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· Conor Welsch
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Milwaukee’s vinyl scene is thriving in 2025, with a mix of legendary shops, new faces, and community-driven spaces. Whether you’re a crate-digger, a casual listener, or a collector on the hunt for rare pressings, the city’s record stores offer something for everyone. This guide spotlights the top 8–10 record stores in Milwaukee and nearby, with all the details you need: addresses, hours, genres, price ranges, owners, founding dates, and what makes each shop unique. Plus, you’ll find a map and local hotspots to round out your vinyl adventure.
Address: 2341 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Hours: Wed, Fri, Sat: 12–7pm; Thu: 1–7pm; Sun: 12–5pm; Mon–Tue: Closed
Genres: Jazz, rock, punk, electronic, pop, R&B, plus CDs, cassettes, 78s
Price Range: Best prices, well-priced, fair pricing (no fixed range, but known for value)
Owner/Founder: Ken Chrisien (Shopkeeper Ken)
Founded: October 6, 2012
Website: Acme Records Facebook
Acme Records is a Bay View staple, run by longtime collector and WMSE DJ Ken Chrisien. The shop is known for its curated selection, friendly vibe, and community events like Record Store Day. Ken’s passion for vinyl and music history is evident in every bin.
Deeply curated, with a focus on condition and value
Regular in-store events and local music support
“There’s a romance and nostalgia to vinyl that you just can’t get anywhere else.” - Ken Chrisien
Address: 2635 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Hours: Tue–Sun: 12–6pm; Mon: Closed
Genres: Modern rock, punk, hardcore, metal, indie, imports, CDs, DVDs, t-shirts
Price Range: Typical indie shop pricing ($20–$40 new LPs, less for used)
Owner/Founders: Dan DuChaine & Bill Rouleau
Founded: 1971 (current owners since mid-1990s)
Website: Rushmor Records
A Bay View institution, Rushmor is beloved for its deep ties to Milwaukee’s music scene and its hands-on owners. The shop is a go-to for punk, metal, and local releases, and is a hub for musicians and fans alike.
Legendary punk/metal selection and local band support
Tin-ceiling, old-school neighborhood vibe
“We’re here for the music and the community.” - Dan DuChaine
Address: 1627 E Irving Place, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–6pm; Sun: 10am–3pm
Genres: Jazz, rock, reggae, all genres (used/new vinyl, CDs, cassettes)
Price Range: Bargain bins, CDs ~$15, LPs ~$28, gift certificates from $25
Owners: Ryan Hackbarth & Alex Kurth
Founded: 2024 (reopened from Bullseye Records)
Website: Irving Place Records
Reopened by two passionate collectors, Irving Place Records doubled its space in 2025 and offers a welcoming, well-organized shop with a strong jazz and reggae focus. They collaborate with local labels and host exclusive releases.
Expanded space and exclusive Milwaukee vinyl comps
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
“We want to be a place where everyone feels at home.” - Ryan Hackbarth
Address: 1669 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–7pm; Sun: 11am–5pm
Genres: New vinyl/CDs, growing used selection, stereo gear, DVDs, box sets
Price Range: Mid-range, pre-owned in VG+/VG, new limited editions
Owners: Tanner Musgrove & Brian Kirk
Founded: 2022 (in former Exclusive Company space)
Website: Lilliput Records
Lilliput carries on the legacy of The Exclusive Company, with a modern, community-oriented twist. The shop is bright, organized, and always stocked with the latest indie and major releases.
Successor to a Milwaukee vinyl institution
Focus on new releases and community events
“We’re here to keep the music alive for the next generation.” - Brian Kirk
Address: 5026 S 74th St, Greenfield, WI 53220
Hours: Mon–Tue: 11am–6pm; Wed–Fri: 10am–8pm; Sat/Sun: Varies (call ahead)
Genres: All genres, with a focus on metal (MetalHaus), new/pre-owned music, movies
Price Range: Not specified; wide range for new/used
Owner: Jennifer Young
Founded: July 2, 2022 (in former Exclusive Company location)
Website: Volta Records
Volta Records preserves the spirit of the Exclusive Company, with a new name and a renewed focus on community and music history. The shop is large, with a deep selection and knowledgeable staff.
