Where to find San Francisco's best vinyl
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Grooves Inspiralled Vinyl's gritty, colorful exterior hasn't changed in 30 years. They can be found at 1797 Market St. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios
SF's record stores are time capsules, with decades of music, stories and history packed into their shelves — serving as a haven for music enthusiasts and nostalgia lovers alike.
Why it matters: The vinyl boom has reignited interest in independent record stores, fueled by a growing appreciation of analog formats.
The big picture: Vinyl sales nationally grew to $1.4 billion in 2024, up 7% from the previous year and the 18th consecutive year of growth, per a recent report from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Zoom in: Here's where to hunt for your next vinyl find in San Francisco.
Grooves — Mid Market
This longtime vinyl-only shop, known for its rare finds, hasn't changed since opening in 1993.
- Its striking storefront at the corner of Market and Octavia Streets is widely recognized for its colorful vinyl display plastered against the windows.
Tunnel Records — Sunset, Richmond & Ghirardelli Square
Founded in 2017, this neighborhood spot rewards in-person discovery. Each of its three locations has a distinct vibe — from the surf shop haven in the Sunset to the historic 4 Star Theater in the Richmond — making it a local favorite.
Noise — Richmond
A family-run spot that's also an art gallery and live music venue.
- The store offers a mix of new and used vinyl across all genres, rare and sealed pressings, stereo gear and local artwork.
Amoeba Music — Upper Haight
With two Bay Area locations, Amoeba Music emerged from a community of music lovers in the '90s who craved an alternative to corporate chains.
- Today, it remains one of the most frequented shops on Haight Street and a must-visit destination for its wide-ranging selection and guest performances.
Thrillhouse — Mission
This volunteer-run store keeps the local punk community alive with its community events, shows and vast selection of metal, hardcore, grunge and punk gems.
Out of Sight — North Beach
Owner David Tutton is a passionate collector who stocks a variety of classics and rarities, from budget bins to collector gems at his cash-only brick-and-mortar.
Groove Merchant — Lower Haight
An ultra-friendly hub from music lover and owner Chris Veltri specializing in jazz and blues LPs.
Rooky Ricardo's — Lower Haight
A prized and legendary spot known for its eccentric owner, Dick Vivian, who is an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to soul and funk.
Originals — Hayes Valley
This music lover's destination boasts a genre-spanning inventory that includes old and new classics with everything from reggae, country and blues to soul and hip-hop.
Honorable East Bay mentions
Econo Jam: A treasure trove of cheap finds that doubles as a record label and gear store.
Dave's Record Shop: A small Berkeley shop with a distinctive charm, specializing in classic rock, jazz and blues.
1-2-3-4 Go! Records: An Oakland staple known for a collection of punk, indie, garage and experimental genres.