Best Listening Bars in New York City
Curated by Hypemaps Team
Audiophiles out there – besides your living room, where do you go to experience your music? Thankfully in New York City, listening bars exist and they are incredible. What seems like a recent development across major cities, listening bars are actually an import from Japan, where they started as "Jazz Kissa" or jazz teahouses. The idea is simple: patrons would come more for the music than the drinks, while equally enjoying both in an atmosphere where acoustics is priority over all else. Now, listening rooms/bars are all the rage, especially with hi-fi, ultra-crisp and clear audio equipment being readily accessible. Check out our picks for the best Listening Rooms and Bars in New York City.
Eavesdrop has so much more than you're expecting – great food, highly decorated atmosphere, warm interior lighting and more. Elaborate drinks and Funk and R&B over the amazing sound system is what they serve best however, so come ready to vibe.
While Ask for Janice is owned by the purveyors of Eavesdrop who's also on this list, this speakeasy comes off a bit more intimate. Cassettes give an older 90s vibe – perfect for the 90s hip-hop blaring through its speakers. If you're hungry, there's a small selection of food, but definitely order from the wine and beer choices.
If you're looking for the OG listening room, look no further than the historic Public Records. Cafe/working space by day, bar/restaurant by night, the beautiful space and ultra chill atmosphere is filled with OJAS and NNNN sound systems, perfect for amplifying the live performances and DJ sets.
4.
Gabriela
Owned by DJ Eli Escobar, this listening room comes off more like a nightclub, especially with the dance floor on the 1st level. Good cocktails and an intimate vibe, Gabriela is great for both unwinding and letting loose, as well as socializing with a significant other – the music is loud and clear, but not overbearing.
This cocktail/listening lounge is influenced by Scandinavian and Japanese cultures, evident in the design and anime references on the walls. Enjoy the great selection of cocktails and spirits, while the lighting and sound system is excellent. Free coat check is also a huge plus during the colder nights.
6.
Bar Orai
Don't let its Midtown East neighborhood location fool you – Bar Orai is authentic in its approach to listening bars. The cozy and quaint space is supplemented with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and excellent Japanese whiskey. Make a reservation if you're a larger group.
Owned by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, Nightmoves deals double duty as both a nightclub and a cafe – known as Daymoves during the day. We love the 70s/80s vibes, and the LED dance floor is a really cool addition to liven up the space. Vinyl DJs on McIntosh MC2500 amps make the soundscape amazing.
8.
Carousel
If you're looking for really retro vibes, Carousel's attention to detail and quality is top notch. House and afrobeat fills each room equally, with a circular flow not unlike a carousel – hence the name, perhaps. Try the 'Moroccan 76' although our espresso martini was awesome too.
Small and cozy is how Honeycomb Hi-Fi Lounge rolls, with decor and atmosphere inspired by Tokyo jazz houses. There's also a good selection of both cocktails and music – we enjoyed the jazz and funk tracks during our times here.
Jolene Sound Room is perhaps the most packed spot on this list, but for good reason – the sound provided by Phonic Technologies is incredible. DJ sets include techno, hip-hop and 80s disco, played amidst a slathering of red lights and LEDs that give off a vibrant energy.
As the name suggests Tokyo Record Bar is an homage to Japan, but the music ranges from funk and rock to even bossa nova played through B&W speakers and McIntosh amps. There's a good variety of cocktails here as well, but definitely try the sake and whiskey.