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

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

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

By now it's a well established venue to dance and mingle. Used to be with bunch of locals but not sure how it is today.

LOVE TO DANCE? GET YOUR ASS TO BEMBE. This latin dance spot is a super intimate venue.Think bodies writhing everywhere, people who love to dance and are so good at it that you can't help but watch and imitate . Sick of pretentious clubs with people too busy taking selfies than to appreciate good music, then Bembe is your spot. You can let go of all inhibitions and just shake your booty to some bloody good music. It gets crazy at the weekends and can be a bit too packed ( show up before 11pm), $20 cover charge for men, ladies free. I prefer to go during the week and Thursdays are particularly fun. read more

As soon as I landed to this Paradise I knew I will enjoy it soo much because of the great atmosphere and the people: - Shake it till you break your hips! - The DJ and Drummer keeps you moving! - Music is Awesome!, Loving my Latin Roots, Brazilian Beats, Jamaican reggae, a bit of Hip hop (Ol school, not the new ones). You just can't stop dancing! - Drinks are alright, $ 8.00 for a glass of Cranberry Vodka. - the Crowd is mix, all over the world!. I recommend to arrive before midnight, otherwise do not accuse me for making you wait in line while I'm inside showing my moves. It does get super crowded, so expect people to be a bit pushy. read more

GREAT (non-reggaeton-garbage) MUSIC! strong mojitos! enthusiastic, energetic crowd! oh bembe, you are getting me hot and sweaty just thinking about you. read more

Heard lots of good things about Bembe. That it had a good vibe and was a place to dance. Now I'm no Dancing With The Stars contestant..... I'm saving myself for So You Think You Can Dance, but how could someone realistically dance in here. It's about the size of an apartment. Real narrow, small and people weren't even in the place yet, which was odd because it was already 11 on a Friday night. Music was good and my cocktail was strong. Hung out for a bit but wasn't all that impressed. Maybe it was a slow night but even if people started coming in, where on earth were they going to go? I'd give it another try if the circumstances dictated it but for now, it's just an alright spot. read more

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. read more

In theory this place should be really fun.....but it wasn't. First of all, $10 cover and I don't think it was worth it. Yes there was live music and it was good, but the drinks were way overpriced and the place itself is so small there is nowhere to move let alone dance. I came to dance. I wasn't really able to. Cash only also. Clip joint! Also, there were a lot of pretentious types, which I wasn't really expected. I was hoping for more chill funky vibes as it's world music, Afro beats, drums, etc, was hoping for hippies, and down ppl, but lots of yuppies in their standard Wburg attire not dancing on their Snap story trying to look cool. Def a let down. read more

Bembe is by far my favorite lounge in Williamsburg for dancing. Their music is a great mix of Latin, Hip hop, Reggae, Reggae ton and house. The crowd is mixed; predominately African American. The drinks are cheap and cocktails are always strong! The staff is super friendly and cool. Tips: 1. Admission for ladies are free but $20 for guys. 2. There's an extra floor to dance downstairs. read more

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 read more

Afro caribbean Afro french Afro Brazilian Samba! Samba! Afro cuban - bomba beats, rumba and reggaeton beautiful Panamanian musical delights with dancehall reggae and cumbia and some throw back pop tunes fused in. It gets pretty sweaty in there but its an awesome crowd! Live drummers jamming out, between & with the D.J. Great international mix of people and music. read more

Sweat Box. The reviews made the place sound so charming and exotic, but it was so cramped and small and there were way too many people NOT dancing. GTFO. I've never taken the J, M, Z before and you already know how effed up the trains are during the weekend, so it was a trek. When I first got off the train, felt uneasy walking around in a seemingly ghetto neighborhood in dancing shoes. However, the closer you get to Bembe, the nicer the neighborhood gets. It's actually across the street and down the block from the Peter Luger Steakhouse. So..yes, the music is crazy good, but I was sweating in 5 minutes flat, and half of that time was trying to squeeze my way over to the coat check which is inconveniently located on the far side of the room. Two and a half minutes is a LONG time to cross a room if it would only take 4 seconds when it's empty. My sister and friend and I really tried to make the most of it, but it was just uncomfortable. I would come back because the music was excellent, but I would come suppperrr early (we got there around 11:30p) so I could actually have a chance to dance. read more

***few months ago, late post*** I wanted to love this place but my experience was just blah... I just couldn't get into the music and I love ALL reggae no matter from where...I guess I was expecting a wider verity. Mostly played some hispanic tribal music with drums Etc ... then the ambience was gross ...sweaty and packed. Ppl was on the floor kissing and groping each other. To each its own! Not my type of event. I personally need a little more verity. #Sorrynotsorry This place is is definitely for the wannabe hippie vibes, can't knock it. The wost part was that The drinks just wasn't hitting it for me at all, they were horrible and the blond hair bartender wasn't friendly. I guess she automatically assumed I wouldn't tip? I swear Only in the usa bartenders act this way...any yet I still spent money and tipped #sillyme.... $61 on drinks that did absolutely nothing for me.... Idk maybe I'll try again on another day....maybe not. Yeah...sure won't. read more

