Bembe is one of those places. If you know, you know -- and if you don't, you should fix that immediately. Tuesday nights? Reggaeton goes crazy. The room is moving, the energy is right, and it feels like a real party instead of a playlist on shuffle. Friday nights with the live drums? Different level. That's when Bembe really shows its roots. The drums add this raw, authentic feel that turns the whole night into an experience instead of just a bar stop. Now let's talk drinks -- because this one deserves its own moment: The tequila with the lime dipped in coffee grounds is surprisingly delicious. I wasn't expecting it to work... but it absolutely does. Must-drink. Non-negotiable. This is a place to dance, drink, sweat a little, and leave feeling like you actually went somewhere. Bathroom Review (2 out of 4) Safety - Bouncer presence helps a lot. You feel secure moving back there. Accessibility - Easy enough to get to, no maze or weird hallway journey. Space - Bathrooms are small and tucked way in the back. Gets cramped fast. Privacy - Sinks are outside the bathrooms, which kills the privacy a bit when it's packed. read more

Where to start with Bembe... reimagined from years ago... not the Bembe that Dj Gringo cultivated through the years but a new vibe with Reggae/dancehall, afrobeats and other themed nights. Music is always good, sometimes a couple decades back as they dig in the crates and nostalgic dancehall plays... the service is always attentive and the female bartenders are always friendly... my fave drinks are the passionfruit margarita or the rum punch either one will do you just right. The real vibe starts a little late for the weeknight events... so be prepared to lose some sleep before work... always a vibe.. always safe and a staple in the Williamsburg communityfor Caribbean. read more

Delaceiba cookin' up the dope vibes! Came out to see the DJ, Delaceiba, and he did not disappoint! The energies he provided kept the party MOVIN'. I loved that there were congas by the ready for a quick jam sesh! My only gripe was the drinks. My first drink was an "old fashioned" and it had a bunch of raw coarse sugar at the bottom. It actually looked like a Long Island iced tea, so I'm not sure what it was. It was a bit loud, so maybe they misunderstood my order. My second drink seemed accurate, and was just fine. Anyway, I'd definitely hit this spot up again, especially if Delaceiba is in the house. Much much love Bembe! read more

Bembe - Bembe!!! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

So glad that Bembe reggae Tuesdays are back! I used to frequent the spot on a regular basis years ago on Tuesdays for reggae night. This spot is a vibe, just go and see for yourself. It gets very crowded as the night goes on, I suggest going early. I arrived around 10 o'clock and it was pretty empty, crowd started coming in around 10:30. By 12:30 it was packed. Mixed crowd, people actually dance, really good music. read more

Bembe - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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So fun!! My sister and I are obsessed with Bembe. Such an experience hearing great music with live drums. The sweetest staff and always consistent. Can't wait for our next visit. read more

My friend earned a well-deserved new role at a new company with a promotion. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than for us to just dance our faces off! I'd walked by this venue in the past and always liked the music, so I suggested it, and according to him, I chose well. When we walked in, they were playing salsa (?) and I was amazed to see a live percussionist in front of the DJ! It was one of the coolest things I've seen at a club. Everyone was dancing and the atmosphere was just so nice. People from all walks of life were present, so when the music vacillated between salsa, reggae, Afrobeat, dancehall, Amapiano, Reggaeton, and some hip-hop, there was some thing for everyone in there to dance to. The bongos synchronized with the music at him crazy good flair. I ordered pineapple juice and tequila. It wasn't yummy but I think all non-Champagne/Wine alcohol is disgusting, so that's my faultI did not drink it. I had a blast dancing here and will totally be back! read more

Bembe - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Gets very crowded in here. Difficult to even move around. They should really limit the people that can be inside. It was really hot. Bartender was really unfriendly and they charged $3 per bottle for Poland Spring. They do not offer NYC tap water and they should with people drinking. It really says a lot about a business. I paid to get into the establishment and I should be able to have a glass of water. The bathrooms were clean and the security staff was attentive. I did feel safe here. I give them five stars for this. People do get very close to the stairs when it's packed and this could be a safety issue. The staff in the front were very rude. read more

