Longplay HiFi

I came it Longplay HiFi with my friend yesterday. It was the first time for both of us. When you walk up to the shop door, you’ll see a sign to wait until someone comes out to get you. It took about 1 minute before we were invited in. The cafe/bar has a minimalist design, inspired by shops in Tokyo, and has a lot of cool little trinkets, items, and vinyls. The menu is really nice, with a high-quality, thoughtful selection of coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. My vanilla cold brew was really yummy, and had a perfect balance of dairy to coffee. My friend’s matcha drink was really creamy and top-notch! I also really loved the orange liqueur drink I ordered. I can’t remember exactly what was in it, but the flavor was subtle and fruity, with the right amount of alcoholic kick. One of the coolest parts of this experience was the amazing Japanese-imported ice they use! That was the cherry on top. Plus, my two drinks were only $21, which is a steal for San Diego. I highly recommend checking out Longplay Hifi! Update: Came back again and had an even better time. Some of the tea drinks are absolutely incredible. Still a great hangout spot! You have to try the blue chamomile spritzer. It is very pretty looking but has the most subtle, beautiful blueberry flavor.

Long Play HiFi is pure magic. You wait outside until the owner welcomes you in, kind of like a secret show for caffeine heads. Instant VIP energy. Inside it’s warm light, vinyl spinning something you’ve never Shazam’d, and the air smells like perfectly roasted beans.Tokyo ice that hits like a chilled daydream. Heads-up: if you’re in a hurry, skip it. This spot is for people who want to post up, talk, and let the records run.

Just came in! The vibe inside is really cool! We didn’t feel very welcomed by the server who greeted us at the door. The instructions before getting our waters or being able to order were a bit odd and excessive. The drinks were good and the gentleman who helped us at the end was pretty nice!

The vibes are immaculate. Drinks and salmon toast were delicious and exceeded my expectations, service was excellent. We were greeted at the door and let in. We're visiting from Portland, OR and wish we were closer! 10/10 experience

If you like records, good coffee, or music in general I urge you to give this place a try (although a part of me wants to gatekeep a little). Possibly the best vibes I’ve experienced at a Cafe in San Diego and truly deserves 5 stars. Owner running it all was super nice as well, so great service and very chill if you are going with a friend or just a nice spot to study or read in general. No earbuds needed with the high quality sound system here! Drinks were so good we both finished by the time I thought to take a photo…

My family and I visited Longplay to enjoy some beverages when we were in the area, but unfortunately were met with a very poor experience and rude service. There's three posted signs on the front door; two are duplicates which ask guests to not open the door and instead wait for someone to get you. We waited for five or so minutes, and no one came to get us, so we pressed the Ring doorbell on the side of the door. We had peeked inside through the glass, and saw a table of two inside, but no staff in visible sight. After five minutes of confusion, someone finally stepped out behind the bar counter and opened the door. He suggested we abide by the posted instructions and that they still needed an additional five minutes to "prepare" for our party of four. I likely had a displeased expression, and he asked if I had more I wanted to say. I don't remember the exact exchange, but our perception was that his tone and expressions were poor, passive aggressive, and unwelcoming and he told us to go elsewhere if the further wait was unacceptable to us. We left afterwards. I'm sympathetic to wanting to cultivate an experience for patrons that's a step beyond what traditional cafés or bars provide, and Longplay's own website states they are "dedicated to the promotion of audiophile culture + design + hospitality". Unfortunately, our experience was the exact opposite of hospitality. There was no warmth, or friendliness in demeanor or the words offered by the staff who eventually spoke to us. The perplexing part was that the café was far from busy; it was a Monday afternoon and there was one occupied table. At the end of the day, hospitality and welcoming patrons into a business ought to be a privilege. Drink too much of your own Kool-Aid and get caught up in pretentiousness and begin thinking that customers are the ones who're fortunate to be able to patron a business, and the outcome is similar to what happened today. Hopefully the employee was just having a bad day, and this was a one-off experience. From the prior reviews, it sounds like most folks have great experiences so it's likely, but this was unfortunately ours.