The music is good but the place is too crowded. The whole idea of going to this place is to dance but there is not space for that. You may find a little corner but then people will bump into you at all times. If you wanna have a dancing night, this place is hard to do so. They shouldn't let too many people in. read more

We stood in line for quite a while, and random friends of the bouncers kept getting in. Probably over a dozen friends got in, as compared to perhaps 2-3 people from the line. When our turn came up, the bouncer wanted to split our party of 6 (with 5 women) into two, saying he only had space for 3 people inside. This after he let in a dozen friends. He was rude, and didn't even say that we could all go in together. He just said we'd be skipped in line and he'd let people behind us go in. We told him we'd rather go somewhere else, and left. Too much attitude, too much rudeness, too much nepotism. Too much bullshit. I'd rather patronize other places... read more

Probably one of the best DJ's Ive heard in a long time! This place actually surprised me. Who knew that there would be a jam packed, high energy dance club playing dance hall and soca in the middle of williamsburg?? On top of that on a Tuesday night?? The crowd was nice. Plenty of black, white and hispanic women!!!!!!! The only downside is that the place is too small. I left the club at four in the morning with a soaked t-shirt!!!! read more

So the playlist went a little something like this: Aguanile, Brazillian Samba, Kukere, Zombie (by FELA -- Bembe, you get POINTS FOR THAT ONE), En Barenquilla Me Quedo, Action. Unless you plan to drink only water, withdraw cash beforehand. Also, stay away from prom wear because you will be working up a sweat like gym class. I CAME I DANCED I'M COMING BACK read more

This place rocks!!!!!!!!! As soon as I walked in I knew I was in for a blast! Live Samba what else can you ask for!? Also no cover for the ladies! Small venue but it does not get too crowded. I went on a Friday night. The crowd was pretty diverse, everyone seem to be having a great time. They also has this watermelon drink I asked the bartender to put vodka in it and it was delish! Def going back! read more

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When did Bembe become so pretentious? I recall being able to go to Bembe back in the day and have a great time. It use to be a place where you could just let yourself drift away and let yourself believe you were on vacation somewhere tropical for a moment in time. Now. Couples only welcomed. Really? $10 Cover Charge. Really? Make a line. Really? Entitled rude bouncers. Really? Forgetaboutit! 1 star is being generous. read more

"MUCHO!!!!" Or at least that's what I think they were screaming..........??? I'm sure it violates every fire safety law in existence to have that many over enthusiastic drunks+alcohol+ candles all in the same room. I use to think one of the benefits of moving to Brooklyn was I didn't have to travel to the city for nightlife - After Friday I think I'll cough up the extra $20 bucks for a cab. read more

Screw bembe! Been going there now and then for years. 2 weeks ago I was hanging with my buddy and around 2:30 am we've decided to go there for last drink and some reggae music. Nasty dude at the door says $20 each to get it. Really?!! Yeeeeaaars of going there and never heard that BS. $10 is ok, but this place is NOT worth $20 to enter (especially at 2:30am). It's ALWAYS overcrowded and loud inside. This way we've discovered "The Woods" which is just 3 blocks away on South 4th st (between Kent and Wythe). SO MUCH BIGGER with an outside space and they charge $5 to get in. FOCK BEMBE! read more

Best dance party in the Burg, and one of my favorites in the entire city. If you like Latin music but your only dance move is stepping back and forth in a pseudo-Salsa motion or even just flailing around like a white person, don't worry. It won't matter at all because Bembe is more cramped than you could ever imagine. No one will be able to see your butt wiggling (but they might touch it. Can you blame them? You're a babe). Hot, and sweaty and so, so fun. read more

Bembe how I adore you let me count the ways! Although I've been a Brooklynite for close to 2 years I'm ashamed to say that I've only been to Bembe a handful of times, but I'm working to change that since I've never had a bad night there. Ever. Bembe is the place to go if you're tired of the same boring tracks from the radio being played on the dance floor. I can only vouch for Friday & Saturday nights when they're playing an assortment of world, latin, afro & caribbean funk with a dash of afro beat, reggae and old school hip-hop, house & r&b plus there are always people playing live drums & guira. I've heard Thursdays are pretty good as well when they play dancehall soca & reggae, that's not really my scene but I'm sure I'd still have a blast. One thing about Bembe is that you must come prepared to break a sweat, or a bucketful of sweat. I'm usually in the latter category since I dance full throttle and the space is rather small. That's probably the only downside of Bembe, they only have one floor open since the basement has been permanently closed as there is no working exit below & therefore its a fire hazard. I almost wish they would move or expand just so that they could accommodate more people & have more space for dancing. Again I highly reccommend Friday or Saturday nights especially if DJ Petra(http://www.facebook.com/Euphimie?sk=info) or DJ Nappy G (http://www.nappyg.com/) are spinning. Be brave & check it out, you won't regret it. read more

