Classic Dembow and Reggaetón music pulses through the air as Christmas and Halloween decorations dangle from the ceiling—a symbolic ode to the year-round celebration inside Toñita’s Caribbean Social Club.
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS has cemented itself as a meaningful album for the global Latine community. Its impact is felt in unexpected places, including a small doorway in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where Toñita’s Caribbean Social Club stands as a cultural cornerstone. The club’s cozy atmosphere and house party vibe transport guests to memories of home, offering a space that feels both familiar and irreplaceable.
Once a historically Caribbean neighborhood, Williamsburg has undergone dramatic demographic shifts. Today, only 24.8% of its residents identify as Hispanic—a 9.35% drop since 2000 (NYU Furman Center, 2017). As markets and social spaces have evolved to reflect the changing population, Toñita’s has remained a steadfast haven for the Caribbean community. Despite million-dollar offers from real estate developers (Morales, 2023), Toñita has refused to sell, staying true to her roots and the people who rely on the club as a cultural refuge.
This resistance hasn’t been easy. Noise complaints and aggressive interest from developers persist. But with the release of Bad Bunny’s newest album, Toñita’s may have found a powerful ally in preserving its legacy. The album’s third most-streamed track, NUEVAYOL, is a tribute to New York City’s Latine scene—from Washington Heights to the Bronx—and celebrates the vibrancy of underrepresented communities.
Since the album dropped, Toñita’s has seen a surge in visitors—even receiving a visit from Benito himself. This wave of attention underscores how deeply music can influence and uplift local spaces, acting as a bridge between art and community.
Despite its Caribbean theme, my visit stirred memories of my family in Mexico. The laughter, group dancing, and the aroma of food created the kind of atmosphere that defines a true Latine gathering. I spoke Spanish freely and relished an experience I thought only possible back home. Behind the bar, Toñita greeted every guest—newcomers and regulars alike—with warmth and pride.
Today, the club is packed every weekend and shows no signs of slowing down. Toñita’s is more than just a venue—it’s a living testament to cultural resilience, joy, and belonging in the face of change.