The 18 Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Looking for where to buy vinyl records in the Windy City? This guide is all you need.

Chicago is the great American city. Maybe it’s our Midwestern roots that make us a bit biased but think about it. Not as loud as New York or as flashy as Los Angeles, the city’s spirit embodies the best of what the United States has to offer. Hardworking. Friendly. Helpful. Disciplined. You get it. Located smack dab in the middle of the heartland, it’s the natural crossroads of what this country has to offer.

And when it comes to music, the city’s history is so rich that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Chicago has produced excellent blues and jazz, dynamic hip-hop, and innovative indie — not to mention it’s the birthplace of house music. The point is — the list goes on and on and on and on.

The rich music history has helped foster a vibrant artistic and cultural community — and that’s reflected in the record store culture. Here, we attempt to list the best record stores in Chicago. Did we miss some? Probably, and for that, we’re sorry. If you’ve got opinions on the best record stores in Chicago, please let us know.

Let’s dig in.

Miyagi Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

A new kid on the block, Miyagi Records opened its doors earlier this year — but they’re already making an impact on the Chicago music scene. The South Side shop was started by two Chicago DJs, Nigel Ridgeway, aka TREW, and Marco Jacobo, aka Maker.

The shop was birthed out of a series of pop-ups following the Covid-19 Pandemic and now has over 5,000 quality records (both used and new) for sale in its location. These guys are real music heads, and this cool new shop is an exciting addition to the already rich culture of the Windy City.

Getting There

307 E Garfield Blvd
Chicago, IL 60637

Reckless Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

With multiple locations throughout the city, Reckless Records is a Chicago institution and a must-visit for any record collecting music fan. They’ve served the city since 1989, offering various genres — rock, pop, jazz, blues, indie, punk, and more.

You can find all sorts of music memorabilia at these shops, but Reckless Records’ specialty is vinyl. They also do their part in supporting the local Chicago music scene by hosting in-store performances, record release parties, and other events. Great taste and midwestern attitude — it doesn’t get much better than Reckless.

Getting There

Lakeview Location
929 W Belmont
Chicago, IL 60657

Wicker Park Location
1379 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Loop Location
26 E Madison
Chicago, IL 60602

Dusty Groove

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Ask anyone in Chicago about the best record stores — and they’ll mention Dusty Groove. The well-curated shop is a staple of the city with a great reputation, providing a selection that spans a wide variety of genres, ranging from jazz and soul to hip-hop and reggae. What makes this record store special though is that you’ll find some pretty rare records. Even if you’re not wanting to spend a few hundred bucks on an early pressing, it’s still cool to see that kind of thing in person, and even hold it in your hands.

It’s the kind of record shop that will show you something you’ve never heard of as soon as you walk through the doors. Not to mention the joint hosts its share of in-store performances by local and touring musicians. Plus, you gotta appreciate that signage, right? Nothing like putting a website on your storefront. Which we suppose makes sense, considering this shop started as a website back in the ‘90s. Anyway — what we’re saying is that Dusty Groove is a must-stop for any vinyl enthusiast visiting the Windy City.

Getting There

1120 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Round Trip Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Round Trip Records embodies the warm spirit of Chicago. This North Park record store opened during the Covid-19 pandemic, and feels like a cozy living room when you enter.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, providing a wide range of selections for any music enthusiast. These guys really do love vinyl, and they want people to appreciate it as much as they do. You can get lost in conversation about rare 70s records, or learn what kind of vintage stereo equipment you should consider.

We’d say this is a shop for audiophiles, but we worry that might sound pretentious, so we’ll just say that if you are a music enthusiast who appreciates good sound and quality recordings, Round Trip Records is the Chicago record store for you.

Getting There

3455 W Foster Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Laurie’s Planet Of Sound

Why It’s One of Chicago’s Best Record Stores

The first time we stepped into Laurie’s Planet of Sound, we were overwhelmed by the distinct vibe. Yeah, it’s a record store — but there’s something else about this Logan Square institution.

We can’t quite put our finger on it, but we know we’re not the only ones who feel this way, because when we asked if they had any logo stickers for sale, they said they didn’t make them, saying something like, “People would start putting them up all over the street and we’d get in trouble.”

