Tucked above Old City’s legendary Sassafras Bar, 48 Record Bar feels like stepping into a soundtrack. Part vinyl listening lounge, part elevated cocktail destination, the intimate second-floor hideaway has become one of Philadelphia’s most distinctive nightlife experiences.
This sunny season, the bar is turning up the energy with a refreshed seasonal cocktail menu designed to match the warm-weather mood while staying true to the listening room’s sleek, sophisticated vibe.
“We wanted this iteration of the cocktail menu to feel light, bright, and approachable while still delivering the depth and intention guests expect from 48 Record Bar,” said owner Donal McCoy. “For spring, we leaned into simplicity. Think light fizz, summer fruits, some sea air. We then included a few moodier, spirit-forward offerings to round out the experience and carry guests from early evening into late night listening sessions.”
Look for a variety of full- and no-ABV offerings, including the Café 48 ($17, El Jimador Reposado tequila, Caffè Borghetti espresso, Licor 43, Café du Monde Concentrate), Celesoda ($15, Roku gin, Cocchi Americano, celery soda), Adios Pajarito ($18, Hibiscus infused Catedral Mezcal, Campari, almond orgeat, pineapple and lime juice), Summer Crush ($16, Haku vodka, R&W Peach, agave syrup, cranberry and lemon juice), Plainclothed ($13, nonalcoholic, blended Lapsang Souchong and chamomile honey, grapefruit and lime juice), and Toasted Ginger Highball ($12, nonalcoholic, toasted rice syrup, ginger press, lemon juice), among others.
The new menu perfectly pairs with the funky, soulful, and global sounds you’ll find in the listening room each night. From Creative Director Joey Sweeney’s vast range of vinyl selections to Tuesday Nite Music Club, plus 48 Record Bar’s monthly resident artist program spotlighting local talent and promoting community among music lovers, there is always something to do at the bar.
June’s standout activations include 48 Record Bar’s Father’s Day Edition Vinyl Pop-Up on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, with DJ Lost Gonzo, where guests are invited to sip while browsing the curated vinyl selections. Their Third Annual Dad Rock Nite that Sunday is a cocktail-driven affair with timeless Dad-approved classic songs.
The Tuesday Nite Music Club series will feature June’s resident artist, Yesseh Ali. The monthly rotating live artist offers an intimate after-dark experience where guests can discover new sounds. You can also tune in at home via 48 Record Bar’s Instagram for a live stream of the performance.
Additional upcoming events include:
May 31- Gold Standard Album Club: Dorothy Ashby’s “Afro-Harping”
June 4- Old City Eats Block Party w/ 48RB Vinyl Sidewalk Pop-Up
June 7- Courtnee Owens Presents: Afro Beat Nite
June 11- Fuzzytown + Eraserhood Sound Present: Carl The Collector Original Soundtrack LP Release Party
June 14- DJ Hong Kwon’s Highball Crisis: City Pop and Highballs
June 17- Book Event: ‘Us v. Them: The Age of Indie Music and a Decade in New York (2004-2014)‘ by Ronen Givony w/ Indie Sleaze all night from @danyuhlson
June 24- Folk City: Byrdmaniax (Byrds Tribute Nite) w/ special guests The Tucker Brothers
For reservations, menus, and upcoming programming, visit 48recordbar.com
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