I am so glad that I changed my mind last minute and came here for some after dinner fun! The thing is, you might have to know about this place to actually find it. The exterior is discrete and you would totally miss it. But once inside, you step into another world ;-) A world that is warm, and welcoming. They have many wonderful African statues displayed in various area along the bar. Also, there are drums placed close to the DJ booth. Too bad no one was jamming on the drums ;-( They make some fun cocktails, here's the run down: Caprinha - decent size and solid Mojito - excellente! Dulce Moreno - tequila shot with a chocolate-dipped lemon Punch - didn't try it, but I am assuming rum punch Capeta - frozen slushy that looked good, but I ain't into slush The music was a mix of Afro-Cuban, some reggae, and cumbia. It was a really fun evening. Would love to go back and just DANCE my tooshie off ;-) read more

Most of my experience here was '07 - '08 but I returned May 2015 and was a little worried that they may have fallen off as it was pretty empty. I remember it being so packed you had to switch up your dance style because of the tight crowd. But if you are loving the music and you love to dance, you will make it work. That's part of the unique appeal about this place--it prevented dance floor show-offs because of the tight space lol. I decided to make the most of it that night (May 2015) and really enjoyed the music and eventually started dancing anyway because it was a great selection. Then the most wondrous thing happened..a live band came in and played their hearts out like it was nobody's business! My spirit and body rejoiced to their rhythmic sounds by dancing like it was nobody's business! They brought it out in me. Sure enough, I had not even realized that the place was filling up and had become packed until I found myself sharing the dance floor with many. I had a great time!!! And I believe it was on a random weekday night. So I am not sure if this review will give you what you need.... but it will set your level of expectation that every single night may not start out bumpin' but give it a shot by sticking around for a while, take matters into your own hands and have fun anyway, this is the perfect place for it! read more

Love this place. Good music! Awesome, laid back vibe. So different from partying in Manhattan. RUMPUNCH is pretty awesome. Crowd is completely unpretentious and all about the dancing. Hell yeaaaa. No chicks in crazy tight dresses and ridiculous high heels here. Sign me up! Seriously, I came here with a shirt, shorts & gladiators in the summer. Uhm, still got hit on. ha. AND danced.... a lot. I suggest coming here with someone (or people) who actually like to dance otherwise they'll just look like cornballs at the bar glaring at people who are actually having fun. Those people are always so weird, right? Oh... you're that person? Ma bad. My only problem is the area is desolate as sh*t. CREEPS. Good place though. read more

They stole from me. I checked my coat and when I got it back personal items were missing. I'll never go back again. I feel violated. Terrible experience and I wouldn't advise anyone to trust them with any personal items. I'm considering reporting them to the police. read more

- likely to meet new people - mentionable drinks - a favorite of my Williamsburg friends - not my cup of tea - sweaty, crowded and loud read more

Bembe is so much fun! The music is amazing. They play a lot of Latin music which makes you want to dance the night Away. I went on a Friday night and there was also people playing drums along to the music. I ordered caipirinha and margarita. Both good and strong. The vibe there is very chill which I enjoy. The place is small so it's worth getting there early. If you need a fun laid back place with good music to dance all night to come here! read more

Bembe - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Oh Bembe! This is hands down my favorite dance spot in all of Brooklyn. The mojitos are very strong, tasty and cheap. I think I paid $7 during peak night time on a weekend. The music is great! It's a mixture of reggae, Latin, and some old school hip hop and classic songs mixed in. Now imagine all of this music to the beats of live hand drums. The crowd is very diverse and I would recommend to dress down. People are there more for the music and to have a great time. The space is very small. It gets super crowded around 12:30am so be prepared to sweat. If your looking for a low key vibe, cheap drinks, great music then I would totally recommend this spot! read more