It was a quiet flex on their level of impact in the community, but it’s well-earned. Because not only does this place feel like the kind of joint you can hang out at all day, but you can also find pretty much any music you want in this shop — and the staff will happily chat about your discoveries. You’ll probably learn something, too. Warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable — the best kind of Midwestern musical attitude.

Getting There

4639 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Hyde Park Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

If you’ve been scanning this list for a jazz recommendation, Hyde Park Records has a lineage that might interest you. For over 40 years, the Chicago record store has been a prominent member of the Hyde Park community, buying and selling vinyl records.

Back in 2012, Hyde Park Records was bought by a guy named Alexis who came over to the States from France — and he injected new life into the store. They still have a massive jazz collection, but the store is filled with a wide range of soul, R&B, and other great records. Not to mention a dynamic hip-hop selection, new and old. Also, let’s just say that the inside feels so Chicago it hurts — in a good way.

Getting There

1377 E 53rd St
Chicago, IL 6061

Interstellar Space Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Interstellar Space Records is a new(ish) record store in Chicago, serving the needs of the Lincoln Park and Ravenswood neighborhoods since 2020. It’s the kind of shop that has a particular vision — walk in and there’s a very rare Pharaoh Sanders LP that you can joyfully spend your latest paycheck on.

The staff is highly knowledgeable — true music heads who will happily talk to you about whatever you’re into and probably provide you with some information you didn’t know about your favorite artist. Head here and get lost in the avant-garde and a stunning collection of rare records. Sounds like a nice afternoon, eh? We’ll see you there.

Getting There

2022 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Wild Prairie Vinyl & Vintage

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Wild Prairie Vinyl & Vintage is a gem. Located in the Ukrainian Village, this Chicago record store is a digger’s dream — because not only can you find a first pressing of The Clash’s London Calling next to a brand new Taylor Swift vinyl, but the shop carries an extremely well-curated collection of vintage clothing.

You might find the trenchcoat you didn’t know you always wanted right next to a pristine Fleetwood Mac record. (By the way, if you’ve never listened to Fleetwood Mac while wearing a cool vintage jacket, we can’t recommend the experience enough.)

They also sell vintage stereo equipment — and you might even find some excellent vintage furniture. It’s a one-stop shop for all the coolest stuff.

Getting There

1109 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Shuga Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

OK, if you’re looking for a Chicago record store with a massive selection of vinyl, Shuga Records is the spot. With two locations in the Chicagoland area, they’ve got over 400,000 records for sale at any given moment. That might sound like an overwhelming nightmare, but the shop is clean and set up very well, fostering an excellent environment for digging.

They also host various listening parties and in-store performances, acting as a living and breathing pillar of the Chicago music scene. Plus, there’s a huge selection of CDs and DVDs for all you physical media freaks. A must-must-stop for any vinyl enthusiast visiting Chicago.

Getting There

Wicker Park Location
1272 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Logan Square Location
3306 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

606 Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Hip-hop has deep roots in the city of Chicago, and 606 Records in Pilsen might be one of the city’s best record stores for hip-hop vinyl. They’ve really nailed the vibe. As you enter, you’re met with a vast and clean selection of LPs and a friendly staff ready to chop it up.

The shop has been around since 2015 and in that time has become a staple of the Pilsen neighborhood, often getting involved with local neighborhood events and gatherings. Catch some in-store performances, as well. Good people with good taste — the best kinda combo.

Getting There

1808 S Allport St
Chicago, IL 60608

Tone Deaf Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Located in Portage Park, this record store provides a wide range of new and used punk, metal, rock, psychedelia, jazz, soul, reggae, hip-hop, and other genres to the northwest side of Chicago.

Tone Deaf Records is very much of the neighborhood, a relaxed and local vibe that caters to real music fans and people. It’s an “if you know, you know” kind of place, existing as a bit of a hub for Chicago’s underground music scene. Plus, there’s a great indie bookstore next door called Howling Pages.

Next time you’re in The Windy City, you gotta make your pilgrimage to one of Chicago’s coolest record stores. They might even have an in-store performance that you can check out, too.

Getting There

4356 N Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

For all the metalheads and punks, this is the Chicago record store for you. If it’s not, erm, noticeable from the name, Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records like to celebrate the more extreme sides of music. Here, you’ll find all things metal, punk, and hardcore — plus comic books, sci-fi books, and other cool cult shit for the cool leather jacket inside you.