This place is a real treat for anyone who loves quality sound and a relaxed atmosphere. The sound system is incredible. The Japanese beer, which pairs nicely with the overall menu. Even with just one choice, it’s a great fit for the vibe. Everything feels carefully curated, from the sound to the food and drinks. It’s the perfect spot to relax, listen to some quality music, and enjoy a great meal. Definitely worth checking out!

I like coming here on the weekend to enjoy one of San Diego’s best cold brews and relax a bit from everyday life. I like that it’s speakeasy style and they always have good music playing. I always recommend to out of area friends who like good coffee. If you like good coffee and have a minute to slow down your pace of life, this a cafe you must visit.

Best experience ever, this place is literally one of those hidden gems that people always talk about. So immersive and calming. The ambiance was amazing and the space is so intriguing. The owner was so kind and hospitable, it really felt like we were visiting his home and he was serving us a small meal and drinks with curated music to fit the space. The food and drinks were amazing, literally some of the best most tasteful matcha and food I've ever had at such a great price. I tipped extra because of how much more the owner deserves for his craft. You can really tell that this is just a guy doing what he loves and opening his space for people to enjoy.

What makes Tokyo my favorite city in the world is its relentless commitment to craft, artistry, and passion. This is reflected in the food scene, the bars, the cafes--which is why I find new pieces of the city to fall in love with each time I visit. LONGPLAY HI-FI, inspired by the hi-fi stereo listening bars of Japan, brings that same philosophy to San Diego. The Vibe: I immediately connected with their motto: "EL DISCO ES CULTURA" (The record is culture). Even their house rules set the tone--focusing on conversation and presence rather than screens. It's a refreshing departure from typical café culture that feels both intentional and necessary. The Concept: This unique space combines café, bar, and shop, all dedicated to audiophile culture, design, and hospitality. You come for the expertly curated DJ sets and stay for an immersive experience of sounds and flavors you might never discover on your own. From the ambience to the impeccable Japanese-inspired drinks and music selection, every detail reveals this as a true labor of love--a space where the owners invite you to slow down, explore, and discover. My partner and I spent an entire hour working on a puzzle, completely absorbed in the world LONGPLAY HI-FI so meticulously creates for its guests. Perfect For: Anyone seeking a sophisticated bar alternative--great drinks and music with friends, with or without alcohol. Food: Light menu featuring sweet and savory options, plus rotating specials from guest chefs. Practical Details: - Street parking available; conveniently located near the Orange line - Intimate space seating ~20 people (4 tables plus bar seating) I can't wait to return on my next SD visit and be transported back to this little piece of Tokyo.

What a delightfully strange, cool place. The setting is intimate, the hours are odd, and the music is vibey. Tucked in a neighborhood that's a bit rough around the edges, Longplay Hifi takes heavy inspo from Japanese listening bars: venues centered on relaxing, easy listening, and enjoying hifi stereo systems in a third place. Even with GPS, the place is easy to miss. We found ourselves spinning the block twice over. The front door had the smallest little sign. You wait outside until the host/hostess invites you in, then you're greeted with a wall of vinyl records, trinkets, stereo systems, and coffee/tea knickknacks. There's no bass thumping, no obnoxiously loud groups. It's a place to sip a single-origin and read your Fitzcarraldo editions. There a blend of Mexican and Japanese-inspired snacks and a decently large menu of coffees, teas, sodas, and mocktails. After a day of running around downtown, it was a perfect venue for our small group to unwind, sit back, relax, and reflect. The drinks were a unique spin on traditional cocktails and a few traditional teas. I'd recommend the hojicha if you like slight smokey notes. Oddly enough, the drinks and food aren't the focal point of this bar. But without a cover charge, it's their main source of revenue. You come here for a relaxing DJ set. You come here for a curated experience and to discover some sounds you might not have explored on your own.

