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Marie's Crisis Cafe

3.6 (478 reviews)
InexpensivePiano Bars
Closed 4:00 pm - 4:00 am (Next day)

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Recommended Reviews - Marie's Crisis Cafe

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Always a fun stop on our yearly trips.
Hillari S.

This is more of a 4 star place, but I'm giving it a 5 because EVERYONE who loves show tunes or broadway musicals should go here. In all my travels, I've never seen another bar like it. There are plenty of musical themed bars or piano bars, but none where actual performers from the shows may show up or where so many people know sich obscure songs. This bar has been around for at least 20+ years because I used to go when I lived in NYC when I was young. Anyways, someone plays the piano and everyone sings. They are rather militant at the bar, so that brings the rating down from a five. But, everyone should go here, if even only once. I am not surprised if many in the city are regulars.

Montage of images from Marie's Crisis Cafe
Ed U.

"I got 36 expressions! Sweet as pie to tough as leather, and that's six expressions more than all them Barrymores put together..." OK, I didn't make a request for "I'm the Greatest Star" - but I was ready to be a bagel on a plateful of onion rolls if called upon. And frankly, if you didn't know this song was from "Funny Girl", you're in the wrong bar. However, if you know Sondheim's songbook by heart, you need to come to this subterranean watering hole at 5:30PM when the piano bar sing-along starts with show tunes performed by request. There was a bachelorette party of baritone-voiced Jersey girls who left when they realized what the bar was about. They were quickly followed out the door by a trio of horny dudes who were looking to get lucky but realized they didn't want to be mistaken for gay. The rest of the growing crowd was here for the long run as we lit into "Cabaret" and "Do Re Mi" with spirit if not talent. It helped that Jamie W. and I had a couple of $10 Makers Mark & Gingers and Dirty Martinis. It's a small space, and lots of Broadway queens bring their own lyric sheets as they gather around the garrulous woman playing the piano and leading the verses. Don't let that intimidate you as everyone is welcome. Just remember... "Who is the pip with pizzazz? Who is all ginger and jazz? Who is as glamourous as?Who's an American beauty rose? With an American beauty nose and ten American beauty toes?" It's YOU...after a couple of stiff drinks. DRINKS - 4 stars...full throttle, inhibitions gone AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars ...it's a "Boys in the Band"-era type of dive SERVICE - 4 stars...the bartender has seen it all TOTAL - 4 stars...practice your showstopper so you can bask in the applause RELATED - Thirsty in Manhattan? Here's a collection of places I've tried and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2YS9ELs

Lindsay S.

Ok... I fell in love with this place! I wish we had something like it in MN! For those of you who haven't seen it.. it's a community karaoke piano bar and it's amazing and divey. The songs they play are all musicals, so study up if you plan to go. You can request the ones you want with a tip to the talented piano player. Make sure to not video in there unless you get the persons consent. This is a big no no. I don't believe they have food, just drinks. The bartender was quick and attentive despite running the ship solo. Oh yeah and it's cash only! Bring your paper money here! **Do Not go here to talk louder than the piano and the singers... there are other bars! Yes, I had two gals in front of me doing this. #rude Overall, I'm excited to go back on my next trip to NYC.

Inside
Lizzie S.

This dive bar not known for good service, but known for its live piano music of show tunes. Get ready to sing your heart out! Wish the drinks were better and they took credit cards and they had food, though. Love the vibe--divey but homey and warm. The clientele seems to swing older--I was surprised by the Broadway show tunes people chose to be played, I hadn't heard of many of them!

I loved this quirky, small, energetic and amazing bar. We stopped by after dinner and loved every second. You must experience this place if you love piano bars, karaoke or showtunes. The prices of drinks were great, too. We loved this place!

Us-ies at the bar
Sadaf T.

Came here with family from out of town over Thanksgiving weekend and it was such a blast. Grabbed seats at the bar and enjoyed singing along (or trying to) some fun numbers. There were some truly amazing voices in the crowd and the overall vibe was welcoming and warm. Never have I ever sang "These are a few of my favorite things in public before." Hopefully this won't be the last.

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This is the Theater Kid bar. Love show tunes, fun MCs, they take requests... This is the place to be

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2 years ago

It is my must go place when I'm in NYC! Such a fun way to spend a few hoursJust go early enough so you don't have to wait in line.. 7-8 pm

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Marie's Crisis Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Marie's Crisis Cafe

What time does the music start?