I have been to Bembe so much, I can picture it in my sleep. As one of the first places that I visited upon turning 21 in Williamsburg, I thought this place was great. However after roaming around the city, I have discovered far better. I love the music, it is definitely energetic and gets everyone on their feet. With that being said, the place is as big as a one-room apartment (they have an entire basement space that they aren't opening up for some unknown reason). I remember reading a review where someone mentioned that everyone is "packed in like sardines" and that is exactly accurate after 11:30 or midnight. Another thing that keeps me away from this place is that the crowd is much older, and not as diverse as I'd like to see (but that part comes from individual taste in music and how many people desire to find a place good for dancing.) So here are my pros and cons summarized: Pros: -Ladies- NO COVER -Cheap(er) Drinks than most other bars in Williamsburg -Music- Energetic and lively (great to dance to) Cons: - Small Space -Slightly older crowd -Only cash accepted at the bar Overall, if you are looking for a great place to dance IN WILLIAMSBURG specifically, this would be the place to go since I have yet to find any better options. read more

Bembe - I don't really remember the name. It's called Malibu something but it's delicious!!! And was $8-9 - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Amazing music. Go hear if you want to dance, dance, dance! Very tight space, but you still have room to move.

I've been going to Bembe since I turned 21, so about 9 years now. This place was super inclusive in terms of social-economics. Anybody could get in for free, buy some drinks and dance the night away. But in a recent couple of years, it's becoming like a club in downtown Manhattan where the brother and sister (who own the spot) are at the door haggling and charging $20 per guy to get in and about $5-$10 for women. I went last weekend, handed $5 to the woman at the door, she snatched it out my hand, looked at the bill and just said go in. The man told the three guys my friend and I we were with, "someone has to pay $20 and the rest can pay $5. You can take it or leave it." I want to remind Bembe that this was originally a community spot where everyone and anybody go on in and have fun and hear Afro-Caribbean music. I understand you have to pay rent and all of that but it's starting to feel like you're more concerned about hustling money out of us than really be about this mission and respecting those who have been supporting your business for over a decade. I absolutely love Bembe but I am sad to see what direction you guys have gone into. Also, when I first started going to this place, downstairs was always open; now it's mostly used for coat check. Why is that? That's why the upper floor is always packed. read more

We showed up between 2-3am on a sat nite/sun morn and had a helluva time after leaving All Right Baby (that really was the name of the place we were partying @). Quite a small place, but they make it happen here. Raggae music was rocking, people were there playing instruments and peeps were dancing their asses off. Great crowd here as everyone was enjoying life and each other. Very dark inside which is cool because you can grab someone and get your dance on! Good spot and hella fun! read more

DANCE...DANCE I SAY.... Okay L loves this place and suggested to come here for our Ladies' Night Brooklyn-rama. I guess, we didn't have the problem of getting in here since we were all girls. So we met up with L inside and everyone was dancing except A and Y. I guess it's just not their kind of scene or music. I usually prefer hip hop but hey I can be down with whatever if you're with the right people and had the right amount of alcohol. This place got jammed pack quick and everyone is so easy going and just all love. Don't come here if you're a chair warmer or a wall flower... No drama in Brooklyn...just fun! P.S The drinks here are STRONG! Someone didn't want to take shots, so we ended up choosing a pansy shot like a lemon drop for her to do. I usually think lemon drops taste like candy but this one got all of us making faces. It definitely wasn't a pansy shot. read more

The music, the vibe, the live musicians, the people. #earthy #rhythmic I'd say it's perfection no matter how small it is. Totally a great time where everyone dances and I generally find a more mature crowd here which is super nice. read more

I took off a star cause it's a cash bar. smh. Overall a nice chill spot. Drinks good, music good, DJ poppin. Ladies and gents, this is a perfect place for a date: after dinner come here to dance and enjoy each other. Nice little sneak spot... *wink* oh drinks are good too read more

