48 Record Bar
Philadelphia
At a glance
48 Record Bar is a cocktail bar and listening room at 48 S 2nd St, located above Sassafras. Its identity centers on recorded music, attentive listening and a social bar setting. The room is designed as both a place for music-focused listening and a gathering space, giving the venue a more deliberate pace than a conventional nightlife stop.
The music program draws inspiration from the small audiophile bars associated with Japan’s record-collecting culture. That influence shapes the venue’s character without limiting it to a single genre or era. Record enthusiasts can settle in for a focused listening experience, while casual visitors can take in the atmosphere, conversation and sound alongside a cocktail.
Cocktails are an important part of the experience, presented as a complement to the records rather than as a separate feature. The bar format makes 48 Record Bar suitable for an evening drink, a music-centered night out or a stop for visitors interested in the relationship between sound and hospitality. The setting is intimate in spirit and oriented toward people who appreciate a considered soundtrack.
Beyond regular service, 48 Record Bar hosts special programming that can include listening parties, live events and other music-related gatherings. These occasions add a changing event dimension to the room, with selected programs supported by ticketing. Checking the event calendar can therefore be useful when a particular performance or listening session is the reason for a visit.
The venue does not take reservations, so visits are organized around walk-in service and the flow of the room. That arrangement suits flexible evening plans and short stops, while event attendance may follow separate ticketing arrangements. The late-night bar setting and music-first format make the venue a natural fit for adult visitors, record collectors, audiophile listeners and anyone looking for cocktails in a space built around sound.
With its position above Sassafras, its dedicated listening-room concept and its mix of drinks and programming, 48 Record Bar offers a distinct Philadelphia nightlife option. The focus remains consistent: records, cocktails and a shared space for listening and conversation.
