Remember Truth Vinyl? After a temporary closure, Arlington’s favorite record store and music venue is back, bigger and better! They’ve re-imagined the space, added a swanky cocktail bar, and are hosting live local music. Ready to rediscover your new favorite hangout?
After a period of strategic reimagination, Truth Vinyl, Arlington TX’s beloved music establishment, has triumphantly reopened its doors, offering an enhanced experience within a significantly larger venue. This revitalization marks a new chapter for the local institution, which now seamlessly integrates a vibrant record store with an innovative cocktail bar, designed to cultivate community and celebrate local artistry.
The journey to this grand reopening was not without its challenges. Like countless small businesses globally, Truth Vinyl faced an existential crisis during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, forcing a temporary cessation of operations. The abrupt halt in social gatherings and a shift in consumer behavior away from in-person browsing proved unsustainable, leading to the difficult decision to close its previous Downtown Arlington location.
However, this closure was never intended to be permanent, but rather an opportunity for profound introspection and ambitious reinvention. The dedicated owners and their team utilized this hiatus to meticulously plan and dream, envisioning a future where Truth Vinyl could not only recover but flourish as a multifaceted cultural hub. This extensive planning laid the groundwork for the impressive transformation now unveiled at its new address on East Division Street in Arlington.
The core of Truth Vinyl remains its meticulously curated record store, now boasting an even richer selection. Patrons can explore a diverse array of genres, from vintage rarities to the latest releases, adhering to the business’s ‘See, hear, feel’ methodology. A standout feature is the inclusion of dedicated listening stations, equipped with high-quality record players and headphones, inviting guests to immerse themselves fully in the “broader spectrum of sound” before making a purchase.
A significant and exciting addition to the Truth Vinyl experience is its sister establishment, Truth Serum, an upscale cocktail bar accessible to patrons aged 21 and over. Connected directly to the vinyl shop, this new venture creates a unique synergy, allowing guests to seamlessly transition from browsing records to enjoying expertly crafted beverages while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of live music events or open mic performances.
Truth Serum prides itself on offering a sophisticated yet ‘chill and cozy vibe,’ perfect for an evening out. Its menu features a selection of ‘upscale craft cocktails,’ each bartender contributing a signature creation. The ‘expert mixologists’ are eager to cater to individual preferences, offering modifications and even a thoughtful range of mocktails to ensure everyone can enjoy the Truth Serum experience, regardless of their drinking preferences.
Beyond its retail and bar offerings, Truth Vinyl is committed to fostering the local arts and music venue scene through a robust schedule of live music events. Every Thursday evening transforms into a lively karaoke night, while Saturdays showcase performances from diverse local bands on a professional, fully equipped stage. The Truth Serum showroom operates as a cover-free zone, dedicated to providing a platform for emerging artists and original music.
The establishment’s commitment to community extends to active collaborations with neighboring businesses, such as Space Monkey Tattoo, utilizing a shared patio for local vendors and food trucks. Furthermore, Truth Vinyl has proudly joined Downtown Arlington’s ‘First Thursdays’ program, pledging to host monthly events that support and highlight local enterprises. Plans are also underway to re-establish partnerships with student organizations, ensuring a continued connection with the vibrant university community within Arlington TX.
