Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Greenwich Village
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Greenwich Village
1. Generation Records
A Village cornerstone since the early ’90s, this two-level shop is a paradise for punk, metal, indie, and classic rock with deep walls of new releases, reissues, and hard-to-find used LPs.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll find well-curated bins, staff who actually spin, and a vibe that channels the neighborhood’s DIY music history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midweek afternoons for unrushed crate-digging; Saturdays right after opening for fresh arrivals.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the 7-inch bins and ask about rarities behind the counter—grails sometimes live off the sales floor.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for fair pricing, knowledgeable staff, and an old-school record-store feel that hasn’t been polished away.
2. Village Revival Records
Floor-to-ceiling stacks make this Bleecker Street spot a delightful dig, with global sounds, soundtracks, hip-hop, jazz, and rock packed into every corner.
✓ Why Go:
Treasure-hunting energy and a proprietor known for unearthing unexpected gems—perfect for collectors and casual flippers alike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings on weekdays; weekends get lively but can reward patient browsers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a short wish list and ask—rarities and collectible pressings often sit tucked behind the counter.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Chaotic in the best way; prices vary by rarity, but finds feel personal and memorable.
3. Record Runner
A tiny basement jewel on Jones Street with classic rock focus, Beatles memorabilia, and well-kept used vinyl just steps from a legendary album-cover location.
✓ Why Go:
Collectors love the curated selection and conversational owner; the shop’s scale makes every pull intentional.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons; the compact space is easiest to browse when it’s quiet.
✓ Insider Tip:
After your dig, recreate The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan cover at Jones St and W 4th—right outside.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Feels like a micro-museum for rock fans—small, sincere, and full of stories.
4. Music Inn World Instruments
Since the 1950s, this cramped, charming cave has stocked sitars, djembes, oddities you didn’t know existed—and a stash of records and tapes that reward slow browsing.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a living time capsule of Village music culture where crate-diggers rub shoulders with instrument tinkerers and traveling musicians.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons to chat and explore; Thursday evenings often feature community jams/open mics.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask to peek downstairs—the percussion trove and vintage odds-and-ends are half the magic.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Eccentric, welcoming, and wonderfully analog; visitors rave about the character and serendipity.
5. Carmine Street Guitars
Master luthier Rick Kelly crafts guitars from reclaimed New York wood; the shop is a shrine to Village craftsmanship and the artists who play it.
✓ Why Go:
Even if you don’t play, watching guitars come to life connects you to the neighborhood’s maker spirit.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons when the bench is humming and there’s time to talk builds and history.
✓ Insider Tip:
Be respectful—it’s an active workshop. Ask before photos and peek at the wood stash that once lived as Village bars and brownstones.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A pilgrimage for guitar nerds; friendly, storied, and deeply local.
6. Electric Lady Studios
Jimi Hendrix’s psychedelic dream studio still anchors W 8th Street’s music lore; while sessions are private, fans stop for photos at the curvy façade.
✓ Why Go:
From Hendrix to modern icons, countless records were born here—standing outside connects you to living music history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daylight hours for a clear shot of the marquee and murals; evenings are busier.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair your visit with a quick stroll down W 8th to spot vintage shops and old-school Village storefronts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Goosebump stop for music lovers—brief but unforgettable.
7. Cafe Wha?
The storied basement club where Hendrix and Dylan cut their teeth still thrums with a high-energy house band and singalong crowd.
✓ Why Go:
Record lovers get a live fix—tight musicianship, classic covers, and Village atmosphere in one hit.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Wednesday–Sunday nights; book ahead for prime seats.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early for better sightlines; expect a minimum and bring earplugs if you’re sensitive.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Touristy but irresistible—the band and vibe win over cynics.
8. The Bitter End
Since 1961, this brick-walled room has showcased singer-songwriters, rockers, comics, and surprise drop-ins on its legendary stage.
✓ Why Go:
You’re steps from where music history keeps happening—intimate, affordable, and quintessentially Village.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late sets and Monday jams for discovery; weekends for buzzier lineups.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand near the soundboard for balanced audio; check calendars for multi-artist revues.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A classic done right—friendly staff, strong sound, and zero pretense.
9. Blue Note
The Village’s marquee jazz club pairs big-name bookings with up-close seating and polished sound in a compact room.
✓ Why Go:
Bucket-list performances a few feet from the bandstand—perfect palate cleanser after a day of digging.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late shows for a looser vibe; Sunday brunch jazz for a mellow daytime option.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bar seats can be great value with solid sightlines—book well in advance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Tight quarters, stellar music—most leave glowing about the acoustics and artists.
10. (Le) Poisson Rouge
On the former Village Gate site, LPR’s adventurous bookings span indie to contemporary classical—an audiophile-friendly room with serious cred.
✓ Why Go:
For vinyl fans who love live sets, this is the spot to catch album release shows, avant projects, and late-night dance energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings; check the calendar for seated vs. standing shows to match your mood.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pop into the Gallery Bar before doors; arrive early for rail space at standing shows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Programming is bold, crowds are into it, and the mix feels dialed-in for discerning ears.
