Since Moondog HiFi in East Williamsburg opened in November, I’ve gone on more dates there with my audiophile sweetheart than anywhere else.
This vinyl listening bar is one of the best around. Most listening bars have much of the same elements: Edison bulbs, bookshelves full of records, and some thriving house plants. Moondog is no different, but the sound system’s positioning is set up just right, complimenting the high ceiling and comfy railroad layout.
The cornerstone of the bar is the prodigious speaker setup by Ex Machina Soundworks, a maker of high-end audio gear that is located across the street from the Moondog. There is a mirror positioned high above the DJ booth, which allows patrons sitting further away to catch a glimpse of the work they are putting in behind the decks. I have been transported temporally and geographically by the records I’ve heard spun here: from jazz, funk, soul and disco to house, techno, breakbeat and Latin. Co-founder Elon Admony, who has his own collection of 2,500 records, knows how to pick his selectors.
Halfway through the date, I stepped out to the spacious side patio and burned down a ½ gram “Puffinz” dogwalker pre-roll by House of Sacci. It was the last of a 7-pack that I have been enjoying, perfect to pair with one glass of chilled tempranillo. The bar’s first spring/summer season is sure to be a lively one with outdoor speakers playing the DJ’s tunes, although I would like to see a better system added out there at some point.
The Med-Mex small plates menu is bomb, developed by Moondog Hifi Co-Founder, Einat Admony, three-time James Beard winner and founder of the acclaimed Greenwich Village restaurant Balaboosta. I love the yucca fries with harissa aïoli and the corn, feta, mozzarella empanadas.
If your Brooklyn date night is meant to exist within a stimulating audible vibe and a warm, yet dark, ambiance, Moondog HiFi is it.
