Best Vinyl Record Stores in Chicago

We have all seen the quintessential record store movie High Fidelity which is based on the excellent novel by Nick Hornby. It stars three snobby and eccentric vinyl junkies played by John Cusack, Jack Black, and Todd Louiso. Championship Vinyl , the fictitious record store, is based in Chicago. So what about the actual best record stores in Chicago? If you are on the hunt for vinyl in Chicago, here are a few places that we recommend:

Reckless Records

Reckless Records has three locations in Wicker Park, Lakeview, and Loop. Speaking of High Fidelity, this store is widely hailed as the inspiration for Championship Vinyl in that film. The emphasis is definitely indie music, and they always have a wide selection of the newest indie releases. Jack White has played secret in-store sets. There is a strong emphasis on local music as well. Heck, you might even see an older gentleman trying to track down Stevie Wonder’s I Just Called to Say I Love You.

Dusty Groove

Dusty Groove, located in Noble Square, definitely wins the award for most comprehensive international collection. Whether you are looking for Brazilian jazz or Swedish metal, they are the most likely to have it in stock. The space is very modern and clean, and the staff can answer your most obscure questions. They also have a fantastic website which lists tons of records, so even if you’re not in Chicago, feel free to get distracted on the world wide webs.

Dave’s Records

Dave’s Records is located in Lakeview and Dave definitely likes vinyl as much as anyone. In fact, there is a famous sign in his store that reads: No CD’s!! Never had ’em!! Never will!! Dave started working at the store in 1985 when it was called Second Hand Tunes. He purchased the store in 2002 and it became Dave’s Records. Stop in on a rainy afternoon and do some digging in his collection of over 40,000 LPs.

Out of the Past Records

Out of the Past Records is a real gem. This iconic record store has been in business since 1968. It’s definitely old-school, specializing in classic rock ‘n roll and R&B as well as the best gospel selection in Chicago. Vinyl fanatics and history buffs definitely frequent this quaint, aptly named record store in Garfield Park.

Shuga Records

Shuga Records moved from the bustling arts district of Northeast Minneapolis (Check out the amazing abstract paintings by Shawn McNulty) to Wicker Park in 2015. They have become a major presence in this area along with Reckless and Dusty Groove. You can browse roughly 20,000 records in their store as well as virtually dig through over 100,000 LPs on their comprehensive website. The store gets extra points for also being a record label, and they also have notable in-store performances.

Ultimate Sinatra [2 LP]

$37.98 $30.64 (as of December 19, 2024 02:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ultimate Sinatra's 180-gram 2LP version brims with 24 stellar recordings representing Frank Sinatra's unparalleled, 6 decade-long recording career

Greatest Hits I [2 LP]

$35.98 $31.89 (as of December 19, 2024 02:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories

Gold - Greatest Hits[2 LP]

17% Off $37.99 $28.30 (as of December 19, 2024 02:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

ABBA's Gold - Greatest Hits collection features 19 timeless hits such as "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me," "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" and more! This 2 LP set is pressed on 180-gram vinyl

SOUR[LP]

7% Off $27.98 $24.99 (as of December 19, 2024 02:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Olivia Rodrigo's record-breaking debut album, SOUR, features the #1 hits, "drivers license," and "good 4 u," plus the singles "dej? vu," "traitor" and "brutal

Greatest Hits

12% Off $24.98 $19.62 (as of December 19, 2024 02:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Vinyl LP repressing. Greatest Hits is a 1988 compilation album by British-American band Fleetwood Mac. It covers the period of the band's greatest commercial success, from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s. The track listing for the US release differs ... read more

Born To Die[LP]

$27.98 $23.97 (as of December 19, 2024 02:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Born To Die [LP]

Back to Black [Vinyl]

26% Off $27.98 $20.62 (as of December 19, 2024 02:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT[Ghosted White 2 LP]

20% Off $45.99 $29.49 (as of December 19, 2024 02:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2 LP set on ghost white colored vinyl, featuring the bonus track, "The Manuscript

Kind Of Blue (Vinyl)

15% Off $26.98 $22.99 (as of December 19, 2024 02:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

10% Off $29.98 $26.97 (as of December 19, 2024 02:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

29% Off $349.00 $249.00 (as of December 18, 2024 21:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl Direct-drive, DC servo motor with selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds. Damped base construction for reduced low-frequency feedback coloration Fully manual operation featuring adjustable dynamic anti-skate contro... read more

Victrola Nostalgic 6-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center with Built-in Speakers - 3-Speed Turntable, CD & Cassette Player, FM Radio | Wireless Music Streaming | Mahogany

38% Off $159.99 $99.99 (as of December 18, 2024 21:12 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

6-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER – With vintage looks on the outside & modern features inside, listen your way; vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio or stream music from your smartphone via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm Aux/headphone jack.Motor type : AC Moto... read more

1 by ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable with Built-in Speakers, Vinyl Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, Bluetooth Playback and Aux-in Functionality, Auto Off

$239.99 (as of December 18, 2024 21:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

[Exquisite Appearance] Built from wood and metal materials with a unique sense of layering; The streamlined corner design is truly atmospheric and stylish(Note: long hold the start button to turn the power on, and press again to start) [All in 1] Thi... read more

Vinyl Record Player Turntable with Built-in Bluetooth Receiver & 2 Stereo Speakers, 3 Speed 3 Size Portable Retro Record Player for Entertainment and Home Decoration

$39.99 (as of December 18, 2024 21:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

【Vintage Record Player】Bluetooth Input & AUX Audio input & RCA line-out & Headphone jack. 2 Built in stereo speakers,with Bluetooth wireless technology,elegantly listen to the music from your smart phone.Use Aux cable input to directly play the music... read more

1 by ONE Belt Drive Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity, Built-in Phono Pre-amp, USB Digital Output Vinyl Stereo Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge, 33 or 45 RPM

11% Off $179.97 $159.97 (as of December 18, 2024 21:18 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Pair with Bluetooth speakers or headphones for an amazing, wireless experience; Even better, no receiver needed Magnetic Cartridge Stylus: The diamond-tipped stylus cartridge is designed to produce rich sound and outstanding c... read more

Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black

21% Off $249.99 $198.00 (as of December 18, 2024 21:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

EASY OPERATION: Effortlessly enjoy your favorite records with one-step auto start, stop and return.Power source: ‎Corded Electric TWO SPEEDS: 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm, with the 45 rpm adaptor stowed neatly in a slot beneath the deck HIGH QUALITY AUDIO: ... read more

Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT-BZ Wireless Turntable, Black/Bronze

20% Off $249.00 $199.00 (as of December 18, 2024 21:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Fully automatic belt-drive turntable operation with two speeds: 33-1/3, 45 RPM High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology J-shaped tonearm is engineered to minimize tracking errors Built-in switchable phono/line pre-amplifier Includes det... read more

Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player with Built-in Speakers | Upgraded Turntable Audio Sound| Includes Extra Stylus | Turquoise, Model Number: VSC-550BT-TQ

20% Off $59.99 $41.51 (as of December 18, 2024 21:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

THREE SPEED BELT-DRIVEN TURNTABLE - This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) suitcase record player features UPGRADED PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY and sits on sound isolating feet that prevent vibration. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office. TAKE ... read more