Tokyo Record Bar

- 127 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

In a city that prides itself on innovative dining concepts, Tokyo Record Bar stands out as a truly unique and immersive experience. Located on MacDougal Street, this underground izakaya-style restaurant and listening room is a world away from a typical New York dining spot. It's an homage to the "jewel boxes of vinyl" found in Japan, where music and food are meticulously curated to create a singular atmosphere. This is not just a place to eat; it's a destination for a full sensory experience where the soundtrack to your meal is as important as the food on your plate.

The core concept of Tokyo Record Bar revolves around its unique dining and music experience. Guests are offered a prix-fixe, seven-course tasting menu that is described as a culinary journey through thoughtfully prepared and delicious dishes. The creativity and flavor of the food, from unique bar snacks to the innovative crudo and tartare, receive high praise from customers. What truly makes the experience special, however, is the interactive music element. As a patron, you get to choose a vinyl song from their extensive collection to be played during the evening. A house DJ curates a playlist from these picks, creating a lively and communal soundtrack for everyone to enjoy. This personal touch is a major highlight that makes the evening unforgettable.

The atmosphere itself is a key part of the appeal. Described as casual, cozy, and trendy, the space is designed to be a vibrant and fun environment. The walls are often decorated with cool and interesting art, and the massive speakers and vinyl-lined walls immediately draw your attention. While the music can be loud, it’s a deliberate part of the high-energy vibe, perfect for those looking for an evening that feels more like a dinner party with friends than a traditional restaurant meal. It's a place that welcomes a diverse crowd, from tourists to locals, all united by a love for good food and great music.

Tokyo Record Bar is a place that values creativity and quality in both its cuisine and its concept. The dishes are inventive, with unique flavor combinations that surprise and delight. From the unami-spicy-sweet popcorn eaten with chopsticks to the innovative Kanpachi crudo, the chefs are not afraid to experiment. This dedication to culinary innovation, combined with the one-of-a-kind music selection process, makes Tokyo Record Bar a must-visit for anyone in New York seeking a truly special and memorable night out. As a women-owned business, it also adds to the rich and diverse landscape of New York's restaurant scene.

With a reputation for its vibrant and fun ambiance, this restaurant proves that dining can be an interactive and unforgettable event. Its popularity means that reservations are a must, but the experience is well worth the planning. It's a place that truly represents the best of New York's innovative spirit, blending Japanese tradition with a unique American twist.

Tokyo Record Bar is located at 127 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA. It is tucked away in the basement of a building in Greenwich Village, adding to its mystique as a hidden gem. This location is in a bustling area of the city, easily accessible by public transportation, including various subway lines and buses.

Due to its unique, subterranean location, Tokyo Record Bar is a bit of a hidden experience. While the establishment itself has an inviting atmosphere, it's important to note that the venue is tucked away "under the red light," which requires a little searching. As an underground spot, it does not appear to have an easily accessible entrance, which is something to be aware of for those with mobility challenges. There is no information available regarding wheelchair accessibility for this specific location.

Tokyo Record Bar offers a specialized and focused dining experience.

• Dine-in: The primary service is a dine-in experience, often centered around a prix-fixe tasting menu. The communal seating and interactive atmosphere are a core part of the concept.
• Reservations Required: Given its small size and unique concept, reservations are required to secure a spot for the dinner seating. It is highly recommended to book well in advance due to its popularity.
• Table Service: Guests can expect full table service from the super-friendly staff, who are there to guide them through the dining and music experience.

Tokyo Record Bar is known for several key features that make it a truly unique destination.

• Interactive Vinyl Jukebox: A core highlight is the ability for diners to choose a vinyl song from the extensive library, which is then played by the house DJ. This creates a personalized and communal soundtrack for the evening.
• Unique and Creative Cuisine: The tasting menu is a major draw, featuring innovative Japanese-inspired dishes that are thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor. Highlights include unique bar snacks and creative seafood dishes.
• Great Cocktails and Beverages: The bar offers an excellent selection of cocktails, beer, sake, and wine, with a particularly impressive list of sake and champagne bottles.
• Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The vibe is a perfect blend of casual, cozy, and trendy. The papered walls with wine-focused manga, the low lighting, and the massive speakers create an immersive and stylish environment.
• Late-Night Food: For those looking for a late meal, the restaurant offers late-night à la carte food options after the tasting menu seatings, making it a great spot for a post-show or post-work bite.
• Women-Owned Business: The restaurant identifies as women-owned, contributing to the diversity and unique character of New York's dining scene.

• Address: 127 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA
• Phone: The restaurant can be reached at various numbers, including (212) 420-4777 and (212) 475-2246.

Choosing Tokyo Record Bar is about seeking a dining experience that is truly different. The primary reason to go is for the combination of delicious, creative food and the interactive music concept. The tasting menu offers a great way to try a variety of dishes, and reviews suggest that the chefs' creativity and use of fresh ingredients are a highlight. Standout dishes like the tuna tartare and Kanpachi crudo show a commitment to innovative flavors and textures. The food is consistently described as delicious and thoughtfully prepared, making it a great choice for a foodie adventure.

Beyond the food, the immersive atmosphere and the opportunity to contribute to the evening's playlist make it an unforgettable night out. It's a place where you can relax, enjoy a great meal, and feel like you're part of a unique community. The extensive and well-curated beverage menu, particularly the sake and wine lists, is also a compelling reason to visit, offering a perfect pairing for the food and atmosphere. While the price point may be higher, the experience of a seven-course meal paired with a communal music journey makes it a worthwhile choice for a special occasion or a night when you want to try something completely new and exciting. The fact that it's a popular spot for tourists is a testament to its broad appeal, but its cozy vibe ensures that it feels like a discovery for everyone who enters.

Tokyo Record Bar

127 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA