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Don't Tell Mama

3.5 (506 reviews)
Open 5:00 pm - 2:30 am (Next day)

Don't Tell Mama Photos

DON'T TELL MAMA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Live music
Moderate noise
Classy
Casual

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Recommended Reviews - Don't Tell Mama

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Menu, side 1
Sarah W.

We stopped here for a cocktail and to enjoy some live entertainment. Piano player and singer was great, and we also got a nice surprise when our bartender also belted out his rendition of "Don't Tell Mama", which is the inspirational name of the bar. I have been fortunate to catch a program on PBS regarding this venue. The owner was interviewed and discussed the origin and history through the years, which made this visit even more special. Worthwhile to revisit here during future NY visits.

Great performance by Marissa Mulder and Bill Zeffiro
Dennis G.

I had the pleasure of attending today's American Songbook Show at Don't Tell Mama, featuring the incredibly talented Marissa Mulder and Bill Zeffiro -- and it was an absolute smash! Their performance was everything cabaret should be: warm, engaging, and full of heart. What made the afternoon even more special was sharing the magic of live performance with two local public middle school choruses, many of whom were experiencing their very first show. Watching their excitement and curiosity was truly inspiring. A huge thank-you to the Cy Walter Foundation and Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth for championing this event and helping bring the arts to NYC middle school students. Don't Tell Mama continues to prove why it's such a beloved spot in the cabaret community. Highly recommend catching a show here. The environment is classic cabaret, and the service is excellent.

Linda L.

Had a great time at this place. Love that the wait staff and bartenders join in on the fun and sing. Surprised that I didn't know more songs, but it was still a great time. Expect to be packed in line sardines, but it allows for some joint camaraderie. Great staff. Great times.

Eva G.

Vocals and entertainment I have to say are AWESOME!!!!! That I would rate a 5! However, the food isn't that great. We ordered chicken tenders and some desserts. The desserts were a big miss especially the carrot cake. The drinks were okay, just on the pricey side. I would still come back and order drinks and listen to the amazing talent here. But I would eat elsewhere first.

Nelli T.

Fun piano bar vibes and some wannabe Broadway singers even jump in to belt out a song. I was especially impressed by the bartender who had a great voice!

10 dollar flat diet coke
Jadon S.

0 Stars. This place should be shut down and the people who own it should be arrested. A complete and total scam. I only came here to see my friend perform but was forced to pay a 20 dollar minimum when there for drinks alone. On top of that i dont drink alcohol so i had to get soda meaning they charged 10 dollars for each soda. The sodas were flat and in small glasses . the place was stuffy and small. I downloaded yelp again after a while just because of how absolutely disgusting this place was. The waitresses were snarky and rude. Awful . I included here a picture of the 10 dollar flat soda. Update: They tipped themselves and there wasn't any say in it. Real scoundrels

The Latte Boy Jameson, Bailey's Irish Cream, Ruby Red Slipper Cold Brew Coffee, Whipped Cream
Alvin A.

Had a night time cocktail prior to bedtime with my dinner date on a recent work trip to New York City. It was my first time to a piano bar located right on Restaurant Row or 46th Street in Hell's Kitchen between 8th & 9th Avenues. It's a really cute and quaint lounge for those wanting to listen to live show tunes performed by local broadway actors and actresses. Their voices are amazing and even the bartenders would sing live as they are making cocktails for customers. Their kitchen does serve food as well as desserts, but neither of us ordered anything from the kitchen as we came straight from dinner earlier. My friend she ordered a glass of wine as I was in the mood coffee drink with Bailey's, which The Latte Boy seems perfect for me! I think if you have a large group of people that you may have a challenging time fitting your whole entire party with you. Although the staff that greets you at the door will readjust tables and chairs to accommodate your group depending on how many other people are already in the bar. Will definitely go back again on another trip and maybe request some songs by the performers. It's a lot of fun and you'd probably bring more friends and stay out late too!

Sean C.

Stopped by for a quick drink before a show. The space is cute with live music, with a tiny menu for food and drink. From the other reviews, I think we got an off-night because the service and drinks were pretty lackluster. However, we enjoyed the live music as we were chatting.

