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The Best Places for Cabaret in NYC

If great cocktails and jazzy music are what you think of when you picture a night in NYC, these six city cabaret spots should be on your bucket list. The Big Apple has some legendary residents, and many of them have been known to take the stage at these always on-point cabarets. And as if that isn’t enough incentive to get you headed to one of these six cocktail lounges and bars, the vintage ambiance that can be found in all of them should. You may not be able to travel back in time, but as these cabaret clubs prove, that doesn’t mean you can't appreciate the glamour of the past.

Best of NYC Cabaret: Don’t Tell Mama (Hell’s Kitchen)

Don't Tell Mama

Don’t Tell Mama is made up of a piano bar, restaurant, and two separate cabaret shows, making for a fun-filled night that you’ll never forget. You also never know who you might run into once you’ve walked through their doors, with icons such as Liza Minnelli, Paul Newman, Bette Midler, and Kristin Chenoweth all having stopped by in the past. From comedy to spoken word, the shows you’ll catch on stage at Don’t Tell Mama cover every genre one could possibly imagine. Talk about variety! 343 W. 46th St., 212-757-0788, donttellmamanyc.com

Best of NYC Cabaret: The Duplex (West Village)

Head over to New York City’s oldest cabaret theatre, The Duplex, to get an off-Broadway show that’s on a playing field with some of the best. Originally established in 1950, The Duplex is the West Village’s “hidden gem”, and its award-winning professional and technical support makes for a show like no other. Luminaries, such as Barbra Streisand, have been known to take the stage, and no matter what type of performance is being had, it’s one worth watching. 61 Christopher St., 212-255-5438, theduplex.com

Best of NYC Cabaret: Feinstein's/54 Below (Midtown West)

Evoking the ambience of a 1920s & '30s speakeasy, Feinstein's/54 Below provides an unforgettable New York nightlife experience, combining performances by Broadway's best with innovative New American cuisine in an elegant setting. Namesake singer, pianist, and music revivalist Michael Feinstein himself can often be heard performing here.254 W. 54th St., 646-476-3551, 54below.com

Best of NYC Cabaret: Café Carlyle (Upper East Side)

Cafe Carlyle  

Sutton Foster, Judy Collins, and Woody Allen are just some of the headlining talents that have taken to the stage at Café Carlyle (and we think it’s fair to say that Woody’s a regular). This intimate dining space will only hold 90 patrons, so you can bet that every seat in the house is a good one. Jackets are required at this famed cabaret, and nothing quite completes any Manhattan experience quite like a show at Café Carlyle. The Carlyle, 35 E. 76th St., 212-744-1600, rosewoodhotels.com

Best of NYC Cabaret: The Rum House (Midtown West)

Rum House

The Rum House isn’t just one of the best cocktail bars in New York City, it’s also the lively home of some of Manhattan’s most loved jazz music. Indulge in live piano music and listen on as jazz musicians run the room on a nightly basis here. Take in the copper and wooden décor that fills the space and creates an old world feel that can’t be replicated. Drink, listen, and be merry — it’s just that simple at The Rum House. The Hotel Edison, 228 W. 47th St., 646-490-6924, therumhousenyc.com

Best of NYC Cabaret: Metropolitan Room (Flatiron)

Metropolitan Room

The Metropolitan Room is an internationally acclaimed jazz cabaret, and when you step into it, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. The space’s wonderful acoustics revive the “golden age of cabaret” for visitors, and with headliners like Carol Woods and Joan Belgrave, there’s no mistaking the talent in the room. Placing as one of the best jazz clubs in America, Metropolitan Room is the perfect establishment for ramping up your inspiration and enjoying a night out on the town. 34 W. 22nd St., 212-206-0440, metropolitanroom.com

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