{"id":16226,"date":"2025-03-13T13:12:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T17:12:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qa.rent.com\/blog\/?p=16226"},"modified":"2025-04-29T12:44:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T16:44:59","slug":"best-record-stores-in-portland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/blog\/best-record-stores-in-portland\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Popular Portland Record Stores"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While you can always press play on your phone, records have made their way back into popularity for a reason. Notably for nostalgia\u2019s sake, records also boast aesthetics, tap into a revival of all things vintage, have improved sound quality, and allow for larger enjoyment of album art. With the record resurgence you can find vinyl lovers and shops all over the U.S.,  but there\u2019s something special about Portland, OR<\/a> \u2013 after all, it is unequivocally a vinyl town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re hoping to find a new favorite record shop nearby your rental home in Portland, OR<\/a>, just got a player for your first apartment in Portland, OR<\/a>, are adding to your lifelong collection in your Portland, OR home<\/a>, or are just visiting and browsing, be sure to check out our top 8 record store recommendations in the Rose City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. 2nd Avenue Records<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First up we have 2nd Avenue Records located in downtown Portland. \u201cThis gem has an awesome selection of both new and used records, plus an insane collection of metal music,\u201d says Maria Chi, blogger of Peppermint Co.<\/a> Besides the new, used, and plethora of metal, this spot also has a huge collection of band t-shirts that hang from the rafters, so you\u2019re properly fitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Everyday Music<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located across from The Crystal Ballroom and also in downtown Portland<\/a> is none other than Everyday Music. This shop is truly a \u201cstaple of the community and has the best selection of new and used vinyl, cd\u2019s, cassettes, and music memorabilia,\u201d says Chris Merrill of Perfect Harmony Academy of Music<\/a>. If you\u2019re in the market for used vinyls, but don\u2019t happen to be downtown, they also have locations in East Portland, Seattle, and Bellingham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Jackpot Records<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the eastside in the bustling Hawthorne neighborhood lives Jackpot Records, a vinyl store with a carefully curated selection. In fact, some local joints like Keys Lounge<\/a> and Radio Room<\/a> that only spin vinyl buy their records (or their DJs do) at this very spot, says Locksmith Jones. Beyond just the shop, Jackpot originated as an independent record label and focused on reissuing hard-to-find records from local artists like The Wipers and Satan’s Pilgrims, and other more nationally known names like Etta James and Willie Nelson at ridiculously reasonable prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Music Millennium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWalking through its doors feels like stepping into a living history of Portland\u2019s music scene,\u201d describes Jesse Valencia, a member of the Portland Music Month<\/a> Policy Council. Where is this spot you ask? Music Millennium of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shop is Portland\u2019s oldest record store and still remains a local landmark for a reason. Located in the Laurelhurst neighborhood, Music Millennium \u201cboasts several rooms, filled to the brim with new and used CDs, records, DVDs, and tapes, all meticulously organized, offering something for everyone,\u201d says Alli Sanders, KPH Radio<\/a> co-chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeyond just being a store, it\u2019s a cultural hub \u2014 hosting in-store performances, supporting local artists, and preserving the spirit of independent music,\u201d describes Jesse. Before you go be sure to check their packed calendar for \u201cfrequent in-store listening events and live shows because you might just meet your new favorite band,\u201d says Alli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith several in-store performances from a wide variety of musicians that never disappoints, Music Millennium is truly a local gem and a rich resource for local musicians and our music community,\u201d says Sarah MacKenzie Lonigro, development associate at The Jeremy Wilson Foundation<\/a>. So, \u201cif you’re looking for somewhere to spend an afternoon, this is your spot,\u201d recommends Alli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Mississippi Records<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It wouldn\u2019t be a Portland record store article without mentioning Mississippi Records. \u201cWhile it might be a small shop, it packs a huge punch,\u201d says Blake Boris-Schacter, owner of The Get Down<\/a>. \u201cThey even release their own records, repressing hidden gems and compilations,\u201d continues Hank Failing, owner of Hank’s Music Exchange<\/a>. This spot also \u201chas super friendly and helpful staff, one of the most curated selections, and some of the best pricing in town,\u201d adds Blake. Known for a bountiful selection of folk and soul and world music, all presented in a beautiful space, Mississippi Records \u201cis a loved and respected musicians and collectors alike,\u201d notes Hank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Landfill Rescue Unit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’ve heard of dumpster diving before, but this place takes it to the next level. Landfill Rescue Unit<\/a> has literally transformed their shelves into funky storage that resembles big blue dumpsters and are all packed with punk, new wave, electronic, and second-hand vinyls. It\u2019s always fun to dig and we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll find something you didn’t even know you were looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Tomorrow Records<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located in Southeast Portland lives Tomorrow Records<\/a>, a shop with a carefully curated selection of great used gems at reasonable prices. This welcoming and well-lit store also offers quite the inventory of vintage audio equipment, perfect for those starting out and in the market for a quality setup or for those looking to upgrade their system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. The Record Pub<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New to the Portland record scene is The Record Pub, \u201cthe pandemic brain child of three friends and music-loving dudes who took a chance on Portland being more than just a music loving city, but a patron of that music,\u201d tells Veronica Bisesti, executive director of Portland Radio Project<\/a>. \u201cNot only do they offer new and used vinyl (and cassettes), but they also run weekly community trivia nights that benefit local nonprofit organizations,\u201d adds Veronica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n