14 Comments
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Stephanie Bax's avatar

This just hit perfectly this morning. I’m in bustling Bangkok and would love to find a place just like this to tuck away for the afternoon

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Joel Condemi's avatar

I totally understand that and feel the exact same. I wish these places existed elsewhere. I've never been to Bangkok so wouldn't know of anything similar, but if you do come across anything please let me know!

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Mike's avatar

I love the idea. I am aware of a few vinyl bars or lounges in Chicago, still on my list of places to visit, but they’re all curated—you get to listen what the person at the turntable plays. The best alternative to a personal vinyl coffee shop that I can think of is my own living room—good coffee, comfortable couch or armchairs, decent speakers, and a cat!

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Joel Condemi's avatar

Very cool! The curated ones could be good to discover new stuff, but there’s nothing like the comfort of your own personal setup. Especially if you’ve got coffee, a nice couch, and a cat!

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Ryan Gonzalez's avatar

Man I WISH we had something like this in Sheboygan. This looks so awesome and if I ever find anything like this on my travels I'll be there in a heartbeat

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Joel Condemi's avatar

The literal dream. Please share if you do ever come across anything similar!

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søren k. harbel's avatar

I want one!! Coffee, silence and optional vinyl! Love it!!

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Joel Condemi's avatar

The best combination!

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Sg's avatar

I want to run a place that offers jarring silence on arrival and throughout a pleasant drink. Beautiful description!

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Joel Condemi's avatar

It would be great! I'd be the first in line haha

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Philip Osmulski's avatar

Is it fair to assume the name "Slow Boat" was influenced by Ryo Fukui's Sapporo jazz bar, which I believe still exists to this day? Looks like a wonderful space.

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Joel Condemi's avatar

That was my guess, but I also initially thought it was connected to Slowboat in Jeju Island, Korea as the branding/vibe is similar, but perhaps not. This is the one: https://youtu.be/8S3u08AVvTw?si=g-bIID9C4CIEMFF9

I think your assumption is correct though and yes it does still exist!

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matt's avatar

Very cool concept that places a lot of trust in people to handle them with care. We don’t have any places like this near me but some record stores have individual setups with headphones to listen to used albums before buying. Quite a different experience, however!

Physical media is so much more intentional, which is why I love it so much. Thanks for sharing as always!

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Joel Condemi's avatar

They definitely place a lot of trust in their customers that's for sure! Most who were there while I was seemed quite discerning and savy which definitely helped. It's such a unique place.

Couldn't agree more. Will always be on the physical media train! Thanks for reading.

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