Barbès

I love dropping into this place and hearing whatever is being performed that night. Every time the music is a delight. Plus, they have a great drink selection!

A place where top-level musicians perform authentic music from various countries and cultures almost every day. You can always count on it—one of the few places in Brooklyn where you can experience truly genuine music. Some performances are weekly, some are not; music schedules are on their website. Plus, the bartenders are nice and fun—it's always a good time!

Barbes is a small bar that smells a bit funky - perhaps fermenting beer somewhere. It is very narrow and the main hall is dominated by the bar itself with a few seats on the side of the wall. So this is where you start scratching your head, what's all the 5-star reviews about. This is not an "upscale" place. This is a very blue-collar, down-to-earth, grit and grime friendly type of place. You know it's been around, and you know this is not where you dress fancy but rather comfortingly confident. The beer is good, the service is good. And there's generally a good vibe. But so are hundreds of other bars. Then what's the secret? There is a mini music stage behind the bar and it almost feels like you have this massive underground talent that just simply jumps on stage and starts to play amazing music live. The back room fits about 20~30 person tops and some sit in there, others peek from the window or the door, but also, the music flows throughout the bar all the way to the front. On the day I visited, literally the pianist played classical Chopin. Not jazz. Not some rearranged version that is bar-crowd friendly. She just started ripping out Fantasie Impromptu. I have never been at a bar that is run-down, listenining to top notch classical piano, and having an amazing time. Barbes is special. Both for the locals, the musical talent in the city, and for everyone in between.

Such a nice quaint place with live music, the staff is incredibly nice, sweet and gracious. Drink drinks could be a little bit stronger, but aren’t too far off. This is definitely a great place come on a Saturday and Sunday and just chill out.

Such a hidden gem that hasn’t changed (in a good way) for the last decade I’ve been going. Intimate, lively, and very mixed music - fave spot in the neighborhood

Edit in response to owner’s comment: Please invest in ID scanners… The bouncer was very hostile to us and wouldn’t accept my friend’s Arizona ID even though she’s 24 years old. And when we asked him to scan it, he said “what bouncer has a scanner?”. Told us we could leave when we laughed at the situation. Very poor service, will not be coming back. Would recommend having two forms of ID if you’re not from the east coast…

The venue itself is not so memorable, but the programming is refreshingly unique, with quality acts ranging from classical to folk to jazz. Decent acoustics, and friendly staff. Pricing acceptable. In the aftermath of the 'Rona, musicians would perform in masks except for their ensembles' wind instruments, so security theater is part of the entertainment.

Cozy ambient in this local bar. There s a back stage for live performance, tickets online. Affordable drinks and friendly staff.

I have had such a nice time here every time I go. There is a wide range of musicians that play here and I have been pleasantly surprised every time I check them out. If not there for the music the bar when you walk in is cozy and the seating has been comfortable both at the bar and at the booth by the window.

Came here on a whim after walking by for like nearly 3 years lol, and was so glad I did. I didn't even realize I was speaking with the owner and his family as I sat outside with my service animal, and him and his wife offered to watch my kitty while I ordered. Genuine, down to earth place with ownership that clearly cares about the people in our community.

Barbès is a scruffy, friendly, fun local venue when you're in the mood for music and socializing in Park Slope/ South Slope/ Gowanus in Brooklyn. Rowdy little dive bar up front for chatting and cocktails (try the Chilcano de Pisco), and a cozy back room for shutting up and listening to the performers. (No cover; hat is passed after each set.) They host two-to-four shows virtually every single night, so roll in by 6pm and see what happens. Odds are good you'll have an excellent time at Barbès. PS: you pronounce it "bar-BESS". You're welcome.

The bar has a nice setup for concerts, creating an intimate atmosphere. However, the experience was negatively impacted by the rude ticket seller and unfriendly staff. The bartender was in a bad mood, and we were unexpectedly kicked out despite having paid for tickets. The venue has potential, but the staff's attitude needs improvement.

