BAMcafe

30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
$$$ Cafe , Live music venue , Restaurant
(55 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you’re looking for an inviting café that blends good food, vibrant atmosphere, and artistic charm, BAMcafe at 30 Lafayette Ave in Brooklyn is the perfect destination. Nestled within the renowned Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), this café serves as an essential meeting point for theatre-goers and food enthusiasts alike.

BAMcafe offers a menu that is both diverse and tantalizing. Imagine savoring a plate of Fried Calamari with a spicy chipotle aioli that leaves a delightful kick on your palate, or diving into the Mini Chicken Mole Tacos, infused with jalapeño cilantro aioli for a fresh twist. For those preferring lighter fare, try their Mezze Platter, which presents creamy hummus, vibrant fava bean purée, and tzatziki paired with warm, grilled pita - a perfect sharing option that embodies Mediterranean hospitality.

For a memorable dinner, don’t miss the Pan Seared Red Snapper served on a bed of herbed couscous, or the Grilled Skirt Steak that harmonizes flavors of kimchi and a rich plum barbecue sauce. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to not just please the eye, but to ignite the taste buds, making your dining experience not just a meal, but a celebration of flavor.

The atmosphere at BAMcafe is as delightful as the food. With its chic and intimate layout, vibrant energy, and eclectic decor, it feels both welcoming and artistic—a tribute to the very essence of Brooklyn. You’ll find yourself not just eating, but soaking in the ambiance as you sip on a well-crafted cocktail or your favorite wine from their extensive drink menu.

Real customers rave about their experiences, highlighting the connection BAMcafe fosters among patrons. Stacy Levy describes it as a "nice intimate bar in the theatre" with a "varied selection of food" while Ryan Vukelich appreciates the spontaneous social interactions that take place over dinner and drinks, pointing to its perfect blend of music and food culture. Doreen Genzel praises the ambiance, stating, "The space is so beautiful," and adds that the service is friendly, enhancing the overall delightful experience.

If you find yourself in Brooklyn, BAMcafe is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience that invites you to linger, relax, and make new connections while enjoying creative and delectable dishes. Whether you’re pre-gaming for a show or simply indulging in a nighttime escape with friends, BAMcafe is a gem worth discovering.

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Live music
Live performances
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Dinner
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
55 Reviews
Stacy Levy

17 Sep 2025

Nice intimate bar in the theatre. Varied selection of food. Fresh and tasty. Nice wine and cocktails. Casual open space. Upbeat vibe. Gets very very crowded about an hour before Showtime.

Ryan Vukelich

09 Sep 2025

I always have fun here and meet new people when I see shows. Really cool as a music venue with the wide open space and the full bar in the back. The sound was surprisingly good given that the space is so wide open. I did think the space was organized a bit inefficiently, but I like that there's tables and you sometimes end up sitting with new people you can meet. Recommended as a great date spot, especially because the music is free.

Holly Eng

02 Sep 2025

Beautiful venue that slightly reminds me of Moulin Rouge. The space is separated with a small stage, chairs and table section, and then a bar in the back. There's also a small alcove to the side but I believe you have to book that private area. I like how the space includes some rotating artwork and the space is just big enough so you can bring a few friends with you but still intimate enough so that you can enjoy the performance on stage. I wish it wasn't just on the weekends and that they closed relatively early...I believe we were kicked out around 10:30/11pm. But otherwise, a great venue with a diverse program.

29 Aug 2025

Came for the free performance at the Adams (the arched reception space at 2F of the Opera building). Staff are super friendly and the atmosphere is the bar has light refreshments for purchase while watching the show

Doreen Genzel

21 Aug 2025

We had a wonderful dinner with the patrons of BAM . The space is so beautiful. When you walk in you see the massive windows all lit up at night. The service was very friendly. The food was delicious. We had a fantastic time and will gladly come back.

Divinity Roxx

04 Aug 2025

What's not to love about this place? FIVE STARS All Around!

Saleh Projects LLC (RYPE)

16 Jun 2025

Very nice Ambience, I only wish the men's room was not directly behind the stage forcing people to walk so close to the performers

Lucy Huang

26 May 2025

Beautiful and elegant. Magnificent venue for an event. Event staff very professional, extremely helpful and patient with event accomadations and last minute changes.

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