"Downtown’s pseudo-speakeasy Off The Record might resemble a record shop, but behind the curtain, the cocktail bar feels like a party inside 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. Everyone, including the bartenders, are dancing, vibing, and singing along to Al Green, De La Soul, The Fugees, and whatever the DJ happens to be spinning. We like to slide past the DJ booth and grab drinks in the small upstairs lounge with a date, or snag a couch spot and people watch with friends. photo credit: Michael Ma video credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Michael Ma photo credit: Michael Ma" - Chelsea Thomas