Don’t Tell Mama
This past Saturday I found myself at what has been deemed a New York tradition: open mic night at Don’t Tell Mama. I had seen pictures of my favorite Ugly Betty stars outside the midtown establishment many months ago and I have been meaning to check it out ever since. On Saturday I finally got the chance.
Don’t Tell Mama is a small piano bar where the waiters and waitresses belt it out along with anyone else who wants to give it a go. We got there a little after 10 for a 10:30 start time, and initially we were seated behind the stage. I was a little bummed about the placement, but there was a television screen that showed the front of the stage so we wouldn’t miss any of the action. But, before the show even started, the hostess/waitress/singer moved us to a table in front. There seemed to be a consistent table turnaround at this place, so if you don’t like where you are sitting to start, just asked to be moved when a table opens up.
The staff was incredibly friendly and enthusiastic about all of the live music. Most of the waitstaff was clearly not cut out for Broadway. One bartender, however, had an incredible voice. When she started singing the classic Les Miz classic “On My Own” the bar was full of chatter. The bar was completely silent by the time she ended the song though. Everyone had stopped talking to hear this girl belt it. It was pretty impressive.
There was no cover charge for the open mic Saturday, but there was a two drink minimum, still we had an evening full of live entertainment for under $50, which isn’t terrible in New York City. The staff even offered up a free drink. The crowd tended toward the older side, but everyone was enjoying themselves, so we didn’t feel like we stood out too much. All in all, I had a good time, although I am still on a search for the perfect piano bar.
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