If you’ve ever wished your neighborhood cocktail bar came with a built-in cultural calendar (and a crowd that actually listens when the music gets interesting), Bar Laika by e-flux is probably your kind of place. Tucked into Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, it’s part bar, part social living room for the art-and-cinema-and-sound crowd — without the “you need to know someone” energy. You can drop in for a martini and dumplings, stay for a listening session or film screening, and leave feeling like you accidentally had a better night than planned.
Quick facts about Bar Laika by e-flux
| Detail | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Address | 224 Greene Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238 |
| Neighborhood | Clinton Hill |
| Typical hours | Tue–Thu 6pm–12am; Fri–Sat 6pm–1am |
| Programming | Playback (listening series), CineClub screenings, special pop-ups |
| What it’s known for | Cocktails, curated music/culture nights, small plates (dumplings, snacks) |
What makes Bar Laika different from a “regular” cocktail bar?
Plenty of Brooklyn bars have good drinks. The twist here is the e-flux connection: Bar Laika is conceived as a neighborhood bar and a cultural node for the extended artistic community. That shows up in the way the place is programmed — more “come for a curated listening night” than “stumble into a DJ set you didn’t ask for.”
And it’s not niche for the sake of being niche. Think of it as a bar where the background music is sometimes the main event.
If you like spots that are:
- quietly design-minded,
- serious about sound and cinema,
- still casual enough for a spontaneous drink,
…this is the overlap.
Events at Bar Laika by e-flux: what’s actually on the calendar?
Playback: the signature listening series
If you keep hearing “Playback” attached to Bar Laika, here’s the simple version:
Playback is an informal listening series curated by Kamran Sadeghi, where record labels, musicians, composers, and producers play selections (and sometimes rarities or pre-releases) in a social setting — so you’re not in a silent concert hall, but you’re also not fighting a wall of chatter.
What to expect at Playback nights:
- A start time that’s more “from 6pm onwards” than “show at 6:03pm”
- Music that can lean experimental, archival, or label-focused
- People who are actually there for the programming (not just the bar)
Real example: e-flux listings show Playback editions numbered into the 20s, featuring artists/curators like Selwa Abd and others, which gives you a sense of continuity — this isn’t a one-off.
CineClub: film screenings with a drink in hand
CineClub is exactly what it sounds like — in the best way.
e-flux describes it as an informal space for people passionate about cinema history to meet, watch a film, and share a drink. Translation: it’s not a multiplex, and it’s not a lecture (unless the night calls for it). It’s a hang built around a screening.
If you’re the type who wants a post-film conversation that goes beyond “that was cool,” CineClub nights tend to attract that crowd.
Special pop-ups and collaborations
Beyond recurring series, Bar Laika also hosts limited runs and collaborations. For instance, e-flux promoted a multi-night pop-up bringing “Otto” flavors to Bar Laika for a short window — very much in the spirit of “this week only, if you know you know.”
Atmosphere: the vibe in plain language
Bar Laika’s atmosphere is often described as retro-futuristic and design-forward, but it doesn’t feel like a museum. Think warm minimalism: not sterile, not kitschy — more “architect had a say, but hospitality still won.”
The crowd
On a normal night, you’ll see:
- locals who treat it like their Clinton Hill bar,
- people who came specifically for the event listing,
- friends meeting for a low-key catch-up that accidentally turns into a late night.
It’s a good “one drink becomes two” setting — especially when there’s programming.
The energy level
A helpful way to picture it:
- Regular night: conversational, cozy, not chaotic.
- Playback night: more focused listening energy.
- CineClub night: social before/after, attentive during.
Drinks and food: what to order (and what to expect)
Bar Laika’s menu is built for lingering: cocktails, wine-by-the-glass, beer, and snacks that actually work with drinks.
Cocktail direction
From the bar’s own menu, you’ll see classics and modern staples — martinis, negroni variations, spritzes, and highballs — alongside lower-ABV options and thoughtful nonalcoholic picks.
