Through The Record Shop

Quite literally, through the record shop in Wicker Park, lies a swanky cocktail bar called Dorian’s, hidden along two aisles of vinyl. (This is mainly going to apply to my 21+ friends who are connoisseurs of good music and tasty drinks.) On my first voyage to Dorian’s, I was amused by the initial entrance to the record store, along with feeling slightly embarrassed about how I wasn’t 100% sure if I was in the right place.

What I really want to talk about are Tuesdays at Dorian’s. Since exactly one month ago today, Dorian’s has begun B.Y.O.V., or Bring Your Own Vinyl, on Tuesdays from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. My vinyl happened to be the very first one to kick off their Tuesday tradition on Sept. 19, spinning ‘Major’s Greatest Hits’ by Major Lance. The atmosphere created by the vintage, analog charm of playing vinyl records is truly unmatched—the warm, crackling sound of the needle hitting the groove and the wave of nostalgia that engulfs you. It’s a truly unique experience that transcends the digital age, allowing us to connect with music in a more intimate and physical way.

Audiophiles often argue that vinyl offers superior sound quality, and I can't argue with that. It's funny coming from someone who still doesn't own a record player yet owns records. Anyway, the revival of vinyl records is not about replacing digital music but rather coexisting with it. Vinyl provides a complementary, authentic, and tangible experience in a world where digital convenience often overshadows the physical connection to music. As the appreciation for vinyl records continues to grow, we see that the allure of this vintage medium remains timeless, bridging generations and allowing music enthusiasts to enjoy the best of both the analog and digital worlds.

Along with BYOV, Dorian’s throws in an all-night happy hour from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. with $8 cocktails and a pizza pop-up from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from @pauliegeeswickerpark.

Dorian’s BYOV Tuesdays are a weekly indulgence that combines my love for music with a perfect night out with friends, making it a highlight of my week. So, if you have a vinyl record that you hold near and dear to your heart, bring it over to Dorian's and have a night out with your friends. No, this is not sponsored. Unless?

If you liked this, you'll like my radio show even better. Make sure to follow @yb_radio on Instagram, which airs live on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m.