Top Record Stores in New York City: The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Vinyl Lovers
New York City’s vinyl scene is legendary, with a record store for every taste - from punk and jazz to hip-hop, indie, and rare collector gems. Whether you’re crate digging in the East Village, hunting for rare pressings in Brooklyn, or looking for a must-visit shop near iconic music venues and cafes, this 2025 guide covers the city’s best. Updated for the latest openings, here’s where to find the top 10 record stores in NYC right now.
1. Generation Records (Greenwich Village)
Address: 210 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012
Hours: Mon–Sat 12–8pm, Sun 12–7pm
Genres: Punk, hardcore, metal, rock, indie, jazz, pop, funk, soul
Price Range: Varied, from affordable finds to rare collectibles
Owner: Mark Yoshitomi (co-owner)
Founded: 1992
Generation Records is a true NYC institution, beloved for its deep punk and hardcore roots, knowledgeable staff, and authentic downtown vibe. The shop’s walls are lined with exclusive LPs, posters, and merch, making it a must-visit for collectors and casual buyers alike.
What Makes It Unique
Over 8,000 unique records, most in Mint or Near-Mint condition
Strong community ties and regular Record Store Day events
Active on Instagram (@generationrecords) and Discogs for online sales
“We’re here for the music and the people who love it.” — Mark Yoshitomi
Generation Records is the heart of NYC’s underground vinyl scene - don’t miss it if you want a true taste of Greenwich Village music culture.
2. Stranded Records (East Village)
Address: 218 East 5th St, New York, NY 10003
Hours: 11am–7pm daily
Genres: Punk, jazz, reggae, experimental, indie, electronic, international
Price Range: Reasonable, competitive for new and used vinyl
Owner: Superior Viaduct label (Bay Area expansion)
Founded: 2019 (in Good Records’ former space)
Stranded Records is a haven for serious collectors and adventurous listeners, with a meticulously organized selection and a warm, knowledgeable staff. The shop’s roots in the Bay Area and ties to the Superior Viaduct label bring a unique curatorial edge to NYC’s vinyl scene.
What Makes It Unique
Rare international records and niche genres
Clean, well-organized, and welcoming for all music fans
Regularly updated with new arrivals and best sellers
For crate-diggers and genre explorers, Stranded is a must-stop in the East Village.
3. A-1 Records (East Village)
Address: 439 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
Hours: 12–8pm daily
Genres: Hip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, disco, dance, rock, indie, house, techno
Price Range: Reasonable, used vinyl focus
Owner: Isaac Kosman (founder), Jay Delon (manager)
Founded: 1996
A-1 Records is a cornerstone for DJs, producers, and collectors, with a legendary selection of hip-hop, rare grooves, and dance music. The shop’s reputation for quality and its role in NYC’s music history make it a favorite for both locals and visiting crate-diggers.
What Makes It Unique
Frequented by top DJs and producers (DJ Premier, Pete Rock, etc.)
Active buying and selling of used vinyl
Strong community and collector following
If you’re after rare grooves or classic hip-hop, A-1 is the place to start.
4. Rough Trade NYC (Rockefeller Center)
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Genres: Garage rock, reggae, punk, indie, dance, experimental
Price Range: Affordable to high-end collectibles and audio gear
Owner: Stephen Godfroy (NYC), Geoff Travis (founder, London)
Founded: 2013 (NYC location)
Rough Trade NYC is a destination for music discovery, live events, and exclusive releases. Its Rockefeller Center location puts it at the heart of Manhattan’s cultural scene, with a massive selection and regular in-store performances.
What Makes It Unique
Frequent live music events and album launches
Exclusive editions and memorabilia
Central location near Radio City Music Hall and top cafes
For new releases, live music, and a true NYC experience, Rough Trade is essential.
5. Human Head Records (East Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Address: 289 Meserole St., Brooklyn, NY 11206
Hours: 12–8pm daily
Genres: Rock, jazz, reggae, country, soul, hip hop, Latin, funk, R&B
Price Range: $2–$6 bins to high-end collectibles
Owner: Travis Klein (co-founder)
Founded: ~2015
Human Head Records is a Brooklyn favorite for its affordable prices, handpicked selection, and welcoming vibe. The store is known for its listening stations, constant new arrivals, and community events.
