Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Little Italy
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Little Italy
1. Downtown Music Gallery
A legendary basement trove just south of Little Italy where avant‑jazz, experimental, and global obscurities fill tightly packed bins—pure treasure-hunt energy a short stroll from Mulberry Street.
✓ Why Go:
For deep cuts you won’t see elsewhere: Tzadik titles, rare Japanese pressings, left‑field reissues, and a serious staff who’ll steer you to something you didn’t know you needed.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Tuesday or early evening on weekdays (about 4–6pm) when in-store performances or listening sessions often spark; mid‑day is best for unhurried crate‑digging.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about the wall of John Zorn/Tzadik and check the new arrivals by the counter before you work the alphabetized sections.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Die‑hard collectors call it a “temple for adventurous music” with fair prices and passionate guidance; expect tight aisles and big finds.
2. Love Not Money
A Chinatown indie shop focused on used vinyl and music ephemera—great for affordable digs after a Little Italy espresso run.
✓ Why Go:
Rotating stock across genres with plenty of ’70s–’90s gems, band tees, and ephemera; ideal for building a collection without blowing the budget.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays when fresh buys have been priced and put out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask the owner about back‑stock or recent collections—rare 12" singles and promos sometimes live behind the counter.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers praise the clean, fairly graded used bins and friendly, zero‑attitude curation.
3. In Living Stereo
NoHo’s hi‑fi haven with a thoughtfully curated vinyl section—perfect for pairing a new record with a proper turntable and cartridge upgrade.
✓ Why Go:
Audition gear in dedicated listening rooms and browse rock, jazz, and international LPs—all a 10–15 minute walk from Mulberry Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for one‑on‑one demos; Saturdays for lively browsing energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a favorite LP from your haul to audition phono stages and speakers—staff happily A/B setups.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Audiophiles rave about knowledgeable, low‑pressure help and the chance to hear real improvements before buying.
4. Village Revival Records
A beloved Greenwich Village shop within walking distance of Little Italy, famed for its floor‑to‑ceiling selection and surprise celebrity drop‑ins.
✓ Why Go:
Vast, eclectic inventory—soundtracks, global crates, classic rock, jazz—plus a staff that loves matching people with records.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on weekdays to avoid weekend crush and chat with staff.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for staff picks and check the lower bins for sleepers; the owner often pulls rare pressings from storage.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise the human touch—fair deals, stories behind the records, and a true Village time capsule vibe.
5. Generation Records
Greenwich Village’s stalwart for punk, metal, hardcore, and rock—two floors of attitude and bargains a quick hop from Little Italy.
✓ Why Go:
New releases upstairs, deep used and bargain bins downstairs; great for band tees and in‑store signings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early afternoon on weekdays for first crack at fresh trade‑ins.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight to the basement for budget bins and obscure live bootlegs; bring cash for quickest checkout.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the selection depth and pricing—“a must for guitar music heads” with a classic record‑store feel.
6. Record Runner
Tiny West Village institution long known for imports, pop, and collectible pressings—ideal for adding a grail after a Little Italy lunch.
✓ Why Go:
Curated wall pieces, UK/Japanese editions, and artist‑specific troves (think Madonna, Bowie, Kylie) in a shop stacked with history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons Tuesday–Friday when the owner has time to talk rarities.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about the latest import arrivals and check the window display—coveted sleeves often rotate in from the back.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Collectors call it a gem with knowledgeable service and surprisingly fair prices on scarce titles.
7. Bowery Ballroom
Lower East Side landmark venue minutes from Little Italy—cap your crate‑digging day with a perfectly mixed show in a storied room.
✓ Why Go:
Excellent sightlines and sound, intimate capacity, and bookings that range from buzzy indie to legacy acts—records come alive on stage here.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Doors time on show nights; arrive when they open to claim balcony rail or front‑of‑house sweet spot.
✓ Insider Tip:
Skip the bar rush by grabbing a drink before the opener; balcony left center is a sound engineer favorite.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Widely praised for room acoustics and vibe—“the perfect size venue” for hearing your favorite LP tracks live.
8. Stranded Records
East Village outpost of Superior Viaduct’s label shop—cleanly curated new and used vinyl with strong jazz, post‑punk, and experimental stacks.
✓ Why Go:
Thoughtful selection a short walk from Nolita; great for reissues alongside carefully graded used LPs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning when the day’s new arrivals hit the floor.
✓ Insider Tip:
Peek at the staff‑pick cube near the counter; rarities turn quickly here.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers highlight fair grading, tasteful curation, and a calm browse compared to busier downtown shops.
9. Mulberry Street Bar
Old‑school Little Italy bar with a jukebox and film lore—perfect for spinning a track, talking pressings, and soaking up neighborhood history.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the quintessential Mulberry Street cooldown after digging: cold beer, red‑sauce energy, and a soundtrack that nods to Italian‑American classics.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon or early evening on weekdays for a relaxed stool and jukebox time.
✓ Insider Tip:
Cash helps; grab a window table to watch Mulberry’s parade while your song plays.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the time‑warp charm and movie‑set memorabilia—“a Little Italy rite of passage.”
10. Italian American Museum
A cultural anchor on Mulberry that frames the neighborhood’s story—great context for soundtrack hunters into lounge, canzone, and classic crooners.
✓ Why Go:
Exhibits and artifacts illuminate the roots behind the music you’ll see in Little Italy’s shops and jukeboxes; connects records to lived history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Thursday–Saturday afternoons during open hours; pair with nearby espresso and a quick spin down to Chinatown shops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the calendar for special programs—occasional talks and performances deepen the soundtrack of the street.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate the heartfelt storytelling and neighborhood pride—“small but resonant, and perfectly placed on Mulberry.”
