Great venue to listen to live *often FREE* music. It's in a great old building that resembles a church but it has crazy cool fiber optic light displays instead of stained glass windows......so it's basically a temple of good music. Not too crowded at all, nice staff, not too far from the subway. I haven't seen a film here yet, but they have lots of revivals and art films with unique speakers that I need to check out. Oh BAM, why can't I live next door to you?? read more

Free music! Been here 3 times! The best performances! Get there early if you want yo sit but as soon as the music starts you cannot see much unless you're standing. Love the decor! read more

food is okay, but the place itself is a gem. Free live music during the weekend nights!! read more

BAMCafe - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Came here on a Friday night hoping that it would be the BAM Live Music Happy Hour. Unfortunately that didn't start for a couple of hours, so my friends and I decided to sit down and have some drinks and small plates. My friends shared a bottle of red wine, which that said was subpar, and I had the Maple Lemon Sparkler, which was very refreshing and not too sweet. I had the Pork Belly Rolls which were delicious, I wish there had been more of them. My friend also ordered the Potato Croquettes, but they never came. Our waitress was nice, but the space filled up while we were dining and the service got slower and slower. It seems like a nice place for a drink at the bar, but I think I'll hold off on coming back for table service. read more

One of the few places in this city, where cheapies can go and listen to live music for free :) No, seriously - there's no cover to get in and to be entertained by young local musicians on some friday and saturday nights. Bravo! But if you want to grab a drink or two after the show and your belly is more important for you than live music, BAM Cafe's bar has really poor beer and wine selection and there are much, MUCH BETTER places around... read more

At the top of an escalator from the ornate lobby of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, which also houses the BAM Rose Cinemas, you'll find this gorgeous, spacious restaurant -- the perfect place to dine before the show or have a drink afterwards. The food I've tried there has been really excellent and quite fancy. I seem to remember an outstanding fish dinner and incredible dessert. There's also live music on Friday and Saturday nights and a Gospel Brunch on Sundays. I've performed here, and it's one of the most beautiful spaces to play or catch a live act in the city. Admission is always free, with a $10 minimum at tables. read more

Came here on May 16th for BROOKLYN UNCORKED. What an awesome event. The venue was perfect. A bunch of wineries from Long Island came together to showcase their wines. But we experienced more than just the vino... They had oysters from Long Island (Widow's Hole) and cheeses from Whole Foods. Oysters were outstanding! They even had an ice cream/sorbet bar that served wine flavors. Some yummy finds include: Corey Creek's Rose, Osprey's Dominion 2002 Reserve Merlot, and the Roanoke 2006 Chardonnay. read more

whenever i'm planning out my weekend, i always forget that BAM is a viable option ... a kick-ass convenient one since it's only a 15 min walk away from my apartment. i went here on a date - first one! - with this guy last year. he lived in the BK too, and since i'm used to hanging out downtown on the weekends, he was trying to introduce me to cool things going on in the 'hood which i gotta give him props for because it's pretty thoughtful. we were a bit early and i remember having trouble finding the escalator that went upstairs to the cafe. i THINK it only started working when it was close to showtime, but don't quote me because the memory's kinda fuzzy. i definitely don't know the name of the singer, but her music was soulful, R&Bish and catered to the laid-back, yet packed audience. methinks that she's a local performer who had a strong following in the BK. i totally understood why. since admission was free, the only thing we paid for were stiff drinks - hence, this a great recession-friendly way to spend a night with good company. because funemployment has made me into THE recessionista, i'll be back. soon. read more

GAWD I loved this spot. I'm feeling sad looking at reviews for it, because my soul actually longs to go back. I had been working really hard for two days at the BAM Theater, which is on a different floor. After my show was finally over, I got to hang out at the BAM Cafe which had been seducing me all night, with its jazzy sounds escaping through the doors. I think I might have been treated so nicely because I was working there, but I'd like to think the bartenders are that awesome to all the patrons. I got a couple strong free drinks, and heard the end of the jazzy/fusiony set. The part I loved so much was the atmosphere. The crowd was completely diverse, and everyone had their own sense of style. All kinds of great styles. People were having such a good time, laughing, talking and digging the music. The room is beautiful. You could hold events in this room. I felt like it captured the feeling of hip Brooklyn. It's hard for me to put in to words, but the BAM Cafe seriously made me want to move to NY more than I ever have. read more

