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Tokyo Record Bar

BAR SUMMARY

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Beneath Greenwich Village's bustling streets, Tokyo Record Bar New York City transforms the traditional cocktail experience into an immersive cultural journey where Japanese kissa listening café culture meets innovative mixology. This underground sanctuary, inspired by Tokyo's vinyl jewel boxes, invites guests to curate their evening's soundtrack while savoring expertly crafted cocktails and izakaya-style cuisine.

Owner Ariel Arce conceived Tokyo Record Bar as more than a drinking establishment—it's a homage to Japan's obsessive dedication to quality in music, food, and spirits. The bar's unique Vinyl Jukebox Omakase experience allows patrons to select records from an extensive collection, creating a communal atmosphere where strangers bond over shared musical discoveries. This participatory element distinguishes Tokyo Record Bar from conventional New York City cocktail bars, establishing it as a cultural hub that attracts artists, musicians, and discerning drinkers seeking authentic connection.

The cocktail program reflects the bar's commitment to creative excellence and Japanese-inspired craftsmanship. Signature drinks like the 'Uptown Girl'—a delicate composition of gin, lemon, raspberry, and sparkling rosé—demonstrate the team's ability to balance sophistication with playful innovation. The 'Boogie Nights' showcases bolder flavors, combining bourbon with plum wine, bitters, and a surprising wasabi accent that exemplifies the bar's East-meets-West philosophy. Meanwhile, the visually striking 'Purple Rain' features vodka, purple yam, coconut, and lime, creating an Instagram-worthy libation that tastes as extraordinary as it appears. Each cocktail is meticulously crafted to complement both the izakaya menu and the evening's musical selections, with premium spirits and Japanese ingredients elevating familiar flavor profiles.

The intimate basement setting envelops guests in warm lighting and light wood accents, while a ceiling adorned with delicate paper cherry blossoms creates an otherworldly escape from Manhattan's intensity. The design successfully captures the essence of Tokyo's underground music scene, with vinyl records serving as both décor and entertainment. Reservations are essential for the full omakase experience, priced at approximately $85 per person, though the first-floor Tokyo Listening Room offers more casual à la carte options with nightly DJ sets. The dress code leans smart casual, befitting the venue's artistic yet refined atmosphere.

For luxury travelers and cocktail connoisseurs seeking New York City's most unique bar experience, Tokyo Record Bar delivers an unforgettable evening where music, mixology, and Japanese hospitality converge. Reserve well in advance to secure your spot in this coveted listening room, where every sip and song creates lasting memories in the city's most innovative cocktail destination.

ACCOLADES

(2025) World's 50 Best North America's Best Bars #95

CONTACT

127 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

(828) 774-5028

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