Paging all the vinyl collectors and crate diggers, we’ve got big news: Vinyl is back in a big way, and after years of closings, record stores are also opening up around the city. You’ll find underground grooves in a charming North End shop, drink wine and sift through tunes in Jamaica Plain and get your kids into cool tunes in Somerville at some of the best record stores in Boston. Looking to hear some killer tunes in a cool setting? Check out the best beer bars in Boston. And once you’re inspired and the time is right, head out and catch a show at one of the best live music venues in Boston.
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Best record and vinyl shops in Boston
1. Nuggets Records
Open in Kenmore Square since 1978, Nuggets is a true old school record and media shop, with walls spotlighting signatures from visiting musicians like Billy Joel and Harry Nilsson. Named after the seminal ’60s garage-rock compilation, the shop has a formidable classic-rock selection, including lots of seven-inch singles for under $3. Owner Stewart Freedman is refreshingly throwback, admitting that he hasn’t updated the website in years, but he’s plugged in enough to stay open during games and events at Fenway.
2. Good Taste Records
Tucked into the charming North End, Good Taste is one of the newest record stores in Boston. They offer a curated selection of new and used records from artists across the musical spectrum, with great selections for DJs and new release drops for fans. Owned by a husband and wife team who’ve developed their taste by DJing and crate digging for the past 15 years, this is the spot to get recommendations for great new tunes. The store also focuses on sustainability, planting trees for every album sold and using mailers made from recyclable materials.
3. Cheapo Records
Cheapo Records is a local legend—it’s been trading in one form or another since 1954. It still stocks some of the best vinyl in the area, with good prices and solid sections for pop/rock, folk, oldies, jazz, and country, along with CDs and hard-to-find box sets. They also have an outpost, Vintage Underground, which sells vintage clothing and vinyl, on Comm Ave.
4. Tres Gatos
Tres Gatos offers well-made Spanish tapas in the front and houses an indie books and music store in the back. Take advantage of the multi-faceted environs with a stop at the sleek bar for a glass of wine and pinchos, followed by a stroll through the small store in the back, to shop the curated assortment of music, both new and used.
5. Newbury Comics
Newbury Comics was a staple of the local music scene in the 90s/00s, back when album releases, ticket on-sales and in-store performances were a thing. These days, the local chain still sells music in all formats, but also places a big emphasis on fun gifts, including lots of local memorabilia and only-in-Boston items. Visit the original location at 332 Newbury St (or the Harvard Square location at 36 JFK St) for the full experience.
6. Vinyl Index at Bow Market
Of course Bow Market in Somerville has a record store, and of course they serve cocktails, we’d expect nothing less from the cool kids hangout. Vinyl Index sells records, but they also offer lots of fun dance-oriented weekly events, a ten foot bar with plenty of seating, and a Kids 45 Club. For $17 per month, your child will receive a hand-picked 7-inch vinyl with an information card about the songs and artists, plus a tote bag as a welcome gift.
