Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Chinatown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Chinatown
1. Downtown Music Gallery
A subterranean temple to New York’s avant-garde, this Chinatown/Two Bridges stalwart overflows with experimental jazz, modern composition, prog, and hard-to-find imports on vinyl and CD—plus cozy in-store performances that feel like secret sessions.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a pilgrimage for collectors seeking deep cuts and the downtown sound—where staff know the bins and can point you to limited runs, Tzadik titles, and under-the-radar labels.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for unhurried digging; early evening on scheduled performance nights to catch a set before it fills.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for staff picks behind the counter and check the hand-written newsletter for late-breaking in-store shows and new arrivals.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crate-diggers call it a must; visitors praise the encyclopedic staff and the feeling of stepping into living NYC music history.
2. Winnie’s
The cult Chinatown karaoke bar is back on East Broadway with communal singalongs, punch bowls, and that anything-can-happen neighborhood energy.
✓ Why Go:
After a day flipping records, belt your favorites or cheer others on—this is where locals and music lovers cross paths over classics and deep cuts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Thursday–Saturday after 8:30pm for a lively room; earlier weeknights if you want more turns at the mic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring cash for song slips and tips; the entrance is understated—head up the stairs and follow the music.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Nostalgic, rowdy, and welcoming; regulars and first-timers alike rave about the vibe and the singalong spirit.
3. Museum at Eldridge Street
Housed in a breathtaking 1887 synagogue at the heart of present-day Chinatown, this museum hosts intimate concerts and cultural programs that echo beautifully in its vaulted sanctuary.
✓ Why Go:
Record collectors who love context will appreciate how immigrant stories and klezmer or cross-cultural performances connect sound, place, and history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Aim for afternoons to tour the space in quiet; check the calendar for special holiday or Sunday concerts.
✓ Insider Tip:
Time a visit with the Egg Rolls, Egg Creams & Empanadas festival or seasonal music events—tickets often sell out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors gush over the acoustics, stained glass, and thoughtfully curated programs that feel both intimate and transportive.
4. Mahayana Buddhist Temple
At the foot of the Manhattan Bridge, this serene temple offers a gentle soundscape of gongs, murmured prayers, and soft city spillover—a restorative pause between digs.
✓ Why Go:
Give your ears a reset and lean into the ambient side of listening before the next round of shopping or karaoke.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for the quietest, most meditative atmosphere.
✓ Insider Tip:
A small donation for incense or fortune sticks enhances the experience; be mindful of photography during services.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers appreciate the peaceful break and report leaving re-centered and ready for more downtown exploring.
5. Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center
NYC’s legendary arcade hums with rhythm and dance games—DDR, Pump It Up, and more—turning footwork into a music lover’s workout.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a different spin on music immersion: great pads, pulsing soundtracks, and pure downtown nostalgia between record stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights before 7pm to avoid queues; late Friday and Saturday for maximum energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wear grippy sneakers for the dance machines and bring cash or plan to load a game card quickly at the counter.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved time capsule with a modern game mix; guests praise the lively atmosphere and crowd camaraderie.
6. The Crown
Perched atop Hotel 50 Bowery, this rooftop lounge pairs skyline sunsets with a rotating DJ lineup—beats with 360° views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
✓ Why Go:
Sip, shoot the skyline, and soundtrack your evening with polished sets a short walk from Chinatown’s core.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for photos; late nights on Friday and Saturday when DJs kick the tempo up.
✓ Insider Tip:
It’s 21+ after 9pm and smart-casual; book ahead for groups and arrive early to claim a terrace perch.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the view-to-vibe ratio and call it a stylish cap to a downtown music crawl.
7. Mr. Fong’s
A low-lit Two Bridges bar with a vintage jukebox and a reputation for great playlists, occasional vinyl-forward nights, and unfussy cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
Wind down after digging—think deep cuts, neighborhood regulars, and an unpretentious hang close to the bridge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late night Thursday–Saturday for a buzzy crowd; earlier on weeknights for seats and conversation.
✓ Insider Tip:
There’s minimal signage; look for the corner space on Market Street and bring ID for late-night entry.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Frequented by creatives and locals; praised for its chill vibe, music taste, and fair-priced cocktails.
8. Yu & Me Books
Chinatown’s beloved indie bookstore doubles as a cafe/bar and community hub—browse music writing, zines, and art books between espresso or a cold beer.
✓ Why Go:
Collectors who love liner notes will find equally inspiring shelves of music-lit and AAPI voices, with occasional evening events.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons for quiet browsing; evenings when readings or gatherings are on the calendar.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check their socials for pop-ups and extended hours; grab a seat by the front windows for people-watching on Mulberry.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated—visitors feel instantly at home and linger longer than planned.
9. Columbus Park
The neighborhood’s living soundscape: morning tai chi, afternoon mahjong chatter, and occasional erhu and dizi practice under the pavilion.
✓ Why Go:
Great for field-recording fans and anyone curious about everyday music culture woven into Chinatown life.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings for tai chi rhythms; weekend afternoons for community music and lively games.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you record or film, keep a respectful distance and ask permission—this is a local backyard as much as a park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the authentic slice-of-life atmosphere and call it a surprisingly musical pause between stops.
10. Dr. Clark
This Hokkaido spot on Bayard revives the neighborhood karaoke tradition with late-night singalongs in a stylish, wood-clad room.
✓ Why Go:
Fuel up on jingisukan lamb and highballs, then join spontaneous karaoke—an only-in-Chinatown after-hours ritual.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late on Sundays and Mondays when karaoke typically springs to life; book dinner earlier if you’re dining.
✓ Insider Tip:
The karaoke starts late—ask your server to queue songs and snag a seat near the screen if you plan to perform.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the surprise factor: excellent food, cool design, and a party vibe once the singing starts.
