Collecting vinyl records is vintage and trendy. There are many vinyl record shops in New York that sell these records in excellent condition, with no scratches. And music lovers hunt for record stores in NYC and all over the world to add one more vinyl to their collection.
In fact, many new and emerging artists are also releasing their music through limited edition vinyl records with beautiful artwork on the album packaging.
Here are our top picks for the best record shops in New York.
A-1 Record Shop
Address: 439 E 6th Street, New York, NY 10009, United States
A-1 Record Shop is one of the very funky vinyl record shops in New York with an eclectic range of vinyl from all genres, plus they have amazing bargain bins, and if you dig through the scrambled collection in it, you can find some amazing vinyl records in great condition and lowest prices.
And inside of the store, you can find vinyl records everywhere. But before you get overwhelmed, know that the staff is extremely knowledgeable and has all the records organized properly.
You can even ask them to help you find some rare releases, and they will be happy to suggest where you can get your hands on them.
Rough Trade
Address: 1250 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10112, United States
Rough Trade is one of the best record stores in Manhattan, which specializes in recent releases on vinyl, updated albums, bonus tracks, must-have records, rare editions, and exclusive titles. So, expect to find anything from a 50th anniversary The Beatles White Album to an Olivio Rodrigo debut album.
This is the place to celebrate this vintage and analog form of music. Besides the extremely cool décor, there are many other dope elements like a photo booth wall, a display of cassette tape players, and lots of merch.
Not only does the store sell vinyl, but it also organizes several live music shows by popular and emerging artists. So, this is a great opportunity to participate in album signings by purchasing their newest albums or attending the show at reasonable rates.
Generation Records
Address: 210 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012, United States
Generation Records is the best vinyl store in NYC for metal and punk records, specializing in tracks from the OGs of the most exciting punk, hardcore, and metal selections. It is still one of the best record stores in Manhattan, even if the record shop scene has settled down in the neighborhood.
This record store has two floors. But we recommend you hit the basement because that is where you will find pure gold! Thrash metal bands from the 80s, OGs by the heavy metal band Turbo, and other rare finds that you probably have to work hard to locate in the store.
Besides the vinyl, the store also proudly displays the CDs, DVDs, and cassette collection. Plus, lots of posters and tees are available to purchase alongside your favorite records.
Academy Records
Address: 415 E 12th Street, New York, NY 10009, United States
We admit that Academy Records is a hidden gem – a cozy, unassuming, and intimate record shop in New York with a much more laid-back vibe than other vinyl record shops in New York – however, the stereotypical funky décor doesn’t work here because the old school aesthetics of this place is enough to evoke nostalgia.
With a staff that is more than happy to help you and records, old and new, at the most reasonable rates, this is a favorite spot for vinyl enthusiasts to purchase the music in bulk.
Even if you want to sell used records, this is the place to get the most honest price, and in return, you can purchase even better LP records from a wide range of genres.
Ergot Records
Address: 32 E 2nd Street, New York, NY 10003, United States
If you still haven’t been to this record store in East Village, you definitely should!
Ergot Records is one of the best New York vinyl record stores, which has a fascinating approach to the new and used LPs.
The bargain items are stored outside the store, and the greatest selection of vinyl is stored inside, but the store owners are super helpful towards new and seasoned vinyl collectors and help them pick out 5-star records from their collection.
This cozy brick and mortar record store in NYC is indeed a hidden gem that you must visit if you are planning to buy new releases, used vinyl, or browse through an exciting selection of books, CDs, and print materials.
Black Gold Records
Address: 461 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States
This cozy record store in Brooklyn, New York, has a distinctive vintage vibe with comfy spaces to browse through your favorite albums as you sip your coffee slowly or engage in lazy chatter with one of the staff.
This record store has more than 2 decades of experience in buying and selling vinyl. Which also means that if you want to sell your record collection, their knowledgeable staff will make sure that you get the best price for it.
The genres in this record store are endless – particularly Rock ‘N’ Roll and Punk. Folk, Jazz, Alternative, Funk, Disco, and Hip Hop – and this is the place where you can hope to buy the rare LPs that you have always dreamed of possessing in your collection.
Black Gold Records is also among the few vinyl record shops in New York where an outdoor setup accommodates your furry friends if you have brought them along with you.
Limited to One Record Shop
Address: 221 E 10th Street, New York, NY 10003, United States
Come to the Limited to One Record Shop for an experimental collection of vinyl from around the world. This vinyl store in NYC is not for mainstream soul jazz albums from the 80s and 90s.