Stage
Taylee M.

I've been to several really good cabaret bars in the city, and I was really excited to see a friend-of-a-friend perform here. Honestly, the venue is a little complex and each room has separate "rules". Please note that it's cash only with a $20 cover and $20 food minimum that MUST include two drinks. Regular coke products count but they're just as much as the booze. They do have a happy hour from 5-8pm, but we found out that it didn't apply to our room after-the-fact... sooo make sure you read up on your room before! I will say that my chips and guac were really good.

Meena P.

Dueling piano bar at its funnest! Sunday night this place was jam packed and so much fun. Great relaxed laid back atmosphere, nice service,great bar And nice selection of food. The music was great and even some of the servers were singers. As the night went on it just got busier. We had a few rounds of drinks, the bubbly was plain good! And my friends had some fun colorful champagne cocktails. We got a charcuterie which hit the spot, and a great chocolate raspberry mousse, and we just had a great time. Lively , fun, great food and drinks. The music was excellent, and they honor requests. Was a great end to our day!

Happy hour cosmo!
Kimberley B.

This place is fabulous! The bar food is fun and varied; the drinks are pricey, but the price is reasonable given the show put on by staff and sometimes guests! High end "karaoke" by some local off broadway talent with a live musician on the baby grand - makes for a great night. Only reason I held back a star - they need to provide more than one bartender on a Sat night, even before 9pm so that the wait time for drinks is reasonable. After 9 they seem to have plenty of staff!

Decor

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3 months ago

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20 hours ago

Rude and not accommodating hostess when there was clearly open seats. It took a lot of convincing. Turned away a lot of customers

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6 months ago

Our favorite place to go in NYC. Amazing singing by the most talented people, cozy little tucked away ambience and great drinks.

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7 months ago

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Gielie Ann E.

Thank you for the 5-star review, Dave. We hope to see you again soon!

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1 year ago

Great drinks! Amazing staff! Broadway quality singing. Espresso Martini was my favorite!

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Yes!! Just yes! I don't have words... but yes! The piano. The singers... just go to this place! It is worth it!

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3 years ago

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Don't Tell Mama Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Don't Tell Mama

Is there a cover charge?

No there is not, but you will have to order drinks while there.

Hoping to visit the restaurant on July 3. Is there an update on whether it has reopened? Haven't been able to reach anyone via phone.

We were there two weeks ago, they are alive and well. Just stop in.

Has the Restaurant Reopened? Please note the date today is 3/30/22. I'm traveling in 15 days and so want to go here. Specifically the Restaurant not just the Bar food.

They do have food........Good bar food at that even ! I had a salad and some fries.

How loud does this place get at night? Thinking of renting the apartment above it.

Very, very loud. But I do not now how the noise travels to the apartments above.

Is this 21 and up only?

Yes

View All 6 Questions

Review Highlights - Don't Tell Mama

We were blown away by how talented staff was and were smiling ear to ear throughout the performances.

Mentioned in 8 reviews

Read more highlights

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Sid Gold's Request Room - After the Gold Rush

Sid Gold's Request Room

4.0(159 reviews)
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Apparently piano kareoke at Sid Gold was on everyone's list to come here except for mine but I can…read morenow easily check off the box. We arrived at 6:30pm on a Friday evening and it was a small intimate crowd, which was fantastic because we got to sing our songs. As the evening rolled into ~8pm and the crowd grew in size, the rotation of the songs expanded to the newcomers, who likely came after your songs were selected. Nonetheless, I appreciate the experience. Cocktails and light bites were tasty. Didn't feel pushed to get any more than we ordered. Definitely felt embarrassed singing off-key but enjoyed the stage experience.

This is the most fun I've ever had at a karaoke bar. It will definitely be a regular stop when I'm…read morein town. Even if I still haven't had the guts to get up and sing. I don't think there's enough booze in the world to get me up there. But ya never know. The crowd is so welcoming to literally everybody. It doesn't matter if you suck or if you sing like a pro. Everybody will cheer you on or even sing along. It's such a great vibe Although not that strong, I could have ordered those Strawberry Fields all night long. Delicious. If not for calories, I would have. Important tips to remember: bring one dollar bills to tip the pianist a few bucks for every song you sing. Also, there's a $20 a person cover charge when you make the reservation. Oh and every guest is required to buy at least 2 drinks.

