Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Queens
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in Queens
1. HiFi Records & Cafe
A neighborhood hub where bins of new and used vinyl meet espresso and pastries, HiFi pairs relaxed cafe energy with deep, well-curated stacks across genres.
✓ Why Go:
You can flip through soul, jazz, punk, and global crates without rush, chat with staff who actually spin, and sip a coffee while sampling records.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to mid-afternoon on weekends for fresh trade-ins; weekday evenings are quieter for focused digging.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about the recent arrivals cart behind the counter—staff often holds back special pieces until they’re priced.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals praise the friendly, non-snooty vibe and fair pricing; travelers love finding Queens-centric 12-inches and Latin cuts.
2. The Record Room
A vinyl-forward cocktail bar and listening lounge in LIC where DJs spin all-wax sets on a pristine sound system.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a place to hear records the way they’re meant to be heard—on high-end gear—while discovering new digs from resident selectors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Thursday–Saturday nights for guest DJs; arrive early for seating and warm-up sets.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the bar’s social feed for pop-up record vendor nights—great for snagging rarities before the crowd arrives.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the analog sound and curated playlists; collectors appreciate respectful, low-conversation listening culture.
3. MoMA PS1
LIC’s contemporary art giant frequently hosts music-forward programming, label pop-ups, and a bookstore that occasionally stocks limited-run LPs and zines.
✓ Why Go:
Beyond art, it’s a nexus for New York’s experimental and dance scenes—great for discovering small-press records and local labels.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Special event days and weekend afternoons; check the calendar for music fairs and installations.
✓ Insider Tip:
Visit the shop after events—leftover exclusive pressings and zines sometimes linger a day or two.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the crossover of art, sound, and community; vinyl heads note unexpectedly good finds in the shop.
4. Knockdown Center
A sprawling arts complex in Maspeth that hosts indie label showcases, DJ marathons, and occasional record fairs in an atmospheric former factory.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll encounter adventurous programming and merch tables stocked with small-batch vinyl and cassettes you won’t see elsewhere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings and weekends when music events or fairs are scheduled; arrive early to browse merch before sets begin.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring cash—some vendors at fairs and pop-ups are cash-preferred and move faster than card lines.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans highlight the eclectic curation and warehouse acoustics; collectors value direct access to artists and labels.
5. Nowadays
A beloved Ridgewood/Glendale indoor–outdoor venue with audiophile programming, daytime sessions, and vinyl-driven DJ culture.
✓ Why Go:
The custom sound, community feel, and record-nerd crowd make it ideal for discovering tracks and talking shop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daytime hangouts on weekends for relaxed listening; late nights for deeper, dance-floor education.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check their listening-focused nights if you want front-to-back album sessions and genre-deep dives.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise the inclusive vibe and impeccable sound; crate diggers love hearing rare cuts on a big system.
6. TV Eye
A Ridgewood venue and bar with a serious record collection, regular vinyl sets, and a back room that hosts live bands and label events.
✓ Why Go:
It’s where collectors hang between digs—expect inspired pulls, post-punk to funk, and the occasional record swap.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for intimate DJ sets; weekends for fuller programs and special guests.
✓ Insider Tip:
Merch tables often appear after live shows—scope limited 7-inches and tour-only pressings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a hidden gem with tasteful bookings; vinyl fans love the selector-first approach.
7. Trans-Pecos
An intimate Ridgewood institution for experimental, ambient, punk, and dance—often with DIY labels selling tapes and vinyl at the bar.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for discovering new scenes and snagging micro-pressings straight from artists and small labels.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Show nights—arrive when doors open to browse merch before sets kick off.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask door staff about upcoming label showcases—those nights yield the best crate surprises.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowds praise the adventurous curation and friendly staff; collectors love the direct-to-fan merch culture.
8. Stray Vintage
A Sunnyside/ Woodside vintage shop with a steady rotation of used LPs—classic rock, jazz, disco, and New York 12-inch gems.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an under-the-radar stop where patient diggers score clean copies and oddball private press finds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for fresh drop-offs; weekdays just after opening for unpicked shelves.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about backroom overflow—staff often has extra crates not yet on the floor.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers like the fair prices and neighborhood feel; vinyl fans appreciate the well-kept condition.
9. Paradise Bound
Ridgewood’s art-book haven doubles as a boutique vinyl spot, with left-field soundtracks, ambient, and experimental sections.
✓ Why Go:
For collectors who love the intersection of visual culture and sound—expect carefully chosen, conversation-starting records.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons midweek for quiet browsing; weekends for new arrivals and community buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the counter for small-label 7-inches and limited cassettes that rotate frequently.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors admire the curation and serene space; crate diggers call it a destination for fringe and artful sounds.
10. Queens Night Market
Open-air weekend market where rotating vendors sometimes set up vinyl stalls—great for spontaneous crate digs between bites.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll find bargain bins, global music, and Queens-centric selections alongside food from around the world.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening right at opening to beat crowds and get first pick; season runs spring to fall.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a tote and cash for quick deals; ask sellers about their next pop-ups around Queens.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Marketgoers love the festive vibe and occasional record surprises; collectors enjoy casual, low-pressure digging.
