Best Record Stores in Seattle 2025: The Ultimate Guide
Seattle’s vinyl scene is legendary—home to grunge, indie, and a deep love for music in all forms. In 2025, the city’s record stores are more than retail—they’re community hubs, cultural archives, and the heartbeat of local music. Whether you’re a crate-digger, a casual listener, or a collector, here’s your definitive guide to Seattle’s best record stores this year.
1. Easy Street Records
Address: 4559 California Ave SW #200, Seattle, WA 98116
Hours: Sun 7:00 AM–3:00 PM/7:00 PM, Mon–Sat 7:00 AM–3:00 PM/9:00 PM (varies)
Genres: Rock, indie, jazz, soul, folk, Seattle music, and more
Price Range: $–$$$ (bargain bins to rare collectibles)
Owner: Matt Vaughan
Founded: 1988
Website: easystreetonline.com
Easy Street is a Seattle institution, famous for its massive selection, in-store performances (Patti Smith, Brandi Carlile), and a café that’s a local brunch favorite. The store’s walls are lined with Seattle music history, and the staff are true music lovers.
What Makes It Unique
Legendary in-store shows
Deep crates across genres
Café with vegan/vegetarian options
Owner Matt Vaughan’s deep roots in Seattle’s music scene
“Easy Street is where Seattle’s music heart beats loudest.”
2. Sonic Boom Records
Address: 2209 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Genres: Indie, rock, punk, electronic, jazz, and more
Price Range: $–$$$ (new, used, rare)
Owner: Mike Pitts (since 2016; founded by Nabil Ayers & Jason Hughes in 1997)
Founded: 1997
Website: sonicboomrecords.com
Ballard’s indie music hub, Sonic Boom is known for its curated selection, in-store performances, and a loyal following. They buy/sell/trade and are a go-to for new releases and local artists.
What Makes It Unique
Famous for in-store performances (Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins)
Deep indie/alternative selection
Community events and signings
“Sonic Boom is the soul of Ballard’s music scene.”
3. Silver Platters
Address: 2930 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Genres: All genres—vinyl, CDs, DVDs, books
Price Range: $–$$$ (competitive pricing, used/new)
Owner: Mike Batt
Founded: 1985
Website: silverplatters.com
Silver Platters is Seattle’s warehouse of music—if you can’t find it here, it might not exist. The SoDo location is a crate-digger’s paradise, with everything from new releases to rare finds.
What Makes It Unique
City’s largest selection
Buys/sells/trades
Movies, books, and more
“You could spend a whole day at Silver Platters and still not see it all.”
4. Jive Time Records
Address: 3506 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Genres: Rock, soul, funk, jazz, electronic, punk, hip-hop, and more (used vinyl focus)
Price Range: $–$$ (affordable to mid-range, clearance annex)
Owners: Al Milman & Moshe Weinberg
Founded: 1991
Website: jivetimerecords.com
Jive Time is a Fremont favorite, known for its quality used vinyl and eclectic selection. The shop’s roots go back to the early ‘90s, and it’s a must-visit for bargain hunters and collectors alike.
What Makes It Unique
Clearance annex for deep discounts
Diverse, rotating inventory
Local music history focus
“Jive Time is where you find the record you didn’t know you needed.”
5. Daybreak Records
Address: 4323 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Genres: Punk, metal, jazz, indie, hip-hop, soundtracks, Indian classical, and more
Price Range: $–$$$ (budget to rare collectibles)
Owner: Proprietor (name not public)
Founded: 2016
Website: daybreakseattle.com
Daybreak is a modern shop with a focus on rare and collectible vinyl, plus cassettes and memorabilia. Listening stations and a knowledgeable staff make it a favorite for serious collectors.
What Makes It Unique
Rare/high-end LPs
Listening stations
Organized, modern space
“Daybreak is a treasure trove for the serious collector.”
6. Golden Oldies Records
Address: 201 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sat 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, Sun 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Genres: Hard-to-find, out-of-print vinyl, new vinyl, CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks
Price Range: $–$$ (varies by rarity)
Founder: Dean Silverstone (1977; new owner since 2017)
Founded: 1977
Website: goldenoldiesrecords.com
Golden Oldies is a Wallingford staple, famous for its deep inventory of rare and vintage vinyl. The shop’s legacy goes back nearly 50 years.
What Makes It Unique
Free “want list” service
Massive vintage inventory
Longtime Seattle music institution
“If you’re hunting for a lost classic, start at Golden Oldies.”
7. Stumbletown Records
Address: 6257 3rd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (inside Chocolat Vitale)
Hours: Wed–Sun 12:30 PM–6:30 PM
Genres: Vinyl (all genres, curated selection)
Price Range: $–$$ (varies)
Owner: Cameron Johnston
Founded: 2010
Website: stumbletownrecords.com
Stumbletown is a hidden gem, run by a passionate collector and located inside a chocolate shop. The vibe is relaxed, and the selection is handpicked for quality.
What Makes It Unique
Operates inside Chocolat Vitale
Curated, personal selection
Owner-run, community feel
“Stumbletown is where vinyl and chocolate dreams meet.”
8. Backstreet Beat
Address: Downtown Bainbridge Island, WA (near Seattle via ferry)
Hours: Tue–Sat 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Monday)
Genres: Classic vinyl, vintage books
Price Range: $–$$ (varies)
Owner: Raymond Gendreau
Founded: Not specified
Website: backstreetbeat.com
A short ferry ride from Seattle, Backstreet Beat is a cozy shop for classic vinyl and vintage books. It’s a favorite for day-trippers and collectors alike.
What Makes It Unique
Ferry-accessible from Seattle
Combines vinyl and vintage books
Relaxed, small-town vibe
“Backstreet Beat is worth the ferry ride—vinyl and books in a charming setting.”
Local Hotspots
Easy Street Records: West Seattle Junction—great for brunch, local bars, and shopping
Sonic Boom Records: Ballard—near breweries, indie shops, and Ballard Locks
Silver Platters: SoDo—close to stadiums, breweries, and food trucks
Jive Time & Daybreak: Fremont—walkable to coffee shops, vintage stores, and the Fremont Troll
Golden Oldies: Wallingford—near Dick’s Drive-In, Gas Works Park
Stumbletown: Phinney Ridge—close to Chocolat Vitale, indie cafes
Backstreet Beat: Bainbridge Island—walkable from ferry, local bakeries, and bookstores
Why Record Stores Matter in 2025
In a world of streaming, Seattle’s record stores are more vital than ever. They’re places to discover new music, connect with fellow fans, and support local artists. In 2025, these shops remain the city’s cultural anchors—preserving history, fostering community, and keeping the spirit of music alive.