Watched a performance at Barbes on Friday night. An old-school live music venue that always has cool acts coming through, definitely worth a visit. Quality: There are always unique bands playing at this long-standing bar, expect styles more diverse than a typical jazz bar. The night we visited we got Mediterranean surf rock. They have a full bar, so fun can be had even between sets. The biggest issue is the tiny space, which gets warm quickly and can dissuade a long stay, especially in the back room. Quantity: No issues with pours. Value: $9-16 for a Glass of Wine. Suggested tips for the Band. Ambiance: Barbes is a music venue and dive bar located in Park Slope. The space is split into two areas. The back area is where they have the small stage and dance floor. It is a tight space, so for popular acts, expect to squeeze in. The front area is slightly bigger and hosts the actual bar. A few tables can be found and there is both bar and wall space to rest your drink. They have the music feed through the speaker into the front, but the quality is not the nearly the same. Crowd: Always busy on weekends for live music. Service: Kind bartenders, but could have used more help. Parking: Some street parking throughout the area.

Fun bar to vibe, get some drinks, and listen to music. Some nights they have really unique and obscure music, others it's jazz / more regular fare. Went on a Tuesday night and it was packed to the brims by 10pm.

Hands down one of the most important venues in Brooklyn and maybe even including Manhattan. That's because the bands are accessible and affordable compared to some of the sky high costs raked in by places like The Blue Note, Village Vanguard and others. But those are truly different kinds of groups featured there. The music takes no back seat here. The performance space might hold 25-30 when crowded and bands are rotating through every 90 minutes. I came to see one of the finest gypsy jazz guitarists in the U.S. and scored a seat not 10 feet away. Sweet. The bar is part two-fisted drinking crowd or wine sipping folks on the patio outside. A luscious destination it may not be, but if you're here for the music, their main raison d'etre, it's the bomb. Will definitely be visiting herein the future. If you come from Manhattan, easy access from the F train. Credit cards accepted, cash donations for the bands.

Lovely local spot reminiscent of a Parisian-dive. Live bands in the back and tables out from make for an interesting mix of atmospheres to choose from. Good drinks and friendly staff make this a nice spot to stop in your journey.

Still a great bar. Great music. Wonderful people and atmosphere. Amazing musicians. Sweet owners. I've been coming here for 20 years and know the owners. I know most of the bartenders too. But sadly, a few of the recent hires are super aggressive and shoo people out of the performance space as soon as the last note is played. This is often right after you just paid an admission to see that band and they rush you out. It's not the owners or musicians, it's just some of the staff. Trying to be too too aggressive. They came in telling a large room to empty IMMEDIATELY, and as a result some folks left in such haste in a heavy crowd that they broke glasses. Not an ideal outcome. Please chill out a little. Still an amazing locale but the behavior of some of the staff needs to be taken down a notch for it still to be considered comfortable. We are not cattle.

This place is a gem, a diamond in the rough. It's not upscale, but that's not the point. I was 5 feet away from the jazz flautist and saxophonist. This place is cozy, intimate, and the music was terrific.

Just a lovely, classic, fun-yet-unassuming spot--the type of place that every neighborhood doesn't even realize it needs until it is there, and hopefully doesn't take for granted until it disappears. Barbes is quirky and cool, with a jazz-forward but eclectic, international assortment of live music offerings most nights in its cramped, ramshackle back room. The performance room gives the vibe of attending a random gypsy carnival. It can get loud back there (as it did during our recent visit to see Slavic Soul Party) so, while I of course encourage you to support live music and pay the cover for the back room, you frankly also have the option of enjoying it in background fashion while saving money--and some levels of decibel threshold retention--by simply hanging at the bar with the lovely, funny, chatty bartenders. Specialty mixed drinks were quite good if a smidge pricey, while the well G&T was excellent, and quite a bargain. Great bourbon selection and a small but solid tap list--if you've got Founder's Porter on tap, you clearly know what you are doing. Wine options were a bit limited, but, trust me... you'll find something to enjoy as you while away the evening. Barbes is somewhat famously struggling for its survival now, so if you've never checked it out or haven't been in a while, stop by for a nice pint or quality drink while enjoying some cool, unique live music. It is just one small, sad statement on gentrification (among admittedly much larger and more important ones) when a pioneering spot that fits into a neighborhood so well and helps contribute to developing said neighborhood's unique, desirable character can't afford to survive, much less thrive, in that spot. Because this is a place that should thrive.

