D.C. has entered a new era of bars (which is really an old era). Vinyl bars have taken over every corner of the city, ditching the Spotify algorithm for old-school records played all the way through. Journalist Claudia Rosenbaum has made it her mission to visit them all, and gave us her best recs.
Press Club (Dupont)
The very definition of an old-school vinyl bar, Press Club feels like going back in time. Every detail is accounted for, from the vinyl record coasters, to the old typewriter keeping reservations, and the small, cozy seats perfect for sipping and lounging. Rosenbaum says this is the cream of the crop when it comes to vinyl bars.
Cana (Adams Morgan)
A new edition, and one of our team’s personal favorites, Cana is a retro-modern ode to Brazilian cuisine, music, and drinks. They specialize in the Brazilian cocktail caipirinha and have DJs on the vinyl setup most weekends.
Sost (Shaw)
This hybrid concept has three levels; a cafe, a restaurant, and a vinyl lounge. The founders — an Eritrean-Ethiopian sibling trio — wanted the space to celebrate the African diaspora. They have live music or vinyl DJs in their cozy basement club most days. The food’s worth trying, too.
Neptune Room (Brightwood Park)
A beloved neighborhood dive bar that frequently brings in great DJ’s for vinyl sets of all genres. Perfect for when you want to catch some great music without dressing up and spending $20 on a cocktail.
Cana in Adams Morgan. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
B Side (Fairfax, VA)
Farther afield, but worth the trip, B Side is one of the oldest record bars in the area. The bar boasts over 250 records in its permanent rotation, a renowned Red Apron burger, and a great happy hour.
Side Door (Eckington)
Side Door is what happens when a vinyl bar and a dive bar come together. Burgers and dart boards combine with martinis and a top-tier sound system at this small bar under The Pub & The People.
la Betty (Mt. Vernon Triangle)
From the owners of A Baked Joint, this natural-wine bar and vinyl lounge has set out to celebrate D.C.’s music scene. That, topped with various amazing baked goods, make it an ideal hangout.
Lapop (Adams Morgan)
Not strictly a vinyl bar, but this sister bar to Lapis often has vinyl DJs on the floor. Grab a strong Persian-inspired cocktail from the classic marble bar and cozy speakeasy-like space.
