Best Record Stores in Nashville
Nashville's record shops reflect the city's recording history and its steady flow of new music. The best stops range from major destination stores to long-running used shops with room for patient browsing.
Quick Takeaway
Grimey's and Third Man Records make a natural first route for new releases and Nashville-specific history. Alison's and Phonoluxe are better choices when the goal is used records and a slower dig.
The 7 Best Record Stores in Nashville
Grimey's New & Preloved Music
Big indie hubGrimey's New & Preloved Music is a big indie hub with a focus on In-store performances, deep new arrivals, strong local section. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Everything - new/used rock and indie records.
Best for: In-store performances, deep new arrivals, strong local section
Location: 1060 E Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN 37216.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Everything - new/used rock, indie, jazz bins are the clearest reason to add Grimey's New & Preloved Music to this route.
Third Man Records
Label HQ / Experience shopThird Man Records is a label hq / experience shop with a focus on The Blue Room shows, Third Man exclusives, Nashville-only merch. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want New releases and garage/rock records.
Best for: The Blue Room shows, Third Man exclusives, Nashville-only merch
Location: 623 7th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The New releases, garage/rock, indie bins are the clearest reason to add Third Man Records to this route.
Alison's Record Shop
Independent record storeAlison's Record Shop is a independent record store with a focus on hard-to-find records, independent shop. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Rock and Metal records.
Best for: hard-to-find records, independent shop
Location: 994A Davidson Drive, Nashville, TN 37205.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Rock, Metal, R&B bins are the clearest reason to add Alison's Record Shop to this route.
The Great Escape
Comics + toys + records institutionThe Great Escape is a comics + toys + records institution with a focus on Wild 45s, soundtracks, under-the-radar used finds. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Classic rock and metal records.
Best for: Wild 45s, soundtracks, under-the-radar used finds
Location: 5400 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Classic rock, metal, country bins are the clearest reason to add The Great Escape to this route.
Phonoluxe Records
Legacy used heavyweightPhonoluxe Records is a legacy used heavyweight with a focus on Best-for-used reputation, long walls, fair grading/pricing. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Used rock and soul records.
Best for: Best-for-used reputation, long walls, fair grading/pricing
Location: 2609 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Used rock, soul, country bins are the clearest reason to add Phonoluxe Records to this route.
McKay's
Mega used media warehouseMcKay's is a mega used media warehouse with a focus on Volume + turnover, cheapest hauls in town. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Everything - LPs, CDs, books, games, movies records.
Best for: Volume + turnover, cheapest hauls in town
Location: 636 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Everything - LPs, CDs, books, games, movies bins are the clearest reason to add McKay's to this route.
Daydream Records
Airy indie boutique (new + used)Daydream Records is a airy indie boutique (new + used) with a focus on Fresh new arrivals wall, modern reissues, local indie shelves. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Indie and dream-pop/shoegaze records.
Best for: Fresh new arrivals wall, modern reissues, local indie shelves
Location: 1006 Fatherland St #104a, Nashville, TN 37206.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Indie, dream-pop/shoegaze, modern psych bins are the clearest reason to add Daydream Records to this route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start record shopping in Nashville?
Start with Grimey's New & Preloved Music for the broadest first stop in this guide. Then choose a nearby or specialist shop based on the genres you want to browse.
Which Nashville record store is best for a specialist selection?
Third Man Records is the strongest specialist follow-up in this guide, with The Blue Room shows, Third Man exclusives, Nashville-only merch.
How should I plan a record-store visit in Nashville?
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
Nashville'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 Nashville
This guide features our top 7 picks, but Nashville has 12 record stores in our directory. Browse the full list for hours, addresses, and detailed descriptions.