What a unique, curated, and enriching experience. The bar is upstairs of Sassafras, with a cozy close stairwell leading upstairs. You'd be unlikely to find this unless you knew to look for it. The main feature of this bar is the cocktail menu; it's creative and ambitious and yet very approachable, with helpful adjectives for each cocktail. The Mango Sticky Rice made my jaw drop; not only did the juicy mango come through, but also somehow a sense of starchiness, while being entirely balanced with the liquor. Definitely some of the best cocktails in Philly. And the music and vibe is so cozy but lively; the live records spinning create a warm atmosphere that is not sleepy nor dancey, instead you'll find yourself tapping your feet and swaying in your seat while in deep conversation or just enjoyable contemplation. I have to shout out Carl and Brianna, who made our evening especially unforgettable. They guided us seamlessly through the menu, were so knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. They really made 48 Record Bar feel like a second home we can't wait to return to. Last thing- the bathroom setup was such a fun surprise, you have to check it out!! read more

I'm a bit of a cocktail bar snob, and 48 Record Bar is definitely on my short list. They have a creative menu full of thoughtful concoctions and interesting techniques. My two favorites are Born Again and Buck 48. The Born Again is a clarified punch that's super refreshing--almost leaning tart, but in a really good way. The Buck 48 is also refreshing, with warm, spicy notes that give it an autumn vibe, though honestly, it's great any time of year. If you're in the mood for something bold and boozy, I also recommend The Golden Ticket. My palate leans away from anything overly sweet or overpowering--I appreciate balance--and every cocktail I've had here hits just right. The only sad thing is that my favorite bartenderess is no longer there, but the staff is still awesome, and the music is always on point, which keeps the vibe strong. Just a heads-up: this cocktail bar is upstairs from Sassafras, and the menus are completely different. If you're looking for a true craft cocktail experience, make sure you're upstairs at 48 Record Bar. The atmosphere is great. I usually go on Saturday nights around 8 p.m. and have been lucky to grab a seat, though it definitely gets more crowded later. The fact that I've been back several times says a lot--especially since I usually only visit a place once with so many options in the city. read more

48 Record Bar - Buck 48 - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

I didn't see it anywhere so posting for any future patrons - 48 record bar is located inside Sassfras bar - upstairs to be specific. Drinks were good but music was way too loud! read more

48 Record Bar - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great cutesy very vibey cocktail bar! service was quick and the cocktails were delicious read more

48 Record Bar - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Don't want to say too much cause it was so good but it is so small and want to be able to get in. Saturday night visit with Courtney playing house and acid jazz and a great chill vibe. Our drinks were so good. Me old Fashion. She sidecar. Very cozy. But don't bring your group of 5-6 here. Just two or three. read more

48 Record Bar - Sidecar and Old Fashion - tasty goodness - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I had a really great time here at 48 Record Bar. My friend was excited to check this spot out after seeing the press and Instagram buzz so I went in with basically no expectations. I love Sassafras and was happy to be in the neighborhood. After entering Sassafras, walk upstairs and find a cozy ambiance with truly great music playing. I can't stress this enough - I had my phone out "shazamming" music the whole time. The owner (? I think it was the owner) was SO friendly and chatted with us about the music, bands, history, etc. It was very apparent to me that it was his dream to have people imbibing and enjoying music on vinyl. It really adds so much personality and love to the space. That being said, the drink menu is not for me and the vibes from the bar staff were a little chilly. I look forward to returning here and just ordering some staple cocktails or wine! I went with their happy hour drink (trying to be spontaneous) that was...lemon and chocolate. Interesting for one sip but really not enjoyable. Almost every cocktail on the menu had that vibe - mostly looked good but then one ingredient that makes you say "why?" They served up some complimentary snackies which is such a lovely touch. Interesting arrangement of breads, some of which felt on the stale side but no harm no foul there since it's just a nice touch. We went down to Sassafras after for some dinner and a glass of wine. The happy hour is amazing and I really cannot recommend supporting this incredible local biz enough! This will also be a very regular spot for me to hang solo and grab a drink, write in my journal, and discover some new-to-me artists. read more