I've been to Longplay HiFi twice now, and it's a great place to live slow and enjoy the space. I love the atmosphere so much, I'll definitely be a returning customer! I arrived around noon on a Saturday and was nervous that there would be a wait, but there was space for my group of 2 to sit at either the bar or a table. I'm so glad to find a space where I don't have to worry about lines on the weekend. And we were able to get street parking right across from the place. Another blessing that this part of town is not so crowded that it's impossible to find street parking! When you arrive, it's not obvious where the store is, but you'll find it if you look for their logo LP. There's a sign on the door asking you to not open the door and wait for someone to come out and get you. I was confused whether we should ring the doorbell or not, but after waiting for a moment, someone came up to let us know they would seat us shortly. I came with my partner, but I saw other patrons came by themselves. So if you're looking for a cool cafe to read a book, you can definitely come here by yourself. Note that they do have a policy about no laptops in the cafe. The food and drinks are good. This place is definitely more like a bar alternative if you're looking to get drinks with friends but don't want to drink alcohol. They have one of the biggest non-alcoholic menus I've ever seen, so I'd love to try more of on my next visit. The food menu is limited and more like snacks, so again emphasis on the bar-like vibes.

Longplay HiFi is a really aesthetic and intimate spot that serves specialty coffees, teas, and cocktails. It feels like a speakeasy experience as it tucked away in the corner next to a nail shop. Make sure to wait outside until the host seats you as the inside is small intimate, so it may be a wait if you're with a larger group. The inside is so aesthetic with retro artwork, vinyls, and plants with a light bamboo aesthetic. I really liked the slow and calm ambience with the attention the details with the decor and to the drinks as well. We had great service and enjoyed all our drinks. I want to come back to try their other drinks on the menu as well. You can tell that they only use high quality ingredients and care about the customer experience as well. This place can be hard to find so look for it by a nail salon since the sign is small.

Came here with my friend, I was excited to visit one of the original AMBIANCE: Parking: Street parking moreover but what's cool is that it's near the Orange line. Seating: Cozy indoor seating for maybe 20 people total. 4 tables and the rest being bar seating. Vibes: Welcome to Sherman Heights! You're not too far away from Downtown San Diego and Barrio Logan. The spot itself is a grit and grind area but still a lovely place for some local gems. The spot itself is pretty nice. A small spot that' relatively lit through the windows. Of course, you'll see a lot of records and some pop art. Great place to chill and relax. FOOD: Jazzcat (Recommend) It had me at cocoa. If you're looking for that along with something that will keep you up (cold brew). A little bitter, a little sweet, and a nice hint of citrus to contribute to the refreshingness. CUSTOMER SERVICE: J was great! He was friendly and attentive TL; DR OVERALL: Awesome! Good choices, fair prices, and a pleasant experience. They seemed to yield a nice friendly audience too so nothing too wild. If you're looking for a place for some good tunes, drinks, and convos, this is your spot. Pro Tip: *Follow them on social media for their schedule on live dj sets!

Got the Harajuku and was genuinely surprised by how refreshing it was -- a unique and well-balanced mix of grapefruit and matcha that just works. The vibe of the place feels like you've stepped into a hidden alleyway bar in Japan -- super cool and intimate. What really stood out was the attention to detail: from the presentation to the quality of the ice (barely melted the whole time and actually enhanced the experience). A must-visit if you're into drinks that are both thoughtful and beautifully executed.

I came it Longplay HiFi with my friend yesterday. It was the first time for both of us. When you walk up to the shop door, you'll see a sign to wait until someone comes out to get you. It took about 1 minute before we were invited in. The cafe/bar has a minimalist design, inspired by shops in Tokyo, and has a lot of cool little trinkets, items, and vinyls. The menu is really nice, with a high-quality, thoughtful selection of coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. My vanilla cold brew was really yummy, and had a perfect balance of dairy to coffee. My friend's matcha drink was really creamy and top-notch! I also really loved the orange liqueur drink I ordered. I can't remember exactly what was in it, but the flavor was subtle and fruity, with the right amount of alcoholic kick. One of the coolest parts of this experience was the amazing Japanese-imported ice they use! That was the cherry on top. Plus, my two drinks were only $21, which is a steal for San Diego. I highly recommend checking out Longplay Hifi! Update: Came back again and had an even better time. Some of the tea drinks are absolutely incredible. Still a great.