A few standouts people mention (and you’ll also spot on menus/review roundups):
- Martinis (including briny/pickly variations)
- Negroni
- Spritz-style drinks
- Highballs
Small plates that make sense with a drink
If you want “real food” without committing to dinner, this place understands the assignment. Menu items commonly listed include dumplings (like pelmeni/vareniki), dips, olives, nuts, and a dessert option like olive oil cake.
Practical ordering move:
If you’re going to an event night, order early. Snacks that are easy to share mean you won’t have to do the “should we interrupt the listening set to grab food?” debate later.
What to expect on your first visit
Here’s the honest first-timer rundown — no fluff.
1) It’s a bar first, not a ticketed venue (most nights)
Many events are announced through e-flux’s event listings, but the setting stays bar-like. You’re not walking into a velvet-rope concert hall.
2) Check the e-flux events page before you go
If you want the “something’s happening” night, check e-flux’s Events calendar. It often lists Bar Laika programming (Playback editions, etc.) with dates and start times.
3) Timing matters
Bar Laika’s listed hours typically start at 6pm most nights, and it’s closed Sunday per official directory listings (hours can vary by source, so the official e-flux directory is the safest reference).
4) You don’t need to be “in the art world”
Yes, it’s connected to e-flux. No, you don’t have to drop theory references to enjoy your drink. If anything, it’s a nice antidote to louder, less intentional nightlife.
How Bar Laika fits into Brooklyn nightlife right now
One reason places like this work in NYC: nightlife is huge, and people want options beyond the same bar formula.
NYC’s own Office of Nightlife has referenced more than 25,000 bars, nightclubs, venues, and restaurants as part of the city’s nightlife ecosystem — so standing out takes a point of view.
Bar Laika’s point of view is culture-forward hospitality: it’s not trying to be the biggest room, just the most thoughtfully programmed one.
Tips for having a great night at Bar Laika by e-flux
- Go with a plan (or at least a quick check-in): Look up whether it’s a Playback or CineClub night so you match your mood to the vibe.
- If you’re meeting friends, arrive earlier than you think: 6–7pm is often a sweet spot for seating and ordering before things pick up.
- Order “bar food” intentionally: dumplings + one signature cocktail is an easy win.
- Treat it like a listening room when it’s programmed that way: You’ll enjoy it more, and honestly, so will everyone around you.
- Pair it with the neighborhood: Clinton Hill is great for a pre- or post-dinner stop — Bar Laika works as a starter, a closer, or the whole plan.
FAQs: Bar Laika by e-flux
What is Bar Laika by e-flux?
Bar Laika by e-flux is a cocktail bar in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn that also hosts cultural programming — especially listening events (Playback) and film screenings (CineClub).
Where is Bar Laika located?
It’s located at 224 Greene Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
What kind of events happen at Bar Laika?
Common event formats include:
- Playback (curated listening sessions)
- CineClub (film screenings)
- occasional pop-ups and collaborations
Is Bar Laika good if you’re not into the art scene?
Yes. It works as a neighborhood bar with strong cocktails and snacks, and the programming is optional — but a great bonus when you’re in the mood.
Do you need tickets for events?
Some e-flux events (in general) can be ticketed or RSVP-based, but Bar Laika programming is often presented as bar-based events with listed start times. Always check the specific listing on e-flux’s Events page.
Conclusion: is Bar Laika by e-flux worth it?
If you want a night out that feels distinctly Brooklyn — good drinks, smart snacks, and the option to stumble into something culturally sharp — Bar Laika by e-flux is an easy yes. It’s the kind of place where you can keep it simple (one cocktail, one plate, home by 10) or let the programming pull you deeper (Playback turns into a full evening; CineClub becomes your new ritual). Either way, you’re walking into a space designed for people who like their nightlife with a little intention — and a lot of atmosphere.
