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· Conor Welsch
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Chicago’s vinyl scene is legendary, home to crate diggers, audiophiles, and music lovers from every walk of life. In 2025, the city’s record stores are more vibrant than ever, offering everything from rare jazz pressings to punk classics and local indie gems. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting your vinyl journey, this guide covers the 10 best record stores in Chicago, each with its own unique story, selection, and community spirit.
Address: 1379 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (plus Lakeview and Loop locations)
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–7pm
Genres: Rock, jazz, metal, experimental, indie, hip hop, electronic, and more
Price Range: Wide range (new releases, quality used, pricey rare)
Owner/Founder: Reckless Records group (originally London), Chicago since 1988
Founded: 1988
Website: reckless.com
Reckless Records is a Chicago institution, with three bustling locations and a constantly refreshed inventory. From rare punk 7 inches to the latest indie releases, Reckless is a haven for collectors and casual browsers alike. The staff’s encyclopedic knowledge and the store’s commitment to buying and selling used media make it a true community hub.
What Makes It Unique
Reckless is known for its in store performances, deep bargain bins, and a democratic approach to music. Every genre, every price point, every kind of fan. As one regular puts it: “You never know what you will find, but you always leave with something.”
Address: 1120 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Hours: Daily 9am–7pm
Genres: Jazz, soul, funk, hip hop, world, rare collectibles
Price Range: Affordable to moderate (bargain bins to rare finds)
Owner/Founder: Rick Wojcik and JP Schauer
Founded: 1996
Website: dustygroove.com
Dusty Groove is a mecca for crate diggers, especially those seeking jazz, soul, and global grooves. The bright, welcoming space is packed with new and used vinyl, CDs, and collectibles. Their online shop is just as robust, but nothing beats flipping through the bins in person.
What Makes It Unique
The staff’s curation is legendary. Every record is handpicked, and the recommendations are spot on. As one local DJ says: “I always leave with something I did not know I needed.”
Address: 1272 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (Wicker Park) and 3306 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (Logan Square)
Hours: Wicker Park: Daily 10am–7pm; Logan Square: Daily 11am–7pm
Genres: Rock, punk, indie, electronic, EDM, shoegaze, psychedelic, noise, metal, rap, neo soul
Price Range: Wide range (new releases, used, rare auctions)
Owner/Founder: Adam Rosen
Founded: 2000
Website: shugarecords.com
Shuga Records is a crate digger’s paradise, with two locations and a reputation for rare finds and special releases. The store is deeply connected to Chicago’s music scene, often hosting events and collaborating with local artists.
What Makes It Unique
Shuga’s staff are true music heads, and the shop’s label arm means you will find exclusive releases you will not see anywhere else.
Address: 4639 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Hours: Sun–Thu 11am–5pm; Fri–Sat 11am–7/8pm
Genres: All genres, new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, books
Price Range: New and used (used items often half price)
Founded: 1997
Website: lauriesplanetofsound.com
Laurie’s is a Lincoln Square staple, beloved for its quirky vibe and eclectic selection. Beyond vinyl, you will find CDs, DVDs, books, and pop culture oddities.
What Makes It Unique
Laurie’s is a treasure trove for the adventurous. “It is like a time capsule. Every visit is a new discovery,” says a longtime customer.
Address: 5405 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Hours: Mon–Sat 11am–7pm; Sun 11am–5pm
Genres: Rock, blues, jazz, new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, books
Price Range: Affordable to moderate
Website: rattlebackrecords.com
Rattleback Records is Andersonville’s go to for new and used vinyl, with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
What Makes It Unique
Rattleback’s curated bins and vintage barware make it more than a record store. It is a neighborhood hangout.
Address: 1808 S Allport St, Chicago, IL 60608
Hours: Tue–Sun 11am–6pm; Closed Mon
Genres: All genres with a focus on indie labels and local artists
Price Range: $10–$40
Owner/Founder: Andrew Mitchell
Founded: 2015
Website: 606records.com
Located in Pilsen, 606 Records is a community driven shop with a focus on independent labels and Chicago artists.
What Makes It Unique
606 doubles as a community space, hosting listening parties and supporting local musicians.
Address: 239 Harrison St, Oak Park, IL 60304
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 11am–7pm; Sun 11am–5pm; Wed closed
Genres: Rock, jazz, blues, classics, collector’s items
Price Range: Affordable to collector’s prices
Founded: 1972
Website: valshallarecords.com
Val’s Halla is a Chicago legend just west of the city. Founded by the late Val Camilletti, the store has been a haven for collectors and casual fans alike for over 50 years.
What Makes It Unique
Val’s is a true community hub, hosting events and supporting local music for decades.
Address: 2532 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Hours: Mon–Sat 12pm–9pm; Sun 12pm–7pm
Genres: Jazz, blues, rock, all genres, new and used vinyl, CDs, 45s
Owner/Founder: Jim Zespy
Logan Hardware is a vinyl lover’s dream, with a vintage arcade in the back and a killer selection up front.
What Makes It Unique
Buy a record and get a code for the arcade. Logan Hardware is as much about fun as it is about music.
Address: 3182 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Hours: Daily 10am–8pm
Genres: Punk, metal, hardcore, horror and sci fi books
Owner/Founder: Founder Marc Ruvolo; Current Jennifer and Grant McKee
Website: bucketoblood.com
Bucket O’ Blood is part record store, part bookstore, all attitude. Specializing in punk, metal, and underground literature, it is a haven for the weird and wonderful.
What Makes It Unique
It is the only place you can pick up a Misfits LP and a Lovecraft novel in one trip.
Address: 3419 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30am–6:30pm; Sun closed
Genres: Jazz, blues (LPs, 45s, 78s, CDs)
Owner/Founder: Bob Koester
Founded: 2016 (successor to Jazz Record Mart, founded 1962)
Website: delmark.com
Bob’s Blues and Jazz Mart is a temple for jazz and blues lovers, carrying the legacy of the legendary Jazz Record Mart.
What Makes It Unique
It is the spiritual successor to one of Chicago’s most iconic record stores, with a catalog that is deep and carefully curated.
The Empty Bottle: Legendary indie venue near Shuga and Dusty Groove
Wicker Park: Shopping, food, and nightlife near Reckless and Shuga
Pilsen Murals: Art walks near 606 Records
Lincoln Square: Cafés and vintage shops near Laurie’s
Andersonville: Great eats and bars near Rattleback
Logan Square: Craft beer and food near Logan Hardware
In a world of streaming and algorithms, Chicago’s record stores remain vital. They are more than retail. They are gathering places, cultural archives, and launchpads for new music. In 2025, these shops are thriving because they offer something digital never will. Community. Whether you are after a rare jazz LP or your first punk 7”, Chicago’s record stores are where music lives, loud, proud, and analog.