The location felt a little off. It's parked on the side of the street where there were a few homeless encampments, and we actually walked past it at first because the place was completely blacked out with no sign anywhere saying Longplay Hifi. Once we walked in, the guy seated us but didn't say a word, so I ended up pulling the menu up on my phone. Eventually he brought over a tablet with a QR code to order through, which was fine. I got the Midori latte and it was actually really good. They use Paru matcha, so the quality's definitely there. It just took about 15 to 20 minutes to come out, which felt a little long for a drink. After we finished, we got up to leave and the guy chased us down saying we didn't pay. I had assumed the payment went through when we ordered via QR, but I guess that just places the order. You still have to go up to the counter to pay, which felt a bit confusing considering how digital the whole process already is. Inside, it smells strongly of incense, and while I usually love a retro or mid-century vibe, this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. The concept is cool in theory, but the execution felt a little unfinished.

Walking up to the location, there is very little to no signage once you get here. There's a sign out front that says to wait outside and someone will come get you (the windows are all blacked-out and you can't see inside but they can see you). For our party of 4, we had to wait about 10-15 minutes just to be let in (nobody left in that time). And then upon entering we see that there was already an open table plus bar seating so I'm not sure why it took so long just to get in. Inside is pretty small lending itself to a more intimate spot with some interesting memorabilia behind the bar area. Ambiance-wise it's okay. Ordering and getting our drinks total probably took another 20-30 minutes. I got the Midori which is a matcha-based drink with oat milk, vanilla bean and foam. I felt the drink was fairly light on the matcha flavored and the other elements I couldn't really taste. And combined with this being $9, this was definitely not worth it. We also got the Hokkaido which is also the same price and we had similar feedback on the flavor. This place some things (at best) okay, while in other areas it falls short.

Low key, love the ambiance and Sunday jazz tunes. Can't go wrong with the Avo toast and their drinks are meticulously crafted and delicious.

Came to LONGPLAY HiFi a few weeks ago as I saw this place on social media. The spot is a bit tricky to locate, but once you're inside, it's definitely a vibe. We ordered the PB&J toast and two drinks (City Pop and Harajuku) both drinks were super refreshing and clearly crafted with care. Where things fell short was the service. We waited about 15-20 minutes to be let in, even though we could see two empty tables and a few available bar seats (which were already cleaned). Once seated, it took another 15-20 minutes before anyone came by to give us a menu or QR code. As for the music, it was honestly a bit of a mismatch with the overall vibe of the space. I expected something more aligned with the cafe/bar's aesthetic, but the selection that day felt off. Overall, LONGPLAY HiFi has a lot of potential, but my visit was underwhelming. Would I go again? Probably not

What a unique cafe-meets-jazz experience this was! I enjoyed the ambience of this cafe, the abundance of natural lighting, the decor, impeccable attention to detail. and the incredibly delicious menu items. Staff was incredible friendly and helpful with answering my questions bout the menu items. I will admit that jazz isn't quite my cup of tea and I just couldn't get into the music that was being played during my visit. It was a bit too strange and random for my liking and I found it difficult to stay focused on my writing. Oh well, that's alright! Perhaps next time I visit, I'll jive a little better with the mix. The magic for me was in the beautifully handcrafted latte and yummy vanilla concha I ordered! I would visit again for the delectable flavors and the unique experience!

It was pretty tough to find especially because there was no storefront sign. But if your GPS says you are there, look for an unmarked door & you found it. I did not have a reservation & someone came out to tell me that it was going to be a long wait to get my drink, & I said that was fine, & then he emphasized it will take awhile, as if he did not want me to come in. Yup, thank you, I knew that before coming in after reading reviews. I came all the way from Escondido so of course I was willing to wait. My girlfriend told me about this place for an authentic matcha experience. The cafe is cozy with a bar seating & a few tables. They serve specialty coffees & teas, cocktails & non-alcoholic cocktails & a few small dishes. Great music playing. They make your drinks with care & it was nice watching them make them. My matcha was tasty & reminded me of those from Japan. If you are looking for sweet matcha, this is not the spot.

