5 Best Vinyl Record Stores In Washington, D.C.
If you just searched best record stores near me you've come to the right place.
If you’re looking for the 5 best vinyl record stores in Washington, D.C., we’ve got you covered.
As technology advances, so has the way we listen to music. However, there’s something to be said about the enduring nature of vinyl records. Despite online streaming being the most popular way to listen to music right now, true music fans still love vinyl records as much as their predecessors did. Vinyl stores are alive and thriving and modern musicians regularly release vinyl of their latest albums along with digital releases.
D.C. is a hub for music and is filled with vinyl lovers. Whether you’re just passing through or are a resident in the Capital, we know that you’re probably adding a visit to the local record store on your list of things to do. In no particular order, here are 5 best vinyl record stores in Washington to shop and share your love for music with others.
Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe
Address: 2475 18th St NW.
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 450-2917
Located on 18th street, Songbyrd Music House is a stage, a bar, a record store, and a cafe all rolled into one. Their menu has options for a variety of diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Not to be outdone by their food, their record selection is an even wider variety than their menu. It includes but is not limited to hip-hop, R&B, indie-rock, and Americana new releases from most major and indie labels. Whether you’re looking for vinyl of your favorite artists or live music from local bands, Songbyrd is the place to find it all.
Red Onion Records
Address: 4208 Gallatin St.
Hyattsville, MD 20781
Phone: (202) 780-735
A former D.C. sweetheart, Red Onion Records, has moved to Maryland, but don’t be fooled! The record shop is still only a 20-minute drive from the White House. Still, feel like that’s too far? This record store has the unique quality of selling their records over Instagram as well as in the store. In addition to their active social media presence, most customers are on a first-name basis with the owners and swear up and down the Red Onion has the best and most singular taste in their selection.
Smash Records
Address: 2314 18th St NW 2nd floor.
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 387-6274
Audiophiles are multi-faceted, and so is Smash Records. This store opened in 1984 and prides itself on being D.C.’s premier location for all their customers’ alternative clothing, music, and movie needs. Whatever it is you’re looking for, we’re sure you’ll find it in this hip, off-beat, stylish spot. They specialize in all things punk, indie, and alternative rock, and if you like your clothes to be as “out there” as your music, Smash Records carries punk and indie designer fashions. Round up your favorite punks and get over there for a killer selection of music and more.
Som Records
Address: 1843 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 328-3345
If you’re looking for a vintage record store feel without sacrificing the selection, Som Records is the place for you. Walking in, you feel as though you’re transported to a world when vinyl was all the rage. Not only can you buy new vinyl or trade the ones you don’t love anymore, but the store also sells used, rare, and imported vinyl too. They have a fitting motto that matches their namesake: “C’mon in and get som!” True to their word, you’re sure to find some of D.C.s best soul, funk, disco, go-go, and more on vinyl.
Joint Custody
Address: 1530 U St NW.
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 643-8614
Joint Custody is our favorite place for anyone who loves thrift or vintage shopping and is on a budget. Their clothing line is as impressive as their vinyl collection. The shop collects anything and everything eclectic and revels in curiosities from around the world. If you’re looking for music or clothing that showcases the strange and freaky Joint Custody is the only place you’ll want to look. Their prices range from under ten dollars to over 50, and, in case you can’t get out of the house, they offer free shipping with their online orders. Their entire discography is available online and can be sorted by price, genre, style, and even year to make going through their 11,000+ music inventory a breeze.
And here is why the 5 best Vinyl record stores in Washington made the cut:
If you browse through any of the 5 best Vinyl record stores in Washington that we have listed on this informative guide, you are most likely going to find that new or old release that you want.
All the stores in this guide are known for their wide selection of music from the classics, to the new, to the guilty pleasures. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and in the rare instance they can’t help, they’ll know someone who can. Not to mention, all of these stores have kept the authentic vinyl aesthetic that you love. Don’t miss out and add to your vinyl collection by visiting one of these shops today!
Walk into any of the 5 best vinyl record stores in Washington, and you can easily find that record that you have been looking for over the years!
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