What Makes It Unique
Extensive Discogs presence with 60,000+ five-star reviews
Frequent free events and artist-curated shows
Personalized vinyl buying and fair pricing
For affordable finds and a friendly Brooklyn vibe, Human Head is a must.
6. Westsider Records (Upper West Side)
Address: 233 West 72nd St, New York, NY; 2246 Broadway
Genres: Rock, jazz, blues, country, gospel, musicals, soundtracks, classical
Price Range: Affordable, used and collectible vinyl
Owner: Dorian Thornley
Founded: 1970 (as Barqu bookstore, evolved to Westsider)
Westsider Records is a classic NYC shop with a deep history and a treasure trove of music and books. Locals love its friendly staff and the thrill of finding hidden gems in the bins.
What Makes It Unique
Historic roots in the Upper West Side
Mix of vinyl and books for a classic NYC experience
Active in Record Store Day and local events
For a true neighborhood record store feel, Westsider is unbeatable.
7. Deep Cuts Record Store (Ridgewood, Queens)
Address: 57-03 Catalpa Avenue, Ridgewood, Queens, NY
Hours: 12–7pm daily
Genres: Jazz, hip-hop, eclectic vinyl, cassettes
Price Range: Typical vinyl shop pricing
Owner: Brandon and John
Founded: ~2017
Deep Cuts is a Latino-owned shop with a welcoming staff and a huge, eclectic selection. The store’s roots as a barbershop/record shop combo add to its unique neighborhood vibe.
What Makes It Unique
Extensive selection of new and used vinyl, plus cassettes
Active Instagram presence and community events
Strong local following in Ridgewood and Queens
For a diverse, community-driven shop, Deep Cuts is a hidden gem.
8. Razor N Tape Records (Brooklyn)
Genres: Disco, house, dance edits, live bands
Owner: JKriv (Jason Kriveloff) and Aaron Dae
Founded: 2012 (label), 2022 (store)
Razor N Tape is a cult favorite for DJs and dance music lovers, with a focus on high-quality disco and house edits. The store and label are known for supporting local artists and hosting DJ events.
What Makes It Unique
Exclusive dance edits and local live band releases
Frequent DJ sets and label events
Strong online and radio presence (The Lot Radio)
For dance music collectors and DJs, Razor N Tape is essential Brooklyn crate-digging.
9. Superior Elevation Records (East Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Address: 616 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Hours: 12–8pm daily
Genres: Hip-hop, jazz, reggae, rare and collectible vinyl
Owner: Tom and Ellen Noble
Founded: 2015 (brick-and-mortar)
Superior Elevation is a destination for rare finds and DJ culture, with a curated selection and a vibrant community space. The store also runs a label and offers DJ lessons, making it a hub for music lovers and creators.
What Makes It Unique
Rare and collectible vinyl, especially in hip-hop and jazz
DJ school and Ableton Live lessons
Active on Instagram, Facebook, and SoundCloud
For rare vinyl and DJ culture, Superior Elevation is a Brooklyn essential.
10. Almost Ready Records (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn)
Address: 135 Huntington St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 / 537 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Genres: Indie, punk, in-house label releases
Founded: 2024
Almost Ready Records is a new but highly active shop, especially for Record Store Day. It’s quickly become a favorite for indie and punk fans, with a strong in-house label and curated selection.
What Makes It Unique
Exclusive in-house label releases
Active Record Store Day participation
Curated indie and punk selection
For the latest in NYC’s indie and punk scene, Almost Ready is a rising star.
NYC Record Store Map & Local Hotspots
Many of these stores are steps from iconic music venues and cafes - perfect for a day of crate digging and live music. Check out:
Academy Records (East Village) – Near Tompkins Square Park and local coffee shops
Rough Trade NYC – Rockefeller Center location is close to Radio City Music Hall and Midtown cafes
Generation Records – In the heart of Greenwich Village, near Washington Square Park and classic NYC venues
Brooklyn Record Exchange – East Williamsburg, close to bars and music venues
Why NYC’s Record Stores Matter in 2025
NYC’s record stores are more than retail. They’re cultural hubs, supporting local music, hosting events, and connecting collectors and fans. With the city’s vinyl market valued at over $100 million and a new generation of buyers, these shops are thriving. Don’t miss Record Store Day events, holiday gift guides, and exclusive releases throughout the year.
