"Downtown’s pseudo-speakeasy Off The Record might resemble a vinyl shop, but behind the curtain, the cocktail bar is a party with a swanky record cabinet. Decked out with stacked vintage speakers, framed gold records, and shelves of old hip-hop memorabilia, Off The Record blurs the line between bar and club. The music is loud and bass-pumping, but you don’t have to yell at the person next to you to talk to them. Everyone, including the bartenders, is dancing and singing along to De La Soul and The Fugees, or whatever the DJ happens to be spinning. Grab drinks in the small upstairs lounge with a date, or snag a couch spot and people-watch with friends." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas