Chicagoland Record Shops


So, it looks as if I may be taking the plunge back into vinyl in the not so distant future and I am seeking the best shops in and around Chicago for used and new LP's. I live just outside Chicago in Indiana and aside from your local swap meet/flea market there are no record shops around here (at least to the best of my knowledge). My musical tastes vary greatly, so I'd imagine there is no "one stop shop" per se. I did find a list on centerstagechicago dot com with a list of Chicagoland record shops but I am not sure if this list is complete or even accurate.

Reckless Records (I forgot which location) used to be the place for used LP's but I haven't been there in years. I know Music Direct has a big selection of new and expensive audiophile records but to the best of my knowledge no used vinyl. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
chris74
Mekong56, Thanks for the Remember When Records recommendation, I recently visited there and found a ton of great used vinyl. Definitely worth the trip!
If you are in the southwest burbs, check out Remember When Records on Ogden Ave in Westmont. It's worth the stop if you are in the area.
Anyone have experience with Beverly Records on the South side? Heard it was hit or miss and rather cluttered...
I'd avoid The Old School Records in Forest Park.I bought an LP online from them ,that had something dried on the surface resulting in more noise than signal.No satisfaction,just smartass attitude.Seems they believe their visual grading is infallible.The LP had so much dust on it I don't know how they could have seen the surface to grade it.
Chicago used to have quite a few good LP stores; they have been reduced in number in the last few years.

I'd suggest 2nd hand tunes on Clark St. (about 2400 north roughly). A few blocks from 2nd hand is HI FI records, also on Clark St.

Then in the Des Plaines area East of 294 is Record Surplus; this is the same ownership as the large Record Surplus store on Pico Blvd in Los Angeles.

If you are into classical watch for the annual Midwest Classical record show (was just a week ago).

Down in Hyde Park (roughly Lake Shore Drive and 53rd St.)
There are a few stores but do not remember the names.

good luck.

Indiana, you would think I would have paid attention to that detail but as it ends up all I saw was a "music/cd" sign in the window and pulled in to park immediately. After leaving the store, I was in a hurry and didn't pay any attention to the name of the place! Oh well, at least its easy to find :)
Chris74, it's been a year since i've been in the record shop in Highland. I remember the prices to be between $8 - $12, but just like every thing else, prices go up. Glad you found the store, hey by the way, what is the name of the store?

Good Listening,

Indiana_Jones
Indiana_jones, I just picked up some music today at the record shop around the corner in Highland. They had a pretty impressive selection of LP's and cd's, it did seem like their prices on used LP's were a bit steep though. I know this was a few years back but when I was at Reckless Records last they had LP's from $2 on up. I didn't see a single used record at this place for under $10, most were going for between $15 and $20. Maybe I'm just out of touch with used record prices these days.....
The Jazz Record Mart at 27 E Illinois is a good place. Not a ton of vinyl these days, but I picked up four LPs there last Saturday on a business trip. Good vibe in the place. Also check out the new and used bookstore next door.
Thanks to everyone for your responses. A record shop in Highland? I had no idea, I'll have to check it out for sure.
The one and only Jazzmart it is the oldest and best in the city.!!!They have a catalog and website.kp
There is a website and also a retail store for a place in Chicago named Dusty Groove America. I believe the wesite is dustygroove.com, but you can google dusty groove and it will come up. I have ordered both vinyl and cd's from them. I have found their condition description to be accurate on the used items. Very prompt shipping also.
Pick up an Illinois Entertainer, there are ads all over the place with used CD and LP shops across the Chicagoland area. There are also shows 2 to 4 times a year, usually around O'Hare airport at the convention centers selling used CD's and LP's.

The Illinois Entertainer is free and can be picked up at any book store, CD shop, or Music/Instrument Store.

Check it out.

Indiana_jones
There is also a shop on the south side of Belmont Ave. on the north side of Chicago. Again I can't remember the name of the shop. I have visited this shop too. If memory serves me right it is somewhere east of Halsted St.

They also sell stuff on Ebay. I came across them going to a Cub game one day.

Check it out.

Indiana_Jones
There is a record shop in downtown highland, buying and selling used records. They have thousands of them.

I can't remember the name of the shop, but it is on the south side of Highway Ave., a 1/2 block east of Kennedy Ave. in the first building you come to.

Check it out.

Indiana_Jones