I have visited the cafe a few times, but it's been a while since I've been there. I just remember eating the most delicious crab cakes here (not sure if they still serve it). They often have free events in their beautiful, newly renovated space (you can rent the space for private events like weddings, etc.) featuring cool musical acts and other arts like dancing. read more

This review is based solely on the food / dining experience at the cafe. went there for dinner before a show and sat at a table for table service. hostess was a bit rude. food was ok, definitely not worth $18 for dry chicken and tasteless burger with freezer fries. my biggest issue was with service. my friend asked what cheeses were on the cheese plate and the waitress' response was "i think there's a sharp one." when she came back to deliver the cheese plate, we asked her again, thinking she's find out since at least one of her customers asked and her response was "i'm not sure." in short, DO NOT go here to eat. BAM is amazing for arts and performances but if you want to eat, go to the bazillion delicious and cheap places down the block from BAM before your performance. drinks are ok though. read more

I love this place. I have been several times for music events. The setting is intimate enough for you to be able to talk to the performers before or after the show. There are cafe styled small tables (4 people) and some cushioned benches by windows. It's a good place to go for a solo night, you are bound to meet some new people or for a date. The events are always free, which is a big plus. read more

Great free live music Saturday nights. Gets crowded around showtime so be sure to show up 30 minutes before if you want to sit. The security does a good job keeping fire lanes clear so if there looks like a good empty spot to stand... You'll probably get asked to move. read more

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There's no need for heavy pockets if you're looking to enjoy a decadent meal (perhaps followed by or following a movie at their cinemas) at the BAM Cafe. I was awestruck upon my first arrival here. The atmosphere was calming and the staff was very pleasant and inviting- not at all snobbish. Everything you'll need from appetizers to desserts can be ordered from the $21 prixe fix menu. I had a wonderful salad, followed by tender short ribs with mashed potatoes and a DENSE (I'm talking two bites-will-leave-you-more-than-satisfied dense) chocolate fudge cake. My experience was nothing short of wonderful. I know you'll fall in love with this place just like I did; but beware! If you get hooked one particular selection their menu has to offer, don't be surprised if one fine day it fails to appear on the menu- typographical error? no. It's just a seasonal menu change. read more

It's hard to dislike the BAM - they do everything well, including happy hour! $5 cocktails, $3 beers, $5 appetizers on Friday and Saturday evenings w/ free live music afterwards. My boyfriend and I were here for the start of the Si Cuba festival on a Friday night. The food was good, the drinks were great, and the venue was fantastic! Get there early, as it can get pretty crowded. As we were leaving (around 11pm), there was a line out the door to get into the Cafe. It gets packed out with the eclectic crowd that makes Brooklyn famous. The kind of crowd that gets on their feet and gets to dancing because music is hot and the bartenders have been making stiff drinks all night. The kind of crowd that supports local businesses, local artists, and the local community while having a great time. The crowd, the vibe, the venue, the free show, and (of course) the happy hour make the BAM cafe a great place to spend Friday and Saturday nights. read more

Gorgeous place with free live music every friday and saturday nights. Get there an hour before the band starts because you are going to want a seat and it tends to fill up pretty fast. There is a bar where you can get your drink on. I didn't know they had appetizers... next time I have to check that out. Definitely add this place to your list - check out who is performing from their website, and sometimes they even have a clip of their music. Love it! read more

Have been to this really beautiful space a couple of times. Sort of industrial armory meets art gallery. The only reason to come here is for the scene and free live music on friday and saturday nights. The quality of the music is touch and go and the vodka and sodas are borderline gross. But it's a cool place to go for a couple of drinks, especially if you're seeing some thing at BAM. read more

