In vinyl we trust: LA's 5 best record shops to check out now

In vinyl we trust: LA's 5 best record shops to check out nowPhoto: The Record Parlour/Yelp  
Hoodline
Published on July 30, 2018

Looking to score vinyl records?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top spots in Los Angeles, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best music stores to venture to next time you're in the market for classic and new vinyl LPs.

1. Amoeba Music

Photo: Michelle V./Yelp

Topping the list is Amoeba Music. With additional outposts in San Francisco and Berkeley, the store serves as a 21st century music outlet offering everything from hip-hop and electronica to underground rock and classic jazz.

According to its website, the spot also doubles as a live performance venue and meeting place "for California's most colorful community of progressive and creative minds."

Located at 6400 W. Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, the spot to score vinyl LPs is the most popular record store in Los Angeles, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,611 reviews on Yelp.

"Old school reigns!" wrote Yelper Dave S. "Love this place! The selection of vinyl is the best in SoCal. They have every genre and plenty of it." 

2. Headline Records

Photo: Angie Z./Yelp

Next up is Melrose's Headline Records, situated at 7706 Melrose Ave. The award-winning spot comes courtesy of Jean Luc Gaudry (aka the French guy), the business explains on its site, and specializes in punk rock vinyl LPs, collectibles, clothing and more. 

With five stars out of 121 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score records and more has proven to be a local favorite with Yelpers praising its punk rock ideology and extensive offerings. 

Yelper Justin B., who reviewed the shop July 15, wrote, "The best stock of records, shirts and all things you've been trying to find at other shops. Highly recommend for anyone looking for the a great punk record shop in L.A."

3. Record Surplus

Photo: CAScuba Y./Yelp

Sawtelle's Record Surplus, located at 12436 Santa Monica Blvd., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the independent record shop 4.5 stars out of 193 reviews.

Founded in 1985, the store has been serving the music community for over three decades, it says on its website, billing itself as "one of the largest sellers of used vinyl records on the West Coast."

"This is a gem of an old-school high fidelity-style record store," shared Yelper  Rachael M. "The smell takes me back to 1994 and I could dig through records for hours."

4. The Record Parlour

Photo: The Record Parlour/Yelp

The Record Parlour, a music store that offers vinyl records in Hollywood, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 147 Yelp reviews.

Customers can expect to find an assortment of pre-digital entertainment with offerings like rare jukeboxes, restored vintage audio gear, music memorabilia and over 15,000 LP records, per its website.

    Yelper Alyssa T., who reviewed the spot on Feb. 11, wrote, "So many options and incredibly affordable! The staff is so friendly, and it's a great place to stop by."

      Interested? Head on over to 6408 Selma Ave. to see for yourself.

      5. Freakbeat Records

      Photo: Vasthi F./Yelp

      Over in Sherman Oaks, check out Freakbeat Records, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 142 reviews on Yelp. You can find the local shop, offering new and used vinyl, at 13616 Ventura Blvd.

      Expect to find a little bit of everything at this neighborhood record store, from jazz and classic rock to soul and KROQ Flashback Favorites. Country, reggae and motion picture soundtracks are on offer as well, along with small labels and global imports. 

      "Best record store in L.A.," wrote Yelper Adam W. "I've found so many gems for my collection here over the last decade. Their used vinyl is clean and often reasonably priced, and you can preview open copies on their three LP listening stations."