If there's one aspect San Francisco is known for besides our love for a creative cocktail spot, it's our community's appreciation towards great music. The city's many retro-themed bars with classic record players are a fantastic way to harmonize both experiences within a stylish ambience that is relaxed, hip, and modernly chic.
The next time you're looking to just listen and chill while also enjoying a high-quality libation, these lowkey lounges certainly put the needle to the groove.
See also: Awaken Your Inner Music Geek At SF's Best Alternative Independent Record Stores
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18 Harlan Pl / (415) 400-4083 / Website
Harlan Records is unequivocally the definition of a record-listening lounge, particularly a Japanese-inspired one. Recently opened in late 2022, this hidden gem is the most delightful hideaway just past Union Square and Chinatown in the alley of the former Bar Fluxus when you desire a refrain from the bustle of downtown. The walls are beautifully decorated with a diverse array of records, the warm retro-chic interior is cozy and intimate, and the drinks are all inventively music-themed, with the first fun part being simply finding this cool cove.
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2120 Greenwich St / (415) 855-4607 / Website
From the glamorous decor of shimmery disco balls, to the vivid 70's themed aesthetics and the playfully complex cocktails, this cute Marina hangout hits all of the perfect notes! A newer addition among the popular stretch of lively bars and nightclubs, For the Record has instantly become a beloved hip hotspot for their funky music and devotion towards crafting intriguingly unique concoctions, particularly during the holidays. Not only are they a smash hit on the weekends, but by opening at 5pm starting Tuesdays, For the Record makes for the most charming and chill mid-week escape.
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3565 20th St / (415) 624-3140 / Website
Illuminated by their unmissable retro neon sign, this Mission cornerstone draws you in to experience their sleek and ultra-modern interior for refined food and an expansive menu of the most sophisticated wines. The Potato Pizza with kale pesto and Calabrian chili is a wonderful choice, deliciously pairing with any of their several international wines and their swanky ambience adorned with an eclectic collection of records.
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370 Grove St / Website
Just off of Hayes Valley is this snug symphony of ingenious drinks and captivating musical performances. Phonobar is the ultimate escape to unwind at near Civic Center, boasting a tight interior with vintage-chic seating, a diverse international-inspired food menu, music-inspired cocktails (we love their Mezcal-forward Nu-Wave Fashion), and a consistently filled schedule of brilliant musicians. This is truly a music-lover's ambient paradise.
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443 Clement St / (415) 742-5256 / Website
Over in the Richmond, High Treason is hidden, unexpected, and features an amazing track list of wines and musical performances. Unassuming from the outside, their interior magically opens up to a bright upscale lounge with airy windows and chic high ceilings, perfect for reverberating the sounds of their exceptional live DJs. Feel like an adventurous outlaw in a riveting movie at this sneaky, yet sophisticated wine bar and let their premier music fuel your soundtrack.
See also: The Best Wine Bars In San Francisco
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3202 Mission St / (415) 550-8667 / Website
Just past Mission's El Rio is The Royal Cuckoo, iconically bathed in a sultry red light and absolutely brimming with vintage records in their dark and comforting space. A Bernal Heights institution, this is a lowkey, classic, and tucked-away venue that is perfect for a calm and symphonic escape while also being fully enthralled by their many live performances.
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1582 Folsom St / (415) 226-7768 / Website
The Willows is a trusted institution along the lively Folsom Street for their casual, no-frills atmosphere. This positively welcoming gastropub has something for everyone in their local community- fun games, engaging trivia Wednesdays, affordable drink and food specials, and a weekend DJ that masterfully fills the joint with pleasant music from records.
View this post on Instagram
1246 Folsom St / Website
Lastly, while not a cocktail bar, Cafe Suspiro is a new music-themed coffee shop on Folsom that serves up rich espresso, a special curation of records, and genuinely kind service. This is an adorably cozy and artistic hidden gem by owner Raul Sanchez that also sells fresh indulgent pastries, Cento coffee blends and music-themed books all at generously affordable prices. Stopping into to browse at his handpicked selections with a smooth coffee is sure to set your morning off on the right note.
Record bars are truly the grand orchestra of brilliant drinks, lowkey vibes, and groovy Insta-worthy aesthetics for when you just want to hear talented music among other audiophiles. We hope this track list of locations tops your charts!
See also: Rage Against the Machine at These Best Underground Bay Area Punk Venues
Photography by: Courtesy of Steve Harvey/Unsplash
If there's one aspect San Francisco is known for besides our love for a creative cocktail spot, it's our community's appreciation towards great music. The city's many retro-themed bars with classic record players are a fantastic way to harmonize both experiences within a stylish ambience that is relaxed, hip, and modernly chic.
