Temple Records Lounge/Sushi @ Temple Records

Temple Records is a 32-seat listening bar on Temple Place in Downtown Boston, inspired by the Japanese listening bars of the 1950s. A curated collection of vinyl plays through the evening, much of it from the personal collection of chef and co-owner Jamie Bissonnette, ranging from Talking Heads to saxophonist Jiro Inagaki. Bissonnette, a self-taught guitarist and self-described audio nerd, built the bar’s analog sound system himself.

The drinks list features whiskeys, Japanese gins, wine, sake, shochu and beer, but no shaken cocktails, which were left off to avoid extra noise. An izakaya-style food menu changes regularly. Downstairs, Sushi at Temple Records serves nigiri, moriawase, sashimi and maki from sushi chef Kenta Katagai at a 22-seat bar made of imported Hinoki wood, in a room with exposed granite foundation walls and 1800s-era beams.

What to Know

• The bar is run by BCB3, which also operates the Korean restaurant Somaek next door.
• Lisa Farmer is the general manager.
• Bissonnette has been building the vinyl collection since his teenage years.
• The beverage program has dedicated directors of wine and spirits.