pianist from 5 to 9 PM, followed by singing waitstaff and bartenders. Its published open-mic hours are 9:30 PM to 2:30 AM daily.
What to know: The piano bar takes no advance reservations and seats guests first-come, first-served. There is usually no cover, with exceptions for special events, and a two-drink minimum per person. These are the piano bar's policies; check separate cabaret bookings individually. Check the piano bar's hours and policies.
A Small-Group Stop for Drinks
Bar Centrale
Consider Bar Centrale for drinks in the theater district rather than as a booked musical performance.
What to know: Reservations are strongly recommended and open up to one week ahead. The venue limits parties to six and does not allow larger groups to split across multiple reservations. That makes it a small-group option. Read Bar Centrale's reservation policies.
Planning for Colleagues or Clients
Start with the experience your guests want: a seated concert, a casual piano bar or a chance to sing together. Confirm seating, minimum spend, accessibility, age restrictions and the group's arrival time directly with the venue. For a named performer, book an announced appearance.
If you want Broadway performers to sing with your group at a private event, tell us what you're planning. Sing With The Stars can tailor the format, duration and number of hosts to your group, with room for guests who would rather sit back and enjoy the music.