Top 15 of the Best Record Stores in Portland

One of the hippest cities in the world, the cool Oregon gem is a haven for music lovers, and that includes vinyl collectors.

Although shops come and go, there are still plenty of great spots dotted all over the city covering almost every musical genre you can think of, selling both old and new records as well as CDs, Blu-Rays, DVDs, turntables and music memorabilia. Here are some of the best record stores in Portland, Oregon…

1. 2nd Avenue Records – a popular independent record store specializing in new and used albums

2nd Avenue Records is one of Portland’s most iconic destinations for vinyl lovers. It started as a music lover’s paradise crammed into 600 square feet in 1982, but has since expanded into a venerable vinyl emporium.

The draw of the shop is the extensive record selection, both new and used (they also sell CDs, but those are behind the counter and you have to ask to see them). Besides records, this shop also has an extensive collection of band T-shirts.

2nd Avenue Records is the perfect place to kill a few hours and try to unearth that elusive record to complete your collection or find a new favorite. The laidback staff is on hand to answer any questions or chat about music.

• 400 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

2. Jackpot Records – the place for new and used vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, collectables and in-store performances

Jackpot Records is one of the centers of Portland’s music-loving community. The spacious shop’s primary claim to fame is its excellent record selection, including new releases as well as vintage finds.

The shop also sells CDs and music memorabilia.

Besides selling music, Jackpot Records has a hand in creating some of the best of the Portland scene. The store operates its own label, which specializes in releases of iconic albums and soundtracks that are now difficult to find. Be sure to check out some of their live events.

• 3574 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

3. Tender Loving Empire – a cool independent record label and local handicraft concept store 

Tender Loving Empire is one of the most unique musical spaces in Portland. This is more than just a record store; Tender Loving Empire has its own record label, which highlights indie releases from local bands in the Pacific Northwest.

Indie darlings that have come up through the label include Y La Bamba, Loch Lomond, and more.

Besides the latest releases from the artists on its label, the light, airy shop also sells used records spanning genres. It’s also a center for much of Oregon’s creative production. Tender Loving Empire is the place to go for other artisanal products, including calendars, jewelry, and of course, beer.

• 525 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, 3541 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, and 412 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

4. My Vinyl Underground – an independent record shop which specializes in new indiepop, punk, indie rock and fun pop

My Vinyl Underground is underground in the literal sense—the shop is tucked away in the basement of a bookshop.

It’s also underground in the metaphorical sense because it specializes in independent music of all types, including niche genres such as janglepop, post-rock and more.

Come here to track down the latest release from your favorite indie label.

• 1401 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

5. Mississippi Records – a record store and label founded by Eric Isaacson in 2003

Mississippi Records is an obscure gem that hardcore lovers of vinyl the world over respect for its excellent selection and commitment to doing things its own way (the shop only bothered to develop an Internet presence in 2020).

Come here for reissues of obscure soul and blues records printed by the in-house label, stay for the defiant attitude.

Besides records printed by its own label, Mississippi Records sells obscure recordings you can’t find in most other shops, including American folk music and world music standards. The DIY ethos of the shop signs through in its in-house equipment repair shop.

• 5202 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217

6. Music Millennium – sells vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, Blu-ray and music accessories, spanning multiple genres

Music Millennium is a spacious record shop that’s been a Portland favorite since 1969. Unlike many record stores, it doesn’t feel cramped, so you have plenty of space to browse the extensive collection of vinyl as well as more modern music formats such as CDs, tapes, and Blu-Rays.

Stop by the shop if you also need other products to enhance your music-listening experience, such as turntables and headphones.

Although it started out as a record store dedicated to underground music, Music Millennium has expanded to include selections spanning multiple genres, including an extensive classical music selection.

Be sure to check out their events calendar to see if your favorite local musician is playing.

•  3158 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

7. Crossroads Music – independent dealers offering music equipment, records, posters and stereo gear

Crossroads Music is a must-visit destination for music lovers in Portland in terms of the sheer size of the selection. This is more of a record mall than a record store as it gathers over 40 vendors in one place.

Wander the cavernous warehouse space to check out people selling records, CDs, posters, and even music equipment. Have some old records you’re looking to get rid of? Many of the vendors at Crossroads Music also buy used gear.

Most of the vinyl sold here is used, so the condition and pricing may differ greatly. When you visit, be prepared to set aside plenty of time for digging through the crates.

