Best Record Stores in Washington
Washington's record stores reflect a city with deep jazz, go-go, soul, and independent music connections. The best shops are spread across distinct neighborhoods, so a short route can turn into a full afternoon of browsing.
Quick Takeaway
Joint Custody on U Street is the clearest first stop for a broad independent selection. Som Records is the specialist destination for jazz and soul, while Smash Records adds a strong used-store counterpoint.
The 6 Best Record Stores in Washington
Joint Custody - U Street
Independent record and vintage storeJoint Custody - U Street is a independent record and vintage store with a focus on buy-sell-trade, vintage goods. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want used vinyl and records records.
Best for: buy-sell-trade, vintage goods
Location: 1530 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The used vinyl, records, vintage clothing bins are the clearest reason to add Joint Custody - U Street to this route.
Smash Records
Adams Morgan institutionSmash Records is a adams morgan institution with a focus on Punk/hardcore specialist, Adams Morgan location, Local scene. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Punk and Hardcore records.
Best for: Punk/hardcore specialist, Adams Morgan location, Local scene
Location: 2314 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Punk, Hardcore, Metal bins are the clearest reason to add Smash Records to this route.
Som Records
14th Street boutiqueSom Records is a 14th street boutique with a focus on selected selection, Local DC releases, Listening station. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Indie and Electronic records.
Best for: selected selection, Local DC releases, Listening station
Location: 1843 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Indie, Electronic, Experimental bins are the clearest reason to add Som Records to this route.
Art Sound Language
Independent record store and art spaceArt Sound Language is a independent record store and art space with a focus on in-store events, art and music programming. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want new vinyl and used vinyl records.
Best for: in-store events, art and music programming
Location: 5520 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 106, Washington, DC 20015.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The new vinyl, used vinyl, records bins are the clearest reason to add Art Sound Language to this route.
HR Records
14th Street stapleHR Records is a 14th street staple with a focus on Soul/funk specialist, DJ-friendly, 14th Street location. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want Soul and Funk records.
Best for: Soul/funk specialist, DJ-friendly, 14th Street location
Location: 1710 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The Soul, Funk, Hip-hop bins are the clearest reason to add HR Records to this route.
Byrdland Records
Independent record storeByrdland Records is a independent record store with a focus on Record Store Day participant, Union Market location. Its selection makes it a useful stop for shoppers who want new vinyl and used vinyl records.
Best for: Record Store Day participant, Union Market location
Location: 1264 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002.
Plan for a focused stop and check the store details before visiting. The new vinyl, used vinyl, records bins are the clearest reason to add Byrdland Records to this route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start record shopping in Washington?
Start with Joint Custody - U Street for the broadest first stop in this guide. Then choose a specialist shop based on the genres you want to browse.
Which Washington record store is best for a specialist selection?
Smash Records is the strongest specialist follow-up in this guide, with Punk/hardcore specialist, Adams Morgan location, Local scene.
How should I plan a record-store visit in Washington?
Use each listing's address, hours, and website before setting out. Grouping stops by neighborhood will leave more time for browsing.
Final Thoughts
Washington'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 Washington
This guide features our top 6 picks, but Washington has more to explore in our directory. Browse the full list for hours, addresses, and detailed descriptions.