5:30 ish

Can people under 21 get in? Is it 18+?

21 and up. They are very strict (as well they should).

Open on Thanksgiving?

Yes.

Must check your purse...do they still have this policy?

Coats and bags are checked during the colder months; I've never heard of anyone being asked to check their purse, unless it was huge.

How late is this place open on week nights?

Depends on the week night; some nights closer to the end of the week are open later, sometimes as late as 4am; if there is a smaller crowd, they may call it earlier.

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Review Highlights - Marie's Crisis Cafe

on a historical note--if the plaque outside the bar is to be believed, this is the place where thomas paine died.

Mentioned in 10 reviews

Read more highlights

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Don't Tell Mama

Don't Tell Mama

3.5(505 reviews)
2.0 miMidtown West, Theater District, Hell's Kitchen
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Such a great bar. I came with my friend just for a drink and they have live music and the bartender…read moreand the server started singing and I felt like I was in a Disney movie ahaha So cuteeeee Loving it.

Totally started off on the wrong foot here. We booked Kitchen 46 so that we would be guaranteed…read moreseats here for the nighttime performance. Before dinner, I even popped by to remind them that we are a party of 8 and would kindly request a seat near the piano if possible. Once dinner was over, we were seated in the back room totally separate with zero view of the piano and the performers. Needless to say we were livid since we did everything they asked by making sure we had dinner at their restaurant for guaranteed seats. Of course after expressing our frustration and disappointment, they told us they would give us the next available table. Luckily it only took a couple mins and we were able to switch seats before our first round of drinks arrived. Lesson learned is always speak up when you think you're right. The staff was being super courteous about situation and understood why we were upset. Thank you staff! And now on to the real review! This place is hella FUN! Omg-I underestimated how much fun I would have with my girlfriends. The staff here are all so talented and their voices are unbelievable. Even the guests are invited to go up and sing as well. You can request songs for a tip. The venue requires a two drink minimum. Alcoholic or non alcoholic. The drinks are STRONG! Not sure if this is to hype up the crowd more but we were definitely hyped. Piano bars might be my new go to activity.

Photos
Don't Tell Mama - Arrive early for the best seat and n the cabaret bar area.

Arrive early for the best seat and n the cabaret bar area.

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The Flatiron Room Murray Hill - The Flatiron Room Sphere

The Flatiron Room Murray Hill

4.3(607 reviews)
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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...

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Smalls Jazz Club - Danton Boller quintet live

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4.3(445 reviews)
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Kinda wild that I didn't write a review the last time I was in this jazz joint…read more Last time I popped into the 2am show and it blew my sox off. I saw Miki Yamanaka randomly for the 1st time. But apparently i missed writing a review. Maybe because there are many glowing reviews already. But may I put my 5 star review on the pile. This time we caught the 2pm Sunday open jam. We were smartly near the front of the line so we got my favorite spot, right on the bar rail near the stage. The drinks were good and strong, the service was quick and succinct. The jam was incredible. I didn't know all the guys but the guy on drums is a legend named muppet. He held back on his solos on the first 2 songs. On the third, when the baton was passed to him, he ripped off an impressive solo that would be amazing for anyone, and he is 93. We had to dip out to catch our flight, but cant wait to stop in again next time.

This was our last stop during our must recent NYC trip. Were only able to stay for a an hour or…read moreso, because we had to run to the airport. Still, this was enough to get a good feel of what the club is all about. Just standing in line we got to talk to a musician, who had just played at another location, but told us the people playing there that day were amazing, including the 91-year-old drummer "Muppet". We went during the day so no cover charge, but think they do at later hours. We got some spots at the bar, knowing we would not be able to stay long. From any seat you are able to enjoy the whole atmosphere and set. They had one server and one bartender, and I honestly thought at first they would be scrambling with all the drink orders but the way they worked, quickly and still being personable with each guest was impressive. The band playing was great, we stayed a bit more than we should have because of how good they were. Very intimate, chill way to spend time enjoying live music. The only reason I took one star off is the restroom situation. I went down hoping I could use the facilities but the mold smell and other strong smell made me sick and I had to run out. Just make sure you go before you are inside or hold it. Apart from that, very intimate, chill way to spend time enjoying live music.

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Smalls Jazz Club
Smalls Jazz Club - Some artwork right outside

Some artwork right outside

Smalls Jazz Club - 11.19.22 7:30pm show

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Marie's Crisis Cafe - pianobars - Updated May 2026

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