Caribbean Social Club Becomes Brooklyn’s Must-Visit Bar
The Caribbean Social Club, a fixture in Brooklyn for over 50 years, has recently gained attention as a hotspot. On a lively Thursday night, patrons flocked to the Puerto Rican bar on Grand Street in South Williamsburg, all eager to catch a glimpse of its charismatic owner, Maria Antonia “Tonita” Kaye.
Since her memorable appearance at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday—where she was spotted serving drinks to the star—Kaye, now 85, has become an unexpected sensation.
Many customers expressed their excitement. Jassia Sepulveda Parra, a 34-year-old Chilean lawyer visiting from abroad, shared her thoughts while sipping rum and enjoying the reggaeton beats. “We came to see Tonita,” she mentioned, braving the bitter cold with a friend to experience the bar’s unique charm.
Kaye took time to interact with the captivated guests, who danced, sipped drinks, and played games like dominoes and billiards, creating a festive atmosphere. Jose Humberto Perez, a long-time regular, said her newfound fame could even make her a candidate for an Oscar if Bad Bunny decided to produce a film.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, has been a loyal patron of the Caribbean Social Club, often coming in every time he’s in town. His first visit was back in 2022, coinciding with the release of his album, “Un Verano Sin Ti.” Perez recalled the excitement when he spotted the superstar: “I knew the women would go wild.” He appreciated how Bad Bunny visited without a posse, showcasing his down-to-earth spirit—much like Tonita herself.
Perez, 63, who has frequented the bar for over 15 years, reflected on its significance. “This is the last bar of Puerto Rican heritage we have left,” he stated, while noting how gentrification pushed many out of the area. “Once, there were over 20 bars here, but now this is the only one left where you can get affordable drinks.”
Kaye bought the building for the club in 1974, running it as a social hub for years prior. In the early 70s, she even supported a local baseball team by providing food and drinks post-games. Despite offers reportedly reaching $9 million for the property, Kaye has no interest in selling. As her manager Giovanni Gonzalez put it, “She cares about the community… She’s a mother to all of us. When she leaves, where will people go?”
Many see the bar almost as a community center. Gonzalez likened it to a church “without the religious part.” Every Sunday, Kaye distributes free food to homeless individuals, and a generous plate of rice and beans was available for anyone stopping by on a recent Thursday.
Gonzalez also emphasized the absence of class or age divides within the bar, creating an inclusive environment. “You can see a lawyer playing dominoes with someone who’s homeless,” he pointed out. Decorated with awards, including one recognizing her as an “Outstanding Citizen” in 1998, the bar boasts a rich history reflective of its community roots.
After Kaye’s appearance at the Super Bowl, excitement swelled inside the establishment, with locals buzzing about her special moment. “I watched the halftime show here,” recalled Eitan Tovar, a 22-year-old who recently moved to New York. He noted how packed the bar was, with people trying to squeeze in.
Word has spread quickly about the club, creating expectations for long lines in the future. Still, for many, the authentic vibe and affordable drinks continue to be the major draw rather than just the hype surrounding Bad Bunny.
Nicola Palmisano, an Italian sous chef, missed Kaye’s cameo while working but decided to visit the bar after the game. “I really like the atmosphere here,” he noted, appreciating the neighborhood feel of the establishment.