Longplay HiFi in San Diego is a vinyl listening bar and café offering a curated audiophile experience with high-fidelity sound , a collection of vintage and modern records, specialty coffee/tea , low/non ABV beverages , and a cozy, minimalist atmosphere that fosters a niche music-loving community. It is truly one of my favorite hidden gems of SD that I can't wait to return to! Food: Ume nori-ten ($6) - A perfect pairing with a low/non ABV beverages! Love the plum-infused seasoning Drink: City Pop ($14) - This is a low ABV drink, so it doesn't have a strong taste of alcohol. It tasted bright and citrusy from the choya yuzu liqueur. Super refreshing! Palomita ($12) - 8/10 This is a non ABV drink, but it tasted more alcoholic than City Pop. It was wild how the ritual tequila alternative mimicked the taste of real tequila! Vibe: The vibe at Longplay HiFi is minimalist, and deeply immersive, drawing inspiration from Japan's high-fidelity listening bars. Sipping drinks, sharing good conversation, and letting the music wash over us made for an incredibly cozy and intimate experience.

Longplay HiFi is always a whole vibe. The moment you step in, it feels like a little escape. The ambiance is cozy, intimate, and the vinyl music playing in the background just ties it all together perfectly. The drinks? So good. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I usually go for either the Ginza or Midori. Both are my absolute faves. But if you're looking for something light and refreshing, try the Harajuku. Whether you're into matcha or coffee, they've got you covered. It's the kind of spot that makes you want to slow down and be present. Can't recommend it enough!

I highly recommend checking this place out and I'll be back next time I'm in San Diego for sure. I got their matcha and my friend tried the cold brew but I would definitely be interested in coming back for cocktails. I enjoyed the music and vibes hanging out in here. Service was fast and friendly as well.

Love trying different coffee shops and I'm really glad I found this gem here in San Diego. A small, hole in the wall coffee shop with a Japanese feel. Very small and intimate but had such a vibe. The barista played some vinyl music while making coffee for the customers that came in. I asked for coffee that was slightly sweet and creamy which the Ginza was exactly all of that. It was poured onto some large ice cubes imported from Japan and with every sip, it tasted different (but in a good way). He was super friendly and made conversations with everyone that came in. Definitely would like to stop in again to try another drink off the menu but can also see myself sitting there and lounging for the day.

10/10 for their music selection, ambiance, drinks, food, and service. The city needs more places like this. I love that they incorporate culture and community to give it a true home-feel. Shout out to G! p.s. their coffee/matcha and curated food menus are always so spot on and worth a try!

If you want a high end coffee experience, this place is for you ! It's not too far from downtown. Parking might be difficult

It's the door you don't think is the door. When you enter, it's beautiful and well done as it relates to a Japanese experience. Music is fun, drinks are good. Here's my beef... the door has a bunch of signs to "not open the door" all over it. So, it was hard to tell what was inside. As for the coffee... it's fun and pretty good. The cost is relative to the experience. This isn't your neighborhood coffee spot. It's just not. Date night? Sure.

Had my eye on this place for a little while now and was hoping I could squeeze in a visit on my super short SD trip. So glad I got to go!! It was everything I could've wanted and more for my first vinyl listening bar experience. The drinks both alcoholic and nonalcoholic were exceptional. My favorite was the Carajillo but Dorothy's Harp was a close second. Ometesando was a great option if you really want to just taste a solid tea. Didn't get to try the food but I did see a jammy toast that looked super good. The guys working were all super nice and knowledgeable and overall had a great time with my group of 6. Highly recommend!!!

I'm an audiophile so discovering LONGPLAY HiFi was definitely what I needed. I tried out their matcha (with water) and it was fair. I wasn't expecting anything synonymous to classic Rika Fikka, but it was okay. The avocado toast is something that I would go back for. It was simple but soooo good! The place is small and quaint and they don't allow laptops, perfect for readers and conversationalists. It's intimate, too, so if you have someone with you or a group, would be a great place to talk and unwind. Would definitely go back!

Super lowkey vinyl cafe. Cute vibes, but parking is a tad difficult, and I would only come with 2-3 people since it's a bit loud and hard to talk in a group of 4 if you're seated at the bar. We got the omesando, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and I forget the last one, but the Hokkaido was my favorite!

