Bembe
81 S. 6th Street
(between Bedford Ave & Berry St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718) 387-5389
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Music: DJ, Live
- Best Nights: Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: No
36 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Midtown East
"Heading to see "Rent" on broadway we made reservations 3 weeks in advance to the 21 Club. It was the perfect romantic stop for dinner.…" read more »
52 Reviews for Bembe
This isn't the place to go if you want to stand around posturing and listening to "Wallpaper" music. Afropunk, Brazilian jazz, future funk, dancing on chairs, live percussion, pasty Russians passing around a bottle of Jack Daniels, afropuffs, a couple hipsters from the nabe, it has it all.
Ridiculously diverse crowd, no pretensions, good time.
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if i wanted a bunch of sweaty joey joes rubbing up all on me, i would hire some. if i want to dance i will go somewhere that allows me a few inches of space. ew. i avoid this place at all costs. unless you like meat-heads with muscles or claustrophobic and spazzy spaces.
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Absolutely the best place I've found in NY to go dancing. Great vibe, fun crowd, not too big and not too small. Perfect.
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big up and thanks and much respect to everyone who comes down and is a part of the vibe we all work so hard at keeping going at Bembe. the drummers - dj's - the staff - the door guys - we do read all the reviews as much as possible to try and listen to the feedback and we no doubt continue to reflect and adjust to make it what it has always been... a place to come be yourself, hang, express, release and vibe around other chill open minded multi cultural friends and family...
once again thanks for all the love and support!
Bembe crew
ps: hey .. Lani. P....more bikes racks are coming soon!!
My sister and I just got back from Bembe. I decided to go after reading the great reviews. Wellll they are all true. This place was awesome!!!
If you are looking for a night of dancing, this is the place. There was such a great vibe from the minute I walked in. Everyone was there for the same reason, which was to dance the night away.
Also, the mojitos are delish!!!
ps-prepare to sweat!
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This bar is amazing, great people great music great drinks but the place is pretty small so it gets really packed. The have a D.J and live performances they also have live conga players play while the D.J is playing. Each night is a different music genre which is great when your tired of the same music in your favorite bar. They also have local artist exhibit there work in the bar. They are very laid back with the dress code, just dont come naked and your in. All and all i love this place.
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This place is fun, I've been coming here for years. Always packed, loud and sweaty. Good energy -no wanna be gangsters- bartenders who know how to make a drink, music is always just right. Consistent, monday-sunday... dance hall energy, local bar feel... very rare.
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Let me give you the bad news! They don't open on weekdays until seven. And this place can get a bit to crowded. Other than that this is a hot spot. I am kinda to afraid to review it. In fear that this gem will be taken from me. So the good news is that if you are looking for a not your average lounge then this is it. I am in love with their drinks. Only ask for anything native to Brazil, this is what they do best. I can not wait to go back later this month for a birthday party. :)
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As a still recovering club kid, I must say that Bembe is the only place I am very excited to go to for dancing. This tiny little bar packs a wallop of fun and salty, dirty dancing. Remember the movie Dirty Dancing when everyone was grinding up against each other in that room where Baby finds all the workers? I swear to god, that scene is transplanted right into this place!! If you can stand it, it gets even crazier during the summer when it is all hot--they literally open up the basement trap doors to let out steam in the basement as people are grinding to reggae, salsa and Afro-Cuban beats. Anybody who's anybody knows this spot and it is ALWAYS crowded any day of the week. But well worth the trip. I have met some really awesome, chilled out folks here and never have I had a bad time. They also make awesome island inspired drinks like Mojitos, Caipirhinias and this coconut based drink who's name escapes me (which also happens to be my favorite). The only reason I didn't give the full star rating is that they only take cash....places that only take cash drive me nuts......
There are only a few scattered poles to chain your bike to--bummer. If other bikers snatch them up already, you have to walk blocks out of the way to find something else.
How can I NOT give Bembe 5 stars?
If you're looking for a good dance beat and super strong vodka tonics, this is the place for you.
Never left sober or dry.
