Girl, Put Your Records Onā¦
Though we may advance technologically, society always seems to come back to the classics. Much like the joys of self-developing Polaroids and arcade pinball, vinyl records will always hold a special place in our hearts. Kick back and groove to the music at these San Diego spots spinning high-quality, quality-assured vinylsāwhether paired with cocktails, coffee, tea or just a good time, they all offer the comforting, low-pressure feel the San Diego bar scene has been missing. Homebodies, rejoice: even though youāre technically out and about, youāll feel right at home as you discover new sounds of every kind at these seven San Diego vinyl bars!
Part Time Lover
North Parkās Part Time Lover has an all-or-nothing approach. Spinning sets solely that are pure and accurate in playback, pair their sounds with stunning cocktails in their dimly lit space lined with comfortable sofas and ā70s-style decor. Catch them spinning rare vinyl records every day from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m, with their built-in record shop selling until 10 p.m. Sound selectors are announced via Instagram, playing sounds from soulful, jazzy and funky to house, disco and boogie. Stop by for spins and discover their divine selection of cocktails and wide variety of Japanese whisky.
Location: North Park
Convoy Music Bar
A bit of a speakeasy, find the red On Air sign near Taco Stand in the alleyway, then open up to immerse yourself in the intimate experience that is Convoy Music Bar. Feel high-class underneath the gold-lined bar and cozy into your new throne on a green velvet stool as youāre introduced to new sounds on a custom Japanese sound system. Ask their bartender to point you in the right direction within their Japanese whisky selection, or try the sweeter Return to Saturn: a blend of Gin, rum, apricot liqueur, passion fruit Szechuan, pepper corn syrup, lemon and soda. Oh, and come fancyātheir cocktail attire dress code is enforced.
Location: Kearny Mesa
Books & RecordsĀ
Thereās a new spin on the Bankerās Hill area at Books & Records, hosting an upscale, open-feel restaurant with live jazz bands every Friday and Saturday eveningāand the finest vinyls spinning other nights. It wonāt take a music whiz to notice their music-themed drink names, like the beet and mezcal mix in the Beet It, or the Purple Rainās mix of Japanese whisky, ube and lemon. Check their live music lineup to catch your style of choice, or pop in any time for a homey meal and high-quality beverage. Need an end-of-the-week reward? RSVP for their new Sunday Supper Club, a fixed dinner experience complete with a specialty entree, sides and a dessert, with sounds from and similar to the dayās featured artist.
Location: Bankers Hill
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The LaFayette Lobby BarĀ
Step into The Lobby Bar at The Lafayette Hotel and get swept away by its retro vibes and stunning ambiance. Sink into a cushy seat under the glass atrium at the central bar and sip on a classic throwback cocktail. Try the Lafayette Fix, made with Jamaican rum, fino sherry, apricot, cassis, molasses, and lemon. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the bar hosts live DJ sets on select nights, spinning through high-quality OJAS speakers. Make a reservation or walk in at your leisure for a timeless cocktail experience.
Location: North Park
Vin de Syrah
Just down a set of stairs, past a lush green door, lies a hidden wonderland in San Diegoās Gaslamp Quarter. Inspired by New Yorkās eclectic lounges, Vin de Syrah offers world-class wines and spirit-forward cocktails paired with cheese and desserts. Enjoy live vinyl-focused DJ sets every Friday night or RSVP for a wine-tasting event with hand-selected food pairings. Looking for a late-night vibe? Stop by any night you need a little boogie and a perfectly crafted drink.
Location: Gaslamp
Sound by the SeaĀ
A listening bar first and a beverage bar second, Sound by the Sea brings high-quality sound and small plates to North San Diego. Founded by musician and sound engineer Dominique Vanhecke, it features a one-of-a-kind vintage sound system in a cozy, couch-lined space. Guests can relax and explore new tunes, curated by DJs specializing in unique styles throughout the week. Never heard of acid jazz or Brazilian music nights? This is the place to discover something new. Stop by for a bass boost, sip their famed Dean Martini, and snack on fresh Argentinian empanadas.
Location: Oceanside
Longplay HiFi
Nothing sets the tone for the day like a morning full of good coffee and an upbeat playlist. Hype up your morning routine with high-quality vinyls at Longplay HiFi. Itās San Diego’s newest high-fidelity listening club, where the sound is focused on preservation of quality for an original-recording playback.Ā This minimalist, Tokyo-style vinyl cafĆ© is a haven for audiophiles, even listing its equipment stats online for those in the know. Stop by Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and enjoy curated sounds with coffee, cocktails, wine, or sake. For a specialized experience, RSVP for their Sunday Omakase. The event has a three-drink course and a sweet thatās paired with a vinyl analog soundtrack!
Location: Barrio Logan
Jaclyn is a sunshine chasing San Diego native with an extensive writing background. When she isnāt word-smithing, you can find her playing beach volleyball, skating the boardwalk, or on a rooftop enjoying a drink in the sunshine with her pals.