Rather they have a very curated collection of rare finds from indie, punk rock, hip hop, and 90’s alternative genres.
Limited to One Record Shop is one of the best record shops in New York for record enthusiasts or new collectors who want limited editions and rare finds.
Besides an exciting range of LP vinyl, you can also find cassettes and 45’s. Just don’t look for used vinyl at this place. Either they are too hard to find, or you will get them at a fairly higher price than what other record shops in New York are selling.
Stranded Records NYC
Address: 218 E 5th Street, New York, NY 10003, United States
This is the NYC outpost of the well-known record store in San Francisco, Stranded. While the East Village location opened in 2019, this record shop in New York has taken over the record scene in the area with its exceptional inventory and music genres from reggae, punk, and jazz to experimental and much more.
They also specialize in buying, selling, and trading vinyl, which is why you can find more collections in this small brick and mortar store than you can find in huge vinyl stores in NYC.
Stranded Records is located in the basement. Look for a pink brick building in the East Village, and that is where you will find this record store.
54 Vintage Vinyl
Address: 246 W 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, United States
54 Vintage Vinyl is known for its proximity to Hell’s Kitchen and the RPM Underground karaoke bar. Locals and tourists who are out there enjoying the night casually wander inside this record shop in New York and find themselves in front of some of the most orderly vinyl records, which are also being sold at great prices.
They have more than 20 thousand used and new vinyl in their store, with genres spanning the jazz, classical, and rock and progressing into freestyle, opera, and musical vinyl too.
The store is open seven days a week, so if you are ever looking for a decent collection of vinyl by The Rolling Stones, Prince, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, or new artists like Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo, this is where you should check them out.
Human Head Records
Address: 289 Meserole Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206, United States
With turntables, the coolest audio equipment, and a huge collection of new and used records, Human Head Records is a fantastic Brooklyn-style vinyl store in NYC with more than 5000 record collections.
Looking for a newly released LP? They have it here! Want to dig inside a collection of budget-friendly used vinyl records? You’ll find some of the rarest discs here.
Human Head Records is one of the record stores in Brooklyn, New York to find curated new vinyl stock with labels like Light in the Attic, Stones Throw, Tee Pee Records, Mister Saturday Night, Third Man, and so many more. The store also sells refurbished turntables, receivers, and brushes so that you can purchase fresh equipment with your new vinyl records.
Brooklyn Record Exchange
Address: 599 Johnson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11237, United States
Brooklyn Record Exchange is another notable record store in Brooklyn, New York, no less than the best vinyl record shops in New York for buying, selling, and trading vinyl records.
This branch operates at the same address as the Elsewhere Nightclub in Bushwick.
The owners of this record store immediately make you feel at home so that you can comfortably browse through their collection. Mexican Summer, their partner label, has released exceptional music for a decade, which is why here you will always find something to slightly enhance your mood, such as rock and ambient music.
Brooklyn Record Exchange have opened up a new branch in Greenpoint, under the Mexican Summer office. Gary’s Electric recording studio also shares the same building.
Captured Record Shop
Address: 718 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States
Captured Record Shop is housed in a basement location, and even though it might not look like the fancy record stores throughout NYC, it is a favorite among vinyl enthusiasts who are looking for music from different genres at reasonable prices.
They even have original photos and posters of the bands, which you can purchase with the vinyl records. And a huge selection of cassettes is up for your perusal, with fair prices so that you can take home as many as you want.
Captured Record Store is indeed a hidden gem, and a vinyl record shop in New York found off the beaten path that only a few, with a keen sense of finding vinyl stores, can find. The selection of vinyl records and cassettes rotate often so do make sure that you visit it often to find the best pieces.
Downtown Music Gallery
Address: 13 Monroe Street, New York, NY 10002, United States
Downtown Music Gallery is an internationally recognized vinyl record shop in New York.
Being one of the most beloved names in vinyl record stores, if you are after “Downtown Music,” rummage through the store to find some great contemporary compositions, avant-garde jazz, and experimental music collected from all over the world.
The staff is, again, very friendly and unpretentious, and would chat about music with you for however long you may like. They will also drop a few suggestions here and there so that you may find something even better than what you came for.
The in-store shows are a must-visit for music lovers. They are also an exciting opportunity to meet your favorite bands and make your record-collecting routine even more exciting.
Other points of interest for music lovers in NYC!
8 Awesome Spots To Do Open Mic In NYC In 2024
Stand out from the crowd with these open mic spots in NYC.
From Open Air Spaces To Intimate Lounges, These Are The Best Music Venues In NYC
Music so good, you can feel it in your soul!
