Murmur HiFi Lounge Now Open in Providence
Murmur HiFi Lounge (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
Time to put your records on, Providence! There’s a brand new bar—with a unique twist—open for Summer 2026…
Providence’s first ever listening bar, Murmur HiFi Lounge, officially opened in June 2026 at 276 Westminster Street in downtown Providence!
Murmur is a high fidelity, analogue listening lounge, inspired by Japanese jazz kissatens from the 1920’s; these jazz coffee shops were designed to enhance music listening and appreciation while providing a sonically superior space for guests to enjoy music, drinks, and food. (Is this a match made in heaven?!) Co-owners Robert Troutman and Allison Johnson were inspired by this concept following Troutman’s visit to Tokyo decades ago.
Murmur is a welcome and very unique addition to Providence’s vibrant music scene.
“Downtown Providence has such a rich and storied music history and we’re excited to start writing a small chapter of it. And given the greatness of the previous occupants of our space at 276 Westminster–Black Rep, Roots Cafe, and Aurora–we are truly standing on the shoulders of local giants.”
Murmur’s music program, on any given evening, showcases a variety of genres, with very few exceptions. For guests seeking the ultimate listening bar experience, Murmur offers a private listening room as well (pssst keep an eye out for more details when it becomes available for booking).
FOOD AND DRINK AT MURMUR
The “Miso Daiquiri,” “Murmur Martini,” and “Window Seat” cocktails (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
Murmur features a unique cocktail menu created by Parker Luthman, Murmur’s bar manager and beverage director. The bar menu includes a curated collection of spirits, sakes, beers and wines. The bar highlights a Toki Highball machine; this machine is more common in Japan, but still unique to the States and even rarer in New England. And it makes a perfect, ice-cold whisky highball each and every time that drinks more like a beer or glass of champagne than a mixed drink. (We loved the bright teal “Window Seat”!)
Murmur’s food program is full of snacks—loosely izakaya and yakitori based—which rotate seasonally and highlight locally-sourced ingredients with a uniquely Rhode Island twist. Order some fries and pickles to munch on!
LOGISTICS
Where exactly is Murmur HiFi Lounge located?
Murmur’s address is 276 Westminster Street, Providence, RI, and it’s located right downtown next door to Gift Horse.
So… Can people go to Murmur to chat and catch up with friends, or is it a strict “listen to the music” vibe?
Murmur puts a real emphasis on carefully curated music, all played on vinyls, and the sound system is incredible! That being said, people can grab a drink at the bar and listen to the music, or feel free to head to Murmur with a friend group intent on socializing. And soon, you’ll be able to book out Murmur’s private listening room, the “Den,” which boasts three different types of sound systems, including quadraphonic sound. It fits eight guests and offers an exclusive drinks menu.
What are the days and hours at Murmur HiFi Lounge?
4 pm to 12 am Wednesday and Thursday; 4 pm to 1 am Friday and Saturday; and 4 pm to 12 am on Sunday and Monday. No reservations required as of now.
ABOUT THE OWNERS
Troutman and Jonhson came to Providence from Minneapolis and Philadelphia to attend school and never left. (We’re learning this is the familiar story of many who come to Providence!) By day, Johnson is an architect and Troutman a graphic designer. The two share their passion for music since Troutman is a guitarist and Johnson a pianist.
For a little taste test, here’s a few musical albums that they’ve had in frequent rotation recently: Revolver by The Beatles; Headin’ South by Horace Parlan; London Calling by The Clash; MF DOOM X Tatsuro Yamashita by Dan Tanda; and Murmur by R.E.M.
Love this news about Murmur HiFi Lounge in Providence, RI? Want to stay in the loop for future events (such as our free outdoor film series Movies on the Block for Summer 2026), gift guides, other new business openings, and more in downtown? We’ve got you! Subscribe to our newsletter and/or follow @indowncitypvd on Instagram.