Came here for a friend of a friend's concert (whom I'd never met or heard of before). The back room fits about 10 people and a shoe, but the acoustics are surprisingly good. However, everything about this place is straight up dive bar with slightly higher than dive bar prices.

It's a place where hipsters listen to "jazz". It's a disgusting hole in the wall. It's so small and tight that the windows typically fog up in the winter time. Here you may find a duet for a viola and accordion playing in their tiny back room for a cover of around 15 dollars. This venue was one of the first 9 NY venues that demanded vaccine passports before the mayor even announced that. Will never forget that fact.

The atmosphere is fantastic. Live music. Good people. Bartenders have been fantastic in me experience. Alan was so friendly it was infectious. It's a great place to get a drink any day of the week.

"The Crooked Trio" (very talented and professional) kept from a 1 star rating. It's unfortunate that a talented trio would have to perform at a bar where the bartender lady makes offhand comments toward patrons because we just happened to leave the music area before bartender came around asking for money on their behalf. We were unaware that the bar with live music asks for money and happened to leave at 6:30. Sorry? I left a generous tip and as I stood there getting my stuff together overheard your comments in the music area regarding me and my friend. Extremely inappropriate and uncouth. I will not be back despite having had a good time up until the comments from the bartender. I'm sure the owner would not be pleased. Pretty dumb and not sly at all. Update: As I've read other reviews it's clear that this is a common occurrence and that bartender behavior is commonly inappropriate. If you have a $10 cover for listening to the music you should simply say so and make sure patrons are aware... not only so patrons may avoid unwarranted wrath, but so musicians may profit since the bar apparently does not pay them any sort of cut ..which I find disgusting considering it's the only appeal to the place. I revoke my previous additional star based on this knowledge.

This place is a local casual and friendly hole in the wall bar. Bar tenders are attentive and friendly. Happy hour specials are decent with reasonable pricing overall.

Great local bar with awesome musicians. Intimate and friendly staff. I highly recommend

Great place to enjoy music ,hang out with friends or make new ones. Great staff and cozy atmosphere.

A staple for meeting up with friends and seeing live music, with programming every night it is impressive there are so many more hits than misses. The drinks at the bar are good enough. Cover is charged at the entrance to where the bands are at the back which is great because you can still come for a drink even if you don't want to go to the show. It can get very crowded which is testament to their success.

Bartender was so busy on her cell phone that I had to literally shout and wave her down...twice. I asked for a seltzer with lemon / lime and Instead of letting me know they did have limes or lemons she poured sour lemon juice in my drink. It was horrible. I asked don't you have any limes or lemon she just shrugged and went back to her texting. Did not even asked to fix the drink. At the end I wanted to cash out, had my card opened and I told her I will pay in cash and not by card. She comes back with the card charged on the machine. I told her what's this I wanted to pay in cash. She said oh I forgot. The bar was not even busy. So I said can you please cancel this. So I can pay in cash. She just stared at me for about 2 mins. Then grabbed the machine and said fine. Horrible service and all I kept hear was "oh we're out of that" when she did talk to other customers. All I can say is do not go there on a Saturday night if she's the bartender for that night.

Best music scene in brooklyn - bar none. Unless you want an outside venue like prospect park bandshell, but really no comparison! Both are necessary for live music. Yes!

