When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
CITY NOISE RECORDS
Why CITY NOISE RECORDS is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
City Noise Records, located in Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant hub for music lovers, especially those passionate about punk rock and vinyl records. This independent record store is more than just a retail space; it's a community spot where friends and fellow music enthusiasts gather to discover new sounds and share their love for unique music genres. Situated next to its sister bar, Replicant Beer & Wine, City Noise creates a seamless blend of auditory and social experiences, making it a perfect meetup spot. The store offers a wide selection of records, including rare and classic punk gear, alongside exclusive T-shirts that showcase the store's distinctive style. Open six days a week with extended weekend hours, it provides ample time for visitors to immerse themselves in music browsing and socializing. The location's intimate yet energetic atmosphere encourages conversations among patrons, fostering a welcoming environment for both longtime fans and newcomers to the punk scene. This combination of quality offerings, community focus, and convenient hours establishes City Noise Records as an excellent locale for friends to connect over shared musical passions.
Here's what people think of CITY NOISE RECORDS
As of recent, CITY NOISE RECORDS holds a 4.9-star rating based on 37 reviews.
User reviews for City Noise Records overwhelmingly highlight the store's warm and inclusive atmosphere, the quality and rarity of its vinyl selections, and the helpfulness of the staff. Many positive reviews emphasize how the store successfully cultivates a punk culture vibe that resonates authentically with enthusiasts. Customers appreciate the variety of merchandise, from records to apparel, which caters well to punk rock aficionados and collectors alike. Additionally, the store's location next to a popular bar is frequently mentioned as a great advantage, allowing for extended hangouts after record shopping. On the negative side, some reviewers note that parking in the area can occasionally be challenging, and a few wish for an even larger inventory or more frequent restocking of rare items. Despite these minor critiques, overall feedback remains strongly positive, underscoring City Noise Records as a cherished Portland institution for punk music and vinyl lovers. In conclusion, the review consensus portrays City Noise Records as a welcoming, well-curated, and socially engaging record store that enriches the local music community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
John Rosowski
Good store for hard modern music. Some older.
Doanyelle Conner
Old school punk record store. Tasteful DIY clothing. Selection appears to be hand picked. Has a variety of D Beats records. Great selection of Spanish hardcore, too. The store is neat, organized, and very clean. Cool accessories.
Casey Evans
Unfriendly staff, but a good selection of vinyl records including punk, metal and others. Clothing selection is almost entirely band t-shirts and is less than stellar. Overall a decent store, just not great.
Ashley Rae
The girl was amazing. Helped my son out so much with all the buttons and accessories he wanted to see. She was very friendly and we enjoyed chatting with her. Didn't catch her name though. Super awesome punk variety. Love this little store.
Alucard Taylor
An excellent selection of metal, punk, industrial, darkwave and goth LP records. Selection of band tees and a selection of alternative fashion accessories including band pins. Most of all, this is a locally run business. If your looking for alternative genres, I couldn't give anything less than an excellent recommendation.
How to reach CITY NOISE RECORDS
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Why CITY NOISE RECORDS may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Rallying at City Noise Records with your friends is an experience that goes beyond simply shopping for music; it’s about immersing yourselves in a vibrant and inclusive community space that combines the love of punk, hardcore, and metal music with a social and artistic atmosphere. This spot is more than just a record store—it’s a cultural hub where music aficionados can gather, discover rare vinyl and cassettes, and enjoy a shared passion. What makes City Noise Records especially compelling for a group meetup is its recent expansion into a much larger space in the Montavilla neighborhood of Portland, allowing for a more comfortable and dynamic environment. Even more exciting is its connection through a central passageway to Replicant, a boutique beer and wine bar right next door. This unique combination means you can move seamlessly between crate digging for your next favorite album and toasting to good times with friends over craft beverages. The location’s thoughtful renovation of a century-old storefront adds character and charm that only enhances the experience. Whether you’re music collectors, casual fans, or just looking for a distinctive spot to spend your day, City Noise Records is a perfect rallying point for you and your friends to connect through music, art, and community fun.
What kind of activities make City Noise Records a perfect meetup spot for groups? First and foremost, the store offers an extensive and growing collection of vinyl records, cassettes, and music-related merchandise that caters to punk, hardcore, post-punk, and metal enthusiasts. Browsing through these collections as a group can spark lively conversations and nostalgia, creating a shared discovery adventure. The store also carries an impressive selection of music books, magazines, and apparel, which adds an interactive element to your visit. Beyond just shopping, City Noise Records is connected directly to Replicant bar, where you can enjoy a curated selection of beer and wine alongside your friends. This adjacency invites socializing in a laid-back, music-themed ambiance, bridging the gap between retail and relaxation. The shared passageway means you don't need to leave one space to explore the other, making it easy to switch between listening or browsing music and grabbing a drink. These features combined make it an excellent venue not just for casual hangouts but for special meetups like birthday celebrations, music listening parties, or just casual evenings with friends who share a passion for music culture.
