You can find vinyl records anywhere in Houston these days.
There are authentic record stores such as Cactus Music in Montrose, Sig’s Lagoon in Midtown, and Vinal Edge in the Heights. However, there are also vinyl offerings at The Blessings Gallery, a plant shop in Montrose, Mo’ Brunch + Brews, a dining spot in the Museum District, and various record trading sessions that occur regularly at outdoor markets and weekend events.
But don’t overlook the record-listening bars, which have been gradually, yet steadily, appearing throughout the region. Initially developed in 1950s Japan asjazz kissa(a café where jazz can be enjoyed), record bars have been popular abroad for many years, but have only recently started to emerge in major cities – Los Angeles, Miami, Austin – in recent years.
So, where are these H-Town locations where you can find some vintage beats? Here, in alphabetical order, is a list of six spots where you can enjoy drinks, explore record collections, and purchase some music for yourself.
93′ Til
One of many Montrose locations offering cocktails, music, and dining, this record-themed bar and restaurant (named for the song “‘93 Til Infinity” by the Bay Area hip-hop group Souls of Mischief) serves as a casual gathering place and a great spot to enjoy a meal.
So far, this year has been the best one yet for 93,” says co-owner and head chef Lung Ly. “It seems we’ve finally started to gain momentum and more people are becoming aware of us now.
That’s positive news to learn, particularly because the place was robbed during Winter Storm Enzo earlier this year. Fortunately, Ly and ‘93 kept things going, offering drinks, food, and a great selection of local DJs performing under the pink neon “Music for the People” sign. ‘93 has also started selling records, bringing in DJ and vinyl seller Brian “BP Pullin Up” Powell and his collection for record exchanges. Regarding the various record bars opening throughout the city, Ly says, “I’m just happy everyone is doing well.”
Details: 1601 W. Main, 4-10 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday; 281-846-6405;93-til.com
The Flat
Among all the venues in this list, Montrose Lounge The Flat, which first opened in 2005, has been in operation the longest. However, it wasn’t until recently that the bar/lounge chose to allocate more of its area to vinyl records.
Following the pandemic, DJ Sun chose to renovate the DJ space by incorporating vinyl shelves and a table where DJs can place either turntables or CDJs (compact disc jockeys). Sun, along with a consistent group of local turntablists, performs music daily. House, funk, and electronica are featured on Saturdays, classic hip-hop on Thursdays, and reggae on Wednesdays, among other genres. The Flat has also hosted notable guest DJs such as Philly’s King Britt and hip-hop icon Stretch Armstrong.
Details1701 Commonwealth; open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day; 713-360-7228;theflathouston.com
HiFi at The Finn
The latest addition to the record bar scene is HiFi at The Finn, situated within the downtown culinary hall. Following the building’s purchase last year by a Florida-based real estate company called The Wideman Company, HiFi (which opened in June) was designed as a fresh, music-filled space upstairs.
For a time, the bar down below at the Finn enhanced the dining experience,” says Terra Velasquez, the Finn’s food and beverage director. “But now, we truly have an added value to the meal—something that is carefully selected, well-considered, and purposeful—with HiFi.
In addition to decorating the lounge with almost 500 vinyl records (including some on the ceiling), HiFi has already hosted some of the city’s top DJs for regular events. The founder of The Waxaholics, DJ Big Reeks, leads “B.Y.O.V.” (Bring Your Own Vinyl), where guests bring their own collection of vinyl to be played, every final Wednesday of the month.
DJ Good Grief and his vinyl shop pop-up, Record Klub, appear once a month to play music and sell records.
As per Velasquez, HiFi focuses solely on playing licorice pizza. Those with DJ controllers might want to seek other venues. “We only use turntables behind the bar,” she explains. “We only use turntables when it comes to the DJ equipment in the DJ booth. I want DJs who truly mix. I don’t want them to simply play a record and then switch to another, which requires a lot of skill. I know this isn’t easy, but there are such DJs in the city, and they’re nearby.”
Details: 712 Main; 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday; 713-581-7163;thefinnhou.com
The Auditory Haven at Hotel Saint Augustine
Opened in December in Montrose, the Hotel Saint Augustine is the newest destination featuring accommodations, suites, a dining establishment, and a courtyard swimming pool. It also features a listening lounge that is linked to its Augustine Lounge.
Although it’s not filled with LPs, the lounge features a turntable that guests can use to play vinyl records. In March, the hotel introduced “Drop the Needle,” a weekly event where DJs, music lovers, and notable individuals can showcase tracks from their collections. Previous participants have included chef Aaron Bludorn, Quinn Bishop, owner of Cactus Music, staff members from The Menil Collection, and Amber Elliott, a writer for the Houston Chronicle covering arts and philanthropy.
The lounge has also been the venue for music-themed gatherings, such as the queer trivia event “Pride of Mind” in June and the Bastille Day party “La Fête Disco” last month. According to publicity representative Becca DeFillippo, Saint Augustine is pleased to be part of this rising trend of vinyl-friendly nightlife spots in the city. “It’s an amazing way for these places to bring together and support Houston’s creative community while providing a physical, fashionable option compared to digital streaming,” she explains.
Details: 4110 Loretto Drive; 11 a.m. to midnight every day; 832-844-0057;bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-saint-augustine
Behind the Scenes Music Lounge
Since its opening in 2023, Off the Record (located a few blocks away from HiFi) has emerged as a top downtown spot for those who enjoy both clubbing and vinyl records. Before entering the lounge, there’s a real record store at the front that is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. (The pop-up record dealer Good Stuff Records manages the store.)
Certainly, the area is filled with music history, including gold plaques on the walls and different music-related items on the shelves. They also feature a group of DJs and musicians who play music every night. Additionally, there’s an upper-level lounge that is specifically dedicated to Chicago music icon (and former Fifth Ward resident) George Daniels.
It has evolved beyond just a bar – it’s now a cultural hub,” says co-owner David Anderson III. Anderson feels that Off the Record has settled into its rhythm (forgive the play on words) as a place that brings together locals and visitors who share an appreciation for music, vinyl records, and storytelling. “There’s something unique about seeing people enter for the first time, hear a DJ playing a rare groove or obscure track, and immediately feel like they’ve uncovered a secret treasure.
Details: 416 Main; 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays; 8 p.m. to midnight on Sundays; 832-742-5683;offtherecordhtx.com
Wine and Records Supper Club
First introduced in Missouri City 11 years back, this unique blend of music and dining recently marked its eighth anniversary at Sugar Land Town Square. Craig Evans, the managing partner, states that Vino & Vinyl’s goal is “to highlight the authentic sound vinyl offers and the quality of a carefully made wine.”
Boxes of records available for sale can be found, showcasing “classics, emerging artists, traditional favorites and DJ hidden gems,” as noted by Evans. They are situated near the turntable section, where a rotating group of DJs (including Paul Killingsworth, founder of Vino & Vinyl) play music from Thursdays to Saturdays.
Guests can appreciate these tracks while enjoying wine from their wide selection or placing orders from their menu, which includes dishes ranging from main courses to flatbreads and cheese board options. Evans is pleased to see that record bars have emerged as a popular trend in the area.
I really enjoy the fact that we can still create an excellent restaurant menu, wine menu, beer menu, and music atmosphere,” he says. “The so-called competition is simply more friends who are assisting people in enjoying vinyl records and a great atmosphere.
Details15977 City Walk, Sugar Land; 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 281-277-0565; 3:00 PM until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
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