Somethin' Else

- 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Are you searching for that perfect spot in Downtown Brooklyn where you can grab an expertly made cocktail, catch an unforgettable live performance, and feel completely at home? Look no further than Somethin' Else. Tucked away within the bustling DeKalb Market Hall, this vibrant cocktail bar and music venue is quickly establishing itself as a premier destination in the borough's dynamic nightlife and cultural scene. It is a true hidden gem that lives up to its name, offering a diverse, inclusive, and multi-formatted experience that stands apart from the typical New York bar.

Drawing inspiration from the classic jazz album by Cannonball Adderley, the bar aims to provide patrons with literally “something else”—an authentic, intimate, and energetic hub for music and community. The founders, who have backgrounds in both the restaurant and music/art industries, have masterfully blended the raw, comfortable feel of a classic dive bar with the electric, modern vibes of a contemporary club. This unique atmosphere cultivates closeness and connection, not only between patrons but also between the audience and the talented performers who grace its stage.

For New Yorkers and visitors to the city, Somethin' Else offers a much-needed retreat from the hustle and bustle outside, providing a cozy and trendy space where you can truly relax and socialize. Whether your goal is to dance until the early hours, quietly savor a sophisticated drink, or celebrate a special occasion, this Downtown Brooklyn hotspot is designed to cater to a diverse clientele looking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the city. The commitment to exceptional service and a truly unique experience ensures that Somethin' Else brings the very essence of Brooklyn's creative spirit right to your glass.

Location and Accessibility

Somethin' Else boasts a prime location in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, making it exceptionally convenient for anyone traveling via the city's extensive public transportation network. The bar is situated within the popular and well-known DeKalb Market Hall, a major culinary and retail destination at City Point. The physical address is 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.

Its location within the City Point complex and the DeKalb Market Hall is a significant advantage for accessibility. Patrons arriving by subway will find that the DeKalb Avenue station is virtually on the doorstep, offering direct access to multiple major subway lines. The B, D, N, Q, and R trains all stop at the DeKalb Avenue station, providing easy travel from Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. Furthermore, the location is a short walk from the Atlantic Terminal, which serves as a major transit hub for many other subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), connecting the bar to an even wider area of the city and beyond.

In keeping with its commitment to welcoming all members of the community, Somethin' Else is fully equipped to accommodate guests with mobility needs. The establishment, being located in a modern complex like City Point, offers excellent accessibility features including:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring smooth entry into the venue.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom, providing comfortable and compliant facilities.
• Wheelchair accessible seating arrangements.

For those traveling by car, parking discounts are often available for City Point and DeKalb Market Hall customers at nearby parking facilities, though public transit is always the recommended route for experiencing NYC nightlife. The central location in a highly pedestrianized and busy part of Brooklyn ensures that whether you're coming from work, home, or a night out in another borough, getting to Somethin' Else is simple and stress-free.

Services Offered

Somethin' Else is a vibrant cocktail bar that provides a comprehensive and multifaceted experience for its patrons. The core offering revolves around expertly crafted beverages and a lively cultural program. Here is a detailed look at the services and offerings you can expect:

• Full Beverage Service: The bar specializes as a cocktail bar, featuring an extensive menu of creative and classic cocktails, including customer favorites like the spicy espresso martini and seasonal specials such as the beautiful winter margarita, as noted in customer reviews.
• Alcohol Selection: A wide variety of alcoholic beverages are served, including hard liquor, fine wines, and a solid selection of beers.
• Beer Program: The beer selection highlights local and regional breweries, featuring a rotating list of both draft (on tap) and canned options. Available canned beers include: Talea Al Dente (Brooklyn, NY), Bluepoint Toasted Lager (Long Island, NY), Talea Sunup (Brooklyn, NY), Bronx Brewery (Bronx, NY), Athletic Brewing Co (Milford, CT - noted for its non-alcoholic options), and Allagash Wheat (Portland, MA).
• Live Entertainment: The venue is dedicated to live music and features a dynamic lineup that includes DJ sets and live performances across various genres, such as jazz, electronic, rock, and soulful house. This commitment to a diverse musical program sets a unique and electric tone for the space.
• Dancing: The exciting atmosphere cultivated by the DJs and live acts naturally encourages dancing, making it a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a lively night out.
• Dine-in Seating: Comfortable seating is available for patrons who wish to sit and enjoy their drinks and the entertainment.
• Outside Food Allowed: A unique and highly appreciated service is the policy of allowing patrons to bring in food from the numerous vendors within the surrounding DeKalb Market Hall. This provides guests with a tremendous range of culinary options to enjoy with their drinks, from different global cuisines to casual fare.
• Event Space: Beyond nightly service, the venue operates as an event space, hosting everything from regular happy hours to unforgettable themed parties and cultural showcases.