Ok this dive bar is adorable and hard to find if you aren't looking properly. Its hidden beside Colson Patisserie. Their drinks are reasonable (if you order wells). The barkeep is fairly attentive. The crowd is eclectic and locally produced. And the live music is pretty awesome. We were there on a Wednesday night and the group plays some sort of Caribbean inspired tunes with a lead singer that sings in a language I cannot seem to figure out and then I hear French. They're apparently there every Wednesday. They do ask for a $10 donation but its suggested more than enforced. There were several rows of people in that small back room swaying to the rhythm of the hand drums and the flourishes of a clarinet, electric guitar, and saxophone. It was like everyone being a family of sorts and uniting in dance in someone's living room. If you don't like dive bars with random groups of people this ain't your kind of place. Also its Cash Only.

Very small and intimate venue. It seems like they draw some very interesting and unique acts. I stopped by one night to see Opera on Tap and and live band following. The band I saw was a cross between dick dale and a bombay soundtrack. It was tons of fun. It is free to enter but if you go to the back they expect you to give $10 to support each act (via pass the jar approach). It is super casual but you will feel douche-y if you don't give....starving artists come on!!! There is a waitress that is the hostess/slash drink order taker for the back room. She was super friendly. Will definitely be back and bring friends.

The bartenders lost my debit card. Cashed it out with someone else. And they were just like "whoops sorry good luck" Be warned if you come here. They are totally irresponsible!!!

Awesome music, Above Average booze selection , and Steamy... literally. Okay, I suppose I can elaborate just a tad more... my first experience here was fortunate enough to witness Spanglish Fly - high energy, latinesque tunes - who attracted a wide range of patrons. The back room/music venue feels like a mutual friend's basement with a live band since your nightlife experience here will surely include being pushed up against random Brooklynites, an ever-escalating thermostat, and the fact that you must store your cold weather gear anywhere from on the floor in the corner of the room, to the fire sprinkler pipes overhead. Nevertheless, everyone seems to have an amazing time, and besides... with such a diverse booze menu, you're guaranteed to have an amazing time!

I'm a born and raised New Yorker. This place is a gem. Music practically every night, great music. That back room is magical. Chill people, everyone having a good time. Real Brooklyn vibes. I don't live in NYC anymore but every time I visit I make a point to come hang out at the old joint at least once. Hits the spot every time.

I can always count on Barbes for several fun and interesting bands any given weekend evening, and my boo and I have had some fun times there listening to live music in the back room. It's not a huge space, so it can get really crowded, both in the front near the bar and in the back room where the music is played. It's crowded enough that the space isn't very conducive to dancing unless not a lot of people show up. If you are short, you may want to get there early to try to get a seat so that you can see. Fairly good selection of beer and liquor, though nothing to write home about. Best quality is definitely the excellence of the bands they have playing there!

This is exactly what I've been looking for, for quite some time! A simple live music bar, even if quite small, the beer selection offers many great choices (draft, bottles, and cans). And most of all, a tiny, cosy live music space with an international selection of artists. Depending on the day, you can be in Africa, in Latin America or in Europe... A beautiful disorientation for the pleasure of your soul

Returned for a show one night and enjoyed it. Had two good drinks. Solid music in a standing room.

Great little bar that has a regular schedule of live jazz. We came at 6PM on a Friday so managed to get their happy hour deal ($3 off cocktails). It's small but cute, and is very close to loads of great restaurants, so is a good choice for pre/post dinner drinks and music.

A musicians bar that never disappoints. High caliber musicians, friendly bar staff, really good atmosphere and vibe. If you want to sit to watch a show, come early or stand while taking breaks sitting at the bar which has the sound of the live band piped in.

Best music scene in all Brooklyn. From free jazz to Moroccan chant to Latin American folk to classical to Gypsy brass. Always something to see here on any given week. Schedule on website kept up to date. Great record label too. And bartenders nice and not snobby on pours.

