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NewsvineThough a bit of a trek, we really couldn’t justify publishing a Nightlife Guide without including this classy lounge in Burlingame. The reason: there is simply no place like it anywhere in Palo Alto. Whether it was the quality of the music filling the air or the friendly nature of the people on both sides of the bar, I really had a hard time pulling myself away from this place. Of course, the stiff drinks definitely contributed to that as well.
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Upon entering The Vinyl Room, you’ll notice a startling lack of pretense that other bars of its quality possess. The suede furniture is classy, yet you’re likely to find someone lounging with their feet up, enjoying the wireless Internet. The sound system — from the turntables at the door to the speakers all over the place — is expensive, but admiring it with a drink in my hand didn’t prompt yells from the staff like I expected. Instead, an interested “Do you spin?” was the response I got. And though I don’t spin, on any given night there is someone there who does. Extremely well. Wednesdays and Fridays are house music nights. Thursdays are reserved for hip-hop (“True hip-hop,” in the words of the owner. “None of this top-40 sh**.”), and Sunday’s are for reggae. But Saturdays are the nights when you definitely want to pack your car for the 15 minute drive up north. Not only will you find the place packed, but before you even walk in you’ll understand why. Because on Saturdays, such notable Bay Area headliners as Rick Preston, Julius Papp, Uneaq and M3 take the stage to mix up some tracks. And with no cover charge, not even LimeWire can give you that kind of a deal on music.
So if you’re trying to get away from “The Bubble” without driving all the way to SF or San Jo, I highly recommend giving this place a try. But only if you like really good music. Otherwise, go ahead and stay inside with your books and your silence. I had a blast, though. And so did the guy who bought me a drink for being the only unfamiliar face in the room. And for his generosity, Carter will be immortalized in newsprint. “Everyone here is really cool, without trying too hard. It’s welcoming, but still classy, cool, fun. It’s like Cheers meets Sunset Blvd.” And I couldn’t agree more, without the obvious addition that the music in either of those places can’t hold a candle to The Vinyl Room. n