Temple Records
Downtown Crossing, Boston
Bar in Boston, United States
Book with PearlWhy go
Temple Records is worth keeping in the Downtown Boston rotation when you want an easy, central bar stop rather than a spirits-specific destination. It makes the most sense for casual repeat visits; if you need a confirmed outdoor setup, listed happy hour, or a more defined cocktail brief, cross-shop Avery Bar or other Boston peers first.
About Temple Records
Temple Records is a Boston venue with verified evening hours and a smart casual dress code. The confirmed schedule is Monday through Wednesday from 5 PM to 12 AM, Thursday and Friday from 5 PM to 1 AM, Saturday from 5 PM to 12 AM, Sunday closed. Beyond those basics, this guide does not have verified details on cuisine, menu format, beverage focus, seating, pricing, or service style.
Use this page as a practical planning note rather than a full review. Temple Records may make sense when the timing and dress code fit your evening, but choose another option if your decision depends on a documented menu, a specific drinks specialty, outdoor seating, happy hour information, or other published details that are not verified here.
Use it for a Boston evening plan with verified hours
The clearest reason to keep Temple Records on a shortlist is its evening schedule. It opens at 5 PM on operating days, stays open until midnight on Monday through Wednesday and Saturday, extends to 1 AM on Thursday and Friday. It is closed on Sunday. The dress code is smart casual, so plan accordingly.
For broader planning, pair this with our full Boston bars guide, or widen the night with our full Boston restaurants guide. If the trip needs a hotel base or a non-venue plan, use our full Boston hotels guide, our full Boston experiences guide, other Boston planning resources.
Regulars should decide by occasion, not hype
For a return visit, decide based on the confirmed basics: Boston location, evening hours, smart casual dress. If the group needs verified details on outdoor seating, happy hour, a food program, a particular beverage focus, or pricing, compare other options before committing. For another Boston option, consider Avery Bar; for additional Boston planning, Shōjō Boston, Stillwater, The Wig Shop, haley.henry can also be considered depending on the occasion.
Planning details
- Location
- 17 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111
- Reservations
- Book on Resy
- Website
- templerecordsbar.com
- Phone
- +1 857 449 9003
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Temple Records occupies a basement address and favors understatement — you descend from a modest street-level entry into a low-lit, nocturnal room that feels intentionally private. The record-store framing is literal: vinyl lines the walls and the music program is treated as editorial, not background. That focus on sound, paired with a serious cocktail program and a bar-forward layout, creates a refined, retro-leaning atmosphere where design and craft converge. Rather than shouting for attention, the space asserts itself through precise curation — music, lighting and service working together to set a measured, sophisticated late-night tone.
Best For
This is a late-night destination in Downtown Crossing that suits intimate outings and solitary visits alike. Because the room emphasizes counter seating and the drinks are described as the product, it's well suited to date nights and quiet after-dinner excursions where the pace is deliberate. The editorial approach to music programming shapes the rhythm of the evening, so guests looking for a controlled, thoughtful soundtrack to their night will appreciate the environment. It also rewards solo visitors and small pairs who want to be close to the bartending craft without the distractions of a louder, rowdier crowd.
Ordering Tips
Opt for the counter when possible — the description highlights counter seats that 'put guests close to the work,' and the bar-forward model implies an experience centered on crafted cocktails. Expect a serious cocktail program rather than crowded tap lists or loud background music; the playlist is curated to guide the room’s pace, so service may be deliberately measured. Because vinyl and music are integral to the concept, be prepared for an evening shaped by sound and craft rather than rapid turnover. If you want to engage with the bartending, sitting at the bar gives the clearest view of technique and timing.
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Where to go if this does not fit the night
Pick Avery Bar if the group wants a more composed room and a hotel-bar feel. Pick haley.henry if the plan needs a more drinks-led identity.
Bar context
How Temple Records compares in Boston
Temple Records is the easier, lower-commitment choice when the night needs a central bar stop without much planning. Avery Bar is the stronger cross-shop for a polished hotel-bar feel, especially if ambiance matters more than convenience. Choose Temple Records for flexibility; choose Avery Bar when the room is part of the reason for going.
The Wig Shop and haley.henry are better comparisons if the group wants a more clearly defined drinks identity. Temple Records works better as a casual downtown fallback, while those two make more sense when the bar itself is the main plan.
For a food-linked night, compare Stillwater and Shōjō Boston before committing. Temple Records is the pick for an easy drink-first stop; Stillwater and Shōjō Boston are stronger when dinner, snacks, or a longer hang are part of the decision.
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Temple Records guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Temple Records
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Records | Boston | No published awards |
| The Wig Shop | Boston | No published awards |
| Avery Bar | Boston | No published awards |
| haley.henry | Boston | No published awards |
| Stillwater | Boston | No published awards |
| Shōjō Boston | Boston | No published awards |
How Temple Records Boston compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Temple Records have outdoor seating?
This guide does not have verified outdoor-seating information for Temple Records. Plan based on the confirmed Boston location, evening hours, smart casual dress code, check directly with the venue if outdoor seating is important.
Does Temple Records have happy hour deals?
This guide does not have verified happy-hour information for Temple Records. Treat any deal-specific planning as unconfirmed unless you verify it directly with the venue.
What is Temple Records known for?
Temple Records is a Boston venue with verified evening hours and a smart casual dress code. This guide does not have verified details on its menu, beverage focus, pricing, or service format.