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Great Relaxed Vibe! A place to drink, hang out, listen to music, and dance if you wanna. I love their capetas!!! It is now my favorite drink!
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Dear Mom,
Last night I went to a club called Bembe. The place was packed with sweaty. hot undulating bodies writhing to the sounds of percussion-heavy, afro-cuban latin, infused music.
At first the bouncer wasn't gonna let my friends in with me because, I was the only girl, but I threw an arm around him and sweet talked him with a "Please?" and a smooch on the cheek.
The specialty island cocktails, including their infamous mojito, had me stumbling home.
Anyway, say "Hi" to Pastor and everyone in the Choir for me. Tell them that New York is treating me real fine.
Love,
Nadj
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- likely to meet new people
- mentionable drinks
- a favorite of my Williamsburg friends
- not my cup of tea
- sweaty, crowded and loud
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I love this place.
Weeknights are better (a lot less crowded) but the music is always danceable, the crowd usually eclectic, and there's consistently the smell of weed. This is a place you can go to make out, chill, or just dance your head off.
I have one problem with this place and only one, but I must warn you its a big one!
My first visit to Bembe wasn't as much fun as I would like b/c one of my friend got kicked out of the place...now here me out.
I recently went on a date with a guy who was white and he took me to Bembe. That same evening I invited a friend of mine to come and join us she is white and she happened to bring a friend of hers with her who was black. My friends' friend (the African American male) wasn't able to get in the club b/c he was denied entry until he took his hat off while the bouncer was letter in other non-black in with their hats.
HE WAS TOTALLY SINGLED OUT B/C HE WAS BLACK.
my date then turns to me and say "if i knew you were going to invite a black guy I would have let you know that they try and screen for homeboys"!!! NEEDLESS TO SAY WE ARE NO LONGER DATING
Unfortunately for Bembe my Friends friend is a civil rights attorney for the NAACP.
So a great spot for music but not such a good spot for equality.
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Fun place. Went there for the first time last night and quite enjoyed the guava & mango margaritas and salsa dancing. It was pretty mellow when we got there around 10, but by midnight it was packed and a little hectic (but mostly in a good way).
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Being one of those people that is always bashing the lack of cool bars in Williamsburg I was totally pleasantly surprise the other night when a friend brought me to Bembe. I had been hearing great things about this place and I'm so glad that I finally made it over. finally somewhere that people actually dance! The crowd was overall friendly and fun, though it was super crowded by midnight...but I still loved it. I'm not sure about the drinks as I only tried the watermelon one, which was tasty but not great
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Dark & romantic with good music to dance to and if you come early good music to chill to. Drinks are good, shots from the watermelon are fun, bartender, forget his name also very good guy. Like the energy here alot.
I wanted to add I was here the other night and I passed out on the hammock. Not a bad place to catch a couple of z's.
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Is there a better margarita west of the Mississippi to be found? I think not. The bartenderess' concoction of tequila, triple sec, mango and guava juice was manna from heaven to keep the chill off a very cold winter's eve. To put the frosting on the cake, my drinking companion was none-other-than Nadja, our new SF to NYC transplant. She's been here before and apparently it heats up later in the night, but we were only here to whet our palettes for a party later on. I shall definitely be back to this place when I need to get my Latin groove on in NY.
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Went here on Sunday night and it wasn't crowded at all. There was a live jazz band playing for a bit and a DJ with some great tunes. Totally chill place with a great vibe. Loved the atmosphere here. Upon entering, I thought it was going to be pretentious but it totally wasn't.
YES! YES! YES! YES!
5 fucking *s every tiime I've ever EVER been to Bembe!
Yay for:
* a hammock!
* Caiparinia's made consistantly perfectly each and every time
* My wallet, discovered, intact, and preserved 'till the next day
* Neo-Brazillian fusion with: a dj spinning traditional music and someone performing under over and around it ("someone" may vary from singers, percussionists, guitarists, etc.)
* People actually DANCE TILL DAWN here..literally spilling into the streets!
Also, they occasionally have this crazy special which involves sucking on a lime dipped in cocoa and coffee..Highly recommended.
PS: if you didn't get it already, Bembe MEANS rhythm!
