An Old-School Japanese Music Trend Is Taking Over New York City's Nightlife

In our current era of Spotify and streaming music, we are seeing a wave of nostalgia for vinyl records –– something that seemed impossible two decades ago. But the facts speak for themselves. In 2022, the so-called "licorice pizza" outsold CDs for the first time since 1987. Tapping into that trend is a wave of vinyl listening spots in New York City where you can enjoy great music played on quality audio equipment. Japanese hipsters will nod in approval, especially because this has been a trend in Tokyo for decades.

The rise, fall, and rise again of vinyl has been well-documented. After the format reached peak popularity in the late '70s, it came under siege from two portable ways of listening to music: the cassette tape and the compact disc. Things got even worse when the likes of Napster and Limewire arrived and vinyl sales reached their lowest point in 2005. Crucially, however, vinyl never went out of fashion with dedicated audiophiles. 

Vinyl's comeback can be attributed to numerous factors, but perhaps the most important is people's love for physical media. Just as book lovers never tire of breathing in that new-book smell, vinyl aficionados savor swinging open a gatefold and running an adoring hand over the artwork inside. Owning records says something about you, and the next logical step is showing your appreciation in a venue dedicated to the medium. Now the old-school Japanese phenomenon of vinyl listening bars is making its presence felt all across New York City. Here's what you need to know.

The history of Japan's vinyl listening bars goes back almost a century to when Lion, the oldest remaining meikyoku kissa (masterpiece cafe), opened its doors for the express purpose of listening to classical music on high-quality audio equipment. Around this same time came the first jazu kissa, meaning jazz cafe, and ongaku kissa, which played a more general assortment of music. The emphasis in these cafes was firmly on the listening experience rather than just throwing on a record as a backdrop for social interactions. Devotees would come to sit, drink, and quietly appreciate the music in the company of like-minded aficionados. 

The tradition continues today, and Tokyo's nightlife scene has many vinyl listening spots where you can truly immerse yourself in the sound. They're usually gorgeous, low-lit places packing some serious stereo gear and walls full of lovely vinyl. The ambiance is low-key and chilled, often with a bar stocked with an eclectic choice of quality booze. Some are dedicated to specific genres while others welcome local DJs who spin a mix of favorites or put together themed sets.

Tokyo vinyl bars range from intimate cubby holes like Shelter, in the Hachioji district, to stylish spaces like Cave Shibuya, which offers cocktails and a full menu while DJs play classics from the '50s to the '80s. The vinyl subculture is so ingrained in the city that there are even dedicated vinyl hotels where rooms are equipped with turntables along with the usual amenities.

New York City is one of the best cities in the world to party, but vinyl record bars have only become part of the scene over the past decade or so. Some attribute the popularity to a rejection of online culture, or perhaps a rise in discerning bar-goers who are looking for a more easy-going experience. Whatever the case, you aren't short of choice when it comes to dedicated listening venues in the city nowadays. Following Tokyo's lead, most are low-key joints with great acoustics, terrific sound systems, and a drool-worthy collection of records. Some operate on a no-request policy, trusting their guests to kick back and appreciate the curated sets by resident DJs. 

There are too many New York City bars to list, but two of the original pioneers are Tokyo Record Bar in Greenwich Village and BierWax in Prospect Heights, both of which opened for business in 2017. As the name would suggest, the former is a loving nod to the classic Japanese listening bar, offering sake and Japanese-style snacks to go along with the music. Over in Brooklyn, BierWax is a touch livelier, even hosting events where guests can sing and dance. The menu here goes for quality craft beers to complement the 5,000 vinyl records for the DJs to choose from. Elsewhere, you can enjoy a full sit-down meal at Vinyl Steakhouse in Chelsea, tucking into prime cuts while listening to a dining-appropriate selection of rock, soul, rap, and funk.