Photos
Sid Gold's Request Room - Folks clustered around the Piano man (Ben) with the next singer on the stage.

Folks clustered around the Piano man (Ben) with the next singer on the stage.

Sid Gold's Request Room - Mezcal Negroni (left) and ginger baker (right)

Mezcal Negroni (left) and ginger baker (right)

Sid Gold's Request Room

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Been wanting to check this place out for YEARS... I finally have. It was really small. It looked so…read moremuch bigger to me in pictures. This is not a bad thing, I was just surprised. Regardless, I love the dark decor. Its not loud or anything, just a more relaxing environment for drinks where you can actually speak to each other. They have a huge selection of drinks, not too much to eat but there's plenty of restaurants in the area to handle that for you. The popcorn did smell good though. It was also the end of Happy Hour when we arrived. My husband got the 'Hot Buttered Rum' and I got the 'Escape' which was Bacardi 8yr Rum, Coconut Crème, Pineapple Juice, Sweet Vermouth. The drinks were STRONG. They are also pricy but the Hot Buttered Rum was part of Happy Hour so that helped. The service was super friendly, knowledgeable and quick. I would come back or recommend if you are in the area. It was a nice little place and glad I finally tried it.

Loved this place! They had live music on a Tuesday evening and the drinks were awesome. Got the…read morehotel nacional which was just a lovely level of sweetness - some pineapple and apricot and a mixture of light and dark rum served with lime and a luxardo maraschino. So classy. The ambiance is fantastic. Classy. The live music definitely makes it! Not a ton of seating, dim lights, feels historic!

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The Rum House - Rose & espresso martini before the show

Rose & espresso martini before the show

The Rum House
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The Flatiron Room Murray Hill - The Flatiron Room Sphere

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4.3(607 reviews)
0.8 miMidtown East
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The Flatiron Room is a great spot if you're looking for live music without sacrificing…read moreconversation. We had seats right next to the stage, and the music was high quality - present enough to enjoy, but never overpowering. It struck a really nice balance and added to the overall atmosphere rather than distracting from it. The food and drinks were just as impressive. The Seafood Box was fresh across the board, with a great mix of king prawns, oysters, lobster salad, hiramasa, and mussels. The Peekytoe Crab Cake had a perfect crisp on the outside, tons of flavor, and an excellent nori aioli. The standout for me was the Eggplant Zen, which was incredibly flavorful and well put together. To drink, the Toki Highball was light, refreshing, and really well balanced. Overall, a great experience with strong food, drinks, and ambiance.

Wanted to LOVE this place... Came to NYC with the Hubby for a work event and weeks before had us…read moredouble booked every night in town for dinner and this was the dinner I was most looking forrward to... Sad!!! From the moment we walked in I was hopeful, the girls at the window were great checking us in, but there was a slight issue and I felt that shifted our entire night. We sit down and the tables are TIGHT - we were sat right next to the stage and the woman that was on was GREAT... digging the vibe, super excited - my arm would constantly touch the girl next to us and we then started all talking to that table as well so it became less awkward but still... Drinks come, Ok - My drink I had to assemble myself which was cute I could make it too my liking, I just might have liked if there was actual alcohol with it... Then food, apps were Ok... The mains, NO... The steak had NO FLAVOR, not even bad flavor, NONE... Then the music changed, and the band that went on after was just NOT a vibe - what we had hoped would be a cute, cuddle in a little booth, get some music, good food, turned into a "are we done, lets hurry and go drink at the hotel bar" experience! Sad because I wanted to love this place, and maybe another booth where my ass wasnt on my neighbors chair, and the music was a different band might change this whole experience!

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The Flatiron Room Murray Hill
The Flatiron Room Murray Hill - The Sphere after the melt...

The Sphere after the melt...

The Flatiron Room Murray Hill

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Don't Tell Mama - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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