Rough Trade

Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick


This 10,000-sq-ft record store – a London import – has a cult following as a shopping experience and hangout for music-lovers. Deep racks of vinyl and CDs fill the warehouse-like space, with listening stations to tempt fans from their usual genres. There are also books, magazines and merchandise to browse. In-store DJs, plus coffee from on-site Brompton Bike Cafe, encourage lingering.

A small stage hosts acts as diverse as Gang of Four and the Get Up Kids (tickets start at $10 in advance or $12 on the door). Upstairs there are free table-tennis tables.