I ended up here after a late dinner and really ready to go home after a pretty good date. If you know me, you know I always want to dance! I'm dancing in my seat at the table, the bar, in the corner, walking, in the car...you get the picture. LOL The guy earned major points b/c I was in heaven! If you like all things Lagin music you will not be disappointed. My date was surprised that my salsa wasn't that stiff looking dance, but it was on 2, and that could follow his lead. The space is not too big, and we went on a Thursday night in the summer in our gym wear finest, lol. I know his Nike shorts paired with my leggings and back out shirt made for an okay entry. LOL If I had to guess the number of people inside, I would say 35- 40, and that was cool with me. I hate when a place is so crowded you can't dance. Drinks were great for me, especially when you use Hendricks for my gin and tonic w/o me requesting it. However, I believe they might be over $15. I'm sure it's b/c there wasn't a cover. I will definitely be back! Not sure if it will be with the same guy but only time will tell...lol read more

I checked my coat and they stole my AirPods and my fenty lip gloss. What kind of bums work at this establishment and who steals this day and age like fr??? Way too crowded and the dj was lousy as usual. I said I wouldn't go back but I went with some close friends and we were very disappointed. New management, more bouncers, better bartenders and if yall need a good dj PLEASE let me know because idk what tf was playing but it was trash. We left upset, robbed, and we won't be going back but we will be spreading the word to avoid this place. read more

FIVE STARS ACROSS THE BOARD Good drinks, Great prices, Live music, Eclectic atmosphere. A classic. Good to see them back again after a short hiatus. Intimate settings, banging DJs a great place to hang out. "Cute" ambiance quiet or packed read more

Return of a classic! The legendary Bembe is open once again. After 2.5 years of silence.. it rises! This spot was holding down south side williamsburg before the brunch crowd and your friends from LA. A latin spot with some of the best music for salsa/reggaeton. It had a stigma of being extremely small and packed (and lit) but a little renovation has drastically increased the size of the dance floor There are also live musicians with various instruments adding to the sound. Sometimes full bands as well (atleast I hope they bring that back too). There is a cover on weekends, but thankfully they take cards now lmao To more good times team! Congrats read more

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Fantastic music keeps the dancing HOT. Great atmosphere, nice drinks. My ten friends and I were visiting from Indiana for my birthday and arrived as soon as it opened. Haha, got there too early, but we had the place to ourselves for a bit. Nice ambiance before it gets packed, as well. read more

Bembe - Entry door. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Def miss the old Bembe .... the new bembe always turns into the same thing versus the themes they use to hold ..

Great ambience, The live music was amazing. The atmosphere was astonishing. The drinks were good & strong. I had a caipirinha. Looking forward to going back soon. read more

Bembe - a woman sitting in front of a brick wall - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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it's really just not that fun, music sucks, can't vibe, staff is rude, weird crowd, just don't love it at all, huge cover for no reason

OK -- truth be told, I haven't been here in... over a decade. But it was always one of my very fav places in NYC and I miss it terribly. Planning to be back soon! Some of the best music EVER and just the best vibe. Sounds like it hasn't lost any of its charm since its reopening. The only downside for me is that it's gotten so popular... now it takes some planning ahead if you're like me and LOVE TO DANCE... means you need to get there early so you're not crushed by the crowd. read more

Nice sound system, intimate and always a fun vibe in south Williamsburg. The live instruments and singing elevate the usual dj experience. The place fills up but never too hard to order at the bar. read more

Me and my friend recently came here to wrap up our night on a Friday. The crowd was mixed, which we LOVE! We are a group of Hispanic women who love a crowd of beautiful different people, but the music was just confusing. I can't talk about the drinks as I didn't personally have one, but this review is more for the vibe than anything. Now you're probably wondering what happened with the music, and the answer is nothing, and that's the problem! We walked in, and there was a salsa song playing again. We LOVE Spanish music, but this music played for 2 hours, and my feet could not bare to salsa dance anymore. If you can salsa dance for hours, I inspire to be you, but I could know. There needs to be a more diverse music section. Oh, one more negative was the cover fee. I don't know when they start that, but it's about $10 per person. Overall, we will be back to ensure we can have a feel for the entire experience. read more

Can't tell you how lucky we were to find this place. It was their second night opening back up after a long break. Great drinks. Great vibes, and both the DJ and drummer were only in town for a short time. $25 cover but well worth it. A safe space with a responsive security person making sure guys weren't being pushy and creepy, and the one I saw doing that got kicked out quickly. The other patrons were kind and everyone was too busy dancing to be impolite. Truly a vibe. I hope to be able to come back the next time I visit BK. read more

Great vibes! Great Afro /Latin music. DJ plus live music was amazing and unique. The place was a bit too small and over crowded but the music was literally fire!!! read more

Amazing cocktails and ambiance. Everyone is so friendly. The music is always amazing. Highly recommend when in WB.