Why is City Noise Records ideal for music lovers who want an immersive experience? The store doesn’t just sell music; it cultivates an environment enriched with art and culture. The partnership with Replicant bar brings an artistic element to life, as Replicant hosts a small gallery space featuring artwork connected to the music scene, including displays from well-known artists like Alexander Heir. Visitors can enjoy viewing inspiring album-inspired artwork displayed in a well-lit gallery while sipping quality drinks. The venue is inclusive, even accommodating minors until 8 p.m., which allows families or younger music fans to explore and appreciate the art and music history represented. This fusion of multimedia art and music appreciation makes City Noise Records a rare spot where music collections, live social interaction, and creative displays align seamlessly. Moreover, the location’s thoughtful renovation—including features like a repurposed old barn door discovered during construction—adds authentic vintage charm, making it a memorable place to visit that stands out from typical record shops or bars.
What makes City Noise Records stand out compared to other record stores? One major factor is the carefully curated selection that caters specifically to niche genres such as punk, hardcore, metal, and post-punk from around the world. This specialized focus attracts a passionate, knowledgeable clientele who appreciate the deep cuts and rare finds that mainstream stores don’t offer. The store also stocks unique music media formats such as cassettes—rare in today’s digital age—and a variety of collectibles like jewelry and apparel related to the music scene. The store’s 4.9-star rating from 37 reviews reflects its high level of customer satisfaction and the quality of experience it delivers. Additionally, City Noise Records’ connection to Replicant bar provides an extra layer of social engagement unmatched by most record shops. The staff’s combined experience in both music retail and bartending ensures a knowledgeable and friendly atmosphere. The space is large and comfortable, a significant upgrade from their original smaller location, allowing groups to linger, explore, and socialize without feeling cramped. This blend of specialized merchandise, expert staff, and community-oriented atmosphere makes City Noise Records a standout destination for music lovers.
How does City Noise Records accommodate groups looking for a welcoming and safe environment? The store’s location in Montavilla is both accessible and inviting. It maintains regular hours throughout the week, making it easy to plan visits on a variety of days, and the adjoining Replicant bar is open in the afternoons and evenings, providing flexibility for longer outings. The combined space promotes an inclusive vibe where people of all ages are welcome, especially early in the day before the bar shifts to a 21+ crowd. The physical connection between the record store and bar ensures that groups can stay together and enjoy different aspects of the venue without disruption. This design makes it simple to coordinate meetups where some members might prefer browsing music collections, and others might enjoy relaxing with beverages. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, enhanced by the rustic ambiance of the century-old renovated storefront, which encourages patrons to hang out, chat, and enjoy the music culture. City Noise Records also fosters a sense of community through its knowledgeable employees who are passionate about music, helping create a friendly environment that welcomes new and regular visitors alike.
What unique features does City Noise Records offer that enhance the group meetup experience? Aside from the eclectic music selection and the adjoining wine and beer bar, City Noise Records focuses on creating a cultural destination. The gallery space within Replicant showcases artwork connected to music history and underground culture, offering a visual complement to the auditory exploration. This feature engages meetup groups in more than just shopping or drinking—it encourages conversations about art, culture, and music’s influence. Additionally, the store sells music-themed apparel and accessories, allowing friends to pick out something meaningful to commemorate their visit together. The venue also occasionally hosts special events, album releases, or artist showcases, presenting opportunities for groups to experience live music or meet like-minded people. The combined environment appeals to both collectors and casual music fans, bridging a gap that often divides different sorts of visitors. For groups looking to create lasting memories around a shared love of music, City Noise Records delivers an atmosphere charged with authenticity, discovery, and social connection.
Why should families or mixed-age groups consider City Noise Records for their gatherings? Unlike many music venues or bars that restrict access based on age, City Noise Records and Replicant provide a welcoming environment for all ages up until 8 p.m. This inclusive policy makes it possible for families, younger fans, or friends with mixed age groups to enjoy the music and art together. The bar’s gallery space and the store’s extensive collection of books and magazines offer enriching experiences that don’t depend on alcohol consumption. Parents who want to expose their kids to music culture, punk history, or vinyl collections can do so comfortably in a safe and engaging setting. After 8 p.m., the focus shifts to adults, which allows the venue to balance a family-friendly daytime vibe with an evening environment suited to older crowds. This versatility makes City Noise Records especially attractive to groups seeking a location that adapts fluidly to different interests and age ranges without sacrificing atmosphere or quality of experience.
How is the community aspect of City Noise Records reflected in its overall vibe and services? The business exemplifies a deep connection to Portland’s Montavilla neighborhood and independent music culture. It was carefully relocated and expanded to provide a bigger, multifunctional space where visitors can truly immerse themselves in the world of punk, metal, and hardcore genres. City Noise Records shows its commitment to community through staff who are knowledgeable and passionate, a welcoming physical environment that encourages social interaction, and collaborative projects such as the partnership with Replicant bar. By combining music retail with a gallery and bar experience, the location serves as a cultural hub rather than just a store. Customers often describe City Noise Records as not only a place to buy music but as a venue to gather, converse, and share stories about favorite bands and albums. The integration of a local artist’s work and regular events further grounds it in the artistic and musical life of the community. For groups of friends or families wanting more than a typical meetup spot, City Noise Records offers a rich, community-driven experience that resonates with true music fans.