The Best Hi-Fi Bar in NYC — That’s Not a Bar

Hello! Dr. Honeybrew here.

In 2023, I sold my entire vinyl collection — keeping just a few Turkish ones.

A year later, my wife nudged me to dust off our turntable. So I dropped a Selda Bağcan LP from the ’70s onto the platter and — I kid you not — the moment the needle kissed the groove, my ears exploded.

From there, I dove headfirst into the rabbit hole of audiophilia: cartridges, listening positions, acoustic panels. Nerdy stuff. What mattered was presenting music at the optimum emotional level.

After every theatrical coffee fortune ceremony here in New York — vinyl became my religion. Some people may meditate. Some bake. I spun records in my office.

Eventually, my wife and I made a serious investment: to create a sonic sanctuary, a one-of-a-kind audio experience in New York City. To share our secret with the world. A new kind of ASMR ritual — but with vinyl.

Enter Couple’s Only: the hi-fi listening room where you bring a bottle of wine, receive a fortune reading, and hear a record on one of the best sound systems in America.

And honestly? Part of why we opened this space is because most so-called “hi-fi bars” are… abysmal.

Owning an all-McIntosh rig means nothing with 50 bodies blocking the speakers. Boutique speakers are pointless if you’re EQ’ing away the muddy bass to make up for an echo-y room. A “treated room” is worthless if it feels like Riker’s Island.

Forgive the harshness — but it feels like a cash grab. The truth is that music is sacred. It should be soulful. Which brings me to another gripe: audiophile snobbery.

At Couple’s Only, there is no sneering. You won’t hear Dark Side of the Moon, Kind of Blue, or Kid A — which are all great albums.

But enough.

The world is algorithm-heavy enough; my mission is discovery.

None of our record selection can be found on Spotify. Experience something new. Something strange. Something beautiful. And honestly, our system is so heavenly, that with a glass of wine in hand, and your favorite person beside you — nothing else matters.

(Hello James Hetfield!).

Couple’s Only isn’t just for romance though. Bring a friend, a cousin, a coworker — as long as you come in pairs, you’re golden. Music is meant to be shared.

Lastly, let’s talk about the apostrophe.

This hour belongs to you. It’s yours to claim. And who knows? You might even leave with a surprise record, chosen through your wine fortune reading.

Thank you for listening & see you at the coolest experience in New York City.

-Dr. Honeybrew

Wine. Fortune. Vinyl.