Shibuya Hi-Fi opened September 21, 2023 at 4912 Leary Ave NW in Ballard, taking over the former Cedar Room space. It is a cocktail bar built around a dedicated listening room, drawing from kissaten-style hi-fi bars associated with Tokyo’s Shibuya district.
The Hi-Fi Room runs a Luxman L-505uXii receiver through a pair of vintage 1976 corner Klipschorns. Sessions are ticketed and reservation-only, no drinks or shoes in the room. The bar system and lounge are walk-in friendly Thursday through Saturday. Tuesday and Wednesday the room is available for private deep listening sessions by reservation.
Programming is all-vinyl and DJ-curated, ranging from soul and funk to electronic. Shibuya has been running ticketed album listening sessions: specific records, one sitting, limited seats. Hours are Thursday 5-11pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm-midnight.