Best Record Stores in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's record stores run from long-standing neighborhood shops to focused rooms for punk, soul, jazz, and independent music. The city's best route rewards a little planning because each shop brings a different kind of inventory.
Quick Takeaway
Long in the Tooth and Repo Records are strong first stops for broad browsing and independent music. Philadelphia Record Exchange adds depth for used shoppers, while Creep Records is the specialist pick for punk and heavier sounds.
The 6 Best Record Stores in Philadelphia
Long in the Tooth
Curated staple (Center City)Long in the Tooth is a selected staple (center city) with a focus on Tight curation, Strong soundtracks, City-center location. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Rock and Indie records.
Best for: Tight curation, Strong soundtracks, City-center location
Location: 2010 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Rock, Indie, Jazz bins are the clearest reason to add Long in the Tooth to this route.
Repo Records
South Street institutionRepo Records is a south street institution with a focus on Strong punk/metal sections, Solid hip-hop, Tourist-friendly location. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Rock and Punk records.
Best for: Strong punk/metal sections, Solid hip-hop, Tourist-friendly location
Location: 538 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Rock, Punk, Hip-hop bins are the clearest reason to add Repo Records to this route.
Philadelphia Record Exchange (PRE)
Fishtown warehouse digPhiladelphia Record Exchange (PRE) is a fishtown warehouse dig with a focus on Volume, Dollar bins, Fishtown scene. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Rock and Soul records.
Best for: Volume, Dollar bins, Fishtown scene
Location: 1524 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Rock, Soul, Jazz bins are the clearest reason to add Philadelphia Record Exchange (PRE) to this route.
Creep Records
Fishtown punk HQCreep Records is a fishtown punk hq with a focus on Heavy music focus, Fishtown scene anchor, Zines/merch. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Punk and Hardcore records.
Best for: Heavy music focus, Fishtown scene anchor, Zines/merch
Location: 1520 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Punk, Hardcore, Metal bins are the clearest reason to add Creep Records to this route.
Main Street Music
Manayunk neighborhood shopMain Street Music is a manayunk neighborhood shop with a focus on Manayunk vibe, Strong used rock, Staff picks. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Rock and Indie records.
Best for: Manayunk vibe, Strong used rock, Staff picks
Location: 4444 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Rock, Indie, Jazz bins are the clearest reason to add Main Street Music to this route.
Sit and Spin Records
South Philly micro-shopSit and Spin Records is a south philly micro-shop with a focus on Punk/garage focus, South Philly location, Weekend-only hours. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Punk and Garage records.
Best for: Punk/garage focus, South Philly location, Weekend-only hours
Location: 2243 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Punk, Garage, Soul bins are the clearest reason to add Sit and Spin Records to this route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start record shopping in Philadelphia?
Start with Long in the Tooth for the broadest first stop in this guide. Then choose a specialist shop based on the genres you want to browse.
Which Philadelphia record store is best for a specialist selection?
Repo Records is the strongest specialist follow-up in this guide, with Strong punk/metal sections, Solid hip-hop, Tourist-friendly location.
How should I plan a record-store visit in Philadelphia?
Use each listing's address, hours, and website before setting out. Grouping stops by neighborhood will leave more time for browsing.
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia
This guide features our top 6 picks, but Philadelphia has more to explore in our directory. Browse the full list for hours, addresses, and detailed descriptions.