GradedOnACurve Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 (edited) So seeing how the Chicago VC thread went pretty well I figured I'd give this a shot. I noticed that threads pop up every so often where people say they're coming here and need some recommendations. Look no further! Also NYC area people could post events, arrange meetings, and suggest new places etc. Cool? So some record store recommendations. These are NOT all of them and others feel free to mentioned what I missed... Manhattan: Generation Records - Located in the West Village/NOHO (Depends who you ask) Pretty good new music selection, especially punk/hardcore/emo and stuff like that. Big used selection, but thats mainly Classic Rock, Jazz, Soul, and other genres. Still good though. Other Music - Located in the East Village. Honestly haven't shopped here much, but word is theres a good variety of stuff worth checking as well Update: Closed in 2015 J&R Music World - Located in the financial district near City Hall. Weird spot but its near all the downtown stuff and the Brooklyn Bridge. They've recently consolidated into one building and its a little disheveled but theres some good random new finds in this store as well. Lots of other items at discounts too. UPDATE: This has closed as of April Academy Records - There are several in Manhattan, none are as good as the Brooklyn one. Brooklyn: Academy Records - Used to be in Williamsburg but got priced out and moved to Greenpoint. Great selection of used records of all genres. Often gets a good amount of new stock consistently. They also sell poly lined inners amongst a host of other record supplies at great prices. Black Gold Records - Located in Carroll Gardens. Small place that also sells coffee. A mix of new and used vinyl and has a little bit of all genres as well, but there is a good assortment of punk/hardcore/indie as well. Every so often they have record digs outside with fairs on Court Street. Good times. Rough Trade NYC - Located in Williamsburg. OK so this is new and perhaps there was some press about it opening. Well its like the Virgin Megastore of old with a lot of really overpriced new records. It is set up nicely and there is a 250 person capacity venue in the back so thats cool. If you're in the area or curious its worth at least walking around inside but don't expect bargains here. Permanent Records - Recently moved to Park Slope. I have not visited the new shop, but the selection in the old shop included a good (small) assortment of used and new records. Human Head Records - Located in "East Williamburg" or Bushwick depending on who you ask. It is run by a very friendly dude here on VC and has an awesome mix of records as well. I was his first customer (haha) and have only been back once so far (shame) but word is he has a kegerator and has expanded. Awesome dude and awesome store definitely worth checking out. The Thing - WARNING & DISCLAIMER: ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK Also in Greenpoint. This place has some notoriety courtesy of buzzfeed (everyone's favorite) and is a second hand shop with records located in the back and ALL of the basement. If you are into vinyl "digs" and wonder of there is a place with a serious record hoarder, then lets just say this is it. There are tens if not hundreds of thousands of records here, probably which a good 80% in inaccessible due the amount of stacked crates of records there. Definitely a "record hunt for thrill seekers" and I'll let those who visit leave future comments about it. Going to see a show? Here's some cool venues worth your time. Saint Vitus Bar - Place is only a few years old and already has hosted a bunch of legendary shows. Great sound, great vibe, awesome space. I hope you see a show here. Webster Hall (Studio) - Located in the East Village in Manhattan. There is a main space too that I don't care too much about, but the studio downstairs is probably the best remaining venue in Manhattan. Yeah I said it. Knitting Factory - Located in Williamsburg. Relatively small venue as well. Cool space that has some its fair share of good shows Music Hall Of Williamsburg - This is my favorite "big" venue. No its not big I'm partial to smaller shows, but this place often attracts some bigger acts, is sectioned well with a nice bar/lounge downstairs. Good sound and the prices for these shows are usually not too bad considering other venues its size around the city. My favorite part is that as a non-drinker they always have a water cooler out downstairs so I don't have to bother the bartenders. So what about food? OK I'll start quickly with the obvious...PIZZA. Just as a general rule of thumb, a decent slice of pizza in Manhattan is few and far between. Most good slices of pizza will be found in the outer boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island) There is still plenty of good pizza to be had! You just gotta find it, and preferably go with a few friends to these places I recommend. Grimaldi's - One of my personal favorites. Affordable, tasty, classic, and they don't do slices. They have locations in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn near the Brooklyn Bridge (there may be one in Coney Island now, but I don't know