Milkcrate Café, the vinyl record boutique and café that opened at 45th and Baltimore less than six months ago, was vandalized early Thursday morning. Several windows were smashed “sometime around 3:30 a.m.,” according to an Instagram post by Milkcrate owner Adam Porter (see below), and there is no information as of today on who did it and why.

Despite the vandalism, the shop will stay open for business. “Unfortunately, there will be boards up for 2-3 weeks until the new windows are in,” reads the post. Adam also thanked everyone who have supported his business these past two days in the aftermath:

“As disheartening and sad as it may seem…I found joy and comfort from all of our neighbors coming by and showing support… It’s a wonderful vibey shop and I’m super proud of it. West Philadelphia is an amazing vibrant, unique, super rad neighborhood that’s unlike anywhere else in the city. To say I’m proud to be here & part of this community is an understatement.”

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UPDATE (9/27/2023): Milkcrate Café is now expected to open at 45th and Baltimore on Thursday, Sept. 28. The new location will be selling new and used records as well and available for event rental.

After several months, the vacant commercial space at 45th and Baltimore, previously occupied by Vagrant Café and Milk & Honey Market before that, will have a new tenant soon. Fishtown-based Milkcrate Café has announced its opening a West Philly location “sometime” this week (the sign below was posted on Sept. 13).

Milkcrate is not only known for its coffee (from La Colombe Roasters), and simple breakfast and brunch offerings, it is also a vinyl record boutique. It has a few thousand vintage and new soul, rock and jazz vinyl records for sale. You can check their online record collection here. The store also sells new and used turntables and audio equipment. You can also buy or trade in records or Hi-Fi audio gear at Milkcrate.

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