Went to this place for a Co-worker's B-day celebration and it was the perfect little spot to chill. Music was great! Not your typical hip-hop, pop, TOP 40's that you hear everywhere else. Great Afro-latino blend of chill music. Great decor, great atmosphere; place was packed. Right in the yuppie part of the up and coming Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. Under the Williamsburg Bridge.
PROS: Dulce Morena: Shot of Tequila yet Lime is dipped in Cocoa and Coffee...Awesome!
CONS: If you're a group of guys you might not get it.
They have watermelon shots?!!! I'm totally going there again. This Friday actually.
I've been there once, taken by a musician friend, stayed for 5 minutes, have yet to hear their music, and YET to have even one drink.
I already fell in love with Bembe.
Romantic, definitely, and that place is mesmerizing.
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Great little spot for drinking and dancing. The upper level has a full bar and some open space next to the stairs to the basement level. I didn't spend much time up here, I went straight to the basement and stayed with my friends near the chairs. The music here doesn't suck. It doesn't matter if you don't understand what they're singing about, just follow the beat and grab some random person next to you and dance. Oh yeah, they've got a small bar in the basement level. If you're going to get drinks, I'd suggest getting two at a time. Anymore than two, you'll spill it on people nearby and one is just not worth trudging through the crowd. Oh yes, I'd definitely suggest driving here. Plenty of parking to be found and watch your step when you walk to Bembe. I must've spotted at least 4 dog poops on my way here. You don't want to show up at Bembe with a stench of dog poo.
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I moved back to NYC 7 months ago and I have been looking for a place so eclectic and with a great vibe like this place.
I used to be a DJ in FM radio in the west coast I am telling you this is good music!!!!
The beat will make you dance!!!
I am putting my music expertise to the test. If you like drum beats go there drink and if the music doesn't make you dance... let me know.
This is the place for those that are not scared to dance with a difference beat. You will find here music from: Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Please visit the website and you can hear a sample of the music:
www.bembe.us
After entering the place and passing by a black curtain you will find brick walls, dim lights and a bar with plenty of drinks. There is another bar in the basement an extra dance space but I danced in the first floor .layback clientele
The bartenders are the friendliest bartenders!
The only sad thing is that I am leaving tomorrow to be in the Caribbean for a month... I will say yes to any invitation for dancing at BEMBE in December.
If this review sounds like a commercial ... it is because I was impressed by this place. It took me 7 months to find it. And if you know any places like this in NYC send me an email.
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Really cool lil spot, nice crowd, we got there around 11 and it was packed already. My biggest complaint was no room to dance, seriously CROWDED like all get out. I didn't even drink but the drinks sound good. I saw the watermelons and didn't realize they were for shots. Interesting. I just danced my ass off the whole time. The music was fun, though the percussionists could have been better (I've been WAY spoiled by top notch musicians, so...), it was still a good time. Worth checking out. I liked the vibe. Honestly though, I wish they had cleared out those little stools and tables upstairs so you could move just a LIL more - they just took up space and got in the way.
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Best place to hit up in Williamsburg for dancing and drinks, period. On busy nights, they're very strict about the girl-for-guy policy, but if you are smart, you'll grab a group of girls on your way to the door and have them get you in. On the good nights I've gone, this is the type of place where everyone is just looking to dance and have a good time. The beats are continuous and Spanish-flavored, and often have live bongos accompanying them. The drinks are pretty good, and not too overpriced. Overall, its the atmosphere of the place, and in Williamsburg, Bembe can't be beat.
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Not generally the type of place I go to, but I thought it was fun anyhow. The drinks were tasty and the crowd was pretty poppin. Now if only I were more beautiful and a better dancer, I might actually fit in there...
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Tiny little sweatboxes make for the best dance parties. Great salsa, samba, calypso, gumbo -- whatever the vibe is, everyone just goes with it. Although not hipster-free, there is enough (dwindling) local flavor to keep the party jumpin'. They do make strong, strong drinks here, though I've never thought of that as a drawback. Combined with the crowededness, you're guaranteed to make at least one very good new friend.
