The Best Record Stores In Chicago

Chicago's heart beats for all things music-related—and some sick record stores are no exception. 


Whether you’re looking for the classics or newer releases, these places got you covered. If you’re looking to expand your record collection, here’s where you should go.


Updated April 2025




PHOTO VIA instagram / graveface records


Graveface Records And Curiosities

1829 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Bucktown


Equal parts record store and horror museum, you're in for a unique experience at Graveface Records And Curiosities. Start by browsing vinyl and then embark on a strange journey!




PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / round trip records


Round Trip Records

3455 W Foster Ave. - Albany Park


Round Trip Records is run by true vinyl lovers for vinyl lovers. Browse their extensive collection online and in person, specializing in local record labels.




Photo Via Facebook/miyagi
Miyagi Records

307 E. Garfield Blvd - Washington Park


"Miyagi" means Shrine Fortress in Japanese, and you'll definitely feel like you're in a beloved protected place when you walk into this record store. The love of music is palpable; come check it out for yourself; it's also a café!





PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / bob's blues & jazz mart


Bob's Blues & Jazz Mart

3419 W. Irving Park Rd. - Irving Park


Bob Koester has been collecting and documenting blues and jazz in Chicago for decades with Delmark Records and Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 – but his love of the genre lives on in the record store.




PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / out of the past records


Out Of The Past Records

4407 W. Madison St. - West Garfield Park


If you're on the hunt for a rare, exclusive, or remixed record, Out Of The Past has you covered with an extensive collection spanning over 50 years in Chicago! 




PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / music direct


Music Direct

1811 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. - Andersonville


Looking to buy the best records? Check. Looking to buy the best audio equipment to play those records? Also, check! Music Direct in Andersonville is a must-visit for all audiophiles.




PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK / beverly records


Beverly Records

11612 S. Western Ave. - Beverly Woods


Beverly Records started as a small gift store in 1967 but has since grown into a South Side landmark for music lovers. The history lives on today as the store remains a mainstay for local celebrities.




Photo via Facebook/Rattleback Records


Rattleback Records

5405 N Clark Street  - Andersonville


Nestled on the busy, pedestrian strip of Andersonville, Rattleback Records has a mod atmosphere and knowledgable staff. Join the Rattleback Record Club to get new records every month!




Image via Facebook/Reckless Records


Reckless Records

1379 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Wicker Park

929 W. Belmont Ave. - Lakeview

26 E. Madison St. - Loop


With three locations around Chicago, Reckless Records easily caters to any record lover’s needs. Each shop features a variety of new and used vinyl, and the Wicker Park location even features the occasional in-store performance. 




Image via Facebook/Shuga Records


Shuga Records

1272 N. Milwaukee Ave - Wicker Park

3306 W. Armitage Ave - Logan Square


The nearly 500,000 titles of new and used records in the store make Shuga Records even sweeter than sugar. Get lost in the collection!




Image via Facebook/606 Records


606 Records

1808 S. Allport St. - Pilsen


606 Records is a Pilsen-based record store that features a variety of music but focuses on independent labels from Chicago and across the globe.




Record Breakers

2935 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Avondale


Record Breakers has moved around to various locations since the late-80s. Swing by its current home in Avondale to explore a huge selection of hardcore, metal, punk, ska, and rock albums. 




Image via Facebook/Dusty Groove


Dusty Groove

1120 N. Ashland Ave. - Noble Square


Exuding some serious hipster vibes, Dusty Groove is renowned for its selection of funk, jazz, and soul music. Browse its catalog online and place orders for pickup at its famous takeout window!




Image via Facebook/Laurie's Planet Of Sound


Laurie's Planet of Sound

4639 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Square


The record collection at Laurie’s Planet of Sound is truly out of this world! This independent record store in the heart of Lincoln Square is home to vinyl with a focus on local pop and rock. 




Gramaphone Records

2843 N. Clark St. - Lincoln Park


Gramaphone Records may be tiny, but it’s mighty. This funky record store has been a cornerstone of all genres of electronic music since its inception in 1969.




Image via Facebook/Pinwheel Records


Pinwheel Records

1722 W. 18th St. - Pilsen


Pinwheel Records is Pilsen’s first record store—right off the Pink Line stop at 18th Street. This shop has a variety of new and used records, CDs, collectibles, and other funky knick-knacks. 




Image via Bucket O' Blood Records


Bucket O' Blood Records

3182 N. Elston Ave. - Avondale


Don’t let the name scare you. Bucket O’ Blood Records is a must-stop for any lover of indie rock, metal, and punk records — plus, they have a huge collection of fantasy, horror, and sci-fi books. 





Image via Groovin' High Inc.

Groovin' High Inc.

1047 W. Belmont Ave. - Lakeview


Groovin’ High Inc. may have the feel of a vintage record shop, but the selection of records has a ton of both old and new bops.




Image via Facebook/Bric A Brac Records


Bric-A-Brac Records

2845 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Avondale


Bric-A-Brac is home to a pretty legit vinyl and memorabilia collection. From vintage toys to movie posters, pop culture lovers can find something to take home along with their records.




Photo via Facebook/Hyde Park Records


Hyde Park Records

1377 E. 53rd St. - Hyde Park


Known for its mountains of stock, Hyde Park Records has been serving South Side vinyl lovers for over 40 years. You're sure to snag that elusive limited edition you’ve been searching years for!




Image via Facebook/Tone Deaf Recs Chicago


Tone Deaf Records

4356 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Portage Park


Tone Deaf Records aims to provide Portage Park with the ultimate record store experience. They carry new and used records, CDs, shirts, record cleaning kits, and more vinyl junkie stuff! 




Photo via InterstellarSpaceRecords.com


Interstellar Space

2022 W Montrose Ave. - Lincoln Square


This Lincoln Square record store has records dating back to the twentieth century! They only sell used records and specialize in original vintage pressings and rare and interesting titles.




Photo Via Facebook / Vals Halla Records

Val's Halla Records

239 Harrison St. - Oak Park, IL


A collector's paradise since 1972, this store is home to a knowledgeable staff that is happy to introduce visitors to underground artists, or soon-to-be superstars! Stop in and say hey!


Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know at [email protected]!