This is really a nice spot in Williamsburg. I was there on Saturday. It was extremely hot and ridiculously packed, I mean it was packed to the point that you could barely move or find a spot to dance without rubbing elbows with someone. They should probably have a limit at some point to make it comfortable for everyone and safe. They say there is a coat check but I did not see one on the main floor, maybe it was downstairs. The music was on point, they had Spanish music for a while and eventually mixed in reggae and house and some non popular music. The drinks were not weak like at most spots you visit. There is a seating to. I had a good time overall, come here if you just want to vibe out and dance. Last Note- Ladies were free and Guys were charged 10 at the door. read more

I only go to Bembe on Tuesday for Reggae Tuesdays and honestly it's a cool out spot. Free entrance, decent music- although the DJ sometimes mix w/ 2 left feet, its a cool spot. I usually go w/ my homegirl and we always have a good time! jokes all night... Drinks are good, ppl cool, and free entrance Lol! It can get very crowded though and HOT in the summer time, so be ware. In the winter time, there's no coat check--just some hooks, maybe 3 on the pole by the bar, but hey whatever.... I'm not too fond of the restroom area...where you wash ur hands etc--there's no light...VERY dark...a chic can't even make sure her lipgloss is intact lol but hey it is what it is.... read more

I went here in 2001 when they first opened. Amazing space and as a Native NY'r, this was the only place I ever found that played World music and celebrated all Cultures. No other club ever had such a diversity of people in one room. A true NYC icon. Some of the best Dj sets I ever heard were spun here and I worked in NYC nightlife for 15 years. Sadly I moved for work just before covid and didn't get a chance to visit. I heard that they are going to reopen soon..... Sending all the Bembe family good vibes. Please come back soon .. there is no other place like Bembe ! read more

Bembe - Dance Clubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I still can't believe that this place is closed & isn't opening back up. This used to be my FAV SPOT to hang out on weeknights like Tuesday or Wednesday after I got off work. Tuesday was Reggae/Dancehall & Soca & Wednesday was Afrobeats night with a splash of soca. It wasn't that big so sometimes it could be too crowded but if you came there often enough you would know the best times to arrive & leave, the crowd was always fun & live for the most part DJ Nenim on Wed was good along with thr Tue night djs, no cover charge unless it was a holiday & the drinks was reasonably priced. I rarely even go out anymore but if this legendary spot opened back up I would make an exception and come here every other week. Oh and the security was mad cool and on point with handling situations. R.I.P. to this legendary spot it was worth the long trips back to the BX on most nights lol read more

Cool place. I was here last Saturday and had a great time. Very tiny, so dancing here can be challenging, but the music is original and the live percussions add a cool touch to it. Drinks are not expensive and people seem to be nice enough...did not notice weirdos or annoying drunks while I was there. The temperature gets pretty high, so prepare yourself to some serious sweating! Sexy vibe and world feel. Recommended. read more

How many times is enough, going somewhere, until you can finally say, yep this is it? Honestly, for Bembe ONCE was enough, yet it has taken countless trips and a little mid-COVID reminiscing for me to finally lament on this gem! I'll keep it short and sweet: when places are a thing again, THIS is the place to go. The crowd is JUST big enough, the music is JUST hip enough, and the atmosphere is unbeatable in all of NYC if you have an itch to move! Go early or expect to stand in line, but know that it will be well well worth it! read more

Creeps galore! These guys are clearly regulars. Came here with my girlfriend on a Tuesday night for her 30th birthday. We just wanted to dance and have a good time but there were so many guys who were just trying to grab us it just made the experience uncomfortable. We still managed to have a decent time, glad I gave it a try. 4 STARS for the DJ! Music was great, atmosphere is chill, the room is super SMALL and dark. Floors are uneven. Ladies, don't bother to wear heels! read more