Sucked harder than a porn star. Hot as hell if you wanted to see the band . (Brass bands are cool, Slavic brass brands not so much. Good musicians playing horrible music ?? ) Bartenders fairly unattentive if you wanted a drink. ( But how many at a bar really want a drink ??? ) If you managed to get a seat at the bar, the patrons had no sense of personal space. At various points I wondered if I was getting a lap dance or having my pockets picked. (The sense of entitlement here is astounding) Since it was NYE I'd forgive them their faux pas, but since they charged $20 cover charge Fuck them. You can't charge a cover and give shitty service. Ooh wait ..... They did. ( had to run to crown inn to try to redeem my 2014 )

This is a hip little joint. Very cool crowd and a performance space. The drinks are wee pricey, but worth it. I came here for a shoe that ended up being packed. The venue is too small to suffer the heat so, my boyfriend and I ditched our friends and actually got our money back and waited at the bar. It was cool. (and they had the show piped in on the speakers from the performance room anyway)

The Slavic Soul Party on Tuesday nights transports you to Eastern Europe. The bar is small and narrow and in the back horns, trumpets, tubas play fun music. Get there early to get a seat, otherwise be prepared to stand. It will get more crowded as the night goes on. There's a $10 cover for the music, that they collect by passing a jar around the room. All of the proceeds go to the musicians.

Randomly found this place on my first trip to Brooklyn. Everytime I'm in the area I make a point to visit Barbès for a drink. But the thing that keeps me coming back is the music. They book really good acts, like really good and I never know what I'm gonna get. One time I saw a band called Slavic Soul Party, was not expecting this large band with that type of sound. The space is intimate and you're basically standing right next to the band. 10/10 I'll be back.

Though there is never enough seating and it is an F*ing long ride on the F*d train to get there from here, this little locally grown music spot is one of the great ones. When I lived in BK it was a home away from home. Now that I'm on the UES, I still venture out there to see my world class favorites who've come home to roost. On any given night, you never know who may pop in. They always seem to book excellent musicians and there is never a shortage of diversity. One tip on tipping... though they don't charge a cover, it is appropriate to tip the musicians who have played their hearts out for you. If you can afford to, be kind and keep the music(ians) alive! S~

Would give it 4 stars, because of the live music except for one thing. She stands about 5'4-5'6, is brunette, fairly ordinary looking, with eyes on the biggish side, and is usually scowling behind the bar on weekends. In my opinion, she is the worst bartender in the slope and possibly all of Brooklyn. She is just plain horrendous. Any time you try and order a drink, she makes you feel like you're on a job interview and dare you ask her opinion about a drink or an aside, you will be slighted or at worst, completely ignored, and made to look like an a**hole. As a matter of fact, you will probably be ignored as a matter of course anyway, so prepare for it. I've actually witnessed first hand an adult male Iraq veteran, who seemed quite the reasonable man after exchanging pleasantries for a few minutes, fire a full beer glass at her head after being ignored and belittled by her for most of the night. That's the level of frustration we're talking about here. I was sitting right next to the guy and saw the whole thing unfold. I only wish he could have at least grazed her. She's that bad! The mirror broke, the cops showed up, and I'm happy to say, he got away. She has the capability of bringing this out of people. The uncanny thing is how she still has a job and for that reason alone, I only go to this bar when there's a good band. I recommend always getting your drinks from the waitress who is much cuter, a great host, and a better server. It really is a shame that such a cool little place could have such bad service for so long.

So when One Ring Zero had a release party at Barbes in 2003, I was tapped to put together the cheese plate. As a non-permanent Brooklynite (and then a resident of Fort Greene, not Park Slope) I was relatively unknown to the crowd (though I'd met Olivier on several occasions) and was surprised at how friendly the crowd was. And how into cheese they all were. The back room is small and provides an intimate setting for movie nights and for musical performances- they now get written up in the New Yorker's listings on a regular basis. Don't expect perfect acoustics and high polish - Barbes is a labor of love that is earnest and welcoming and not overly concerned with appearances. Artists will have residencies at Barbes, so check listings often...

