This small but lively Park Slope bar makes up for its tiny performance space with a wildly eclectic calendar of acts sure give you and your date the desire to boogie. A small, low-lit bar up front offers a fine pre-show place to chat and perhaps consume the beverages necessary to loosen you up for some dancing. The room where the music happens is lined with folding chairs, but those who remain seated will inevitably end up shaking at least their upper halves. The rest of the floor usually becomes crowded with dancin’ fools and revelers engaged by the participatory nature of the performances here. The intimacy of the room is far from awkward as the bands address members of the crowd and the server slips casually between returning and new imbibers. But the pretension-free ambience isn’t even Barbès’ best feature – it offers some of the most unique and varying lineups in town, presenting groups from all over the world that are sure to test and entice your musical taste. You and your date will have your pick from a calendar that may include a boot-stompin’ jug band, a Greek ensemble, or an African jazz band. Particularly popular is their Tuesday night Slavic Soul Party, which rages through this otherwise dull weeknight with a carefree Gypsy vibe and insanely dancey beats. You’ll have to save your quiet chatting for after the music’s through at this establishment, but as the night wares on you’ll find no shortage of giggle-worthy closeness and the infectious romance of the dance floor.

This small but lively Park Slope bar makes up for its tiny performance space with a wildly eclectic calendar of acts sure give you and your date the desire to boogie. A small, low-lit bar up front offers a fine pre-show place to chat and perhaps consume the beverages necessary to loosen you up for some dancing. The room where the music happens is lined with folding chairs, but those who remain seated will inevitably end up shaking at least their upper halves. The rest of the floor usually becomes crowded with dancin’ fools and revelers engaged by the participatory nature of the performances here. The intimacy of the room is far from awkward as the bands address members of the crowd and the server slips casually between returning and new imbibers. But the pretension-free ambience isn’t even Barbès’ best feature – it offers some of the most unique and varying lineups in town, presenting groups from all over the world that are sure to test and entice your musical taste. You and your date will have your pick from a calendar that may include a boot-stompin’ jug band, a Greek ensemble, or an African jazz band. Particularly popular is their Tuesday night Slavic Soul Party, which rages through this otherwise dull weeknight with a carefree Gypsy vibe and insanely dancey beats. You’ll have to save your quiet chatting for after the music’s through at this establishment, but as the night wares on you’ll find no shortage of giggle-worthy closeness and the infectious romance of the dance floor.