Means what it says... Bembe is an african, tribal rooted "dance". This venue delivers by featuring nights that feature tribal house, reggae, salsa, funk, soul, reggae, brazilian music, and much more. If you want to dance all night in a reasonably friendly and not overpriced atmosphere, then this is the place for you. The only drawback to the place is the size. When they open the downstairs room, you can get plenty of space to dance. However, people are pretty good about giving you your space when youre tearing shit up. My favorite part of the place, besides the music, would be the decor. I'm especially fascinated with the random door up on a wall near the front entrance. If you visit their website, youll find out what they did to put the place together (over seven months of work, with 90% of materials coming from recycled or reused items that were going to be thrown away). Although it's easy to make acquaitances here, I suggest bringing friends. It certainly is a place to have many good memories. I also suggest stealing a few matchbooks. They have a wonderful design. read more

IMPORTANT TIPS - CASH BAR (there is an ATM right outside) and GIRLS - it will get hot - do NOT wear a sweater. Decided to come here after a lovely date night in Brooklyn for some dancing after dinner. Some BK joints can get a bit stuffy and too 'hip' but I LOVED the vibe this place gave off. I am a white lesbian and fit right in! Does not matter where you come from, what color your skin is, and how horrible you dance, you won't feel uncomfortable here. I had 2 drinks - 1 was not strong at all, the other was made by another person and was SO STRONG. (I obviously preferred the latter) IT. IS. SMALL. Smaller than you are imagining in your head. If this is your first time - I suggest you come a little early - enjoy dancing without getting bumped into. After 11, all bets are off and you will be grinding on some one whether intentional or not. Don't come here if you want to stay in a corner and not dance. That is basically not allowed. read more

I probably spent 90 mins in this place and it was non stop dancing to Latin/Caribbean music! It was suggested from a friend around 1:30am who told me that I would absolutely love this place if I loved dancing. Bembe is a hidden gem like most cool BK spots. Guy at the door was friendly and didn't give anyone a hard time at the door! The place is just an average sized bar with amazing music and a guy on the percussion drums! Ok this obviously would not appeal to everyone so maybe I'm a bit biased. I will conclude with if you lose your mind/almost spill your drink/run to the dance floor when any Latin/Caribbean song comes on then you belong at Bembe. It's worth checking out if you find yourself in Brooklyn and simply want to dance the night away. I will certainly return here in the near future! read more

Do you ever wonder where your quiet reserved friend is keeping his Dominican? At Bembe, in the mango guava margaritas and tequila shots. Although you'll be dancing in so many circles, you won't need much alcohol to be dizzy. Hips don't lie. [it's not Dominican, sorry, just Latin-y] read more

I just love this place: It's small, it's divey, it's sweaty and it's just too much fun. I love going to a place where you can scream out "Oh sh%^t" when you hear an obscure song that you would never ever hear anywhere else. The mojitos are generally really good and I love the African drummers that sometimes perform along with the DJ. Hotness! Tuesday nights they have a reggae night that is just pure bliss. The downstairs is closed right now for some reason so be prepared to literally be rubbin' sweat juices with the person dancing next to you. read more

Come here on a dead Monday night, no bouncer, great. But no women, not so great. Came back on a Friday night,guess what, the bouncer's at the door. Not so great. This is how it went down. Bouncer:"Fellas where yo girls at?" Me:"You mean there's no women in there?". Bouncer: "Come on guys, you know the drill." Me:"OK. Can I use the bathroom? I gotta pee." Bouncer: "Go 'head." As I checked out the scene,Bembe was pretty dead that night, and their was a lot of people mostly Caucasians, Asians, most of which are males. Me: (Waiting for the person to come out of the restroom.) Bouncer:(Leaves his post, and watches me while I wait for the person to come out). Me: I said to him,"There's someone in there boss." Bouncer: (Stares at me gully). Anyway, to make a long story short, I used to like Bembe,great music, good drinks,fun and dancing. But the bouncer either wants a "lighter" crowd and or lets mad dudes in. I also realize that he's doing his job.This is the fourth time this occurs. I wanted to remain a loyal patron of this place, I always recommended to my friends, but now the tables have turned. R.I.P. Bembe, it was nice to know ya! Besides, I found a new place to go, a restaurant that also plays live music, Ms. Favelas. read more