It’s a nice change of pace from the rest of the record stores in Chicago — less general selection and a more focused punk perspective. The staff is super friendly and down to chat about whatever you want. At Bucket O’ Blood, you’ll definitely find something unique and unusual. Plus, the sign on the front door might be the best record store sign in Chicago.

Getting There

792 Onderdonk Avenue
Queens, NY 11385

Bric-A-Brac Records & Collectibles

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Bric-A-Brac Records & Collectibles is a Chicago record store that looks like its name. What we mean is that the shop has a quirky and eclectic vibe, full of random stuff that you’d never knew existed.

In terms of vinyl, they focus on curating an excellent and vibrant collection of indie and punk (but have a little of everything), and yet the real fun here really begins with all the vintage toys, comics, and other odds and ends. It’s the perfect kind of store for getting lost, offering more than just music. A must visit in Chicago for vintage enthusiasts. The checked floor is pretty fun, too.

Getting There

2845 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Gramaphone Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Chicago house music is an institution in and of itself — and if there’s a brick & mortar representation of that scene, it’s Gramaphone Records. Since 1969, the record store has been a hub for all things house music in Chicago. Its eclectic vibe has made it not only one of the best record shops in Chicago, but it has a reputation as one of the most legendary record stores in the world.

Back in 2019, Gramaphone Records celebrated its 50th anniversary — which was documented in this great story from NPR and this incredible documentary by Red Bull. More than that, though, this record store represents the power of the city of Chicago and how quietly influential house music continues to be. Honor the legacy of Frankie Knuckles and make your way to this North Side institution as soon as possible. You’re sure to find something you won’t find anywhere else. We guarantee it.

Getting There

1808 S Allport St
Chicago, IL 60608

Pinwheel Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Pinwheel Records is a record store in Pilsen that’s full of good humor and good vibes. It’s a cozy little shop that’s carefully curated with a wide variety of genres, ranging from rock to pop to punk and experimental. It’s kind of like walking into the physical expression of an indie music blog circa the early 2010s.

The staff is always down to chat about the latest music news and releases — and will probably have strong opinions on the direction of Pitchfork. (This is just a guess — we actually haven’t talked to anyone at Pinwheel about their opinions about modern music journalism, it’s just a feeling, and we mean it as a compliment.)

Anyway, head to this great Chicago record store to catch the new release from your favorite artist. They’ve also got an excellent selection of turntables and stereo equipment if you’re looking to upgrade.

Getting There

1722 W 18th St
Chicago, IL 60608

Rattleback Records

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Opening in 2018, Rattleback Records is somewhat of a newcomer to Chicago’s record store scene. And they’re already making a significant impact.

Nominated as one of the best record stores in Chicago in 2022 by the Chicago Reader, this Andersonville record store is a great place to have a conversation about music with the friendly staff while you peruse and dig for, well, who knows whatever you’ll find.

The shop emphasizes classic and indie releases, and also offers a selection of vintage stereo equipment and turntables. Rattleback Records is truly just a classic neighborhood shop, a great addition to the community, providing great curation of music on top of in-store listening sessions and concerts. They’re like your local coffee shop — and it feels good to buy goods from your neighbors.

Getting There

5405 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

Record Breakers

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

Record Breakers is a very impressive establishment. Opening back in the late ‘80s, this Avondale record store has been a must-visit for vinyl enthusiasts since its inception. Frankly, the store is massive — and walking in is a very cool experience.

The shop’s selection includes a huge range of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and blues. They specialize in hard-to-find releases, as well, so while perusing you might find quite the diamond in the rough. You can also load up on a bunch of other nifty music memorabilia — and they’ve got a huge selection of CDs and DVDs.

What are you waiting for? Head to Record Breakers and transform your vinyl collection at one of Chicago’s best record stores.

Getting There

2935 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart

Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Chicago, IL

All right, we know this list is in no specific order, but in our opinion, Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart might be the best record store in Chicago. It’s so perfect. Established back in ‘70s by Bob Koster (who died in 2021 and left one hell of a legacy), it’s a local establishment for locals. Bob’s Blues & Jazz Mart isn’t trying to be trendy or cool — and that’s exactly why it’s so damn cool. They’re all about the community and the neighborhood, hosting in-store performances by local and touring musicians. It doesn’t get much more Chicago than at Bob’s. We promise you that.

Getting There

3419 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60618