Best Record Stores in Saint Paul
Saint Paul's record stores are concentrated along a few useful corridors. Payne Avenue brings coffee and live music into the browse, University Avenue supplies deeper all-vinyl digging, and downtown offers a compact stop for 45s and rare records.
Quick Takeaway
Start at Agharta for the deepest collector browse, then pair Barely Brothers with Eclipse or Caydence according to your route.
The 5 Best Record Stores in Saint Paul
Agharta Records
Independent record storeAn all-vinyl University Avenue shop with deep catalog and bargain-bin strength.
Best for: Deep catalog, metal, punk, jazz, and budget bins
Location: Midway
Agharta is the serious Saint Paul dig. The all-vinyl shelves span jazz, funk, rock, punk, and metal, while the Dig Room's one- and two-dollar bins give patient collectors a reason to stay longer.
Barely Brothers Records
Independent record storeA vinyl-only shop with new and used LPs, 7-inches, and regular events.
Best for: LPs, 45s, used records, and in-store events
Location: Raymond Avenue
Barely Brothers is a focused shop with a clean vinyl identity and a useful 45s selection. Its Raymond Avenue location makes it an easy pairing with other University-area stops.
Caydence Records & Coffee
Record store and coffeehouseA record store, coffeehouse, and live-event room on Payne Avenue.
Best for: New releases, events, coffee, and local music
Location: Payne-Phalen
Caydence changes the pace of a digging day. Browse the records, then use the coffee and live-event setting as part of the visit rather than treating the shop as a quick retail stop.
Eclipse Records
Independent record storeAn all-vinyl downtown shop with a listening station and collection-buying policy.
Best for: 45s, rare records, and downtown browsing
Location: Downtown Saint Paul
Eclipse is a compact downtown target for collectors who want rare records and 45s without a huge warehouse feel. Its listening station is a useful detail when a promising copy needs a closer check.
Cheapo Records St Paul
Chain media retailerA large media retailer with broad new and used music coverage.
Best for: Large selection and mixed media browsing
Location: Snelling Avenue
Cheapo is the breadth play, carrying records alongside CDs, movies, and other media. It is less specialized than Agharta or Barely Brothers, but useful when the want list is broad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I dig for cheap records in Saint Paul?
Agharta's Dig Room is the clearest target for one- and two-dollar bins, while Cheapo offers large used-media coverage.
What is the best Saint Paul shop for 45s?
Barely Brothers and Eclipse both list 45s among their strengths, with Eclipse adding a downtown rare-record focus.
Can I combine Saint Paul record stores in one trip?
Yes. Pair Barely Brothers and Agharta around University Avenue, or build a separate Payne Avenue route around Caydence.
Final Thoughts
Saint Paul has enough identity for a dedicated digging day. Go to Agharta for the bins, Barely Brothers for focused vinyl, and Caydence when the shop experience should include coffee and a show.
More City Guides
Explore More Record Stores in Saint Paul
This guide features our top 5 picks, but Saint Paul has 6 record stores in our directory. Browse the full list for hours, addresses, and detailed descriptions.