if it reopened after Hurricane Sandy.) Lines could be long but worth it. Tip: Ask for fresh garlic on it. Artichoke - Several locations in Manhattan. Run by two guys who initially started it as a side project. Artichoke Pizza and the Crab Pizza will blow you away. Its expensive and really filling. Worth every penny. Vinnie's - A favorite among vegans/vegetarians as well as hipsters. If its edible, its probably ended up as a topping on one of their pies. Denino's - If by some cruel fate you are ever stranded on Staten Island, this pizza place alone is worth the trip in my opinion. Its way out the way and only for serious foodies, but you'll thank me. UPDATE Summer 2016: Now open in Village near Washington Square Park. No excuse for my favorite classic NYC pizza. L&B Spumoni Gardens - If you want a peek of the "real" Brooklyn, and unique but classic take on pizza, come around my area in Bensonhurst. Order a square slice for yourself or a tray for a group. Grab a Spumoni when you're done. I guarantee if you make this trip (its on the way to Coney Island) you will not be disappointed. This was on Man v. Food Brooklyn if you need reference. Theres a billion places to eat in NYC. Just naming some other random food recommendations... Peanut Butter and Co. - Everything Peanut Butter. Its heaven. Best part its around the corner from Generation Records UPDATE: CLOSED IN 2016 Dunwell Doughnuts - Vegan doughnut shop located in Bushwick. Not too far from Human Head Records. Good stuff Vegetarian Paradise (Now named something else) - Located in the West Village. I eat meat and still think this place is great. Everything is excellent San Loco - Several locations in Manhattan/Brooklyn. Gringo Mexican food. Another place where everything is awesome John's Deli - Ok so Philly has the cheesesteak right? This is another local favorite since they have Roast Beef, Fresh Mozzarella, and Gravy on a hero. Heaven on a sandwich. As for other things I hope some other people in the area have some cool recommendations. These are just some of mine. If you haven't been yet make the trip. Its a good time, in case no one told you yet. Edited March 18, 2017 by GradedOnACurve Changing city... dreamover, nyhi, jase and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billya Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Not a NYC VCer, but I go up to NYC every now and then so I may as well give a few pointers...If you're going to a show at Music Hall of Williamsburg, it is totally worth it to stop at Bagelsmith on Bedford Ave. it's like a two minute walk from the venue, you pass it on the way to/from the subway. As for events - my friends The Gantry are playing at Union Hall on February 7th. I'll be there, it'd be cool to meet up with some VC people if anyone is around. They are kind of folk-punk-rock ish, maybe like a less blue collar Gaslight Anthem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyhi Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Nicely done! I sometimes go to COOP87 in Greenpoint, they also have the cheapest LP mailers around. Oh and its just called "Black Gold" not Black and Gold. I need to go back there, haven't been in forever. Also just want to add that Human Head is my favorite record shop and Travis, Steve and Amy who work there are good people. If you're visiting it's definitely worth trekking to Bushwick to check it out. It's off the Montrose stop on the L train. GradedOnACurve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futures Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Lucali for pizza! In Carol Gardens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooks Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 VC NYC represent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksleap Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 SI NY here GradedOnACurve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepunkguy Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 yup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerseydave77 Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 I work in Manhattan. Someone arrange a St. Marks meet up at either Grassroots or Continental and we can get loaded on the cheap. GradedOnACurve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomfiend Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 I work in Manhattan. Someone arrange a St. Marks meet up at either Grassroots or Continental and we can get loaded on the cheap. Sounds good, I owe you a beer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GradedOnACurve Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share Posted January 10, 2014 Nicely done! I sometimes go to COOP87 in Greenpoint, they also have the cheapest LP mailers around. Oh and its just called "Black Gold" not Black and Gold. I need to go back there, haven't been in forever. Also just want to add that Human Head is my favorite record shop and Travis, Steve and Amy who work there are good people. If you're visiting it's definitely worth trekking to Bushwick to check it out. It's off the Montrose stop on the L train. Whoops! Fixed! SI NY here Oh shit no way. I have a bunch of six degrees of Staten Island questions to ask you! haha! Everyone knows someone