Barbes: Paris in Park Slope

Before diving in ramble first about why you should check out live music club Barbes in Brooklyn, I want you to know there is an “accent grave” (as the Baguette-loving say) over the “e” in the name of the bar. I have tried for longer than I should admit to make that happen on my keyboard for you, but it’s not happening and I don’t care what that says about me.

Anyways! So, let’s talk Parisian Cafe-inspired Barbes. It’s probably best-known for its adventurous live calendar, featuring  regulars like melodic latin pysch pop leaders Chicha Libre on Mondays and gypsy/soul/funk brass favorites Slavic Soul Party on Tuesday nights. Shows are high-energy and very much in your grill because of the small space, which is either awesome or terrible depending on how much you like other people. All shows are a $10 suggested donation that goes directly to the band.

If you’d rather hear people talk about music than play it, every first Sunday of the month an author from the 33 1/3 book series delivers an hour of reading, discussion, and music… perfect for sitting under the pressed-tin ceilings, drinking French artist-inspired cocktails and feeling that certain “je ne sais quai.”

Drinks are varied and of average price, with $2 knocked off during the happy hour from 5-6PM Monday-Friday. All in all, Barbes is a pretty great way to spend a lively night in Paris, with or without the right accent.

Barbes
376 9th Avenue (btn 6th Ave & 7th Ave)
[Park Slope]

Photo Credit: Barbes