Dust off your turntable and cue up something good. Seattle has an amazing assortment of record stores for you to dig through. Here's a list of our favorite stores in the city, including some that have live in-store performances, restaurants, and more.
Ballard
Heralded by Rolling Stone as one of the “Best Record Stores in the USA,” Sonic Boom is an independent Ballard record store that houses live performances with acts like Death Cab for Cutie, Nada Surf, and Die Antwoord. Boasting a vast collection of new and used vinyl, this Ballard gem has survived changed ownership, four different locations, and the demise of physical records, nurtured by its Market Street roots.
Capitol Hill
Music and coffee under the same roof? Sounds like an idyllic Seattle haunt. The coffeehouse-record store offers a range of breakfast items, coffee drinks, and records.
Capitol Hill
Discreetly wedged on Capitol Hill’s Broadway, Spin Cycle offers an extensive collection of new and old vinyl, video games, cassettes, and DVDs.
Capitol Hill
Zion’s Gate Records, situated amongst the hubbub of Pike Street, offers a diverse collection of mainly metal, electronica, and underground.
Central District
Daybreak Records, located in Seattle's Central District, is a local gem for discovering fresh, independent music. With its laid-back vibe and focus on unique sounds, it’s a spot where both music lovers and new artists can find their place.
Fremont
Located in the heart of Fremont, Jive Time offers a selection of old rock, soul, and jazz records, cassettes, DVDs, and CDs, as well as a line of merch including T-shirts and tote bags.
Georgetown
Georgetown neighborhood’s record store is loved by many as a music venue, site for book signings, record buying including trades, and a place for a profound passion for music of all genres.
Greenwood
Records, vintage clothes, furniture, and accessories in a ’70s-style haunt all lie in an old attic in Ballard. Beats and Bohos is the brainchild of BJay Tibbs and Omaima Wolf, who combined their love for vintage style with retro vinyl.
Pike Place Market
Tucked away in the network of hallways beneath Pike Place Market, Holy Cow Records offers a wide range of vinyl, 45s, LPs, and CDs amidst the bustle of the city’s main tourist attraction.
Queen Anne
Opened during the pandemic just down the block from the building that used to house Easy Street, Royal Records is run by veterans of the Seattle scene. The folks who run it used to work at Everyday Music in Capitol Hill before it closed, and they've brought all their knowledge and more to this record shop. Stop by and check out their varied collection of new and used, local and global records, CDs, cassettes, movies, and more!
Queen Anne
Located in KEXP’s Gathering Space, Light in the Attic is a record store and label. Come enjoy a cup of coffee from La Marzocco while you browse through a selection of new and used LPs.
SoDo, Lynnwood & Bellevue
Independent record, movie, and video game store with locations in Bellevue, SoDo, and Lynnwood, Silver Platters offers a varied collection of new and used vinyl, additionally hosting in-house performances like Snow Patrol and Jake Bugg.
University District
Discreetly tucked underground in Seattle’s vibrant University District, beneath the Neptune Theatre, Neptune Music Company is home to an extensive archive of vinyl and CDs.
Wallingford
Located just north of downtown Seattle in the Wallingford neighborhood, just west of the UW, Golden Oldies has been in business since 1977. They specialize in hard-to-find and out-of-print records, but they also carry new vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and even 8-track tapes.
Waterfront & SeaTac Airport
Sub Pop opened a new shop on Seattle’s revamped waterfront at 908 Alaskan Way S, right across from the ferry terminal. The space is packed with records, merch, books, and plenty of Sub Pop history, making it a must-stop for music fans. They also have a location at the SeaTac airport.
West Seattle
American cafe vibes serve as the backdrop for an eclectic collection of CDs and vinyl in California Avenue’s Easy Street Records. “Seattle’s Favorite Record Store” hosts live performances, which you can enjoy over a music-themed menu at this West Seattle corner shop.