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This isn't exactly my kind of place, but I have to give credit where credit is due: Bembe is really freakin' cool.
The atmosphere and energy here is something else - there's a live DJ spinning various Latin grooves, in addition to a a few bongos out that one group was pounding. A guy with a trumpet randomly showed up and started playing what seemed like an incoherent series of random notes... I'm still not sure if he was an official part of the music or if he just needed a place to practice without pissing off his roommate(s)....
Downstairs was roped off on this particular weeknight, but the main area was packed full of people dancing and having a blast.
The bar seemed to have a nice list of drinks - I went with the caipirinha which was great - and the staff seemed really cool and inviting. One of the bartenders was even out on the floor dancing for part of the night.
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It's a sea of humanity stuck in a bathtub in there. But this is the only place I've been to where it works when it's that crowded. The music is phenomenal, the people are beautiful in an eclectic, low-maintenance, and modest manner and everyone I've met there is really friendly and an incredible dancer.
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Went here recently with a couple of friends. Loved the music, and they had some great drinks. The bar definetly attracts some funny characters and it's a great place to people watch.
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This place was awesome. I went here for a Bachalorette party for my sister-in-law in January. We got there before the downstairs opened which was nice because then we had a chance to settle into the place and have a drink or two.
By the time the downstairs dance floor opened the place was packed! But not in a bad way, there was still enough room to dance and go crazy. The mojitos were awesome and so were the watermelon drinks.
Bembe rocks! Everything was amazing except for when my sister spilled rum punch all over me...only a small set back though. ;)
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Meet some peeps, get really f'ing drunk, dance your ass off and make some latin groovy hip love here. ... and take lots and lots and lots of shots of strong drinks that friends of friends pass to you all night long.
I heart bembe.
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Fun, somewhat hidden dance spot right under the Williamsburg bridge. Nowdays many people have heard of Bembe for its sexy, eclectic dj spinning scene. Lots of fun, good music and relatively (for the amount of people stuffed into the tiny space) calm crowd. It gets very hot, sweaty and crowded in there so be forewarned and have fun!
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DUDE... The energy, is FABULOUS. You wanna see 1 two step, or 2,3 step or whatever step you learned, you'll see it.
People are dancing to a latin form of merengue, Salsa, Samba and you're just completely facinated. Don't be shy just make eye contact wtih a nice looking dude or dudette and kick up your heals as you're about to have fun attempting to dance to salsa or show off your skills, whoever you maybe, you are bound to have a fun.
I went there wtih friends after goign to Savalas and learned salsa and MAN I am itching to learn salsa now. Anyone know a good studio for that? ^__^
I have returned a few times so far and see myself going again, hopefully as I learn more about hte art of Salsa. LOVE IT ^_____^
Drinks are reasonable, the bartenders are friendly, and people are just happy. What more can you ask for on a weekend night?
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What a blast!
Walking through the neighborhood to get to bembe was a bit sketchy especially bc i was alone but upon entering I was never so pleased. This tiny wooden cavernous bar has so much to offer. My friends and I salsa danced for hours, the energy was amazing and the service great. The band lent their bongos to us and we just played played played. Their drinks are STRONG! Go go go!
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Bembe is my spot! I love this joint. Never disappoints, even on a Monday night. Music is bumpin and the vibe is almost always hype! They make some strong ass caipirinhas, too. So strong that I usually end up going home with some random boy with an accent, or at least making out against the bar. Believe me, it happens more often than I care to tell..
Oh and there is the dreamiest bartender there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That eye candy makes the drinks even more dangerous! OPA!!!
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go here, tuff tuesdays tu witness da tah-riffic see-lec-shauns of moa anbessa sound system extro-dee-naire selecta ahn speena, Jon Bless and heez boy Chad Dubz. rawk steadee...rootz...conseeous daaance hall mahn!!!
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This is an awesome place. I had the most authentic capirinha outside of Brazil. They are Ice limes sugar and a lot of cachaca all for a reasonable six bucks (and a wicked hangover the next day).
The place is cool, the dancing is hot and music is awesome. The live percussion is pretty tight.
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