I've been here several times since April and I've had nothing but positive experiences every time. G is great and he really makes you feel comfortable and valued as a customer. The spot is intimate and relaxing, and every item on the menu is crafted intentionally.

My wife and I stumbled upon this place on a Saturday morning while we were visiting San Diego and it was the perfect surprise. We loved the slow, thoughtful nature of the space which really encourages visitors to sit and enjoy your drink and music. Being one of three guests in the space really helped to amplify the thoughtful, present nature the space sees to evoke. Do not come here if you are in a hurry. Not because the service is bad (far from it) but because every drink is made methodically. The service was very attentive while we waited for our drinks and were pleasant to make conversation with.

Really cute low key coffee bar for a date night spot. This is not a grab and go coffee type place! There is no parking lot but street parking is available. We came on a Saturday morning and waited about 20 minutes to get inside and get seated. There were just a few people sitting inside at that point. It's very chill and laid back here so I wouldn't choose this place for a quick coffee pick up. The coffee and food took a while to get. we loved the overall interior decor, the music was good too and the overall vibe was so unique. The decor and ambiance were a 5/5. The avocado toast was delightful and bread was nice and soft. We really enjoyed the ginza coffee. Was not as much of a fan of the Hokkaido latte which tasted like a diluted Hokkaido milk tea. Although service was slow, they were really nice and refilled our waters.

What an experience! Ring the bell at the door, (Yes you're at the right spot) and wait for them to open the door. Step into a cool, vibey place. Open and spacious, light and clean. Very cool, hip, clean, Japanese vibes. Vibey music playing, the decor is amazing, and the service is exceptional. The menu is exquisite- You can expect high quality and thoughtfully made drinks which were made with care and style, including the luxury kuramoto ice. Even the garnishes used for some of the drinks were high quality. Service: Expect to just enjoy the space. You're not here to grab a drink and leave, you're here to stay, to enjoy the ambiance and the music, even seeing how they make the drinks, taking out the perfect cube of ice, spinning it in the glass, and shaking the drink to perfection. The owner even curates the vibes, choosing which vinyl and which side to put it on. With all that said, do NOT expect to get a fast drink, and bounce. These drinks are thoughtfully made, think of it as a bar, rather than a coffee house. Drinks: highball, ginza and hokkaido. I am a sucker for coffee and citrus, so the highball and hokkaido was my fave. I think the ginza is more basic, but still really good. I think hokkaido was my all time favorite- the tea is a cold brew hojicha and you can really taste the smokiness of the hojicha which gives the drink a bit more depth and flavor. I don't know why but I feel like because it was cold brew I can taste the nuances of taste vs if it was brewed hot. Overall, this is a GREAT and chill place to go to hang out with friends, a nice little coffee date, or even solo (sit at the bar). I It's dog friendly, but it's best if your pup is chill, and doesn't whine or bark since it's a small space that's relatively quiet at least when I went. I'm not in SD, but I'm definitely visiting SD more often and LONGPLAY HiFi is on my list of "always visit."

Awesome matcha spot. They have non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages as well. Highly recommend

I visited LONGPLAY HiFi and had an amazing experience. You will know that you have arrived when see an unmarked door and Google Maps says you have arrived. Wait for the owner to let you in- it took my friend and I 2 minutes to get in. Once you enter you are greeted by a warm atmosphere and jazz music being played. I ordered the Hojicha and requested it to be slightly sweeter than usually which they were able to accommodate. I will note that this place doesn't allow laptops and recommends long conversations with friends. I would totally come back again- the drinks are made with care and taste amazing. The service is so kind and welcoming.

Long Play HiFi is pure magic. You wait outside until the owner welcomes you in, kind of like a secret show for caffeine heads. Instant VIP energy. Inside it's warm light, vinyl spinning something you've never Shazam'd, and the air smells like perfectly roasted beans.Tokyo ice that hits like a chilled daydream. Heads-up: if you're in a hurry, skip it. This spot is for people who want to post up, talk, and let the records run.

