dontmatter

Vinyl. Cocktails. Dumbo, Brooklyn.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Walk-in availability is extremely limited and cannot be guaranteed.

To keep the evening running smoothly, we kindly ask that guests arrive on time for their reservation. Tables are held for a 15-minute grace period, after which we reserve the right to release them to another guest.

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About

DONT MATTER is a vinyl-forward listening lounge and cocktail bar located in DUMBO, Brooklyn — inspired by Japan’s tradition of listening bars and filtered through a distinctly New York sensibility. Built around intentional sound, the space brings together a carefully curated record collection, custom speakers from Brooklyn-based Bridge Street Sound indoors and Norway’s NNNN on the Deck, signature cocktails, and elevated small bites in an intimate indoor-outdoor setting. Designed for listening, conversation, and discovery, DONT MATTER offers a modern take on the classic listening bar.

How do I make a reservation?

Reservations for parties of up to 4 guests can be made through Resy. For larger parties, please contact info@dontmatter.nyc.

How many guests can I book through Resy?

Up to 4 guests.

Can I book for a larger group?

Yes, but larger parties must be approved in advance. We can accommodate up to 8 guests during regular service, based on availability — this can’t be arranged as a walk-in. Please contact info@dontmatter.nyc to request a larger-party reservation.

What is the maximum party size during regular service?

8 guests.

Does my full party need to be present before we’re seated?

Yes. We ask that your full party be present before seating.

How long is my reservation?

Reservations are allotted 90 minutes.

What happens if I’m late?

Tables are held for a 15-minute grace period. After that time, we reserve the right to release the reservation to another guest.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes, but walk-in availability is extremely limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Can I celebrate a birthday at DON’T MATTER?

Yes. Birthdays are welcome as long as they fall within our standard reservation guidelines. Anything requiring special setup, décor, additional guests, reserved areas or customization would need to be handled as a private event.

Can I bring a cake?

No. Outside cakes are not permitted.

Can I bring balloons, decorations, flowers, candles or sparklers?

No. To preserve the atmosphere and listening experience, outside decorations, balloons, flowers, candles and sparklers are not permitted during regular service.

Can I reserve a particular couch, table or section?

You’re welcome to request a preferred seating area. Requests are accommodated based on availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Can additional guests join my reservation?

No. We’re unable to add guests at arrival beyond the confirmed reservation count.

Can I increase my party size after I’ve already booked?

Not without advance approval. Once a reservation is confirmed, we’re unable to accommodate a larger group than what was booked — if your party has grown, please contact info@dontmatter.nyc ahead of time and we’ll do our best to help based on availability.

Is there a minimum spend for larger parties?

Yes. Parties of 5 to 8 guests are subject to a per-person minimum spend. Connect with our reservations team at info@dontmatter.nyc for details.

Do you offer private events or buyouts?

Yes. DON’T MATTER offers private bookings for intimate gatherings, brand experiences and full venue takeovers.

What spaces can be booked privately?

The Listening Lounge can be booked privately, as well as the full venue for larger events.

Can I privately book the Listening Lounge?

Yes.

What is the capacity of the Listening Lounge?

The Listening Lounge accommodates up to 22 guests.

What is the capacity for a full venue buyout?

Full venue private events can accommodate up to approximately 90 guests, depending on the event format.

Do you host brand events, listening sessions, launches and corporate events?

Yes. We work with brands, artists and private clients to create tailored experiences within the space.

Can events happen on days DON’T MATTER is normally closed?

Yes. Private events may be available outside of normal operating hours and on select closed days.

Are food and beverage included in private-event packages?

Yes. Food and beverage offerings are built into our private-event packages and tailored to the scope of the event.

Can we customize cocktails, menus, music or branding?

Yes. Customization is available for private events and buyouts.

How do I inquire about a private event?

Contact info@dontmatter.nyc with your preferred date, guest count and a little information about what you’re looking to create.

Is DON’T MATTER a restaurant?

No. DON’T MATTER is a listening lounge centered around music, cocktails and small bites.

Do you serve dinner?

We do not offer a traditional dinner service. Our food menu is designed around small bites and shareable plates.

What kind of food do you serve?

A curated menu of small bites designed to complement the drinks, music and overall experience.

Is there a drink minimum?

No.

Do you offer non-alcoholic cocktails?

Yes.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Our menu is intentionally limited, but we offer a range of options. Please let our team know about any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking.

Can I bring outside food or beverages?

No. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

What exactly is a listening lounge?

DON’T MATTER is a cocktail bar built entirely around sound — the whole venue, not just one room. The idea is inspired by Japan’s tradition of listening bars, where music gets the same attention as what’s in your glass, reinterpreted with a New York sensibility. At its center is our 22-seat Listening Lounge, built around ten custom speakers from Brooklyn-based Bridge Street Sound, with four more from Norway’s NNNN outfitting the Deck.

What kind of music do you play?

An eclectic mix of old and new soul, R&B, reggae, rock, pop, hip-hop and music that moves between genres and generations.

Is there a DJ every night?

No. Some evenings feature DJs and selectors, while others are programmed around curated listening.

Can guests request songs?

No. Music is intentionally programmed by our team and guest selectors.

Is the music loud?

The room is designed for high-quality listening rather than excessive volume. The goal is immersion, not a nightclub environment.

Why are large groups and decorations restricted?

DON’T MATTER is an intimate space built around sound and atmosphere. Larger gatherings, significant décor and customized experiences are therefore reserved for private events and buyouts.

Can I come just for drinks and music?

Absolutely.

Is there an age requirement?

Bar seating is reserved for guests 21 and over.

What is your cancellation policy?

No-shows are subject to a $25 per-person charge.

Is gratuity included?

A 20% gratuity is automatically applied to parties of 5 or more.

Can we split the check across multiple cards?

We allow a maximum of two cards per check. We’re unable to provide separate checks or itemize individual guest payments.

Are service animals permitted?

Yes. Service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable law.

Is there a dress code?

Come as yourself, just come with intention. We welcome personal style, sneakers, denim, relaxed tailoring and elevated casual wear. We simply ask guests to avoid overly athletic, beach or lounge attire.

Can I take photos or video?

Yes. Casual personal photography and video are welcome.

Are professional photography or shoots allowed?

Not during regular service. Please contact us regarding dedicated photography, filming or production inquiries.

Is smoking permitted anywhere?

No.

Is dancing permitted?

DON’T MATTER is built for listening, not dancing. To protect the experience for everyone in the room, we kindly ask guests to save the dance moves for another night.

Is there standing room?

No. DON’T MATTER is a fully seated experience — every guest needs a table or bar seat, and there’s no standing room.

Where is DON’T MATTER?

55 Sands Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, on the ground floor of the Etsy building in DUMBO.

What are your hours?

Wednesday–Thursday: 5 PM–12 AM
Friday–Saturday: 5 PM–1 AM
Sunday: 5 PM–10 PM

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes. Outdoor seating is available on our Deck.

Is the Deck weather dependent?

Yes. Deck availability may change based on weather conditions.

Is the space wheelchair accessible?

Yes.

What subway stations are nearby?

The closest stations include Clark Street via the 2/3, York Street via the F, and High Street via the A/C.