•  8112 SE Harold St, Portland, OR 97206

8. Tomorrow Records – a great new vinyl store located in inner Southeast Portland

Tomorrow Records is an ultra-modern vinyl shop that is the perfect place to browse records. The wide windows let in plenty of light, even during Portland’s normally dreary weather, making for an inviting environment where patrons can linger and browse.

Tomorrow Records prides itself on a wide selection that spans favorite new releases, older records, and even multiple copies of classic records that can be hard to track down at most used shops.

Besides records, Tomorrow Records also sells equipment, including handmade wooden storage units. The friendly staff that are committed to the old philosophy of hand-selling records are another factor that help this store stand out.

• 700 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

9. Little Axe Records – both a record label and one of the best record stores in Portland

Little Axe Records, one of the best record stores in Portland, was actually founded when it splintered from the cult favorite Mississippi Records. The shop specializes in an eclectic collection spanning genres and eras.

It sources most of its selection of tapes and vinyl from collection sales brought in by neighbors near and far.

Although you can find records from pretty much any genre in Little Axe, this is definitely the place to go if you’re trying to track down an elusive folk or experimental album. While you’re in the area, catch a movie—Little Axe is in the same building as the Hollywood Theatre.

• 4142 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212

10. Exiled Records – specializes in a wide selection of rare albums across a range of musical genres

If you’re a vinyl collector that lives for tracking down the most obscure releases, then Exiled Records is your place to go in Portland. This independent record shop primarily focuses on rare releases spanning all genres.

Besides rare blockbuster records, Exiled Records has a little bit of everything tucked into its small but varied collection.

Get the latest release from your favorite band or dig through the discount bins in the hope of unearthing a hidden gem.

• 4628 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215

11. Vinyl Resting Place – a great vinyl record store specializing in blues, jazz, folk albums and 45s

Vinyl Resting Place in Portland’s historic St. John’s neighborhood is a great place to come and find obscure record gems. Although the shop has records spanning many different genres, it’s most famous for its selection of rare blues, jazz, and folk music gems.

The dedicated classic rock section will also please many aficionados.

The staff also help set this place apart. The owners and workers are always ready with a friendly smile or piece of advice, counteracting the stereotype of snobby record store staff.

•  8332 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203

12. Clinton Street Records & Stereo – a veteran much-loved Portland music shop with new and used records, retro turntables and receivers

Clinton Street Records & Studio is a “you name it we’ve got it” store. Looking for a record that was topping the Italian charts in the 1970s? Want an obscure darkwave record that not even your most hipster friend has heard of? Clinton Street Records & Studio probably has it in their wide-ranging selection that spans genres, decades, and even countries.

If you can’t find a record that you want, Clinton Street will even order it for you.

Besides vintage (and new) records, Clinton Street is also the place to go for vintage music equipment. Get the best turntables and receivers here to complete your listening experience.

• 2510 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202

13. Variety Records – an eclectic, hole-in-the-wall record shop in Portland

If you’re looking for the typical hole-in-the-wall browsing experience at a record store tucked into an unassuming corner, then Variety Records is your place to go in Portland.

This tiny shop boasts an off-the-wall collection of records and other vintage media. You can also pick up cassette tapes, CDs, and even VHS tapes.

The shop is packed wall-to-wall (literally, some racks stretch as high as the ceiling) with records and more. You’re bound to walk away with a new favorite that you may not have even heard about before.

• 4932 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206

14. Everyday Music – a place that buys/sells used LPs, CDs DVDs as well as new CDs and vinyls

Everyday Music has two locations in Portland packed to the brim with amazing records. They are avid collectors and could even rehome your collection if you are looking to downsize—they buy vinyl, CDs, and DVDs in cash.

Although the store does stock some new releases, it specializes in used records and other media.

It may take some digging through the crates to get to your new favorite, but you’ll enjoy browsing in the relaxed, down-to-earth setting.

• 1931 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232 and 1313 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

15. Speck’s Records & Tapes – a family-run record shop, located in the Kenton neighborhood 

Speck’s has an eclectic collection of vinyl as well as cassette tapes, the latter of which are growing in popularity among music enthusiasts looking for a vintage vibe.

The shop started as a small, family-run affair but has grown its selection and reach exponentially since 2017 while keeping its down-to-earth roots.

Speck’s has one of the most welcoming environments on the Portland record store scene, which can sometimes feel a bit exclusive—the owners are often on hand waiting to give a recommendation and the shop is kid-friendly, sometimes featuring the founders’ son in the store as well.

• 8216 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217

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