through someone there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksleap Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Haha yes everyone knows everyone. Or knows someone who's knows them. And every fight starts with " do you know who I know?" GradedOnACurve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GradedOnACurve Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share Posted January 10, 2014 I work in Manhattan. Someone arrange a St. Marks meet up at either Grassroots or Continental and we can get loaded on the cheap. I also miss the fact that The Continental used to have awesome shows and now is just a bar with pool tables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerseydave77 Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 I saw some cool shows at the Continental but remember very few. 5/6 shots for $10 means I never left there anything short of completely shit faced. I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 ctrl+f "Heaven Street Records" not found... For shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themeconspiracy Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Nicely done! I sometimes go to COOP87 in Greenpoint, they also have the cheapest LP mailers around. Oh and its just called "Black Gold" not Black and Gold. I need to go back there, haven't been in forever. Also just want to add that Human Head is my favorite record shop and Travis, Steve and Amy who work there are good people. If you're visiting it's definitely worth trekking to Bushwick to check it out. It's off the Montrose stop on the L train. ctrl+f "Heaven Street Records" not found... For shame. was just about to say that! if you're taking the L out to Human Head, you might as well take it one more stop to Morgan and hit up both Heaven Street and Vinyl Fantasy. Vinyl Fantasy is on the smaller side and has mostly used stuff, but i've picked up a couple awesome records there on the cheap (plus i'm just stoked to have a record store around the corner from me again). and since there's a whole pizza angle on this list...while you're shopping it up in bushwick, you should definitely try to hit up roberta's. and if the wait's too long and you've got some major record shopping munchies, grab a rice ball at arrancini bros. instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themeconspiracy Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 I work in Manhattan. Someone arrange a St. Marks meet up at either Grassroots or Continental and we can get loaded on the cheap. this! i'm in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 was just about to say that! if you're taking the L out to Human Head, you might as well take it one more stop to Morgan and hit up both Heaven Street and Vinyl Fantasy. +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthemforadoomed Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 For the VC Punks, ABC No Rio always has fantastic shows, political organization/ activism, a zine library, a darkroom, and artistry going on there. Located in the lower east side at 156 Rivington St. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collectivemike Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Checkin' in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GradedOnACurve Posted January 11, 2014 Author Share Posted January 11, 2014 Captain We're Sinking tonight at Suburbia! I will be there in my oversized Carhartt construction worker coat. Feel free to say hi! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iron666monkey Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Hey guys and gals, not from NYC but will be up several times in February for work. I'll be free in the evenings if anyone would like to meet up. Staying near Time Square but I'm Subway savvy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GradedOnACurve Posted January 12, 2014 Author Share Posted January 12, 2014 City Lights PresentsJanuary 18thDangers (first NYC show since 2011)VICE HC1 TBA https://www.facebook.com/events/277055585775988/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suchashorttime Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 I'd be game for a meetup. If I am recovered from surgery, I will participate in full contact boozing. The continental is decent enough, but gets rowdy late night. Is it more laid back earlier? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Korgull Of Morgoth Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I visited around X-Mas and the highlight of record shopping definitely was J&R having a 30% sale on EVERYTHING music. Box sets were on sale as well. Came out with a bag heavy as a really heavy thing. Scored cool stuff @ Academy 12th St and Greenpoint, Earwax and Permanent Records. Generation was good as usual. Noticed Other Music now has a small selection of used wax. Bleeker St records (not on Bleeker St anymore) and Coop 87 were so-so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Avatar Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I've never eaten at vegetarian paradise but the store right next to it, Red Bamboo, is super great! dreamover 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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