Looking for the best record shops in Des Moines? Here’s your guide to finding vinyl records in the heart of the Corn State.
We know what you’re thinking. Des Moines? Really? Des Moines?!
But shut up for a second and listen to us when we say this: Des Moines is cool.
Don’t believe us? Nestled at the crossroads of two major interstates, the city has transformed over the last two decades. What was once a hotbed of agriculture and insurance is, well, still a hotbed for those things – but has become a breeding ground for innovative thinking and progressive culture in the midwest. That’s due to a number of reasons, but primarily it’s a nice blend of location, low cost of living, and friendly and welcoming people. Seriously. Iowa is home of some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet in your life.
These days, the Des Moines music scene is thriving. It hosts the Hinterland music festival, and, with the re-opening of the Val Air Ballroom, will be catching nearly every minor and major touring act coming through the state on their way from Chicago to Omaha. Plus, in the greater DSM area, you’ll find some of the coolest, most lowkey bars you can find in the midwest. (Looking at you, Kung Fu Tap.)
In other words, it’s what we call a gem. And there’s a reason Des Moines ends up on all those lists of desirable cities in America. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself there, we’ve got your vinyl needs covered.
Here are the best record stores in Des Moines, Iowa.
Rogue Planet Music
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Des Moines
These lists aren’t numbered for a reason – we don’t want to play favorites among our favorites, all right? – but, that said, Rogue Planet Music might just be the best record shop in Des Moines.
A locally-owned, operated, and 100% independent record store, it was founded in 2017. You can find standards here, but they specialize in the obscure, specifically jazz. The store is a great vibe, super clean and organized, and the owners are very friendly and helpful. They’re down to shoot the shit, or recommend you something based on your taste that you’ve never heard of.
They also sell quality refurbished audio equipment. Plus, there’s a sick little thrift shop connected to the store with a great selection of high quality clothing. Get yourself a new piece of vinyl to pair with that rare Coltrane pressing, why don’t ya?
Getting There
4211 Chamberlain Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
Vinyl Cup Records
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Des Moines
A guy walks into a record store and gets handed a beer. No, this is not the beginning of a joke. This is what it’s like to walk into Vinyl Cup Records, one of the premiere record shops in Des Moines located in Beaverdale.
Started as a Facebook group in August 2017, it launched its first brick and mortar spot in the 515 area code. In it, you’ll find a cozy, vibrant listening room and a staff ready to serve. Not interested in a beer? Then they’ll make you a dynamite coffee.
Unless you find a record store that gives you a Walking Taco when you walk in the door, it doesn’t get much more “Midwestern hospitality” than Vinyl Cup. They also have locations in Cedar Falls and Omaha, and purchase records at all of their locations.
Getting There
2815 Beaver Ave 2nd floor
Des Moines, IA 50310
Zzz Records
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Des Moines
As far as we know, Zzz Records is the longest-running independent record store in Des Moines. It opened back in 2000 and carries a large selection of new and used records, tapes, CDs, and more.
The knowledgeable staff specializes in pink-tinged music alongside a range of rock ‘n’ roll. In other words, go here for your leather jacket music. You’ll find a great conversation and a great selection.
And afterwards, depending on the hour, head down the block for a Busch Light at the best dive bar in Des Moines, the Alpine Tap Room.
Getting There
2200 Ingersoll Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
Ratt’s Underground
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Des Moines
This might be one of the weirdest record store experiences you can have in the midwest – mainly because Ratt’s Underground is a massive shop located in the basement of a dying mall. Here, you’ll find a massive collection of all types of genres alongside a crapload – yes, a crapload – of vintage music memorabilia.
Looking for an authentic ‘90s poster? Look no further than Ratt’s. Plus, their vintage t-shirt and clothing selection is out of control. It’s easy to lose an afternoon here. And one last pro tip: They have awesome customized ashtrays.
Getting There
3800 Merle Hay Rd Suite # 922 floor G
Des Moines, IA 50310
Marv’s Music
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Des Moines
The sister record store of Vinyl Cup, Marv’s is located in a cool, old warehouse building in the East Village. No, this ain’t NYC. This is DSM, baby.
Here, you’ll find a varied selection from Vinyl Cup, less new and more of a hand-picked used selection of a wide range of music – everything from Bruce Springsteen to Amy Winehouse. It fits the vibe of the area, as well. Friendly, funky, and unique.
We recommend spending an afternoon farting around the area while hitting all of the quaint little shops, Marv’s included. End your day with a beer at the Iowa Tap Room. That’s what we call a nice little Saturday.
Getting There
506 E 6th St #200
Des Moines, IA 50309
SkyLabs
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Des Moines
Valley Junction is one of the coolest parts of Des Moines. Located on the west side of town right before the city transforms into the suburban capital of West Des Moines, it’s a kitschy, funky little neighborhood full of great restaurants, gift shops, antique stores, thrift shops, and, of course, SkyLabs.
Specializing more in refurbished vintage audio equipment from the 50s, 60s, and 70s alongside quality products from new hi-fi brands, this is definitely where you want to go when thinking about how you want to set your stereo up. But they also carry a strong selection of used and new vinyl records.
Plus, the staff is cool, friendly, and always down to talk shop about sound. If you’ve curious at all about how to improve your listening setup, start here. And maybe get a Grateful Dead record while you’re at it.
Getting There
123 5th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