I can't imagine how people come here regularly. My first visit was several years ago. We came on a Wednesday evening so it was not packed at all. My second visit I came with my friends. We endured the loooooonnnnggg line only to learn that there was a cover charge AND they were a cash only bar. I totally wish that we were aware of these minor inconveniences in advance. That's not even the worst part. It was so packed in there. The music was great but there's hardly any room to move. This was extremely disappointing. So much so that we ended up leaving after maybe 40 minutes on line and 30 minutes inside. We ended up salvaging the rest of our girls night out by going to OTB (which i highly recommend). read more

I was really excited when Peter D. posted a review of Bembe since I was looking for a new spot to hang out while in NYC. However, I was rather disappointed with the place, after all the stellar reviews I read. Perhaps their Sundays are their laid back nights, which wasn't an issue. The bartender didn't seem that friendly, considering it was pretty early in the night. And the mojitos we got were nothing to rave about; they were pretty bad. There was a jazz band performing which was a nice surprise, but all of their music sounded the same after the first 3 or so songs. All in all, it wasn't crowded which was nice. But some couples in the corners were definitely in PDA mood; next time get a room guys. So I was disappointed in my visit, but I still loved the atmosphere. I may come back on a return visit as long as its a busier night! read more

I been here many times and it never disappoints. This is a Brazilian lounge that plays a mix of music. The crowd is also very mix which is why I love Williamsburg. The drinks are reasonable prices however they only take cash. Their only downfall is that the place is not that big and when they don't open the downstairs it can get very crowded. read more

Checked this place out for my brother's birthday at the beginning of summer. I'd give it 5 stars for how fun it was, the awesome vibe and for its music but less stars for how long it took for them to let us in. I hate when places give you a time and are way off... if you say 15-20 minutes, stick to it! It was definitely at least 45 minutes before they actually let us in. However, once we were inside... totally worth it. I loved the Spanish and reggae. Amazing live drummers really added to the vibe too. Definitely packed but if you expect anything less, then it's not a good spot and you shouldn't come! Loved that it was a diverse crowd. Drinks were reasonably priced. Would love to come back here! read more

Great music, perfect place for Dancing. All though a bit close spaced the crowd is always fun and know how to have great time. Yummy drinks as well. read more

This place is a little cramped but it had amazing vibes! Loved the music. It's cash only though, struck me as REALLY weird. Recommend coming at 11 PM, that's when it really gets jumping. They played soca music too! read more

I think I got jumped at this place? Still can't believe it, Tuesday night and a couple of girls attacked me because they said I took their jacket (mine btw). First, they scratched up my face, and grabbed me by my shirt neckline. The security guard tried to pull us apart WHILE the girl had a grip on my shirt. By now, I'm choking and shirt rips off my shoulders in front of everyone. I have never felt so unexpectingly humiliated my entire life, and the security didn't do ANYTHING with those girls. He kicked ME out and refused to tell me his name (found out later through police that his name is Rafael). Here's where it gets worse. When I got outside, I called the cops. Out of no where, the girls sneak up from behind and start punching the back of my head. I'm pushed onto the ground and once they're done, they bail. BOTH SECURITY GUARDS WATCHED AND DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. In fact, there was another security guard (Chris) that focused all his energy on holding my boyfriend back!! So what, you want someone to just watch his girlfriend get attacked?! Are you kidding me? They didn't even let him follow the girls' location with the cops on the phone, asking him to follow them! I don't know if these psychotic girls are regulars at this bar, but the "security guards" definitely have their back. Extremely shady cowards - can't even tell me their names lol. Luckily there are cameras outside, so I am following up with the owner to see if they will reveal footage of this incident. We'll see if they try to cover it up... All I can suggest is stay away from this place if you care about your body and basic safety. The crazies gather here, and the useless "security" probably loves it. I left scratched up, bruised up, sore, violated and really annoyed about my ripped up clothes. Lol just overall terrible. read more

