Best Record Stores in Indianapolis
Indianapolis rewards a route-based digging day. Start around Virginia Avenue and Broad Ripple, then work outward to neighborhood shops where local music, used media, and Record Store Day culture still shape the shelves.
Quick Takeaway
Square Cat Vinyl is the best first stop for events and atmosphere; Luna music and Indy CD & Vinyl bring depth, while Irvington Vinyl & Books adds a neighborhood browse.
The 5 Best Record Stores in Indianapolis
Square Cat Vinyl
Record store, bar, and performance venueA Fountain Square shop, bar, and performance venue with new and used records.
Best for: New releases, live events, and a social digging stop
Location: Fountain Square
Square Cat is the Indianapolis shop to build an evening around: browse the new and used bins, then stay for the venue energy. Its rock, jazz, indie, hip-hop, soul, and world selection gives the room range without making it feel anonymous.
LUNA music
Independent record store and performance venueA long-running College Avenue music shop with vinyl, CDs, tapes, gear, and performances.
Best for: Local music, discovering new artists, and broad format coverage
Location: Broad Ripple
LUNA music is a practical anchor for a north-side route. The mix of new and used LPs, CDs, tapes, turntables, and regular in-store performances makes it useful whether you arrive with a want list or are looking for a new local favorite.
Indy CD & Vinyl
Independent record store and performance venueA large Broad Ripple independent connected to The 808 performance space.
Best for: Used records, live events, and hi-fi gear
Location: Broad Ripple
Indy CD & Vinyl is the broad browse: rock, jazz, indie, hip-hop, electronic, and a useful turntable and hi-fi section. Pair it with LUNA rather than treating either as a quick stop.
Karma Records East
Independent record and media storeA current Karma branch with used records, new releases, and Record Store Day activity.
Best for: Mainstream catalog browsing and Record Store Day releases
Location: East Indianapolis
The Post Road Karma branch is a dependable east-side stop for a mixed rock, pop, hip-hop, metal, punk, and soul browse. Its hours make it a useful final stop on a route that starts closer to downtown.
Irvington Vinyl & Books
Independent record store and bookshopA neighborhood shop combining quality used records with books and live events.
Best for: Used records, local music, and a slower neighborhood browse
Location: Irvington
Irvington Vinyl & Books is deliberately smaller in feel, with records sharing the room with poetry and prose. Go for the local character and used selection, and note that it is closed Mondays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best first record store in Indianapolis?
Start at Square Cat Vinyl for atmosphere and a central neighborhood stop, then add LUNA music or Indy CD & Vinyl for a deeper browse.
Where should I dig for used records in Indianapolis?
Irvington Vinyl & Books, Indy CD & Vinyl, and the Exchange branches are practical used-record options. Check each listing before driving for current hours.
Can I plan an Indianapolis record-store route?
Yes. Pair Square Cat with the south-side neighborhoods, or combine LUNA and Indy CD & Vinyl in Broad Ripple, then verify hours before setting out.
Final Thoughts
Indianapolis is best approached as several neighborhood routes, not one giant circuit. Start with Square Cat or Broad Ripple, then let the directory listings decide which branch or neighborhood stop is open and worth the drive.
More City Guides
Explore More Record Stores in Indianapolis
This guide features our top 5 picks, but Indianapolis has 8 record stores in our directory. Browse the full list for hours, addresses, and detailed descriptions.