This is the best for dancing but it's tiny so it gets crowded quickly. Come early and enjoy the dance floor all to yourself before the crowds descend. It's a mixed crowd that loves to move and the DJs are always on point. read more

The music and venue is awesome Fills up fast so get ready to bump and grind for real I would advise to go early if you would like space to actually dance read more

Bembe - Ceiling - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I've been getting my bump and grind at Bembe on and off for 10yrs. Back when the downstairs was open. Yeah, that long ago. Everything about Bembe is just right if all you want is to have a good time. Here are some tips so that your visit to Bembe is enjoyable: ~Show up early (before 11:30) Otherwise, you will deal with a line. ~Ladies carry as little as possible. There's no space for coats, bags, or anything. ~Don't wear high heels, the floors are uneven and it is dark (you've been warned). ~Leave your inhibitions at the door! This place is very small and you will be touching many bodies whether it's unwillingly or willingly. I prefer the latter. So let loose and bust some moves. This is the place where you come to shake your ass, play drums and throw down shots. You'll have plenty of options to pick from to dance. Is refreshing to be in a tight room with a mixed crowd of people. The music is very diverse as well. You'll get everything you want, and more to dance to your heart's desire. If you want to have THE best time at Bembe... don't bring sand to the beach! It is great to come in here and dance with whoever you like without being attached to one particular person all night. If you are not single, you will be jealous of those who are... just saying. Don't judge those people that you'll see tonguing each other down like savages. I think it is the mix of alcohol, the heat, and the music that makes them do it. Live and let live. BE WARNED; The lights are turned ON without a notice a quarter before closing time. Bump and grind at your own risk. read more

I felt like I was home in the Caribbean, Jamrock to be more specific, scanting out in one of those shebeens that I love oh so much. "AYE MON! " I was there on reggae Tuesday and there was no cover charge. Don't forget your ID. It's tiny but much better for rubbing up butt to butt (dancehall style) under the sweet influence of Busy Signal (artiste) without having the title pervert attached to you. ***GRINS*** Here's what you should lose at the door: Inhibition Pride Fancy dress Vanity Makeup Coat (leave in the car if it's not too cold out) Here's what Bembe will replace the above with once you're inside: Happiness New dance moves Sweat Laughter Drinks Eye candy Sing-a-long and many more that leads to FUN FUN FUN! I can't wait to go back...I can't wait to try the other nights. The End. read more

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The place is TINY but the music is great. A bit hard to dance as you are pretty much shoulder to shoulder with everyone else trying to dance. Bartenders are great. Decent beer options. Cocktails were pretty good. The floor did open up as the night went on. I had a good time there. Just be prepared for a crowded room. read more

I've been here a couple of times before and I seriously always have a damn good time. The place is tiny so know that now. It's like as small as your typical studio apartment.. lol the line outside goes quick. Ladies are always free as well as couples. Single men have to pay $20. This places was packed. I mean their was room to dance but not much. The DJ was playing so many Caribbean hits. I personally love all the salsa music and how every single person is dancing the night away. It was great. I don't really drink so I can't comment on the quality ofdrinks. But the bar was packed. I'll be back. Check this place out if you're looking to dance! read more

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Whenever I am in the area I would pop in because the music here is really good and the vibes but I have to divorce Bembe until they invested into some real-estate. For what they are trying to do with this place and the size it's simple not workable at all I mean the $10 fee is not a problem at all for the level of music and vibes this place has with the right size place they can easily charge $20 at the door. If they one day get a sizable place man it will be the goto place I will be back ASAP, but the long lines just to get in and before you know it you have to exit in less than 10 minutes because floor space is none existent. In closing from someone who loves the vibes of this place, I hope you find a decent size place soon both me and your fans are all rooting for you to do so. read more

Great music but tiny space. I felt claustrophobic at some point. I wish they had bigger space and more air. read more

I got here at 8pm but it was closed. They open around 8:30-8:45pm is what I was told. We didn't get charged so I'm not sure after what time they start charging entrance fee at the door. Anyways my friend and I sat at the bar all night and as time passed it got really and I mean really packed!! Wow! First time here and this place was really poppin. The music was great, they played a little bit of everything. Our bartender was cool...(Mirella was her name I believe). The bathrooms are tiny (only two) but I went a couple of times and didn't have to wait. Plus there was a bouncer by the bathrooms at all times I liked this place and had a good time but like some reviews said you can't really dance as the evening progresses because it gets so packed. We were glad we got there early and got the seats at the bar. We hung out and drank till 2:30am and decide to head out. It was still super lit !! I believe they are open till 4am. Have fun!!! read more