This is the place to go if you find that your musical tastes are in a rut. They book an incredibly wide variety of acts from all over the world, from the Peruvian Chicha Libre, to Eastern European Slavic Soul Party. It seems the only thing that could disqualify a performer is the adjective "normal." It's a cozy space with an intimate back room performing area that allows for maximum interaction with the artists. There's a great wine and beer selection, though unfortunately at Manhattan prices, hence the 4 stars instead of 5. The majority of shows are free of charge, though they suggest you put a donation in the hat for the band's efforts.

This is everything a bar can be. What more can I say? barbes::bars pope::catholics everest::mountains new york::cities It can get crowded. Go on a Monday.

If you are depressed hipsters convinced it makes you cool to find stinky hole in the wall bars that play live music this is your bar. If you are normal human that wants to enjoy a drink with friends and have good time, I do not suggest this! It is small, it smells like feet and beer and when there is live music it packed beyond comfort! The plus side of this bar is that in the summer it has outdoor seating on the sidewalk that is great for a warm weather drink outside and people watching. They have a good drink selection (and beer selection). I have always enjoyed coming here and having a beer outside, but after a recent experience I might reconsider this. I think place make take itself a little too serious for my taste!

I dreamt that this place was 3 times the size it actually is. I was pretty happy. And then I realized that even if it was 3 times the size it actually is, it'd be about as fat as Mary Kate Olsen. She big. Anywho, the candlelit, moody, earthy aura with the small space in the back for perfs, as well as the window to look into it, its a long, skinny, blue moon pint size place with moderate conversation during the weekday and the smallest chairs and tables imaginable for adults. A couple of slopers I know say its one of their favorite places to go, and I believe them with all my brain.

Came after a great dinner to grab a drink and some live music. This was the closest live music I saw in the area. Pretty low key hipster bar with a great selection of beer. All the way in the back there is live music playing. Pretty ecclectic set of musical performances and though I originally was noyt interested in what they were playing, the excitement of actually seeing people playing music was infectiousw and I enjoyed it in the end. Come here for a pretty low key-kind of time.

Like most of the reviews here, I'll mention that it's a small space -- but I don't find that to be a detriment. Rather, it's what gives this bar an intimate and immediate feel. The music pours from the backroom while the patrons mill and mingle at the bar. Yes, it can get as packed as a slave ship on weekend nights, but I would recommend trying it out on a week night (Sun-Wed). Let's face it, any bar this size that's any good at all is going to be effen nutz on a Thurs-Sat after 10pm -- this is New York, not Cincinnati. One feature that I didn't see mentioned is that these bands/events are on a suggested donation basis of $8. What's great about that is you have the opportunity to see/support the bands you want to while also randomly finding new ones just by occasionally popping into the bar -- I heard an alt-country band the other night that was more like an Appalachian ensemble that had a bus accident with a college marching band -- and while my description of their music may not rock, the band sure as hell did.

I'm a Balkan music junkie and we searched this place out. We saw Slavic Soul Party and the place is madness. It's just perfect in size and location. I wish they served some stuff to munch on though.

Barbes. This beautiful gem in the Park Slope hinterlands. How lucky are we to have this place? What can you expect? World class music at 8, 10 & 12 every single day of the year. A friendly vibe all around. Music lovers of all stripes. That hip corner of new york that you've been looking for. The one that doesn't make you grumble "hipsters" under your breath. The one that makes you think, this is why I'm here! When they pass the hat around, I feel like $5 or $10 isn't enough. Seriously. Weinstephaner on tap, and full bar. Even Chimay. Never disappointed. :)

Small, sweaty and smelly. Not one of my favorite bars. Crappy music, the drinks were kind of weak and not that cheap. Not to mention all the photos that we took that night had some creeper staring at us in the background. I will definitely not come back unless Kelly forces me to.

Barbes...my home away from home when I lived in Park Slope. Could not have a bad night here if you tried. The best of the best always played and were always spot on if there were 2 or 3 people in the house or packed to the rafters. Excellent gem in Brooklyn.