POP & HISS - Pacific Grove, California

POP & HISS: A Cultural Hub in Pacific Grove

POP & HISS stands as a unique establishment located at Address: 215 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, United States. This venue combines the passion for music and community under one roof, offering a distinctive experience for locals and visitors alike. Operating primarily as a record store, it serves as a vital hub for music enthusiasts, collectors, and those simply looking to explore the world of vinyl. However, its identity extends beyond retail; it functions as a bar, providing a lively atmosphere for socializing, listening to music, and enjoying drinks during various events. Its strategic location in Pacific Grove makes it an accessible point of interest for the community.

Core Offerings: Music, Community, and Atmosphere

The Record Store Experience

At its heart, POP & HISS is a dedicated record store. It caters to a wide range of musical tastes, offering a diverse collection of vinyl records, CDs, and potentially other music-related merchandise. For those seeking a deeper dive into specific genres or rare finds, the store provides a curated selection. The knowledgeable staff, often passionate about music themselves, can offer guidance and recommendations, transforming a simple shopping trip into an engaging exploration of sound. This focus on physical media and music culture creates an intimate and authentic environment for collectors and casual listeners.

The Bar and Event Space

Complementing the record store is a vibrant bar area. This space is not just for purchasing drinks but serves as a venue for various musical events. Live music nights are a cornerstone of POP & HISS's programming, attracting local bands and artists, providing a platform for emerging talent, and offering the community a chance to experience music up close. The atmosphere during these events blends the warmth of a neighborhood bar with the energy of a live performance venue. It's a place where patrons can unwind, socialize, and immerse themselves in the music. The combination of a record store and a performance space creates a unique synergy, appealing to music lovers who appreciate both the tangible artifacts of music and the live musical experience.

Convenience and Accessibility

On-site Services and Delivery

POP & HISS prioritizes customer convenience. They offer on-site services, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. A notable feature is their delivery service, allowing customers to order products online or in-store and have them delivered directly. Crucially, they provide same-day delivery, which is a significant advantage for those needing records or merchandise urgently. This commitment to timely service enhances the overall customer experience beyond just browsing and purchasing.

Accessibility Features

The venue is committed to ensuring all visitors can access and enjoy its offerings. It features a wheelchair-accessible toilet, demonstrating consideration for patrons with mobility challenges. Furthermore, gender-neutral toilets are available, promoting inclusivity and providing comfortable options for all individuals. These thoughtful amenities contribute to a welcoming environment for everyone.

Connectivity and Parking

Staying connected is important for today's visitors, and POP & HISS accommodates this with readily available Wi-Fi. For parking needs, the establishment offers a free parking lot, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution. While free street parking may also be available, the dedicated lot offers a more reliable option, especially during busy events or evenings.

Inclusivity and Community Focus

POP & HISS actively fosters a sense of belonging and safety for its diverse clientele. It explicitly states its commitment to being a LGBTQ+ friendly venue and a transgender safe space, creating an environment where individuals from the community feel respected and comfortable. This focus on inclusivity extends to ensuring the space is welcoming for good for kids, making it a potentially family-friendly option depending on the specific events or atmosphere. The positive feedback received online often highlights the welcoming and inclusive nature of the venue.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the experiences at POP & HISS. The venue maintains a strong reputation, evidenced by its average opinion of 4.7/5 based on 30 reviews. While the overwhelmingly positive sentiment underscores customer satisfaction, some reviews offer constructive feedback. One common theme mentioned is the pricing structure. Some patrons have noted that cover charges for events can be perceived as steep, and there have been instances where cover fees were charged for friends who hadn't explicitly requested them. Additionally, the price point for drinks, such as a simple diet coke being reported at $15, has been mentioned as being higher than expected by some customers. These points suggest that while the atmosphere, music, and service are generally well-received, potential visitors might want to inquire about current pricing policies or consider whether attending solely for the music might be more budget-friendly than combining it with a meal or drink. Despite these minor concerns, the core experience of enjoying music in a knowledgeable and community-oriented environment is frequently praised.

Planning Your Visit

For those planning to visit POP & HISS, the location at 215 Forest Ave is central to Pacific Grove. It's easily accessible by car, and the free parking lot is a significant convenience. The venue's dual nature means it can be visited during the day for browsing records or in the evening/weekend for events and drinks. Checking their schedule online is recommended to see current events or specific hours, as activities may vary. The combination of a record store and bar makes it a versatile destination. Potential visitors should be aware of the cover charges for events and the general pricing for drinks, as mentioned in some reviews, to manage expectations. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, along with the knowledgeable staff and convenient services like delivery and parking, contribute to making POP & HISS a noteworthy stop for music lovers and socialites in the area.

Conclusion

POP & HISS emerges as a multifaceted establishment that successfully blends the worlds of music retail, live performance, and social gathering. Its location in Pacific Grove, coupled with its extensive offerings and commitment to community and accessibility, positions it as a valuable asset to the local scene. While minor concerns regarding pricing have been voiced, the overall positive experience highlighted by reviews points towards a welcoming, knowledgeable, and engaging environment. For anyone seeking a unique music experience, a place to discover new records, or a vibrant spot to enjoy live music and conversation, POP & HISS is highly recommended.

👍 Reviews of POP & HISS

Bryan S.

3/5

Its a fine spot and had a fine atmosphere but five dollars for a cover charge is kind of steep and I was charged my friends cover charge without them even asking. I got a diet coke and I was taken aback by a 15 dollar price tag. Next time I go to an event I think I'll just listen to the music without getting a drink.

Hayden L.

5/5

I didn't think Pacific Grove was capable of permitting a place this cool. The staff were all friendly and welcoming, and the overall vibe is well created but unpretentious.

Very excited that it's no longer necessary to drive to Monterey just to grab a drink after 8pm. I really hope that this is the start of a new era for downtown PG!

Aaron P.

5/5

Definitely the coolest spot in PG. There is a great record selection and a rotating group of DJs that play the small space. There is a small seating area and bar with local beers and a good selection of cocktails and wine.

Scott R.

3/5

Where's Pop 'n' Hiss?

It's that shop across the street from Grove Market with no signage and ugly curtains, that's only open 4 days a week.

Open the record store every day to promote your bar and events. Otherwise, it's just a place for aging hipsters paying too much to drink and listen to records.

Casey B.

5/5

This is a cool new nightlife spot with a record store in front and dj and full bar and patio in the back. The DJ on wed and thur nights brings in a lot of industry people and they serve hot dogs! Amazing new PG nightlife spot!

Leslie R.

5/5

I've been there 3 times so far, and I've always had a great experience. Last Saturday the DJ was in his gatdamned BAG! Lol! This is a " Would reccomend" for me..

Francisco G. J.

5/5

Best pasta dishes I've ever had! This visit i had their Cioppino, one of the best cioppinos I've ever had!

Nadia P.

5/5

A really cool record shop + bar. Great vibes inside and plenty of good music and tasty drinks!