Beautiful venue that slightly reminds me of Moulin Rouge. The space is separated with a small stage, chairs and table section, and then a bar in the back. There's also a small alcove to the side but I believe you have to book that private area. I like how the space includes some rotating artwork and the space is just big enough so you can bring a few friends with you but still intimate enough so that you can enjoy the performance on stage. I wish it wasn't just on the weekends and that they closed relatively early...I believe we were kicked out around 10:30/11pm, but otherwise, a great venue with a diverse program. read more

I love stopping in BAM Cafe on a Friday or Saturday night. It's a cool place to start or end your evening. I love the variety of live acts and the fact that regardless of genre, they're all very good! This is a great place to people watch and chill out. Plus while there you can check out the galleries. And best of all, it's all free! BAM is such a breath of fresh air in BK! read more

First visit to the cafe and was kicking myself for not having come sooner. The free lineups and interesting decor will definitely bring me back. The seating is a bit strange but I was able to find a comfortable nook with a plush coach and great views of the stage so can't complain. The people were a cool mix and the house DJ was fantastic. The drink selection was very small but the bartenders were friendly and pretty responsive. I would defiitely recomened! read more

great venue and diverse crowd., they keep it real here. Right nearby Barclays center looks like the set of TNT nba on thursday. Went for free concert on Friday, and nice bar, with lots of brooklyn local beers. Also had sick dj spinning some classics before and after concert. Would def come back here. read more

Best thing to do on a Friday night in a long time ! So much fun, great atmosphere, great people, great music - great everything ! Can't wait to come back next Friday night ! read more

Love this place! Beautiful venue, they have great new talents and established singers performing and its freee! Great spot to come by after or before dinner read more

I'm so glad that I finally made it here. Bam café was beautiful. the ambience was just right. Low lighting, good drinks, great live music. It was free and we got there early enough to be able to sit down. I will definitely be back for more shows. It was walking distance from the Barclays center as well which I did not know. Do not have the blackberry martini. It was the worst drink ever! They do serve appetizers(which smelled so yummy)but we didn't order any. read more

went here from 6-8 PM on friday after work downtown with a date. we both loved it 3$ beers and 5$ wells big nice area to sit down and listen to a free show on friday - i plan on incorporating this in my friday routine! read more

gorgeous place. great music. fun crowd.

Went on a Fri night for free peformsnce that started at 9. We got there at 8:40 and there was standing room only. Nice crowd. Looked like the majority come after week. Ambiance is really nice. Only had a glass of wine for $9. Would return. Oh parking was hard to get I guess because the Barclay's center isn't too far away. read more

I loved this place. I actually came out to see the Nutcracker performed by the American Ballet Theater - which was truly awesome and I highly recommend it. So for BAMCafe - we had dinner here and it was lovely....the food was actually rather delicious and the ambiance was rather nice - it's not like a 5 star restaurant b/c the tables and chairs are metal and plastic - but the service was great and the food is pretty close to what you'd get at a 4 start restaurant. It's super convenient if you're catching a meal before a show at the Opera house. Also after the ballet I noticed lots of people in BAM Cafe enjoying live music! Definitely a place I'd go back to on a regular night just to chill and listen to live music. read more

Once again the BAM almost hit the mark. I ate here once before the Merce Cunningham "dance" (which I can't really review because I couldn't get away from it fast enough and left during intermission.) But for the cafe'... I had gone out with the intentions of having a nice meal and show at a respected arts organization in new york city. Unfortunately, BAM could not deliver. When I arrived they had lost my reservations, but managed to pull a table together after about 20 minutes. They have an extremely limited and unimaginative menu and the waiter informed me they were out of 2 of the 5 entrees and 3 of the appetizers, I ordered the half roast chicken and they brought me two steamed chicken breasts, when I asked the waiter about it he told me that it was a better cut of meat and I should be grateful. later the manager came over and asked how everything was and I told him not great he attempted to improve the situation by brining us the cheese plate which consisted of a few pieces of over ripe fruit and stale cheeses. The dinner was expensive and of poor quality. The only redeeming quality of the experience was the actual space the cafe' is in, the building is very pretty, but you can enjoy that for free by walking past it on your way to anywhere else for dinner. I am not normally this harsh about a place but BAM is supposed to be a cultural hub for Brooklyn but it seems to me that their director perhaps has not yet seen good theatre or eaten good food, but has constructed an organization based on the description of such things. read more

