Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans on Staten Island
1. Everything Goes Book Cafe & Neighborhood Stage
A cozy, community-driven bookshop and cafe with rotating shelves of used vinyl tucked among the stacks. Expect an eclectic mix from rock and jazz to local finds and oddball pressings, plus occasional readings and intimate performances.
✓ Why Go:
Crate-diggers love the low-pressure browsing and the chance to uncover inexpensive, well-loved LPs while sipping coffee in a laid-back setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to mid-afternoon on weekdays for quieter browsing; weekend afternoons for livelier vibes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the lower shelves and endcaps—overflow bins often hide under-the-radar gems that haven’t made it to the main display yet.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the welcoming staff, budget-friendly prices, and the neighborhood feel that invites lingering.
2. St. George Theatre
A restored 1929 movie palace turned performance venue, steps from the ferry. The ornate interior and clear sightlines make concerts feel intimate and cinematic.
✓ Why Go:
For record lovers, live sets here echo the warmth of your favorite pressings—catch touring acts, tribute shows, and local showcases with plenty of merch tables.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings year-round; check calendars around spring and fall for strong lineups.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to browse the lobby merch and score posters before popular shows sell out of prints.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about the sound, classic atmosphere, and friendly ushers that add to the old-school concert experience.
3. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
An expansive historic campus with galleries, gardens, and occasional outdoor music events. The grounds offer a scenic breather between record hunts.
✓ Why Go:
Music-minded travelers appreciate pop-up concerts, community festivals, and art exhibits that nod to NYC’s creative culture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for outdoor programming; winter for quieter gallery time.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep an eye on weekend event listings—record and vintage vendors sometimes appear at markets on-site.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the blend of history, art, and open space just minutes from St. George.
4. Staten Island Museum
A multidisciplinary museum with rotating exhibitions spanning art, history, and local culture. It’s a compact stop that often surprises with NYC-centric stories.
✓ Why Go:
Record fans enjoy exhibits that contextualize the city’s creative scenes—great for deepening your appreciation of artists in your collection.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekdays to avoid crowds; special exhibition openings for added buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask at the desk about any music-related programming or talks tied to current exhibitions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight thoughtful curation and approachable exhibits ideal for a short cultural detour.
5. Flagship Brewing Company
A local brewery with a lively taproom and frequent music-focused nights. Expect DJs, vinyl spins, and beer releases that draw a creative crowd.
✓ Why Go:
Pair craft brews with wax-centric events—great for meeting fellow collectors after a day of digging.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Thursday through Saturday; weekend afternoons for a relaxed pint.
✓ Insider Tip:
Follow their social channels for vinyl-themed nights and small-batch drops that coincide with music programming.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise the friendly staff, rotating taps, and community-first atmosphere.
6. Maker Park Radio
A community-driven internet radio station showcasing local DJs and eclectic sets, often broadcasting from creative spaces near the waterfront.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a window into Staten Island’s crate-digger DNA—discover new selectors, rare grooves, and the tastes of neighborhood DJs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for live shows; check the schedule for in-person pop-ups.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look out for occasional record swaps and DJ meetups announced via the station’s feed.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Listeners love the adventurous programming and inclusive, DIY spirit.
7. Barnes & Noble Staten Island
A dependable stop for new vinyl pressings, deluxe reissues, and coffee-table music books—convenient if you’re already at the mall.
✓ Why Go:
Stock up on new releases and exclusive color variants to complement your used finds from indie digs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for easy browsing; Friday evenings for fresh stock heading into the weekend.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the endcaps for limited editions and box sets that move quickly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers appreciate the organized selection and clean listening-friendly environment.
8. Mother Pug's Saloon
A beloved neighborhood bar with live bands, themed DJ nights, and a rock-friendly jukebox. Expect an easygoing, music-first crowd.
✓ Why Go:
Great place to hear local acts, trade recommendations at the bar, and spot flyers for upcoming shows and swaps.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Thursday through Saturday when live music and events are most frequent.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring small bills—door cover and band merch are often cash-friendly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons praise the welcoming vibe, fair drink prices, and supportive scene for emerging artists.
9. Cargo Cafe
Stapleton’s longtime hangout for artsy locals, with occasional DJs, live sets, and a steady soundtrack that leans indie and alternative.
✓ Why Go:
Ideal for pre- or post-dig drinks near Bay Street, plus the chance to catch low-key sets and discover new bands.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings on weekends for music; late afternoons for a quieter scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the chalkboard or ask the bar for last-minute DJ pop-ups—some nights are announced day-of.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the unpretentious feel and proximity to other St. George/Stapleton stops.
10. The Hop Shoppe
A craft beer bar and kitchen on Van Duzer with a social, music-forward crowd and occasional DJ nights that keep the energy high.
✓ Why Go:
A fun capstone to a day of digging—swap finds with friends over pints while a DJ spins crowd-pleasers and deep cuts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evenings Friday and Saturday for the most buzz; weekday happy hours for conversation-friendly tunes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about themed music nights—genre spotlights pair nicely with their rotating tap list.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the convivial scene, solid sound levels, and friendly staff that remember regulars.
