If you’re looking to expand your musical tastes but you’re tired of letting the algorithm decide for you, step outside and visit a local listening room. Over the years, Philly has welcomed lounges inspired by jazz kissa — Japanese listening bars and cafes centered around high-quality sound systems that play vinyl records. The concept is attracting old and new audiophiles looking for good music and community.
Here’s where to go if you want to listen to vinyl records in Philly.
48 Record Bar
48 S. 2nd St.
Located above the jazzy Sassafras Bar, 48 Record Bar is a cozy listening room and cocktail bar in Old City. The lounge regularly hosts programming ranging from vinyl nights and open mics to author talks. Registration for ticketed events can be found here.
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine St.
The Free Library has so much to offer beyond books, including music. The library’s music department not only has a vast collection of physical music available for loan but now has a vinyl record listening club. The group meets on the last Wednesday of each month, offering a free third space to listen to music from the library’s catalog or from your own. You can sign up to receive updates about the club here.
Sweet 45
2000 N Front St.
Beat the heat with ice cream while listening to your favorite tunes. This shop doubles as an ice cream parlor and listening lounge. The intimate space right under the L lets you immerse yourself in the music while leaving enough room to dance. You never know who you’ll find at Sweet 45; artists Tierra Whack and Hayley Williams have both made appearances. When you pick a record, be sure to order a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream with caramel drizzle and sweet plantain to pair with it. You won’t regret it!
Clubfriends Radio & Records
926 Market St.
What started as Alexa Colas' project to transform her living room into a record store has grown into a business temporarily housed on Market East. Clubfriends is one of several pop-ups activating the business corridor through the end of July. Stop by to participate in special programming that connects Philadelphians and visitors alike through music, art, and storytelling.
Milkcrate Cafe
400 E. Girard Ave. & 4435 Baltimore Ave.
Spin some records whether you’re in Fishtown or West Philly. Milkcrate Cafe is the perfect place to sit down for a cup of coffee as you sit back and listen to some tunes. The coffee shop doubles as a record store with thousands of records to choose from. You can also grab some hi-fi audio gear at the shop.
Solar Myth
1131 S. Broad St.
Solar Myth brings the beats to South Broad’s musical scene. The back of the venue is perfect for intimate, live performances but you can get more of the kissa vibe toward the front by the bar. (And if you’re looking for more places to listen to jazz in the city, here are a few venues to start with.)
Sook Vinyl and Vintage
7169 Germantown Ave.
This Black-owned record shop and listening room evolved from a vending pop-up to a brick-and-mortar store in Germantown that’s preserving Black culture, music, and art. Learn about the next SOOK Session, its ongoing series spotlighting selectors, by keeping up with SOOK’s Instagram.
AudioPHL
This listening room experience brings audiophiles (music lovers) together to discover new music and meet new people. Previous events have featured live DJ sets at spots such as Fishtown’s Margolis and Bala Cynwyd’s The Landing Kitchen, with records for purchase provided by Sook.
Did we miss your favorite listening room? Let us know where to go. If you’ve found the artist that’s right for you, be sure to visit Philly’s record stores to pick up a physical copy of their work.
