Bunton's World Famous
Photos by Curt Saunders for Black-Owned Brooklyn
When Kareem Bunton opened Bunton’s World Famous last February, some people were (pleasantly) surprised to learn the Bushwick bar was owned by a Black dude. Yet in his mind, it was the most obvious life outcome ever. “Semi-retired musician opens a bar,” he says wryly. “That’s what I’m supposed to do!”
The Louisville, Ky. native has lived in Brooklyn for 25 years, singing and playing guitar in various bands — most recently in the jazz/rock/soul outfit On High, in addition to collaborating with Run the Jewels and TV on the Radio. But Kareem, 47, also steeped himself in NYC nightlife managing bars over the past decade. With his own place, he set out to recreate the “anything goes” vibe of the ‘90s club scene.
“Everything now is very compartmentalized,” he says.“ ‘This is a sports bar. This is a gay bar. This is a bar for professionals. This is a Black bar. This is a white bar.’ It wasn’t really like that back in the day. Everyone was in the spot having a good time.”
“The most important thing about creating the environment I wanted is having a presence here. I’m trying to shake 10,000 hands. Every person who comes in I greet.”
Kareem describes Bunton’s World Famous’ eclectic yet stately design as just a mix of things he likes. Yellow banquette seating and a padded bar contrasted against deep blue walls. Photos of Tupac, skateboarders, Debbie Harry, DMX and the Beastie Boys. A nice-ass bathroom encased in glossy black tile.
“We’re not a dive, but we’re not a high-end cocktail bar either,” he says, although you can get a delicious cocktail off the well-crafted, tropical-inspired drink menu (the piña colada is a crowd favorite). Or just grab a beer.
Bunton’s also hosts frequent food pop-ups, including Jamaican tacos on Saturdays from the mother-daughter team, Two Girls Cookshop. A regular rotation of DJs further provides a lil’ something for everybody, from old-school Motown and Stax over $5 happy hour specials to evening sets of ‘90s hip-hop, Afrobeats and Brazilian funk. And in warmer weather, kick back at the bar’s spacious backyard garden patio.
As for the name Bunton’s World Famous? “It’s a Brooklyn joke!” Kareem says with a laugh, a nod to New York institutions like Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and World-Famous Original Ray’s Pizza. But even if the nine-month-old bar isn’t internationally known, Bunton’s is locally renowned for its vibrant social scene and friendly service.
On any given night, you’ll see Kareem posted up with a smile, either tending bar or chatting up his diverse clientele. “The most important thing about creating the environment I wanted is having a presence here,” he says. “I’m trying to shake 10,000 hands. Every person who comes in I greet.”
Photos by Bunton’s World Famous
Photos by Bunton’s World Famous
1005 Broadway, 718-758-4474, buntonsworldfamous.com
