Tokyo Record Bar

Tokyo Record Bar is a subterranean gem tucked beneath Air’s Champagne Parlor in Greenwich Village. Styled as an homage to Japan’s iconic vinyl jewel boxes, this underground listening room offers a dual experience: the Vinyl Jukebox omakase and the Cocktail Bar lounge. In the Vinyl Jukebox (the basement izakaya), up to 18 guests enjoy a seven‑course tasting menu curated by Chef Ignacia Valdes. As you dine, you help build the evening’s playlist by choosing songs from their extensive vinyl collection. A DJ weaves your picks into an eclectic mix of soul, jazz, reggae, funk, hip-hop, and more—all on a high‑fidelity McIntosh system. The dishes begin with caviar‑topped sushi and oysters, move through small bites like agedashi maitake mushrooms, and conclude with a playful slice of pizza to take home—an amusing nod to omakase traditions. Upstairs, the Cocktail Bar is more relaxed. Walk‑ins under five people enjoy couture cocktails by Yana Volfson, a rotating DJ spinning nightly, and Japanese‑inspired snacks in a lively lounge setting. Seats in the omakase are timed—Monday–Wednesday at 6:00 pm & 8:15 pm; Thursday–Saturday adds a 10:30 pm slot. Closed Sundays. Reservations are mandatory; cancellations within 48 hours incur the full $85 per person fee. The vibe is poetic: cherry‑blossom‑draped ceilings, shoji‑screen patterns, close quarters, and the palpable thrill of shared music. It’s music‑led communal dining meets izakaya theater—perfect for dates, music lovers, or a night with an edge.