Give these vinyl bars a spin

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 30, 2026

Several bars in the Washington, D.C. area have embraced vinyl records as a central feature, offering curated music experiences alongside unique food and drink menus. This trend highlights a shift away from digital streaming toward more immersive, tactile social environments that attract music enthusiasts and diversify nightlife options.

Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, prompting several bars in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to incorporate vinyl spinning as a key element of their atmosphere and entertainment. Unlike algorithm-driven streaming services, vinyl bars offer patrons an opportunity to engage with music selections that often include rare or deep-cut tracks, curated and played manually by DJs or staff.

La Betty, located at 420 K St. NW, has evolved from an American comfort food restaurant into a vinyl-focused bar with a lively pregame scene. It operates Wednesday through Saturday evenings and offers a signature cocktail menu, including the Nonna Ciao—a tequila, vanilla, and espresso-based twist on the classic espresso martini.

In Fairfax, B Side provides a casual neighborhood setting away from the main thoroughfare of the Mosaic shopping district. Situated at 8298 Glass Alley, this venue blends a café atmosphere during daytime hours with a vibrant vinyl listening experience in the evening. Its menu features American classics with inventive twists. B Side’s schedule includes weekday afternoons and weekends, drawing a steady evening crowd that fills the space shortly after opening.

Kuro Listening Bar, which opened in May in the Petworth neighborhood at 3632 Georgia Ave. NW, draws inspiration from Japanese listening bars. It boasts an intimate, warm interior with plush seating and a high-end sound system featuring vintage JBL 4435 studio monitors. Kuro’s aesthetic discourages phone use and television viewing, encouraging patrons to fully engage with music and conversation. The vinyl collection spans multiple genres, including jazz, soul, blues, and hip-hop, and guests may contribute their own records to the rotation. The food menu is curated by Chef Nathan Anda, known for his work at Red Apron and Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ. Kuro is open Thursday through Saturday until 1 a.m. and Sundays until midnight.

Oasis: The Listening Bar in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood is styled as a coastal Japanese-themed venue at 2940 Clarendon Blvd. The expansive space includes a large bar, separate dining areas, DJ decks, and an outdoor patio. Its décor incorporates cherry blossoms, Japanese magazines, and memorabilia. The bar serves an extensive selection of Japanese whiskies, sake, and sushi rolls. Its programming features genre-spanning record nights on Tuesdays and rotating local DJs on weekends.

Press Club, a subterranean bar in Dupont Circle at 1506 19th St. NW, channels a 1970s-inspired aesthetic and is co-owned by hospitality veterans Will Patton and Ryan Ratino. The venue places emphasis on playing records in full, covering genres from ’70s soul to 2000s hip-hop. The cocktail menu is organized into “Track List,” which includes individually crafted drinks based on specific spirits and techniques, and the “Play List,” a seasonal tasting menu that pairs cocktails with selected food bites. Press Club operates Monday through Saturday evenings.

Together, these six establishments illustrate a growing trend in the D.C. area where vinyl records are shaping not only the soundscape but the social experience of nightlife, appealing to a diverse range of musical tastes and drink preferences.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.