Five More Vinyl Record Shops in America Worth Visiting

🎧 Vinyl Vibes Vol. 2: 5 More Record Shops Worth the Trek  

From punk dens to jazz sanctuaries, these indie record stores are more than retail—they're cultural portals. Whether you're chasing rare pressings or just vibing with local music heads, here are five more must-visit vinyl destinations:

1. 🐗 Hog Wild Records – San Antonio, TX

Address: 1824 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212  

Founded: 1982  

Genres: Punk, metal, indie, hip-hop, Latin, Tejano  

A San Antonio staple, Hog Wild Records is loud, proud, and fiercely independent. Its punk roots run deep, with walls plastered in flyers and graffiti. Beyond the mosh pit vibes, you'll find a killer Latin and Tejano section, plus knowledgeable staff who live and breathe vinyl. It’s the kind of place where you might walk in for Slayer and walk out with Selena.

2. 🎷 Jazz Record Mart – Chicago, IL

Address: 27 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611  

Founded: 1962 (reopened under Delmark Records)  

Genres: Jazz, blues, soul  

Once dubbed the “World’s Largest Jazz and Blues Store,” Jazz Record Mart lives on through Delmark Records. This historic shop is a shrine to Chicago’s musical legacy, offering deep cuts from legends like Muddy Waters and Sun Ra. It’s a must-stop for crate-diggers who worship at the altar of improvisation.

3. 🛸 End of an Ear – Austin, TX

Address: 4304 Clawson Rd, Austin, TX 78745  

Founded: 2005  

Genres: Indie, experimental, psych rock, electronic  

Austin’s End of an Ear is a sonic playground for the adventurous. Known for its curated selection and staff picks, it leans heavily into experimental and psych rock, with a healthy dose of electronic and ambient. They also stock zines, tapes, and local releases, making it a hub for Austin’s underground scene.

4. 🦉 Reckless Records – Chicago, IL

Address: 1379 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (Wicker Park location)  

Founded: 1989  

Genres: Rock, punk, electronic, jazz, soundtracks  

Reckless Records is a Chicago mainstay with three locations and a reputation for eclectic depth. The Wicker Park shop is especially beloved for its mix of new and used vinyl, rare imports, and deep soundtrack section. Staff picks are sharp, and the punk bins are legendary. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a Goblin horror score next to a Japanese pressing of Kraftwerk.

5. 🧊 Mississippi Records – Portland, OR

Address: 5202 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217  

Founded: 2003  

Genres: Folk, world music, lo-fi, experimental  

Mississippi Records is part record store, part label, part community space. It’s known for its lo-fi aesthetic and global music curation, with vinyl from Ethiopia to Appalachia. The shop also releases its own compilations and hosts intimate shows. It’s Portland weird in the best way.

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Final Spin:  

Each of these shops offers a unique vibe and genre focus—from Chicago’s jazz and punk legacy to Portland’s lo-fi mystique. Whether you're building your collection or just soaking up the analog ambiance, these stores are worth the detour. Got a favorite vinyl haunt we haven’t covered yet? Tag us on your next Geeky Global Trek!