Harlan Records
Cocktail bar · Union Square ·
Music-inspired cocktails, vintage hi-fi, and extensive vinyl collection
Music-inspired cocktails, vintage hi-fi, and extensive vinyl collection
"Co-owner Will Herrera used to run the Barbary Coast trail institution Old Ship Saloon, so he knows a thing or two about honoring downtown San Francisco’s bar culture. “We’re here for an intentionally social environment, not a nightclub vibe,” he says of the nearly three-year-old Harlan Records, tucked down a cheeky alley. Open most days at 2 p.m. and closing late every day, it’s hard to leave Harlan once you’re sitting in a leather-bound chair, booth, or bar stool. A classic McIntosh receiver powers part of the system that Herrera says is still evolving. The striking cocktail list and loaded “Duets” (shot and beer combo) offering are fun to explore in the afternoon, or while hearing curated records from prime local selectors at night." - Adrian Spinelli
"I note Harlan Records took up residency in the former Bar Fluxus space in Union Square in October." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Harlan Records will remind you why it’s nice to be a human who leaves the house. The lounge near Union Square is inspired by Japanese listening bars, meaning you’ll be too busy processing the range of funky beats to even think about scrolling on your phone. Also holding your attention are classic cocktails, shelves of vinyl records, and mid-century aesthetics. Unlike some other new listening bars that have popped up recently (looking at you, Le Fantastique), this spot is surprisingly located down an alley, so it’s never too busy, and drinks take a bit longer to arrive. The cocktails are worth the wait." - Lani Conway
"Harlan Records opened as a Japanese listening bar in Union Square/nearby, featuring high-fidelity speakers, a vinyl collection that doubles as decor, and music-inspired cocktails in an environment that nods to mid-century jazz-era vibes." - Lauren Saria
"Opened on September 23, this bar aims to deliver a Haruki Murakami–style experience of nursing a glass of whiskey while listening to The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds on repeat, with a concept that emphasizes the social intimacy of that kind of environment. Inside the former Bar Fluxus space, records line the walls — almost 2,000 vinyl spanning John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Taj Mahal, Charlie Parker, Sharon Jones, Lee Fields, and Khruangbin — and the sound rig includes a Thorens TD124, McIntosh 2210 amplifier, AdCom amplifier, NAD 1020 preamplifier, Sony SA-7300s, and a pair of JBL L100s. The owners added seating and tables where a stage once stood, though live performances remain on the calendar (the stage can host a three-piece band), and programming is intended to be eclectic and grounded, highlighting artists not getting radio play as well as local acts, hosting record releases, Red Curtain shows, and collector nights. The aesthetic is inspired by Japanese listening bars and features refurbished 1940s–'50s radios from owner Eric Passetti’s grandfather; the drinks menu focuses on music-inspired cocktails alongside classics like negronis and dirty martinis, and the bar currently holds a drinks-only license with plans for snacks and delivery drop-offs from partners like High Horse and other Union Square and Chinatown food outposts. So far guests have embraced the vibe — phones stay down and conversations happen — and the owners imagine mini-festivals in the alley and other events to bring locals and artists together." - Paolo Bicchieri