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At Montauk (Kim Mã, Hanoi), the romantic atmosphere of the 2000s is subtly present in every detail, gentle and unforced. People come here to rekindle inspiration, reminisce about the past, or simply relax in the atmosphere of a glorious bygone era.
The story begins in a small shop.
LP Club was born from the passion for analog music of its three founders: Quang, Hang, and Tuan. Their first store, located at 34 Ha Hoi Street, specialized in selling vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs imported from abroad, in a space with a nostalgic feel.
The emergence of LP Clubs has quenched the thirst for enjoying "slow" music among a segment of young people in a fast-paced society. This is because the experience of listening to music from physical records and tapes cannot be rushed. It begins with carefully selecting a favorite album, cradling the disc in your hands, admiring the accompanying artwork, carefully inserting the disc into the player, and then enjoying the sound. All of this requires the listener to be truly unhurried and focused. This experience is completely different from the digital music format that most of us are familiar with, where music can be controlled with a quick touch.
A cafe from the 2000s.
After LP Club relocated to the bustling Kim Mã street, a new sibling was formed: Montauk by LP Club cafe. While LP Club's origins lie in music, Montauk draws inspiration from classic rom-coms such as...Lost in Translation, 500 Days of Summeror especiallyEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind- The film shaped every aspect of Montauk's life.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindIt tells the story of a young couple: Joel and Clementine.
Although the two tried to erase memories of each other after their breakup, deep down they always had a place associated with their past love: Montauk. And from that, Montauk became the name of this special cafe. The cafe's two main colors, blue and orange, are also inspired by the character Clementine with her blue hair and striking orange coat.
Stepping into Montauk from the bustling Kim Mã street, a spacious interior, bearing the mark of previous decades, slowly unfolds. A vibrant neon sign reads, "Meet me in Montauk"—a signature line from the film.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind- It leads down to a garden space with greenery. Behind a large glass window is a cozy room with bookshelves, a set-top box TV, a record player, speakers, a radio… The melodious, dreamy music that fills the space here isn't digital music, but plays directly from selected vinyl records from the LP Club store - located on the second floor of the room.
"Unlike today's era of booming technology, in the 2000s, before social media, people had to listen to music, watch movies, and read books to stay updated. Montauk wants to create a space that recreates that period, when people still had the habit of living at a slow pace: buying a CD, flipping through it, admiring it, sitting thoughtfully enjoying it with a cup of coffee or a book, and then curiously learning about the album they just listened to," shared Mr. Ngoc, the owner of Montauk.
Montauk is not only rich in music publications, but its bookshelves are also meticulously cared for, filled with classic books familiar to the 80s and 90s generations, as well as numerous magazines about music and film from that era. According to Mr. Ngoc's description, this bookshelf is like a "warehouse of memories," a place where people can relive the feelings of bygone years.
Besides the cultural experiences, Montauk's drink menu is also a highlight worth exploring. It would be a shame to visit without trying one of the cafe's best-sellers: Montauk (creamy coffee), Lost in Translation (peanut butter coffee), or sipping on a unique cocktail or mocktail. Interestingly, Montauk also serves wine and cocktails all day long.
A meeting point for many generations.
Recreating a golden age of the past, one might expect that customers at Montauk and LP Club would mainly be from the 80s or 90s generations. However, in reality, more and more Gen Z young people are visiting and falling in love with the place. They come to capture moments in the pop culture-themed decor, enjoy the creative displays, and happily explore the vast collection of books and CDs available.
Explaining this, Mr. Ngoc shared: "There are periods known as 'golden ages' with timeless influence. Disco music, neon lights, and science fiction films of the 1980s in the US are an example, as they continue to inspire contemporary artists. The culture of the 2000s in Vietnam is similar. Old things become something very special, sparking curiosity in young people."
Beyond reviving the echoes of the past, Montauk and LP Club also contribute to the development of modern culture. While LP Club produces albums for Vietnamese indie artists like Ngọt, Chillies, and Vũ..., Montauk regularly provides space for independent artists to launch their books and albums. It is here that old values intertwine with modern trends, creating a welcoming and open space for everyone.
Meet me in Montauk (Montauk by LP Club)
Address: 174 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Fanpage:Montauk by LP Club