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Went here on a Saturday night at around 12-12:30. The line was crazy but def worth the wait. Couples and females get in for free, but guys generally pay $20 cover charge when it's packed. Music was soca, reggae, and heavy heavy Spanish music- as well as Afrobeats. Drinks are average priced (not too expensive), my cranberry vodka was $9. Guys here aren't too aggressive and there's a solid guy to girl ratio. I was recommended to come here by two locals in the area if I wanted to dance and liked reggae and Spanish music. They don't play much dancehall the night I was there. read more

Really cool place to go on weekends for a night of dancing. Mixed crowd. Cover fee at door,$5

This is my favorite dance spot in the city. Whenever an out of town friend is visiting, hands down, this is where I take them. You can get a "mystery drink," play the bongo drums or just dance 'til the break of dawn. It is unpretentious, there's no cover and I've met a lot of cool people there. The crowd is really mixed on the weekend, which I find to be rare at small clubs. Music is mostly Latin and Reggae, but it depends on what night you go. read more

Came here recently for a friend's birthday party. I arrived around 10pm and it was not too crowded. By 11-11:30 the place was jam packed with all types of people. Yes, there will be a few creepers but they are respectful. The music was mostly a DJ and once in a while drummers will play along. As far as drinks- the mojitos are awesome! Lost a star for the small size - there apparently was a downstairs but it was closed. P.S. - Put your dancing shoes on as you WILL look weird if you are not dancing. read more

This place is always a good time, and you just hope not to many people find out and ruin it. The vibe is laid back, unpretentious and has a mix of people, killer djs and random people playing live instruments. If you are into drama, tek weh yuself. read more

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Tuesday nights at Bembe are great!! If you're a fan of reggae music then this is the place to go. Its tiny as all hell but the vibes are nice. Shout out to the bartender who apparently liked me and kept giving me drinks (that i passed on to my friends lol.) Music is on point! I'll be returning. read more

Cuba + Coney Island = How could this not be a good time? I went to Bembe a couple of days after Xmas and felt like I'd circumvented winter. My mojito was perfect (it plus a Johnny Walker Red on the rocks cost $16) & the mood was very laid-back tropical. My fellow commented that it felt like a better version of what Surf Bar aspires to be. I can feel it. The incense is a little much, as is the reggae, but both feel appropriate. I don't think it'll ever top my list of places to go just 'cause, but I'm adding it to the roster for cool spots to introduce to out-of-town guests. Brooklyn has a little slice of everything & that's part of what I love about it. read more

I LOVEEEEEEDD Bembe. So we went on a Wednesday night, which was AfroBeat night and I just had to be there. The DJ was ELITE, he played current and old Afrobeat music. There was a live congo crew who drummed along with the music playing, and the vibes were just on 10. Everything but the fact that the bar only takes cash was nice. It was free entry and a great time, you cant not come on Wednesday night!!! read more

Fun spot and great music for dancing but way way too packed!!! It got super hot inside and we ended up leaving early just to get air.

What's not to love about Bembe? On a Tuesday night it's packed and everyone is dancing. With a mix of music from soca to reggaeton and African it's the perfect place to move your body and meet a stranger. This is my go to dancing spot and I highly recommend read more

Okay place. They charged my group and myself $10 per person around 10 pm on a Saturday. Once inside I attempted to order a drink, the bartender told me they were cash only.... I wish I had known this. I then had to step BACK outside to use the atm that's theirs, that I previously used to pay my entry fee (atm is on the sidewalk). Place is tight, tiny and tight. Live percussion is fun, but to charge $10 for such a tight place, there's so little room to dance everyone's stepping on each other. It's basically just a small bar trying to be a dance club, I'll stay home next time. read more

Really fun vibes and music, I dance the absolute hardest when I'm here. On Fridays they sometimes have a live percussionist which is honestly hit or miss because sometimes it's not in sync and overpowers the DJ. In addition people stop dancing to record for their social media when they start drumming, at least for the first hour in my experience. $10 is a bit much for the tight space but I love coming here regardless. It is important to know that the bar is cash only. Dependent on the bouncer they'll remind you when you're in line. read more