48 Record Bar - Snacks - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

It would have been super easy to dislike this place, but it surprised me. I find a lot of these "pop-up speakeasy" type walk through a restaurant to get to the bar types a bit pretentious, but this place ended up being super chill. It wasn't so packed but I could easily see it being so, so recommend a reservation. The menu has some very interesting options and the drink I ended up getting (the Nightingale something) was better than I usually expect from cocktails. Service was super friendly. The vibe overall isn't that unique beyond the fact that it's super laid back. We had dinner plans in the immediate vicinity which I think is the way to utilize this bar. read more

The bar was "interesting," because it was the second time around in the building, and Record Bar isn't Sassafras. Unfortunately, an employee stressed the rule that no one can stand at the bar, a "rule" that was selectively enforced, and never been a factor in bars I've visited over 35 years. Others were standing without the same "warning," so I was obviously confused. Prior to my visit this evening, my only points of reference were with Ming and Carl, but obviously 48 Record Bar has 48 Record type rules for people like me. read more

On the smaller side but a cute spot for music and cocktails pre/post dinner! Staff is always welcoming. read more

48 Record Bar - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cozy spot located above Sassafras. This bar is a wonderful concept--it's all about the records! Had to wait awhile downstairs to eventually be escorted upstairs. Had a pineapple ginger drink which was nice... would've liked it even more with less ginger. The drinks are very creative too! And If you are into music, want to reminisce, or discover new music, definitely come here! I grew up listening to reggae and heard a few songs played that sounded familiar but I couldn't place my finger on it. I asked the bar manager if he knew the title of the songs and he came back with the actual record for me to take a look at which he didn't have to do! read more

See all

105db (measured from my watch). Dangerously loud. Don't go here if you care about your hearing or want to hold a conversation. The bar is cute, the drinks seemed alright, service is surly, but so it goes with hipster places. But everyone left after the first drink because the music was uncomfortably loud and boomy, not even crisp & clean. You couldn't talk, your ears were ringing, and the DJ & bartender gave zero sh*ts. Man, such a disappointment. Man, I was so excited about this place and. So. Let. Down. read more

Great spot, i will say... the music they were playing was very much so elevator music. Wish it was something cooler or more interesting considering it has so many records and is named for that reason. Also, we confirmed the closing time when we entered the bar (the bartender confirmed last call at 1:45 bar closes at 2am). At 1:30 the music stopped and everyone cleared out. We felt very awkward leaving at 1:45. If they wanted people out earlier they should have let us know. read more

Littered amongst several reviews you'll find the word "intimate" repeated and there is no other word more befitting this establishment. Environment While there is food available downstairs Sassafras, upstairs you'll find nothing but smooth tunes and inventive cocktails. It's an odd categorization but I'd liken the environment to be a cross between an upscale dive bar and a speakeasy. Drinks I grabbed a drink titled the Pim Pom and it was adequately balanced. There was a decent selection of cocktails, wines and beers on the menu so there's something for everyone. I'd describe this space as the perfect location for an after work libation or a night out with friends(no more than 4-it's a small space). Overall , a beautifully "intimate" cocktail bar. Happy sips! read more

See all

My new favourite place to listen to eclectic music played on vinyl in addition to beautifully crated cocktails. Start to finish, 48 is just what I need on a Friday or Saturday night. Cool vibes, friendly staff and happy patrons. read more

See all

Walk straight to the back of sassafras and up the stairs- through the blue door is a very cozy space w great drinks and cool vibe. They spin vinyl every night - some nights have a certain theme. Check schedule in advance. It a great date spot . It's mostly two tops. It's small and definitely not for groups of bigger than 5 or 6. Staff is very friendly and chill. Keep in mind it's drinks only. No food. read more