Small establishment but very nice. Great dancing music, when I went it was a mix of Latin and carribean. Good place to go as a lady alone, I did and had fun. Cool people, no pressure, or pushy people. It filled up by 11pm and everyone send to have a great time. But you have to bring cash. Cover charge and everything at the bar is paid only in cash. Thumbs up. read more

Leron's Lesson: Amazing music that will have you moving the entire time! Too bad the space is so small. Full Review. I personally guarantee that you will dance once you get there. The Latin/Caribbean music is perfect for dancing and easy to stay on beat. The drinks are decent and fairly priced as well. I've been here on 2 separate occasions and enjoyed each. I definitely plan on coming back, probably with a dance partner, or 2. read more

Bembe will be my go too when in williamsburg! Every day varies from reggae to salsa!!! Chill ass vibes in this place! Ppl go just to have a good ol time! Ill be back bembe!!! read more

Just waking up from last night's unexpected blast (on a Thursday night!). I've been wanting to come here for a while after reading reviews and that is so close to my bf's house. Well, the two of us decided to finally check it out and OMG! First off, if everyone on yelp says it's cash only, you should've stopped by the Bank of America three blocks down right off the Marcy Ave stop on the J. Cash only doesn't bother me, it just helps me have a limit. Two, I needed a limit cuz their drinks are friggin awesome! Had a rum and coke that had a Caribbean twist to it. Who knew that house rum would surprise me? And they muddle their mojitos, old-school. I'm so impressed they do it despite being busy. It's the best and only way I like them, fresh and natural. Oh and only $7? Shit like that is $12 at other nice restaurants in the city. They add a good amount of alcohol, not too much, not too little. Perfect! I was tipsy after those two. Third, the vibe of the place is so nice. We got there and it was almost empty. High ceilings, furniture is not ripped. It looks dark and decent, not like some nasty dive bars. And those ceilings fans saved my life after it got crowded and me showing off my Colombian flavor on the dance floor. Aaaaahhh, the music!! See, I never believed I could've have great night hanging out with only my man cuz he is American and Americans don't have flavor (no offense). But you can't play salsa, reggae ton, Afro-beat, dancehall, etc and think I'm gonna stay still. I had not danced so much in sooo long, even he was doing moves. Most people just sit at bars and talk and that can get boring. But everyone in there looked like they are having a lot of fun, whether they can dance or not and that's all that matters. That's what makes it great, music that I've always loved being brought to Non-Latin/Caribbeans to enjoy. World peace through music lol. Go there and have fun! Going back on Saturday.... read more

I have been here before but today the bouncer named Rafael decided to discriminate me because I looked Asian and male. Even though I identified as a non-binary Asian. He did not question the dress code of anyone that was female and wearing a tank. He wouldn't let me in unless I put on a jacket and it wasn't even a scandalous tank. I was the only Asian person there and even though he eventually let me in because thankfully my friend had a jacket on this hot summer night. I asked if he had stopped any other person for wearing a tank and as to where are the rules for not wearing a tank. He then turned it around on me as a cisgender masc, tall and buff Latino person that he was offended because he has gay and transgender friends, mansplaining his experience on why he's offended while never understanding what it means to be a sexual and ethnic minority. Guess what I saw inside? Guys with tanks inside. I was really triggered and found my self in tears knowing I didn't belong and knowing I was different and the only Asian Non-binary person in the club. My friends, all queer and ladies didn't get held up. One of my transgender non-binary friends wearing a spaghetti strip didn't even get questioned. Even though he let me in eventually, I did not feel like I belonged nor did I feel safe. I had to leave eventually, because I was too upset knowing I didn't belong. It was the most horrible experience. If you are Queer, and Non-binary person of color, avoid Bembe. You deserve better than be singled out and left outside unless you got your act "straight." read more

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LOVEEEE BEMBE! Favorite DJ is DJ Beto, hands down. I tell everyone I know about this spot and am pretty much a regular here - I secretly wish they come on days I'm not there or just don't see them (hey, I'm a little jealous). It does get super crowded but the patrons are generally cool enough and understand that bumps, squeezes, and ocassional pushes are part of the territory. Bembe is like a hole in the wall venue so it is easily missed unless you're on the prowl. Bouncers are no nonsense; they will not hesitate to remove a stalking person from your presence. Most times, you don't realize they have taken care of the situation - that's the sort of efficiency model I need other venues to take note of and replicate, pronto. Drinks are cheap and they keep on flowing. Live drums to your jams? Hell yes! I'm in love =) read more

I came I drank I danced! That's all a girl could ask for on a Chilly March Monday.

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 hood, it has it all. Ridiculously diverse crowd, no pretensions, good time. read more