Such a fun experience!! Great spot to stop by and listen to some new music while having a quality cup of coffee or tea. I personally loved the Kyoto cold brew and the cold hojicha. We also ordered the cinnamon butter toast and that was a perfect snack with a side of blueberries. Ring the doorbell when you arrive and someone will open the door for you. The people are super friendly and there is lots of parking in the area near the residential homes.

High quality drinks, made thoughtfully. Beautiful ambience in an unsuspecting location. Will be back!

Immaculate vibes!! What sets this place apart isn't just the records playing but that it's really more of an experience than a coffee shop/bar. Just looking at the menu you can tell each drink was carefully picked and crafted. I sat at the bar and the guys making the drinks took time to make each one perfect and it shows! This spot was smaller than I expected; not a place for big groups but perfect for two, or solo reading. Intimate! I got a black pour over (Oaxaca interlude) and it was SO good. I'm not even a coffee connoisseur like that but I could taste the notes it described which means it was extracted well. I can't wait to go back and try one of the fancier made drinks. The active vinyl playing was super cool too, a great way to get exposed to new music and they put the record cover of the album they're playing on the wall so you can see. Super peaceful and the staff are very attentive

The most special coffee bar experience I've ever had!!! The barista we had was so kind and let us overstay our welcome. The intention behind each drink is felt deeply and you feel transported when you step into the room. Just the coolest and most unique experience.

I love this place. I had a wonderful experience at this vinyl listening bar! My matcha was perfectly prepared and the sourdough bread with jam was a delightful treat, with the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The service was amazing. The ambiance was both relaxing and upbeat, creating an inviting space to unwind and enjoy the music. The concept of a vinyl listening bar is so refreshing, and it truly adds a unique charm to the experience. This place is an absolute vibe! Every visit feels like a special treat, and I can't recommend it enough. Looking forward to coming back soon.

Really unique spot. I appreciate the attention to detail. Personally didn't love the drinks, but cool concept

Unique vinyl cafe/bar in Barrio Logan. The space is intimate and seats about 20 people. Smaller parties would be more comfortable here. The menu is curated daily and has a wide assortment of quality coffee, natural wine, teas, shochus, sakes and snacks. Hokkaido & Palomitas were both 10/10. Really delicious drinks that use imported kuramoto ice and Paru tea, a local Asian owned brand. Bites and drinks were affordable and around 3pm on a Saturday there was space left for a few more parties. Vinyl DJ was a huge plus as well - we'll definitely be coming back

What an incredible spot - the perfect vibes for audiophiles !! The decor is minimalist and inviting. Super cute and fun all around - esp to visit with friends !! Nifty food and drink options. Can't wait to try their Thursday series of food pop-up collabs :) Lil video: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu0vdP3gLVC/

I love this HiFi listening club! This small club is located in a less desirable/challenging neighborhood. There's not much street parking so you'll have to find parking near people's homes. It's not exactly a warm and welcoming storefront either. That aside, I am happy with my experience with the listening club itself. When you first come, please read the sign on the door. It states that you should wait outside and not open the door to ask for service. A bartender will pop their head out ever so often to get you on the list. I came here with a group of five which I would say would be their max accommodation for a group. We were seated at a table by the window and it was lovely. We got the Ginza (non-alcoholic) and Jazz Cat (alcoholic). The coffee here is high quality and I thoroughly enjoyed each drink. The vibes are also immaculate since it is small and cozy. I definitely recommend this place! This place is not 21+, it is all ages, so come and enjoy with your friends!

what we ordered | Midori (Matcha) Iced Latte | Avocado Toast taste | avocado toast had good flavor and solid dish to get. matcha latte was delicious. they use matcha from Paru Tea and the oat milk and vanilla added enough sweetness to it service | service was great! they did mention they wanted to be a slow paced experience so they can serve all the customers and they really manage how many people they serve to make sure folks aren't waiting too long when they order parking | street notes | you knock on the door and they'll let you in slowly to make sure orders don't get super backed up. you can see them make the drinks in front of you. this is a good spot to go with a few friends. nice vibe with the music and variety of coffee drinks as well as alcoholic drinks. they also get their ice from Japan.