MetalHaus section for metalheads
Community-driven, with original staff retained
“We wanted to keep the record store alive for everyone.” - Jennifer Young
Address: 7045 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214
Hours: Sun: 9:30am–6pm; Mon–Thu: 9:30am–7pm; Fri: 9:30am–6pm; Sat: Closed
Genres: Vinyl, CDs (including K-pop), video games, vintage stereos, instruments
Price Range: Unbeatable/low prices on used, 30-day warranty
Owner/Founder: Not publicly listed
Founded: 1972
Website: Record Head
A Milwaukee-area classic, Record Head is a time capsule of music and pop culture, with everything from rare LPs to retro video games. The staff are experts in repairs and bulk buying.
Over 7,000 vinyl albums in stock
Award-winning for a decade running
“It’s a time capsule of music’s history.”
Address: 106 S. Main St., Thiensville, WI 53092
Hours: Fri: Noon–7pm; Sat: 11am–5pm; or by appointment
Genres: Used vinyl (45s, LPs, 78s), jazz, rock, pop, R&B, memorabilia
Price Range: Cheap records, treasures in the bins
Owner/Manager: Family-owned, managed by Rocky
Founded: Not specified (historic building, 1920s)
Website: Stardust Records Facebook
Stardust is a digger’s paradise, packed with vintage vinyl and music memorabilia. The shop is housed in a historic building and is known for its friendly, knowledgeable staff.
One of the largest collections of vintage 45s in Wisconsin
Basement bins for bargain hunters
“An old-school used record store with nary a record released after 1985.”
Address: 904 E Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Hours: Daily: Noon–4pm
Genres: Funk, soul, jazz, rock, R&B, rare/collectible vinyl
Price Range: $3 and $6 bins, fair cash offers for collections
Owner: Andy Noble (with brother Brian)
Founded: August 2018
Website: We Buy Records Instagram
Run by a veteran Milwaukee DJ and collector, We Buy Records is the place to sell your collection or hunt for rare grooves. Andy Noble’s expertise and passion for vinyl are legendary.
Specializes in rare and collectible vinyl
Buys large collections (house calls for 300+ records)
“We’re here for the diggers and the collectors.” - Andy Noble
Address: 2708 N. Booth St., Milwaukee, WI 53212
Hours: Limited (e.g., Fri: Noon–7pm; Sat: 11am–5pm; check for updates)
Genres: Underground hardcore, metal, electronica, techno, industrial, hip-hop; horror, cult, art-house films
Price Range: Used shop, prices vary
Owner: Not specified (operated under Blast Radius name since 2024)
Founded: 2024 (rebranded/moved)
Website: Blast Radius Instagram
A haven for underground music and cult films, Blast Radius is a must for fans of hardcore, metal, and obscure cinema. The shop is in transition, so check for current hours.
Focus on underground and experimental genres
Buys, sells, rents, and trades media
“If you want the weird and the rare, this is your spot.”
Address: 275 W. Main St., Waukesha, WI 53186
Hours: Tue–Sat: 11am–7pm; Sun: 11am–4pm; Mon: Closed
Genres: Rock, pop, jazz, blues, all genres (vinyl, CDs, tapes, 8-tracks, reel-to-reel)
Price Range: New and used, prices vary by format/condition
Owners: Dan & Michele Schneiderman
Founded: Not specified
Website: Vinyl Vault Facebook
A short drive from Milwaukee, Vinyl Vault is packed with new and used vinyl, CDs, and more. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable, and the shop is a favorite for collectors in the area.
Huge, eclectic selection across all formats
Family-owned, with a personal touch
“We love helping people find their next favorite record.” - Dan Schneiderman
Local Hotspots:
Colectivo Coffee (multiple locations): Great for a caffeine break between shops
Palomino Bar (Bay View): Classic Milwaukee bar with jukebox and comfort food
Fuel Cafe (Riverwest): Punk rock coffeehouse near We Buy Records
Lakefront Brewery: Iconic Milwaukee brewery with tours and live music
The Vanguard (Bay View): Sausages, craft beer, and a killer playlist
In a world of streaming and digital playlists, Milwaukee’s record stores remain vital. They’re more than retail spaces; they’re community hubs, cultural archives, and places where music lovers connect. In 2025, these shops continue to foster discovery, support local artists, and keep the spirit of vinyl alive. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, Milwaukee’s record stores offer a welcoming, inspiring experience you won’t find anywhere else.