48 Record Bar is the newest addition to the growing Listening Room trend in Philadelphia. Enter through Sassafras Bar in Old City and walk to the back stairwell and that's where you'll find this new laid back, beautifully designed bar and lounge. The 37-seat venue is situated above Sassafras and is set to captivate music enthusiasts with an array of exciting happenings and not-to-miss events.

Owner of Sassafras and Founder of 48 Record Bar, Donal McCoy, along with Creative Director, Joey Sweeney, are dedicated to curating a variety of immersive musical experiences at the newly launched listening lounge. They offer a wide range of events including listening parties, special guest selectors, album and cocktail pairings, record release parties, live performances, and much more. The concept is inspired by audiophile bars you'd find in Tokyo or London.

Both McCoy and Sweeney have been working on this concept for six years now and have diligently crafted an atmosphere that caters to the refined tastes of cocktail and record enthusiasts, providing them with a lavish environment.

The carefully chosen elements, such as rich curtains, custom upholstery, and intricate wallpaper, contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the space. The intimate lighting is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the sound system and ensures an unparalleled listening experience. Additionally, it offers a comfortable space for patrons to engage in meaningful conversations.

At the heart of the whole bar is its sound equipment. As Creative Director, Joey Sweeney explains:

"We’ve built out the sound system to blend some of our favorite old analog vibes coupled with some up-to-the minute gear. That includes 3 sets of speakers: KEF R3s and LS50s in the front and rear, respectively, with a pair of JBL L82s at the center/bar channel. Powering them all is an NAD C-3050 receiver with additional power courtesy of a big Parasound amp. Our dedicated listening turntable is a Pro-ject EVO with a Sumiko cartridge, and when it’s DJ time, we’re using an Ecler WARM2 rotary mixer that brings the system to a whole ‘nother level."

By combining the listening room format and diverse programming styles, 48 Record Bar's aim is to create an inviting and exploratory environment. They want to give you the sense of discovering something new or experiencing familiar sounds in a unique way, similar to attending a live performance. You can even peruse through their collection of records to purchase and take home to your own collection.

48 Record Bar offers an optional tiered-membership program aimed at fostering a sense of community and promoting immersive music experiences for music enthusiasts. Although membership is not mandatory, members can benefit from various privileges such as receiving a specially curated Record Of The Month, priority access to ticketed events, exclusive invitations to Member's Only Nights, and other exclusive perks.

Laverne - Tito's Vodka, Grenadine, R&W Cherry, Lemon & Lime Juice, Luxardo, Cherry Bitters

The cocktail menu, created by bartender Matt Hubsher, features an assortment of sixteen signature and classic cocktails. Like the theme of the listening experience, Hubsher cites “discovery” as the inspiration behind the cocktail menu.

In the Purple - Bluecoat Gin, R&W Cherry, Pomegranate Vodka, Egg White, Lemon Juice

“I get some variation of the question "what's your favorite?" all the time, and I almost always direct them off the menu to something I know they can't get anywhere else, at least not easily. It could be a lesser known classic, it could be something a random person on the internet made up and posted somewhere, or it could be something I improvised when a guest told me to give them a riff on something.”

Paris is Burning - Del Maguey Vida, Bluecoat Barrel Aged Gin, St. Germain, Lemon Juice, Pineapple Juice

The cocktail menu has familiar classics but Hubsher's focus is to try to get guests to try something new. His enthusiasm stems from the ability to provide guests with exactly what they didn't even realize they were searching for.

Hemingway Daiquiri - Single Prop Rum, Luxardo, Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice
 

Red Ink - Scarlet Ibis, Vanilla Vodka, Citrus Vodka, Lemon Juice, Cardamom Syrup, Lavender Syrup, Half & Half

Hubsher describes it: “If I had to try to summarize the cocktail menu concept: it's get to know your bartender and ask them to get weird on your next round. I did that enough times and turned it into a menu."

Cocktails are the main focus but guests can also enjoy a selection of four red wines, two whites, a sparkling and a still rose. The beer selection consists of a handful of canned beers. Industry folks will be happy to find $5 Miller High Lifes and a discounted bill. Bar snacks are also available.

If you find yourself in Old City, take a trip up the stairs and make yourself comfortable for some great tunes and vibes. Its chill environment encourages guests to sit back, drink in hand, and just listen and converse for hours. You can find more information about the schedule and events at 48 Record Bar's website.
 

48 Record Bar:
48 S 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday 5PM - 2AM
Monday, Tuesday closed
 

Photos by Drink Philly