We've been wanting to check out this place for a while and it did not disappoint! Their menu items are unique and varietal. We got coffee and a few non-alcoholic drinks and the flavors were delicious. The staff was great and service was attentive. Also loved the vibes and music/decor!

I came with a couple friends on a Saturday morning at 10 am. At first it was pretty empty, but when we left about an hour and a half later, there was a line out the door. It's a pretty small place, so I wouldn't recommend large parties (there aren't any large tables). The restaurant is pretty hidden with reflective black windows. We accidentally passed by the place since there's no storefront sign, and it's located in a bit more of a run-down area in San Diego. The decor, lighting, and incense inside is a vibe, though. I loved the record vinyls on display right next to the coffee and bar setup. I had the Jazz Cat (a coffee cocktail) and also tried the Ginza (coldbrew) and el poblano (pour over coffee) from my friends. The cocktail was wonderfully balanced and delicious. The coffees were also brewed very professionally. I've included the menu as attached photos, just some things to note is that tax is included in these prices, and this is their Saturday menu. On Thursday and Sunday they have food popups which the person working there (who I believe was likely the owner) said means they get very busy. Since it was just the one guy working behind the counter, it took a little while for us to get our drinks (maybe around 30 min), but it was nice to just sit and enjoy the surroundings. He was also cool to talk to while he made our drinks. I wish Longplay HiFi was located in a more accessible area, but I'd take my friends there to hang out and have a drink, and I'm all for supporting small and local businesses.

parking: street parking wait: you have to ring the door bell and someone will come outside to greet you. we waited about 25 mins on a Saturday morning ambiance: when we went, it was just the owner serving and making drinks. the space is small, but tastefully decorated with local art, records and plants. what we ordered: (1) matcha latte ($8): it was pretty solid, but I wish it had a stronger matcha profile. the owner told us they import their ice from Japan! main takeaway: this place is a vibe. def a cool & lowkey experience to have coffee or tea with your friends if you're in the area. I went with two friends and they enjoyed their coffee as well.

I've been seeing this place on tiktok so I finally decided to try with a friend. We had a bit of trouble finding this place, and circled around the building a few times before realizing which store it was. The worker later said that the place was made to be more lowkey/discreet. The vibes inside are 10/10. This would be a nice place for drinks with a friend. The inside is pretty small, so I don't think it would be a group setting type of place. Also, this is definitely more of a place to go for drinks, not food, as the few food items they have are all small appetizers. The service was great! The server who helped us was very friendly and constantly checked up on us. I would definitely come back for drinks. Also, they have a film drop off box at the front of the store which I thought was pretty cool! And the film developing rates were cheaper than other places that I usually go to!

Longplay HiFi is a San Diego ode to Japanese music bars. While Convoy Music Bar, Part-Time Lover and Bar Kamon have capitalized on Japanese whisky bars and Japanese HiFi bars, Longplay is the only one to incorporate a cafe/dining vibe. The small, intimate space is perfect for a relaxing slow down. A place to unplug, unwind and connect with each other. The drinks are well made, with tea sourced from Paru and ice imported from Japan. With such a small space and high demand comes disappointment. As our barista explained, Longplay doesn't usually have massive traffic but as things get more viral, more people want to come for the experience. In this particular Monday, there was line outside and a fully packed inside. While they were able to accommodate everyone, they did explain that certain menu items have ran out. They were still accommodating, explaining they can brew the drinks but it will add extra time to the our wait. At the time, it seems like Longplay wants to keep the space intimate. They don't seem to anticipate larger crowds and if that's true, I'd say you've got a chance for a good cafe experience. If they do become viral, I do hope they can find a way to support the larger than usual crowds they're used to.

Really enjoyed the unique vibe. Delicious food, great coffee, great music and sound. Great service too.

The hidden gem vibes are immaculate and the coffee is pretty much perfect. Come for a beverage. Stay because the playlist and ambiance is fire

Went here for a birthday morning omakase coffee experience. It came with a drip coffee, a matcha, a cocktail, and tea. The type of drinks you get changes every week. It was definitely a fun experience with knowledgeable baristas and good music playing. They even had the artist whose work was on display there to explain his artwork.