Friends and Lovers Brooklyn: Your Go-To Spot for Comedy, Live Music, and Dance Parties in Crown Heights

Friends and Lovers Introduce

Introduction / Overview

In the heart of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, there's a neighborhood staple that truly embodies the spirit of New York nightlife:

Friends and Lovers.

This vibrant venue is much more than just a bar; it operates as a dynamic performance space, a full-fledged comedy club, a hub for live music, and a late-night dance club. It is a 'love letter to New York,' dedicated to fostering connection, community, and unforgettable moments, proving that nightlife can be both salvation and a place for sheer, unadulterated fun. Friends and Lovers has established itself as a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike, seeking a genuine Brooklyn experience.

The atmosphere at Friends and Lovers is carefully cultivated to be simultaneously casual, cozy, and trendy. This unique blend makes it the perfect destination whether you're looking for a low-key spot for a deep conversation over a cocktail or a packed, electric room for a night of dancing until the early hours. Guests consistently praise the friendly, attentive staff and the overall 'good vibes' that permeate the space. The mission is clear: to provide a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can feel free to let loose, be themselves, and party their hearts out, ensuring that all people, whether first-timers or regulars, feel a sense of belonging in Crown Heights.

Friends and Lovers thrives on its diverse and exciting programming. Patrons can check the schedule and discover a rotating lineup of events. One night, you might catch a sophisticated live jazz or guitar duo, and the next, you’ll be immersed in a sweaty, packed dance party featuring global rhythms, soulful house, disco, and New York City classics. Comedy is a cornerstone of the venue’s identity, with popular shows like 'Feel the News,' 'Boyz in the Woods Comedy,' 'Discount Philosophy,' and 'Awkward Sex...And The City' frequently gracing the stage. The venue is truly defined by its magic mix of people, stories, and the spontaneous moments that can only happen here.

Location and Accessibility

Friends and Lovers is conveniently located in the lively and increasingly popular Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. The physical address places it at 641 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA. This location makes it accessible via various forms of public transportation, which is a major benefit for New Yorkers navigating the city’s complex grid. Being in Crown Heights places the venue at the center of a bustling community, making it easy to integrate a visit into a larger Brooklyn evening out.

The venue is committed to inclusivity and accessibility for all of its patrons. A significant highlight for many is the attention paid to making the space easily navigable. It proudly offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests can attend the wide array of events. Furthermore, the restrooms are also wheelchair accessible, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to making the venue a welcoming place for everyone in the community.

Services Offered

Friends and Lovers provides an array of services, establishing its reputation as a multifaceted entertainment destination in Brooklyn:

Full-Service Bar: Offering a comprehensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Creative Cocktail Program: Bartenders are known for mixing inventive and perfectly balanced drinks with finesse.
Live Performances: Hosting everything from live bands and musical duos to theatrical magic experiences.
Comedy Shows: Regularly scheduled events featuring local and touring comedians, including a variety of themed comedy nights.
Dance Parties: Hosting themed DJ nights with a focus on diverse genres like disco, funk, soul, hip-hop, soca, and dancehall, often continuing late into the night.
Dine-in Service: Although primarily focused on drinks and entertainment, guests can be seated for their experience.
Reservations Accepted: Allowing groups and planners to secure their visit in advance.
Private Bookings: The venue is available to host private events such as birthdays, fundraisers, corporate gatherings, and other special occasions.

Features / Highlights

The key elements that make Friends and Lovers a standout destination for New Yorkers are numerous, blending top-notch service with a unique atmosphere:

Great Cocktails and Drink Selection: Highly praised by customers, the cocktail menu is innovative, and the bar boasts a great selection of beer, wine, and hard liquor, including ready-to-drink non-alcoholic options.
Fast Service: Guests consistently note the attentive and efficient service provided by the friendly staff and bartenders.
Diverse Entertainment Programming: The eclectic mix of offerings, from live music and live performances to high-energy dance parties and multiple comedy shows, ensures that no two nights are the same.
Dedicated Dance Floor: A key feature for nightlife enthusiasts, providing a fun space to dance and let loose, often to hip-hop and other dance-focused genres.
Outdoor Seating / Backyard: Features a backyard space, which has been noted as 'smoke friendly,' offering an option to enjoy the Brooklyn breeze outside while socializing.
Community Focus: The venue prioritizes 'Community over clout' and 'Connection over pretense,' fostering a welcoming environment where a diverse crowd feels at home.
Modern Amenities: Includes a gender-neutral restroom and Wi-Fi for convenience.
Multiple Payment Options: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction process.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit or looking to get in touch with the Friends and Lovers team, the following details are provided:

Address: 641 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

Phone: (917) 740-6886

What is Worth Choosing

Friends and Lovers is definitively worth choosing for New Yorkers who appreciate a venue with personality, high-quality drinks, and a commitment to diverse entertainment. If you are tired of the same old bar scene, this Crown Heights gem offers a refreshing change with an ever-changing calendar of events, meaning the experience is frequently described as 'different or random' in the best way possible.

The bar's strength lies in its ability to effortlessly transition between a low-key evening bar and a high-energy dance club. You can grab a phenomenal, well-mixed cocktail during happy hour and seamlessly stay for a live comedy show or an exhilarating dance party. Its dedication to being a safe and friendly space, combined with its diverse clientele—from groups of friends to couples on a date night—makes it a true Brooklyn sanctuary. The emphasis on fostering local connections and providing a stage for creative talents ensures that Friends and Lovers is a truly authentic part of the New York cultural fabric.

