CBS 2 At The Met

CBS 2 At The Met: Night Side

NEW YORK (CBS) ― It's Friday night at the Met and the museum takes on a whole new feel. It's date night, or girls'-night-out. It's a tasteful bar scene like no other. Just above the main entrance and Great Hall, you'll find the Balcony Bar. With your paid museum admission, have a seat at one of the candle-lit cafe tables on Friday and Saturday nights from 4:00-8:30 p.m.

Patrons shared their thoughts with CBS 2 Anchor, Dana Tyler. They said, "You walk in the door after a week of work and you're exhausted and you're so uplifted it's a wonderful experience!" "You feel happy, you feel all of your last five days disappear!"

"It's also a nice place to hear music we both like chamber music, this is a lovely setting!" "It's about the ambiance, and the music and the somewhere to chill and talk and enjoy!"

The Orion Ensemble has been performing here on Friday and Saturday nights for 17 years. The musicians play for three hours each night while waiters swirl around with menus and light fare. Concert Violinist Beryl Diamond Chacon , said talk about a stage.

"We are inspired by the space. It's amazing that it's such a large space and it's so symmetrically architecturally perfect, that it seems intimate. But in actuality, it's the size of a football stadium, so it's amazing gift to be constantly inspired and we're standing by all this art here. It's wonderful!"

On the museum's first floor with windows to Central Park, you'll find another creative escape for Friday and Saturday nights. The Petrie Court Cafe. And for still another evening choice, hop the museum elevator to the outdoors.

Restaurant Manger, York Ast talked about what's on top with Dana Tyler. He said, "Then we have the Roof Garden. "Absolutely the view, the best view of the city!" Stunning sunsets, Jeff Koons art works. During the week, a coffee bar and Saturday and Sunday nights, we have the martini bar. We have cocktails inspired by the artwork and it's a fantastic date place!"

Back at the Balcony Bar, we found and Joyce Milowski and Dan Miller on a date.

Milowski said, "This is one of my favorite places, and I chose it tonight to come here. "I feel I'm so far away and not in New York City." Miller added. "I love the museum. I love the lighting, it's dark. I love the music, and it's a really a nice way to celebrate my birthday!"

And it's nice spot for a reunion with friends. Michael Butler and Christine Heeg went to Pace University together. Christine Heeg said, "I have been coming here for last several years. It's my favorite way to decompress on a Friday night to sit and have a beverage and then place to wander off and see some great art!" Michael Butler added, "I think it's a wonderful spot, it's serene, it's civilized, classy it's fun!"

Diamond says she knows the ensemble's all part of the package when you perform amid some of the world's best art.

"We have a huge repertories, probably 200 pieces to choose from. We try to read what the crowd's mood is On a Friday night, people want Mozart and Strauss and happy music. On Saturday, people are are more relaxed. They want Brahms and something more contemplative. We try to read the pulse of the crowd."

That crowd over the years has included a few who couldn't resist the romantic atmosphere to propose marriage right at the Balcony Bar. Explore the four-block long museum, and enjoy the Met's night side. Friday and Saturday evenings until 8:30.

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