Community
Best Restaurant Playlists
July 31, 2018
BentoBox customers share their top music choices to help get diners in the mood for summer
Beyond decor and furnishings, the right playlist can set the mood for your entire restaurant. We spoke to a few operations that are known for great music to find out what they’re listening to right now and to get some tips on summer sounds that you and your guests will love.
west~bourne
Streaming Now: Their very own West is Best playlist.
On Saturday nights, The Rag Trader favors a contemporary blend of new wave, soul, funk and electronic music, featuring original remixes and mashups from live DJ Tommy James. Jennifer Kapp of FOX Lifestyle Hospitality Group says, “Throughout the day, our mix is lively, with hits from the 70's, 80's & 90's. At night, when it gets super slammed for happy hour, we turn things up a bit and switch over to Top 40 and light dance music.”
Downstairs bar Bo Peep has its own curated music program, with Blues Nights on Mondays, Rat Pack on Saturdays and live piano five nights a week, proving that it’s sometimes worth it to get offline and hire a live musical act for a personal touch!
Streaming Now: Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. for Rat Pack Jams and Top 40 for busy nights.
At Oxocomo in Brooklyn, chef-owner Justin Bazdarich wants the music to transport guests out of New York. “The music is the added element beyond the food, drink, and space that ties all the vibes together,” he says. “When they all work as one, you have a recipe for making people want to come back and take that vacation one more time.”
Streaming Now: Oxomoco’s Summer Playlist, Island Time.
Henry's
At Henry’s, the team plays a mix of soul, funk, blues and the occasional disco track. On Sunday nights, they add The Velvet Underground into the mix, and according to Henry’s bartender, David Perrine, “If the crowd is predominantly 30 to 50 years old, alternative ‘90s never disappoints.” Perrine says you should take care to know your room, and test a streaming station before playing it during dinner service - don’t put all your faith in an algorithm!
Streaming Now: Crowd-pleasing Alt-90’s.
DJ performing at Henry's.
Charlie Bird and Pasquale Jones
Charlie Bird and Pasquale Jones keep the energy up with a mix of old school hip-hop, R&B, funk, and soul featuring all the legends. Their playlists are curated by Charlie Reyes of Audio Culture LLC, a music consultation company. The playlists rotate regularly to best reflect the mood of the room and keep customers engaged.
Streaming now: Marvin Gaye and Old School Hip Hop.
Proud of your restaurant’s playlist? Click here to learn more about how you can feature Spotify on your restaurant website. Play on!
Recommended
Marketing
How To Promote Your Restaurant’s Happy Hour Online
June 22, 2018
Use your restaurant website to successfully promote happy hour events
Community
How North Carolina Became a Restaurant Powerhouse
June 24, 2024
The Tar Heel State is the nation’s fourth-biggest for new restaurant openings despite being ninth biggest in terms of population. Here’s what’s behind the growth.
The BentoBox 25
Supporting Women in Hospitality with Chef Elena Reygadas
May 14, 2024
Beyond shaping the city’s food scene at restaurants like Rosetta, the CDMX native has been an outspoken advocate for women pursuing culinary careers.