The next time you're looking to just listen and chill while also enjoying a high-quality libation, these lowkey lounges certainly put the needle to the groove.
See also: Awaken Your Inner Music Geek At SF's Best Alternative Independent Record Stores
View this post on Instagram
18 Harlan Pl / (415) 400-4083 / Website
Harlan Records is unequivocally the definition of a record-listening lounge, particularly a Japanese-inspired one. Recently opened in late 2022, this hidden gem is the most delightful hideaway just past Union Square and Chinatown in the alley of the former Bar Fluxus when you desire a refrain from the bustle of downtown. The walls are beautifully decorated with a diverse array of records, the warm retro-chic interior is cozy and intimate, and the drinks are all inventively music-themed, with the first fun part being simply finding this cool cove.
View this post on Instagram
2120 Greenwich St / (415) 855-4607 / Website
From the glamorous decor of shimmery disco balls, to the vivid 70's themed aesthetics and the playfully complex cocktails, this cute Marina hangout hits all of the perfect notes! A newer addition among the popular stretch of lively bars and nightclubs, For the Record has instantly become a beloved hip hotspot for their funky music and devotion towards crafting intriguingly unique concoctions, particularly during the holidays. Not only are they a smash hit on the weekends, but by opening at 5pm starting Tuesdays, For the Record makes for the most charming and chill mid-week escape.
View this post on Instagram
3565 20th St / (415) 624-3140 / Website
Illuminated by their unmissable retro neon sign, this Mission cornerstone draws you in to experience their sleek and ultra-modern interior for refined food and an expansive menu of the most sophisticated wines. The Potato Pizza with kale pesto and Calabrian chili is a wonderful choice, deliciously pairing with any of their several international wines and their swanky ambience adorned with an eclectic collection of records.
View this post on Instagram
370 Grove St / Website
Just off of Hayes Valley is this snug symphony of ingenious drinks and captivating musical performances. Phonobar is the ultimate escape to unwind at near Civic Center, boasting a tight interior with vintage-chic seating, a diverse international-inspired food menu, music-inspired cocktails (we love their Mezcal-forward Nu-Wave Fashion), and a consistently filled schedule of brilliant musicians. This is truly a music-lover's ambient paradise.
View this post on Instagram
443 Clement St / (415) 742-5256 / Website
Over in the Richmond, High Treason is hidden, unexpected, and features an amazing track list of wines and musical performances. Unassuming from the outside, their interior magically opens up to a bright upscale lounge with airy windows and chic high ceilings, perfect for reverberating the sounds of their exceptional live DJs. Feel like an adventurous outlaw in a riveting movie at this sneaky, yet sophisticated wine bar and let their premier music fuel your soundtrack.
See also: The Best Wine Bars In San Francisco
View this post on Instagram
3202 Mission St / (415) 550-8667 / Website
Just past Mission's El Rio is The Royal Cuckoo, iconically bathed in a sultry red light and absolutely brimming with vintage records in their dark and comforting space. A Bernal Heights institution, this is a lowkey, classic, and tucked-away venue that is perfect for a calm and symphonic escape while also being fully enthralled by their many live performances.
View this post on Instagram
1582 Folsom St / (415) 226-7768 / Website
The Willows is a trusted institution along the lively Folsom Street for their casual, no-frills atmosphere. This positively welcoming gastropub has something for everyone in their local community- fun games, engaging trivia Wednesdays, affordable drink and food specials, and a weekend DJ that masterfully fills the joint with pleasant music from records.
View this post on Instagram
1246 Folsom St / Website
Lastly, while not a cocktail bar, Cafe Suspiro is a new music-themed coffee shop on Folsom that serves up rich espresso, a special curation of records, and genuinely kind service. This is an adorably cozy and artistic hidden gem by owner Raul Sanchez that also sells fresh indulgent pastries, Cento coffee blends and music-themed books all at generously affordable prices. Stopping into to browse at his handpicked selections with a smooth coffee is sure to set your morning off on the right note.
Record bars are truly the grand orchestra of brilliant drinks, lowkey vibes, and groovy Insta-worthy aesthetics for when you just want to hear talented music among other audiophiles. We hope this track list of locations tops your charts!
See also: Rage Against the Machine at These Best Underground Bay Area Punk Venues
Photography by: Courtesy of Steve Harvey/Unsplash
