48 Record Bar
Bar · Old City ·
Inventive cocktails, curated vinyl, and live music create a cool vibe
Inventive cocktails, curated vinyl, and live music create a cool vibe
"Up a narrow staircase above Old City’s Sassafras, I slip into a second-floor listening bar where everything is in motion — subcultures, sounds, even the drinks menu — and by the time I’ve finished a couple of cocktails I’ve usually heard at least three genres, from jazz and soul to something lo-fi. The compact, cozy room is tuned with what’s considered a proper speaker setup; audiophiles may still find fault, but that doesn’t stop locals and music-loving tourists from packing it nightly. You go with intention here, and the place rewards that focus." - Annemarie Dooling
"48 Record Bar is a cocktail bar and vinyl listening room above Sassafras in Old City. The two spots are run by the same team, but the experiences feel distinct. Downstairs, you’ll find people drinking penicillins and flirting like their midlife crises depend on it. Upstairs is like a friend’s swanky house party. Everyone's lounging on a velvet couch near a fireplace and listening to Wu-Tang Clan or Lou Reed. Come see what they have playing and drink a well-made cocktail (we like the Bond Girl and Red Ink)." - candis mclean
"A hi-fi listening bar above another Old City venue, this space feels like a living room where patrons relax on a velvet couch by a fireplace while vinyl—from Bossa Nova to Wu-Tang Clan to Bowie—spins and wooden crates of records form a core part of the identity. Drinks are carefully considered as well, with a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails such as an Industry Negroni (Fernet Branca, Campari, Green Chartreuse, and orange bitters)." - ByEmily Bloch
"There’s no better setting for rambling off the useless information in your head than at a vinyl bar with good cocktails. Because when you’re in a place that plays obscure jazz and legendary albums, you just seem 70% cooler. This Old City bar also has a fireplace where you can sip cocktails overlooking Second Street. They don’t serve food, but you can always start downstairs at Sassafras (from the same people) if you want cheddar curds before heading up and telling them how great they look over Wu-Tang." - candis mclean
"48 Record Bar is located on the renovated upper level of a renowned jazz and dining establishment in the Old City. You can browse its record collection in this small lounge to listen to your favorite records, find something new, or buy a ticket to one of its many events, which include author chats, podcast recordings, and vinyl listening parties." - Tierney Plumb
