The 10 Best Listening Bars and Record Hot Spots in Boston

Listening bars are having a moment in Boston and it’s easy to see why. A vibey environment complete with craft cocktails and high-quality vinyl music makes for a perfect date night, catch up with friends, or solo outing. Check out these local spots for old-school music lovers.  by Celina Colby <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/temple-records-records-listening-bar-sushi-speakseasy-boston-453369">Temple Records</a> Where: Downtown Info: This downtown hotspot was one of the first in a flurry of listening bars that opened this year. Inspired by similar concepts in Japan, this chic lounge serves unique cocktails and Japanese-inspired bits while spinning records right at the bar. If you’re hungry head to the sushi bar downstairs. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/desnuda-cocina-bar-now-open-boston-s-south-end-boston-1008628">Desnuda</a> Where: South End Info: Upstairs you can enjoy small plates inspired by Latin American and Asian cuisine. Downstairs you can sip craft cocktails and listen to vinyl in a beautiful speakeasy-style listening bar drenched in moody red light.  <a href="http://www.instagram.com/hojokoboston">Hojoko</a> Where: Fenway Info: Hojoko was spinning records long before listening bars became hot in Boston. This self-dubbed Japanese tavern offers sushi, elaborate cocktails, and a serious commitment to music. Keep an eye on their Instagram for events with live music, DJs, and vinyl.  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yungvinyl/">Music Research Library</a> Where: Beacon Hill Info: This unique record hotspot in Beacon Hill specializes in obscure records and library music, a genre of background music used for commercial purposes and public settings. They have two listening stations with headphones so you can jam out to your finds. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/sound-bar-cambridge-455768">Sound Bar: A Curated Audio Experience</a> Where: East Cambridge Info: Remnant Satellite hosts a monthly Sound Bar where they spin new vinyl releases running the gamut from classics to top ten hits. Grab a brew and a burger and settle in for a listen. <a href="https://www.spybar.com/">Spy Bar</a> Where: South End Info: From the folks behind The Beehive and Cosmica comes Spy Bar, a listening bar tucked in the basement of the Revolution Hotel. Sample fun drinks (one comes served in a banana that’s squeezed into your cup) and listen to vinyl beats spun by a DJ.  <a href="https://headroomhifi.com/">Headroom Hi-Fi</a> Where: Fort Point Info: Trillium redesigned their Fort Point location to include this expansive listening lounge. Different DJs play vinyl hits almost every night. Listen in while you enjoy craft cocktails, snacks, and, of course, local brews.  <a href="https://www.statepark.is/">State Park</a> Where: Kendall Square Info: This ultra-hip Kendall Square bar doesn’t play around when it comes to vinyl. Participate in vinyl-only dance parties every Sunday and many other <a href="https://www.statepark.is/music-stuff/music-calendar">vinyl-forward events</a>. Plus, you can bring your own records for the DJ to play. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/ebo-co-grocery-over-the-tunnel-books-east-boston-east-boston-454600">EBO &amp; Co. Grocery + Over the Tunnel Books</a> Where: East Boston Info: Peruse a curated vinyl selection at this bookstore and grocery where you can buy all the essentials from a new work of fiction to a hefty tin of caviar.  <a href="https://bukowski-tavern.com/">Bukowski Tavern</a> Where: Back Bay Info: This classic Boston dive bar known for their expansive craft beer offerings has been spinning records on site since opening in 1998. They have a huge library of records but in true old Boston fashion, they don’t want your feedback, requests, or complaints.  -- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bucketlistboston/">Photo</a> by @bucketlistboston

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The 10 Best Listening Bars and Record Hot Spots in Boston

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