Great date spot. Unfortunately we came too late and had to stand. Should have listened to my fellow yelpers. The performances were great for the night we went. NOT a fan of the jalapeno margarita read more

Cute little spot on the mezzanine level of the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. The place fills up during intermissions. It would probably make sense for them to set up a clearly marked area to line up for beverages/snacks. The place is split between the bar and a seating area (which consists of tables/chairs, food court style). Some lounge sofas/small tables are scattered around the perimeter, which makes up for the food court style set up of the other tables and chairs. A glass of red or white wine is typically $10. read more

Where else can you see new artists play live music without a cover in a swank space? Its a rhetorical question but seriously BAMcafe is a great spot to hand out, have a drink and listen to some great music. If you are really into who is playing show up early so you can get a seat and chillax in comfort. read more

BAMcafe is located upstairs from the main level of the BAM complex. The cafe is where one can sit and eat dinner on certain nights (between 5 and 7 ONLY) or choose from the skimpy bar menu. I don't recommend this. There are plenty of decent restaurants in the 'hood. What the cafe is good for is grabbing a table with a bunch of friends, having a drink and enjoying music. The space is HUGE and there are plenty of bartenders. No crowding and shoving to get through or get served. World music is the order of the day, with lots of internationally famous musicians coming through here. The comfort and convenience of the whole complex, with its cinema, theatre, dance and music spaces, makes it ideal for a weekend visit. read more

We came for the Si Cuba! latin jazz show. It was beyond amazing. The energy is great and the staff is very helpful and accommodating. My boyfriend and I came with a few bags from shopping and they told us they'd hold it for us while we went to dance salsa! read more

I've been to BAM quite a few times, but this visit was actually the first time I spent time in the cafe. We arrived quite early for our show, after running around shopping with family all day, so sitting down for a drink seemed to be the thing to do. Firstly, this place is just beautiful. The soaring ceiling and sparkling lights bring to mind a modernist cathedral to art and culture. We were early enough that we had our pick of tables... they have free performances there on the weekends, which means that later it really fills up. No live music while we were there, but they managed a holiday-themed playlist which was actually enjoyable and inoffensive - a hard thing to accomplish! My dad and I just opted for glasses of wine, which were good. My mom decided to get the seared scallop appetizer, which was both tiny and pricy, but was absolutely delicious. I'll have to check out the schedule of upcoming performances to see if there's anything I'd like to see. read more

DJ IDLEMIND is the BEST!!!!! He is the reason for the five stars. BEST BEST BEST!!! Seriously, it's almost sinful that you can catch him spinning for FREE on any given Friday night at the BAM cafe. Makes me proud to be a member of BAM. The cafe is spacious, modern, cool and is always filled with a diverse, fun crowd. It is the kind of place that restores my love for Brooklyn (when everything else seems to be changing into an unfamiliar place). Some of the acts are a little strange, but always talented and entertaining enough. Other acts are simply top-notch, and again, shockingly free. It's a great place to go after or before a movie, on a date, or with tourists who want to see a little slice of Brooklyn. The menu is limited - bar menu - but everything is delicious. Specialty drinks are also very tasty. Great service. My only tip: get there early if you want a seat. read more

I love BAM and I love the BAM Cafe. It's a great spot worth checking out. As other users have said it's just stunning and the free shows - fantastic! read more

