Don't Tell Mama
European · Fusion · New York, NY
About
This spot suits theatergoers, cabaret fans, and anyone wanting a pre-show drink or post-show night out. Don't Tell Mama has been a New York institution since 1982, offering four distinct spaces under one roof: a piano bar, a restaurant, and two separate cabaret showrooms. It's a casual, mixed LGBTQ+ crowd with live entertainment every night.
The venue is open daily from 5pm until late, with extended hours until 3:30am on Fridays and Saturdays. Happy hour runs on select drinks, but reviews warn that drinks can be inconsistent and overpriced for Manhattan. Yelp confirms full bar, outdoor seating in season, and reservations are accepted. Best nights to visit are Thursday through Saturday.
Located in Hell's Kitchen on Restaurant Row in the Theater District, just steps from Times Square.
Features
- ✓Four distinct spaces: piano bar, restaurant, two cabaret showrooms
- ✓Live entertainment every night
- ✓Happy hour on select drinks (note: inconsistent drink quality per reviews)
- ✓Open late until 2:30am or 3:30am depending on the night
- ✓Casual, mixed LGBTQ+ and straight crowd
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 507 reviews. 56 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
The entertainment and drinks are excellent, but definitely do not have dinner here.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“weird”
Went hoping to meet some adult men but found mostly women. I sat at the bar and ordered a drink and then an appetizer. The bartender looked at the menu and told me it's $13. I guess they require payment upfront for food. A bottled beer was $8, which is ridiculous.
A guest · Over a year ago
The drinks are too expensive and the pours are very light.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Martini Madness”
I always come here when I'm in town. The staff is super friendly and I have a great time. Drinks are a bit expensive, but you're paying for the entertainment. I usually order cosmos, they're always nice and strong, and sometimes they leave the shaker so I can refill halfway through.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Don't Tell Mama The Drinks Suck!”
My partner and I went looking for a friendly gay bar on our way to a theater show. There was a sign saying Happy Hour, which seemed good, but it turns out it only applies to certain drinks. We had already ordered before realizing. The drinks were extremely watery, terrible. I ordered a Stoli Orange and soda, but it tasted like plain flat soda with no orange or vodka flavor. The staff was nice enough, but the drinks were awful and way overpriced even for the city. Skip this place, it's a total ripoff.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food do they serve? +
The restaurant offers New American cuisine with a seasonally changing menu.
Do they have drag shows? +
No, Don't Tell Mama focuses on cabaret performances and piano bar entertainment.
Can I make a reservation? +
Yes, the venue accepts reservations.
Is there outdoor seating? +
Yes, outdoor seating is available.
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