Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Long Island City
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Long Island City
1. Record Room
A vinyl-only listening lounge hidden behind a café on the LIC waterfront, where DJs spin all-wax sets over a rich, room-filling system and craft cocktails anchor the chill.
✓ Why Go:
For crate-diggers who want to hear deep cuts the way they were meant to be heard—through a dedicated analog setup with DJs who program across genres.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Thursday–Saturday late evening for peak energy; arrive early on weeknights for easier walk-in seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve ahead and ask to sit near the sweet spot facing the booth; pop into the front café before your session for a pre-show coffee or soft-serve.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests call it a love letter to vinyl—stylish but welcoming, with standout sound and a crowd that’s there to listen.
2. 56709
A neon-lit, Japanese City Pop–themed vinyl bar tucked behind Gulp, where shelves of LPs set the soundtrack and cocktails riff on retro pop culture.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for fans of City Pop, boogie, and AOR who want to flip through curated records and sink into a nostalgic, hi-fi atmosphere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend nights after 8pm for full vibes; early weeknights if you want space to browse and request a spin.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a favorite City Pop request—staff often indulge thoughtful picks—and pair with Taiwanese bites from the front restaurant.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Early adopters rave about the playful time-capsule feel and the chance to choose what’s on the turntable.
3. MoMA PS1
Queens’ celebrated contemporary-art outpost with a courtyard built for sound-forward performances and galleries that frequently foreground audio and performance art.
✓ Why Go:
Record lovers find new paths into music culture—summer courtyard sets, experimental sound pieces, and a bookshop stocked with music titles and zines.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer weekends for outdoor music programs; late afternoons year-round for exhibitions and mellow courtyard hangs.
✓ Insider Tip:
After gallery time, browse the bookshop for artist monographs, zines, and hard-to-find music literature.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise its adventurous programming and the global-meets-local creative energy unique to LIC.
4. Culture Lab LIC
A nonprofit arts hub in a former warehouse that turns its lot and stages into a free live-music playground all season long.
✓ Why Go:
Discover emerging Queens acts and touring artists without a cover—ideal for expanding tastes between crate digs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May–October, Friday–Sunday evenings for outdoor shows; winter months for indoor jazz and special sets.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a folding chair and arrive around golden hour; food trucks rotate, so come hungry.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals love the skyline backdrop, friendly crowd, and community-first programming.
5. LIC Bar
A century-old neighborhood bar with a leafy back garden and a steady calendar of singer-songwriter nights and full-band showcases.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an intimate, unfussy room to catch new voices and veteran players—perfect for music fans who crave authenticity.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings when curated series like Big City Folk run; summer Sundays often spill into the garden.
✓ Insider Tip:
There’s no kitchen—grab a bite nearby and bring it in; check listings for set times and rotating residencies.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A beloved standby—guests highlight welcoming bartenders, solid sound, and better-than-expected live music.
6. Gantry Plaza State Park
The East River promenade doubles as an open-air venue for Live at the Gantries, free summer concerts framed by the iconic gantries and skyline.
✓ Why Go:
For vinyl heads who also love live sets, it’s a serene, scenic place to hear everything from jazz to global grooves at sunset.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
July–August Tuesday evenings; arrive early to stake out a blanket spot and watch the light change.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the Pepsi-Cola sign as your meet-up point and pack a low chair; waterfront breezes can feel cool—bring a light layer.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and music fans call it one of NYC’s most laid-back concert experiences.
7. Queensbridge Park
A riverside expanse under the bridge that turns into a neighborhood stage for seasonal concerts and citywide music series.
✓ Why Go:
Soak up Queens’ music heritage—hip-hop, Latin, jazz—in a relaxed, community-forward setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer evenings when performances are scheduled; check listings for city series that program here.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter near Vernon Blvd for quick access to the main lawn; bring bug spray and cash for vendors.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowds praise the roomy fields, friendly neighborhood vibe, and views toward Roosevelt Island.
8. Fifth Hammer Brewing
A local brewery where the cofounder is a sax-playing brewer—expect rotating beers and frequent live sets or improv jams.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect post-dig pints with spontaneous music, a community crowd, and plenty of space to debrief your finds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Wednesday evenings for live music; weekends for pop-up food and a buzzy taproom.
✓ Insider Tip:
Most sets are free—tip the band; check the calendar for special guests and start times.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons love the variety on tap and an easygoing room where music isn’t an afterthought.
9. JACX&CO
A design-forward food hall anchored by a full bar and recurring DJ Fridays that spotlight neighborhood selectors.
✓ Why Go:
Fuel your listening night with diverse eats and a casual DJ soundscape—great for groups with mixed tastes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Friday 6–9pm DJ sessions; weekday happy hour for a lower-key spin through the space.
✓ Insider Tip:
Nab seats near The Bar for the best sound; arrive early to beat the after-work rush.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the spacious layout, easy transit access, and community atmosphere.
10. Woo Audio
An LIC-built audiophile workshop known for hand-assembled tube headphone amplifiers—book a demo to hear your favorite records with stunning intimacy.
✓ Why Go:
Serious listeners can audition reference-grade gear that reveals new layers in prized pressings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays by appointment to secure quiet demo time and tailored setups.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring familiar reference tracks (and your own headphones if you have a favorite); confirm availability of specific amps before you go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Audiophiles speak reverently about the craftsmanship and knowledgeable, patient staff.
