San Francisco's Best Music and Movies

A vinyl-only shop that’s a DJ’s dream.

Reviews:

• “Out of the ordinary”

Tips: Two listening stations give customers the ability to make sure they are getting what they want before walking out the door.

Grooves Vinyl Attractions
email Grooves Vinyl Attractions

A single-cell, sonic haven boasting massive inventory, in-store concerts and a brainiac staff.

Reviews:

• “Last of the Independents?”
• “CD Valhalla!”
• “The Best Music Store EVER!”
• “The Best”
• “helluva store”

Tips: Those with strong knees are rewarded with sale items and dollar vinyl placed below the regular bins.

Amoeba Records

A boundless selection of artifacts for the pop-culture anthropologist.

Reviews:

• “Hostile, Noisy, Unhelpful, Unpleasant”
• “Unbelievably helpful!”
• “Rock stars”
• “No way.”
• “Megacrap”

Virgin Megastore

Sassy, sexy pop from divas and weirdoes spanning the last four decades and this whole beautiful, crazy world.

Reviews:

• “The place where the music never dies.”
• “Best Music Selection”

Tips: The friendly staff will tell you about any disc that catches your eye, and will let you hear it if they have an unwrapped copy.

Medium Rare Records

Shop for cutting-edge music in an unpretentious, unintimidating environment.

Reviews:

• ""don’t go there!""
• “One of the Best!”

Tips: Aquarius has spent countless hours writing reviews for all types of great music, and as a result, its website is one of the most comprehensive mail-order sites around.

Aquarius Records

Offering a broad selection of new and used music, this music mecca gives the corporate chains some stiff competition.

Rasputin Music

Friendly, funky collector’s record shop, strong on jazz, soundtracks and old-time rock and roll.

Reviews:

• “go there first at least”

Tips: Hard-core collectors should be sure to request a look at the rare punk 45s box, usually stored on or behind the counter.

Recycled Records

Popular indie chain serving up all genres of music in good condition and on the cheap.

Reviews:

• “Good attitude!”
• “cool cheap CD’s”

Tips: You have seven days to return any defective item, and if you just don’t like something they’ll take it back for 75% credit.

Streetlight Records

Without even a sign posted, this is one of the premier spots for dance music on vinyl in the Bay Area.

Tips: Patrons seeking to peruse the stacks by appointment can call (415) 637-0864.

Zen City Records

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