We came here Saturday night because we were looking for a Latin music place to dance. Not a surprise there was a line outside to get in and we had to wait a little bit, this is NYC so this was somewhat expected. You couldn't see anything in the inside while queuing and when it was our turn we were charged a $10 cover (also kinda expected). What was upsetting really was that once inside it was sooo packed, it was like rush hour on the subway when your body basically moves with the mass of people. This is for sure breaking the limit of people by law allowed in the club, and just impossible to stay in. I mean I don't expect to have a seat to chill but I felt it was a rip-off to charge a cover and then not provide the minimum environmental conditions. Will never come back. read more

Sexy people good vibes cool place to chill and have a drink and dare i say turn up on a Monday night!!! Wow read more

Small club that packs in a big crowd. With coat check through the narrow dance floor and in the back, I definitely struggled to get back there. It was packed and just about everyone was dancing. DJ Wisdom was rocking world beats that night, while a drum circle pounded away in front of the DJ booth. As packed as it was, the crowd had great energy. All good vibes here. read more

Bembe - DJ Wisdom - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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very fun and chill atmosphere would totally go back for the delicious sour beer and live music :) read more

This club is very nice. If you're over 21 and willing to dance and have safe fun. Then this is the place to be. Age is only a number enjoy. read more

Bembe - AfroBeats at Bembe, I was told that their Mojitos are the best in the NYC. For the women this is a great place to meet guys! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Terrible! They steal your drinks, just grab your drinks and throw them out. This happened twice to me and my friends that night and other people at the bar as well. Sneaky way to get people to buy more drinks. Worse part is that when you ask the bartender about it she right away accuses you of trying to get free drinks. Just Run away from this place! read more

My favorite Wednesday place to go. AFROBEAT every Wednesday The cocktails are so damn good Caphirinia, mojito to name a few. But the vibe is so chill. Bartender Cuthy is a bartender Brooklyn favorite and the dj kills it. I Love this place read more

I came to Bembe to DANCE. OK that was a lie. And if you've ever seen me dance, (1) you knew that and (2) I apologize. Hopefully your eyes have recovered fully. But I hear that that's what most people end up at Bembe to do, and I believe it, because I've never been so impressed by music I was unfamiliar with. And the DJ hadn't even arrived yet. We were planning to eat dinner down the street, and after putting our names on the lengthy waitlist, we wandered into Bembe to grab a drink. It was around 7:30, and the place was completely empty except for the lovely bartender, Jules. She muddled me a magnificent mojito, mixed my date a margarita and told us a bit about Bembe. They've been around for several years, and they are definitely known for the wall-to-wall people party that picks up after the percussionist arrives around 11. Afterward, she left us alone to chat. The music was awesome, and the vibe warm and comfortable...there's even a hammock strung up in the middle of the room. I'm kind of curious to see how it plays into the dance party. Perhaps Bembe is an amazing place to dance and lose yourself in the music (the moment you own it, I'd recommend that you never let it go) with a hundred other people, but for me it was the perfect pre-dinner drink spot with just one. read more

Basically, this is as close as you can get to a Caribbean vacation on a random Thursday night for under $20! Pros: 1. Live Caribbean music (mix of samba, salsa, reggae) 2. Fun crowd 3. Easy to find parking 4. Cheap/shady ATM outside Cons: 1. CASH BAR!! 2. Smell of hash in the air 3. Shady entrance Come get drunk with a group of people or bachelorettes and don't wear your best outfit because you will get sweaty bc the place is tiny..so get comfortable with your bar neighbors. It's a really mixed crowd, people are extremely friendly, and pass on the jungle juice if you like alcohol in your drinks. read more

Love this place, probably one of it's kind in NYC. Been coming here for a while now, always a good spot. The best thing about this spot is the diverse music and crowd. They play everything from Caribbean,Brazilian,Reggae music with just a hint of pop music.The music along with live drummer gives this place such an awesome environment. Just beware it gets really crowded on weekends so one will have difficulty finding place to dance. Drinks are great too specially the rum punch and coconut drink which is basically a coconut vodka and fresh coconut water, with chunks of real coconut in there. It's such a refreshing, delicious, and strong drink. It gets pretty sweaty in there but its an awesome crowd with such a unique diverse mix of people from all over the world.Live drummers jamming out, between & with the D.J add to much more fun. FYI - Guys are 10 bucks on weekends after 10.30 on weekends and the bar is cash only. read more