Foodies, it’s time to put music first. Listening bars are popping up all over the city, inviting guests to escape the Manhattan noise and dive into a curated audio experience. Inspired by “kissa” — treasured jazz cafes abundant in Japan — these lounges offer a chance to gather for drinks and bites all while enjoying the magic of a vinyl record player. Equipped with high-quality sound systems, extensive record collections and a cozy, intimate atmosphere, these listening cafes are sure to elevate your dining-out experience.
Tokyo Record Bar & Tokyo Listening Room
127 MacDougal St.
If you’re out on the town and hoping to escape the chaos that is MacDougal Street, head to the basement of Tokyo Record Bar. This floral-ceilinged spot offers an izakaya-style — casual Japanese pub bites — tasting menu that takes both your taste buds and ears on a seven-course journey where guests help curate the night’s soundtrack — almost like a communal jukebox. Priced at $85 per person with reservations required, Tokyo Record Bar is for dedicated music aficionados only. If you’re in the mood for a more laid-back listening experience, owner Ariel Arce recently expanded her homage to Japanese kissa culture with the addition of the The Listening Room on the first floor. Here, you can enjoy small bites a la carte alongside an extensive selection of cocktails, wine, beer and sake, all set to the warm crackle of vinyl spun by nightly DJs.
Analogue
19 W. Eighth St.
Analogue is a Prohibition-age fantasy of sitting in a speakeasy booth, drinking whiskey and listening to vintage American jazz off an old record machine in the historic heart of Greenwich Village. The rich wood, pristine leather couches and low lighting will transport you to another time. While not exactly a traditional listening bar, Analogue still invites you to escape the noises of the digital world and celebrate the beauty of a classic vinyl machine. What Analogue lacks in its sound system is made up for in its thoughtful cocktails, with house-made syrups, 300 whiskey offerings and reasonably priced American small bites.
Hi-Note
188 Ave. B
Cafe by day and bar by night, this radio bar located in Alphabet City features its own original programming and regularly hosts live radio sets, with music ranging from house to hip hop to soul. Hi-Note serves a wide range of coffee, cocktails and small bites with a happy hour each night from 5-7 p.m. This cozy, no-frills lounge gives diners the chance to listen to curated music from up-and-coming DJs. If you don’t feel like leaving the house to sip on a cola daiquiri and snack on spicy popcorn, you can listen to Hi-Note’s live programming in the comfort of your home by following the link on its website.
Studio 151/Ichi-Go-Ichi
151 Loisaida Ave.
Located on the second floor of the lively Nublu Club, Studio 151 offers both a fun environment for some vinyl listening and one of the best omakase menus in the East Village. DJ and star sushi chef Kamui Sumida spins up delicious and affordable omakase to the beat of curated tunes. Inspired by Studio 54 — an infamous New York City nightclub attended by Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor and more — this sushi-turned-record bar echoes the glory days of the ’70s. Eclectic vintage artwork and funky couches merge with modern-edge Klipsch speakers and an extensive record collection to create a perfect hangout you won’t want to leave. Reservations are available for couch and high-top seating, but make them in advance — this mix of dinner, drinks and music fills up fast.
All Blues
87 Walker St.
If you’re looking for a seriously immersive record bar experience, head to All Blues, where the bar lets the music — not the customers — do the talking. This sophisticated spot in the heart of Tribeca doesn’t play with its commitment to top-notch music listening. All Blues puts its focus on two things: quality vinyl sounds and lush Japanese-inspired cocktails. It also offers a selection of udon and small bites, but emphasizes that nothing should disrupt the dynamic and thoughtful space it’s created for serious music lovers to enjoy. Reservations are encouraged, and “musiquarium” manners are required.
Another Country
10 E. 16th St.
Named after the James Baldwin novel set in 1950s New York, this record bar located west of Union Square echoes tales of times past. From jazz nights to fine wine DJ sets to relaxing music salons, Another Country has an event for everyone. Its motto is a simple commitment to “Cocktails, Food, Records, Joy.” While dedicated to creating a thoughtful listening experience, this is also a record bar where you can talk and chat without worry of being shushed. From the classic “Ceci N’est Pas Un Negroni Blanc” to the “Vivaldo’s Failed Novel” with hints of coffee and chocolate, its unique cocktails can be drunk with equally exciting dishes such as the sardine sandwich or pork cheek plate. While nothing in New York is guaranteed, this bar’s 77-seat lounge gives you good odds to find a spot. Whether it’s for an evening of casual listening or a lively night out on the town, Another Country offers a getaway for all occasions.
N°Between Bar
443 W. 15th St.
While Chelsea may not be the typical going-out neighborhood for an NYU student, this record bar is calling patrons from all across the five boroughs. Hidden behind the Maki A’ Mano handroll shop at Chelsea Market is a secret escape from the crowded stalls and bustling conversation. Like the hidden bars littering Tokyo’s streets, neon signs and an alley lead customers to this cozy, hole-in-the-wall listening bar. The interior echoes the typical design of an “izakaya” — a stay-drink-place — with high tables, wooden bench seating, and warm red and yellow lights that create an atmosphere unlike any New York City bar you’ve ever visited. In addition to highballs and beer, N’Between also offers an extensive menu of Japanese small plates, from raw octopus to spicy mayo tots. Reward yourself after a long walk on the High Line with this innovative vinyl and live DJ experience.
Contact Ashley Combs at [email protected].