A fun new concept for Old City. The space is intimate, cozy. Cocktails are excellent. But the best reason to come here is to listen. Listen to records, listen to people talk about records. If you snagged a membership (they've put a freeze on new ones) you've gotten in on the ground floor of what I hope will be a cool community of music lovers. Make a reservation, bring your favorite vinyl to share, or get a ticket for one of the events. The event lineup is eclectic: a podcast about Wu-Tang Clan, hyperlocal Hoagiewave, spoken word. I loved my first glimpse of this place, and I'm excited to become a regular. read more

See all

Intimate spot with good cocktails and a suite made for a toilet. You have to enter through Sassafras and head straight back to the coffee machine and up the stairs. At the landing, there is a massive and beautiful bathroom to the left. To the right is the bar. I like the seating for 2, dim lights, decor, ambiance in general. The music isn't so loud you can't have a conversation, which I appreciate given the size of the space. First night open and we got to listen Wu-Tang. Great start. read more

48 Record Bar - a bathroom with a wooden cabinet - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Cool and eclectic new space in old city. Drinks and service were excellent and records had wonderful variety and sound quality. Space had good lighting and would be the perfect space to listen to music and catch up with friends. Seating was inviting and intimate. Hope to be back soon! Like any new business, they are working outa few kinks such as the reservation service (but I believe still able to walk in anytime). Not sure if they offer snacks, bites or food at this time, but I also did not ask specifically read more

48 Record Bar - French 48 - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cute ambiance, had a DJ. Music wasn't too loud. Staff was progressional and Sri is were good. Have t tried the food yet, however.

I've had this place saved for a while and ending date night on the town here on a Friday was absolutely the way to go. We were led upstairs and seated at a small table for 2 against the wall and this really is the type of place where you look around and get lost in the music. Really wide variety of cool cocktails on the menu, so much so that we both got different ones each time and were never disappointed. Wasn't sure what to expect (do you get to pick records, do they have a collection, etc) but we were told that they do DJ's on the weekends who hand pick their favorites - our night was some 60's jazz funk. Definitely worth the stop to enjoy good music, good drinks and even better company! read more

See all

The drinks are interesting and tasty, but the music was so loud that it was extremely uncomfortable to be in the space. Service was alright.

Loved the change in music. Staff was very friendly and my elderflower spritz tasted perfect. Also have a sweet bathroom. I was catching up with a friend I haven't seen in a long time and it was the perfect environment, not too loud. read more

48 Record Bar - Elderflower spritz - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Great place to get a cocktail. Though watch out they ain't cheap. Bartenders are very good at mixing and presentation. Fun for a drink. Costly for two drinks. read more

Ambience and drinks are outstanding! Incredible music and everyone was having such a great time. Can't want to go back! read more

48 Record Bar - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Upon entering Sassasfrass and being greeted by the kind staff, eager to direct me up to 48 Record Bar, I was excited to try this spot (recommended to me by a friend). As I entered 48 Record Bar with some friends, I was stopped by an employee (maybe a hostess? who knows...) asking how many people we had. He shuffled us, over to a very small table in the corner, with no additional instructions, not even a menu! I waited for a few minutes, knowing my cocktail order (a classic sidecar), and when no server or bartender approached the table, I walked up to the bar to order. The bartender looked up said, do you have a table? to which i replied, yes. She instructed me that someone will be around to take my order, interesting because there was no indication of this, and in the 7 minutes we sat at said table, there was no one coming to take our order. The bartender finally came over, and we ordered. For those who don't know, a sidecar is a fairly simple cocktail (cognac, orange liquor, lemon juice, and a bit of simple syrup). I'm not quite sure what special ingredient the bartender included in my drink, but it may as well have been water from the schuylkill river. Bad cocktails, rude bartenders, and an atmosphere that left something to be desired. Will not be returning, will not recommend to a friend; probably wouldn't recommend to an enemy. read more

Unwelcoming. Not allowed past the hostess stand, despite visible open bar seats at Sassafras and when asked about Record Bar told, "sorry they're full." It's a bar. In Philadelphia. Get over yourselves. read more