Best Record Stores in Austin
Austin's record stores cover major new-release destinations, deep used bins, and shops with a clear local point of view. A good day in the city can move from Waterloo's broad floor to specialists in soul, punk, and independent music.
Quick Takeaway
Waterloo Records is the easiest starting point for range and new arrivals. End of an Ear and Antone's Record Shop give the route more focused used inventory and Austin music context.
The 7 Best Record Stores in Austin
Waterloo Records
Big indie institutionWaterloo Records is a big indie institution with a focus on In-store performances/signings, giant new release selection. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Everything - huge new release wall + broad catalog; strong Texas/locals records.
Best for: In-store performances/signings, giant new release selection
Location: 1105 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Everything - huge new release wall + broad catalog; strong Texas/locals bins are the clearest reason to add Waterloo Records to this route.
Antone's Record Shop
Old-school Austin shop tied to the Antone's legacyAntone's Record Shop is a old-school austin shop tied to the antone's legacy with a focus on Blues/country heritage, Texas pressings, posters/ephemera. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Blues and country records.
Best for: Blues/country heritage, Texas pressings, posters/ephemera
Location: 2928 Guadalupe St #101, Austin, TX 78705.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Blues, country, Texas roots bins are the clearest reason to add Antone's Record Shop to this route.
End Of An Ear
Neighborhood boutique, deep new/usedEnd Of An Ear is a neighborhood boutique, deep new/used with a focus on Consistently great used arrivals, staff curation, broad taste. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Rock and jazz records.
Best for: Consistently great used arrivals, staff curation, broad taste
Location: 4304 Clawson Rd, Austin, TX 78704.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Rock, jazz, indie bins are the clearest reason to add End Of An Ear to this route.
Breakaway Records
DJ-friendly neighborhood stapleBreakaway Records is a dj-friendly neighborhood staple with a focus on Well-stocked 45s, dance-floor-leaning sections, organized bins. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Soul/funk/boogie and rock records.
Best for: Well-stocked 45s, dance-floor-leaning sections, organized bins
Location: 211 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78751.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Soul/funk/boogie, rock, 12"s & 45s bins are the clearest reason to add Breakaway Records to this route.
BLK Vinyl
East-side boutiqueBLK Vinyl is a east-side boutique with a focus on Small but selected East-side selection, good for modern genres. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Indie and electronic records.
Best for: Small but selected East-side selection, good for modern genres
Location: 2505 E 6th St #F, Austin, TX 78702.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Indie, electronic, hip-hop bins are the clearest reason to add BLK Vinyl to this route.
Love Wheel Records
North Austin neighborhood boutiqueLove Wheel Records is a north austin neighborhood boutique with a focus on Thoughtful curation, staff-recommend racks, chill dig. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Eclectic used/new across rock and indie records.
Best for: Thoughtful curation, staff-recommend racks, chill dig
Location: 2105 Justin Ln #116, Austin, TX 78757.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Eclectic used/new across rock, indie, jazz bins are the clearest reason to add Love Wheel Records to this route.
Sunshine Vinyl
Curated, queer-owned boutiqueSunshine Vinyl is a selected, queer-owned boutique with a focus on Vibes, discovery, and community-forward curation. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Contemporary pop/indie/dance + themed collections (Queer Icons, etc.) records.
Best for: Vibes, discovery, and community-forward curation
Location: 2501 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78702.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Contemporary pop/indie/dance + themed collections (Queer Icons, etc.) bins are the clearest reason to add Sunshine Vinyl to this route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start record shopping in Austin?
Start with Waterloo Records for the broadest first stop in this guide. Then choose a nearby or specialist shop based on the genres you want to browse.
Which Austin record store is best for a specialist selection?
Antone's Record Shop is the strongest specialist follow-up in this guide, with Blues/country heritage, Texas pressings, posters/ephemera.
How should I plan a record-store visit in Austin?
Use each listing's address, hours, and website before setting out. The stores are spread across the city, so grouping stops by neighborhood will leave more time for browsing.
Final Thoughts
Austin's record stores offer several good ways to spend a digging day, from broad used inventory to focused genre rooms. Start with the first stop listed here, then leave time for the specialists that match your want list.
Explore More Record Stores in Austin
This guide features our top 7 picks, but Austin has more to explore in our directory. Browse the full list for hours, addresses, and detailed descriptions.