An Austin institution, Waterloo Records has been bringing music to locals for 40 years. On top of their extensive and amazing record collection, Waterloo has hosted in-store performances by artists such as Gary Clark Jr., The 1975 and Penny and Sparrow. The knowledgeable staff and comfortable ambiance create an ideal shopping experience for audio junkies.

This mid-century modern dream store sells vintage music equipment, furniture and home decor, along with a carefully curated selection of records. Stop by for a look through their impressive stock while sipping on an espresso from their full-service coffee bar. You’re sure to run into fellow music lovers as you browse!

Started by three high school friends in 2018, BLK Vinyl specializes in used and collectible records for vinyl lovers to add to their repertoires. You can’t miss their East 6th Street store’s black and white mural. BLK Vinyl is the place for locals to talk music, buy records and even take guitar lessons, offered by the shop to students of all skill levels.

Grab a cocktail at Drinks Lounge and browse through their collection at Drinks Records, open inside the neighborhood bar on East Cesar Chavez. The record store recently started its Drinks Sessions series, inviting artists to perform a 15-minute set at the shop, to be released later on the shop’s YouTube channel. Bands can even invite their fans to pre-order a limited edition 7-inch record of their performance.

Open for browsing from noon to 7 p.m. daily, North Loop’s Breakaway Records specializes in soul records, while also carrying a mix of pop, punk and rock albums. Explore their racks of employee picks to discover new-to-you music that their staff knows and loves.

Clifford Antone opened Antone’s Nightclub in 1975, then opened Antone’s Record Shop across the street in 1987. The shop still sits in its original location on Guadalupe Street, making it a great spot for students, no matter their musical persuasion. Their stock features many genres, with a focus on Texas artists and blues music.

Buy, sell and trade vinyls at the well-organized and well-stocked End of an Ear in South Austin. Their staff is knowledgeable and available to customers for recommendations and guidance. Follow the store on Instagram to keep up with their metal, jazz, electronic and pop selections, plus many other genres.

Brentwood’s Love Wheel Records is a newer addition to Austin’s music scene, having opened in 2021. The shop showcases new and used vinyl LPs in a hip and colorful space. Get your dose of soundtracks, country, jazz and much more — they’ve got something for everyone.

Blues, funk and soul records abound at Big Henry’s, the retail space and box office of Antone’s Nightclub. The store is open daily from noon to 6 p.m., as well as during Antone’s Nightclub operating hours, so visitors can stop by late for vinyls, Antone’s apparel and their signature po’boys.