Features / Highlights

Somethin' Else stands out in the bustling Downtown Brooklyn nightlife scene due to several unique and compelling features that have garnered strong appreciation from local patrons:

• Exceptional Cocktails and Bar Service: Customers consistently praise the quality and creativity of the cocktails, with a focus on 'Great cocktails' and 'Fast service.' The bar prides itself on using expertly crafted recipes and fresh ingredients.
• Vibrant Live Performance Venue: The space is intentionally designed as an intimate music venue that fosters a direct, authentic connection between performers and the audience. Programming is deliberately diverse, ranging from vinyl DJs playing retro funk and soul to live performances of jazz, classical, and world music, including West African drumming.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Community: Somethin' Else is passionately committed to being a diverse, inclusive, and all-embracing space. It is explicitly noted as being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, creating a truly comfortable environment for all groups and individuals.
• Atmosphere and Vibe: The ambiance is described as a perfect mix of 'Casual,' 'Cozy,' and 'Trendy,' offering a comfortable yet stylish setting. It succeeds in merging the 'rawness and authenticity of the best dive bars' with 'the electric vibes of a modern club.'
• Outside Food Policy: Located inside DeKalb Market Hall, the bar’s policy of allowing outside food means patrons can enjoy a cocktail with any of the vast international food options available from the market's many vendors, a major convenience and highlight for guests.
• Accessibility: The bar ensures full physical accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, making it a welcoming space for all patrons.
• Flexible Payment Options: Major credit cards are accepted, providing easy payment options for guests.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit, booking an event, or seeking more information about the latest live performances, here is the essential contact and location information for Somethin' Else:

Physical Address:445 Albee Square W,Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA(Located inside DeKalb Market Hall at City Point)

Hours of Operation:The venue is open daily, from 2:00 PM until close, providing a great option for a late afternoon drink or a full night of entertainment.

The most reliable contact method for general inquiries, media, and event planning is typically via email, as listed on official channels: EVENTS@SOMETHINELSENYC.COM.

What is Worth Choosing Somethin' Else

For New York locals, choosing Somethin' Else is choosing an authentic, high-quality, and refreshingly inclusive cultural experience that is hard to find elsewhere in Downtown Brooklyn. It offers a winning combination of sophisticated cocktails, an electric music program, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.

What makes it truly special and worth the visit is the synergy between the craft of the cocktail bar and the passion of the music venue. Patrons looking for 'Great cocktails' will not be disappointed, as evidenced by the enthusiasm for signature drinks like the spicy espresso martini. At the same time, the commitment to live entertainment—with a focus on diverse genres from jazz to funk—provides a level of cultural depth that elevates a casual drink into a memorable night out. It’s an intimate setting where you can feel a real connection to the artists, a concept that brings back the best energy of old-school music venues but with modern flair.

Furthermore, the location inside DeKalb Market Hall means that your beverage experience is complemented by a world-class food court right outside the door. The 'Outside food allowed' policy is a huge draw, enabling you to pair your crafted cocktail with anything from pastrami from Katz's Deli to authentic Caribbean oxtail. This flexibility creates a customizable and unique date night or group outing.

In a city full of options, Somethin' Else distinguishes itself by prioritizing community, high-quality offerings, and an inclusive spirit. It's not just a bar; it’s a cultural hub—a destination for music lovers, cocktail aficionados, and anyone seeking a cozy, unpretentious, yet trendy space where they can feel safe, be themselves, and discover 'something else' entirely. Its strong accessibility and central location further cement it as a top-tier choice for a night out in Brooklyn.

Somethin' Else

445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA