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.

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT (Amazon Exclusive Red Vinyl)

$32.99 (as of April 17, 2024 03:52 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.)

eternal sunshine[Ruby LP] [Alt Cover]

$32.97 (as of April 17, 2024 01:34 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.)

Greatest Hits (Remastered)

10% Off $39.98 $29.99 (as of April 17, 2024 01:34 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.)

Only God Was Above Us

5% Off $36.98 $32.05 (as of April 17, 2024 01:34 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.)

Rumours

8% Off $24.98 $22.05 (as of April 17, 2024 17:55 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.)

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours Vinyl LP

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT [Ghosted White 2 LP]

$39.98 (as of April 17, 2024 08:05 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.)

Kind Of Blue (Vinyl)

15% Off $26.98 $22.94 (as of April 17, 2024 00:05 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.)

Side 1 1. So What (LP version) 2. Freddie Freeloader (LP version) 3. Blue in Green (LP version) Side 2

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Zoetrope Picture Disc 2 LP]

$34.14 $32.99 (as of April 17, 2024 00:39 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.)

Fearless (Taylor's Version)[Gold 3 LP]

$39.97 $39.50 (as of April 17, 2024 01:34 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.)

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) Fifteen (Taylor’s Version) Love Story (Taylor’s Version) Hey Stephen (Taylor’s Version) White Horse (Taylor’s Version)

Back to Black [Vinyl]

5% Off $27.98 $25.99 (as of April 17, 2024 00:06 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

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

(3009)

20% Off $249.99 $198.00 (as of April 17, 2024 01:50 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-LP60X-BW Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Hi-Fi, 2 Speed, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter Brown

(10976)

$149.00 (as of April 17, 2024 01:50 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 Fully automatic Belt-drive turntable operation with two speeds 33-1/3 45 RPM Anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter Redesigned tonearm base and head shell for improved tracking and reduced resonance Ac ad... 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

(64944)

16% Off $59.99 $49.99 (as of April 17, 2024 01:48 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

Turntables Belt-Drive Record Player with Wireless Output Connectivity, Vinyl Player Support 33&45 RPM Speed Phono Line USB Digital to PC Recording with Advanced Magnetic Cartridge&Counterweight

(1474)

40% Off $199.99 $119.98 (as of April 17, 2024 01:50 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.)

WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY&RCA OUTPUT - You can pair with Bluetooth speakers or headphones for an amazing, wire-free experience. Even better, no receiver needed. If need, this turntable includes both phono and line outputs, you can use RCA cable connect t... 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

(4212)

$39.99 (as of April 17, 2024 01:50 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.)

【All-in-one 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 mu... 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

(2630)

11% Off $179.97 $159.97 (as of April 17, 2024 01:50 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, wire-free experience; Even better, no receiver needed Magnetic Cartridge Stylus: The diamond-tipped stylus cartridge is designed to produce rich sound and outstanding ... read more

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-RD Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Red/Black, Bluetooth, Hi-Fi, 2 Speed

(7028)

$219.99 (as of April 17, 2024 01:50 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.)

High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included dual RCA output cable Compatible with apt... read more

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

(7426)

$349.00 (as of April 17, 2024 01:50 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