With every business there are goods and bads... unfortunately this iconic, historical place ,a place that is the first arts center in the United States, has more bad than goods.... I will never say that BAM as a whole is bad. It is one of the great institutions of this country and more importantly a lasting staple of Brooklyn. They are definitely heading in the wrong direction. I went to a free Jazz show in the BAM cafe' Sat December 8 2012 ( the Band was outrageously good-Urbnergy is their name GREAT JAZZ BAND) . The building stunning, the Cafe', superb as for the aesthetics. Food hey , I have one word that can describe the taste of the food delicious. Yes it was. The BAM burger moist(not worth 15.00) , the meat did not taste old, fries did not feel like they were sitting in oil for hours, braised short ribs soft falling apart and tasty(definately not worth 28.00), crab cakes... well, I can get a thesauruses and go on forever and tell you how good the food was. You may ask than where is the bad? Menu, unknown, service horrible, prices ridciulous,portions childlike. Here is the problem BAM is a ARTS CENTER not a restaraunt/cafe....They have NO RIGHT doing what they are doing there. They are not geared for it properly. They NEED to stick to what they know ARTS..... This being said am I saying close down the cafe? Absolutely not. Get rid of the restaurant menu type food that requires, menus,cooks,waiters,etc.... do what they have been built for. Intermissions a quick drink,snack and that's it. Keep the free shows (ARTS) in the cafe and limit the area to drinks and light snacks products, again NO "FOOD". Reasons: Dinner menu/Bar menu YES two different menus, great right? More to choose from a heavy entree or lighter bar food....WAAAAAAIIIIIIITTTTTT stop put on the breaks, that does not mean you can choose off of both. It means after 8pmish they will not let you order from the Dinner Menu.....WAAAAAAIIIIIITTTTTT the bar menu does not start till 9pmish...so here's the deal make a 730 reservation for 12, be told you have two different menus to order from, than find out when you get there yeah but you can not order off those two menus at the same time you have to sit here and starve if you don't want to order off the dinner menu and wait for the 9pmish "bar menu" to start. That makes no sense. Ask for a pitcher of water to be left at the table, so the waiter does not have to run back and forth and we wait 12 minutes for a water...get told it's in use...HUH? Yes the ONE pitcher they have there, IS OUT IN USE.....lol...no lie. Get three extra meals brought to your table that you did not order because they can not keep track of the orders.... Get the food WRONG from the food you did order... Forget to bring three meals..... Can not keep up with the demand of customers of a restaurant ( why, BECAUSE IT IS NOT)..... One manager says ok to something and than just forgets to pass it on to the staff doing the work or the staff doing the work just outright lied..... Last reservation is 730 ( respectfully so they do not interrupt the show) but yet you can order food passed 8(ish) or wait till 9(ish) and order from bar menu and than get rushed out ( the whole venue not just us) the SECOND THE SHOW IS OVER Listen I am not sayng the waiter is bad, the runners are bad, I am saying they, BAM cafe', IS NOT GEARED for a restaurant environment. We had a table of 12 and I can most probably assure you they never had to deal with that much at once with FOOD orders.Basically, it overwhelmed the staff. Now if I go on to tell you what the bill was for 12 people you would probably die... Just a hint 3.00 to plate each slice of cake (that we knew about), Charged for every soda including club soda....I will just tell you this for the price they paid for my Bday we were VERY VERY CLOSE(maybe 12 pp difference) to the prices of such places like...Russos on the Bay, Grand Prospect Hall, Gargullios, The Rivera (wedding prices my friends)....with open bar (and no, drinks were not the problem cause only 3 people out of the 12 drank) Get the hint..... Go there enjoy the shows, take in all the different type of Arts and entertainment that BAM showcases and provides us with....embrace the history of BAM and support it, but, do not do what I did and think you are going for a nice dinner and enjoy a show after wards, do your family, friends and self a favor and DO NOT think about going with a real "dinner" or dinner experience in mind Please do not let this mistake of theirs ruin how you feel about the shows and BAM as a whole. I know for me and mine, LONG TIME residents of Brooklyn ( long as in lifetime, bred, born and raised here) will NEVER attend BAM cafe' for a complete night out will Only come for the music and shows. Good luck read more

Like coming here. It's a sophisticatedly and creatively decorated; dining and theater viewing makes sense all together. Perfect venue to hang out and meet friends. read more

Check this S@#t out ! Free music on the weekend with a full bar in downtown Bk! Getting a drink is as easy as getting an HJ in the meatpacking district thanks to the fully staffed bar. Even if the music is awful, Erin and her Bass, you'll still have a good time soaking in the glowing ambiance. The food is tasty and their Jalapeno infused Margaritas will make you scream "Odale Guey! Vamos a la luna!" It's tough to find a seat because it's free but that won't hold you back from some decent people watching. read more