Nestled in the vibrant streets of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, a bougainvillea floral arch marks the entrance to a remarkable haven for jazz enthusiasts. Approaching the threshold, you’re greeted by warm notes from a vinyl record. As you enter, this unique jazz vinyl cocktail bar you’re fully transported into a unique cultural experience that feels like stepping back in time.
More than a bar, welcome to the Kissa
Kissa Kissa is a Japanese jazz vinyl cocktail bar. A concept that captivates with its homey ambiance and attention to detail. Located less than a mile from Prospect Park, it’s more than just a bar. The listening room is a sanctuary for those who crave a deeper connection with music and a fresh twist on the traditional night out. In Japan, these jazz vinyl cocktail bars and cafes have dotted the city streets for over six decades. People specifically make pilgrimages from all over the world to revel in their meticulously curated collection of LPs and albums.
It’s a place where the world slows down, and the music speaks—making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich tapestry of jazz in an enchanting new light. Whether you’re a long-time jazz lover or a curious newcomer, our Japanese jazz vinyl cocktail barKissa Kissa promises an experience that resonates deeply, leaving you eager to return.
A one-of-a-kind experience…
A standout feature of jazz vinyl cocktail bar Kissa Kissa is its homage to jazz greats. With custom paintings adorning the walls, bringing the spirit of jazz legends to life within its confines. The décor is both a tribute and a backdrop. It creates an immersive environment that respects and revitalizes the legacy of these musical pioneers. Visually, the cornerstone is the record wall. Housing over 4,500 vintage jazz LPs from the height of the genre’s hard bop era in the 1950s and ’60s. You can almost feel the presence of those musical pioneers. As likenesses of trailblazers like Randy Weston, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Shirley Scott, and Barry Harris gaze down over the proceedings, infusing the space with their indomitable spirit.
Cocktails crafted with global flair
The drinks menu at Kissa Kissa is as unique as its musical offerings. Featuring a range of specialty cocktails, the beverage program is crafted to complement the auditory feast, ensuring that your taste buds are as delighted as your ears. Sipping on a perfectly balanced cocktail (or indulging in a tasty small plate,) you find that the flavors harmonize with the music, creating a multisensory symphony. In keeping with Kissa’s jazz vinyl cocktail bar’s Japanese roots, many of the flavors and spirits on hand draw inspiration from East Asia. Liquors like shochu, sake, and Japanese whiskey work in harmony with herbaceous notes of pandan, shiso, and Thai basil.
Community is key
The bar’s charm is amplified by its stellar staff, who ensure that each patron’s experience is as pleasant as the drinks they serve. As you delve deeper, you’re invited to explore the impressive wall of records. Plus a curated selection of vinyl records for sale. The retail section includes jazz LPs from just $3, ensuring an assortment of budget-friendly gems. Overall, Kissa Kissa specializes in selling Japanese pressings of jazz LPs. Many of which bear the trademark obi strip running vertically down the front and back covers. Proceeds from each album sold are donated in support of local nonprofits working to assist jazz musicians and promote music education in Brooklyn.
Jazz music to our ears
Meticulously arranged, the vinyl records soundtracking the scene whisper stories of nights spent in smoky clubs and the timeless allure of jazz. For anyone looking to explore the enchanting world of jazz in central Brooklyn, one of the music’s historic epicenters, Kissa Kissa promises a magical unforgettable experience at our jazz vinyl cocktail bar.