Whether you’re in the mood for an evening of laughter with an 'Unemployed Comedy Show,' want to groove to global rhythms at 'SAZONAO,' or simply desire a cozy spot with a creative drink menu, Friends and Lovers promises a memorable night out in Crown Heights.

Friends and Lovers Details

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Live music
Live performances

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Dancing
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Wine

Dining options
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Friends and Lovers Photos

Friends and Lovers Location

Friends and Lovers

New York Kings County Crown Heights Classon Avenue

641 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

Friends and Lovers Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 762 user reviews.

comedycrowdspacebathroomfloorbouncersaturdayhappy hourlive musicsoul

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Cool chill bar space in BK, it has a dance floor, a smoke friendly backyard & hard hitting drinks. It’s been a community staple for a couple years now. I’d say it’s a very interesting & diverse space w/ super friendly staff & bartenders. I can’t complain but sometimes I wished they did serve food 🥲. I’ve been going there for some years now and I can say the experience every-time is different or random which I enjoy. Be sure to check the Instagram page to be sure it’s your type of party. I recall comedy nights, open mics, live performances and Carribean type nights where you’d hear soca, dancehall, etc. That’s it for my hefty ass review, bye. See you soon FNL.
August 19 · B Alfonso
Friends & Lovers is an absolute favorite bar in Brooklyn. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere hits just right—cozy, stylish, and full of good vibes. Their cocktail menu is inventive and perfectly balanced, and the bartenders mix each drink with finesse and personality. Staff are welcoming and attentive, creating a relaxed, fun experience. Whether you're grabbing drinks with friends or enjoying a date night, Friends & Lovers is a spot worth returning to.
August 01 · Vasjfj Aispxo
I've been going to this bar for at least 7 years, I used to consider numerous employees there if not friends then lovely acquaintances who I would always go and say hi to before anything else. Usually, I endeavour to bring friends with me who have never been so that F&L gets more patrons. I never use a disrespectful tone or language, and whenever I exit the smoking area at the back I try to bring in empty glasses/cans/bottles to help a bit with the clean up. I will not name any names because even if I am not viewed as worthy of any basic decency and respect, I refuse to reproduce any of that energy.I have three questions regarding the last time I went in,.Why was it that the bouncer was commenting negatively about me as if I wasn't there to my male friend when we were entering? Didn't think that was his business at all. When I tried to check him he said something rude and then went on talking to my friend about me as if I wasn't standing right there using very sexist language. I did not know this bouncer.Why was it that immediately after giving me my order one bartender who's been there for years thought it was alright to go and talk about me to another bartender when I was standing right there waiting to pay?And why is it that I have seen men openly stalk women around a room, the women look afraid and uncomfortable and there will be a manager close by but those men are never thrown out? There was a skinny little brown man who stayed within 5 feet of a woman while she was dancing towards the end one night at all times even though the floor was mostly empty and he didn't know any of her friends or her. She kept moving around the room because she was afraid and he kept following her. Hopefully he didn't keep up the behaviour when she left, because no one cared about her safety.Last time I went in, my face got grabbed by some random huge white man very roughly when I was walking by. I pulled away in shock and he grabbed my face again and tilted it upwards. I pulled away and went and stood by the front bar, terrified and triggered.My last question, this one to you, would it have made sense to bring this up with the bouncer who saw me as less than human because of my gender? Would the bartenders - who had something to say about me when all I was doing was ordering a drink using the same courtesy and cheerfulness as always - have done anything ?The last time I was present when someone else got aggressive at a bartender, I checked in with the person who got yelled at and the others on shift to make sure they were ok and offer support if possible. I have always seen them as not just human but wonderful humans and try to make sure they feel that way especially on Friday and Saturday nights. I used to be so happy to see some people who worked there.don't know what changed and why, but this is not a save space for women or queers. There are a lot of other spots in that area and other parts of Brooklyn that aren't so sexist/racist/toxic/physically and emotionally harmful. Stay away!
August 31 · J. de Sousa
Where do I start? 🤔 I’ve been going to Friends and Lovers for about eight years, and honestly, it’s my go-to spot whenever I want a night out. The vibe is always drama-free. In all these years, I’ve never once seen a fight. I always feel comfortable here, and not once have I ever felt harassed or unsafe.The security team deserves credit for that. There’s a tall bouncer who towers over everyone and is always on alert, making sure people are having fun and staying safe. Even small things, like spills on the floor, are taken care of right away.I usually go for their Latin nights, which I think happen about once a month, but I also love their Afrobeat and Afro house nights with DJ Uproot Andy. he always packs the place and creates such an incredible energy. If you’re particular about music, definitely check their Instagram beforehand because they host different genres on different nights.The venue itself is awesome: two bathrooms, a spacious bar, and a great layout that makes it easy to dance or just hang out. It’s the perfect place to unwind and let loose.One thing that stands out for me personally is how safe and welcoming it feels. I’ve never gone to a lounge alone before, but one night I just needed to get out and none of my friends were free. I felt completely comfortable going solo here, which says a lot.On top of all that, Friends and Lovers is women-owned and proudly queer-friendly, which only adds to the inclusive, positive vibe of the space.Overall, Friends and Lovers is just a gem fun, safe, and full of good energy. I can’t recommend it enough!
September 06 · Sid D
Really wish i knew this place was here before i moved into the building its practically in the middle of. Literally havent gotten a good nights sleep on a weekend in months now That being said whoever the house engineer is really needs to chill out. Bet its a lot of fun to party here im just posting this so people know whats going on for everyone who lives in the area and hopefully the noise level will go down. Like my bed is literally shaking, it doesnt need to be 110+dB inside the place not even Mood Ring allows over 100dB. most places dont
September 21 · Eli Mateo