The best record stores in Illinois
Ranked by real customers — rating weighted by review volume across 31,020 Google reviews. Only shops with 25+ reviews qualify. Updated 2026.
#1 Reckless Records
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,394 reviews · Chicago, IL
Old-school record store for new & used, imported & domestic vinyl plus CDs, games & DVDs.
“Walked in the door, what did I see? A vinyl treasure trove staring back at me! Disco, hip-hop, and old-school rap, Rock ‘n’ roll legends, every groove intact! Reckless Records, tur…” — Madeleine
#2 Disc Replay of Rockford
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,427 reviews · Rockford, IL
Chain buying, selling & trading pre-owned media items, including DVDs, video games & electronics.
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 – Sammie is AMAZING! I stopped by Disc Replay recently, and I have to give a huge shout-out to Sammie, who absolutely made my visit outstanding.” — Matt
#3 Reckless Records
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,105 reviews · Chicago, IL
Old-school record store for new & used imported & domestic vinyl, plus CDs, games & DVDs.
“Small little shop hidden away in the middle of the big city. There is a nice variety of records to choose from, but not so many CDs, but the handful of cassette tapes really take y…” — Nicholas
#4 Reckless Records
4.6 ★★★★★ 936 reviews · Chicago, IL
Old-school record store for new & used imported & domestic vinyl, plus CDs, games & DVDs.
“A cute record store with a large selection of great albums and music merch. I came to trade in some records and pick up a limited signed copy of BRAT they had. The trade in value w…” — Rye
#5 Disc Replay
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,060 reviews · Downers Grove, IL
Chain buying, selling & trading pre-owned media items, including DVDs, video games & electronics.
“I visited Disc Replay yesterday with my 11-year-old son, and the experience was fantastic. The employees were attentive, helpful, and took the time to give him genuine advice and d…” — Joan
#6 Rolling Stones
4.6 ★★★★★ 897 reviews · Norridge, IL
Colorful music emporium featuring CDs, DVDs & video games, plus listening stations & special orders.
“I love this place. Great selection of music on cd, vinyl, and cassettes. Even if they don't have something you can place a special order, which I did because I'd prefer to order fr…” — Thomas
#7 Toad Hall Books and Records
4.8 ★★★★★ 655 reviews · Rockford, IL
Informal, friendly venue selling new and vintage albums as well as cassettes, 8-track tapes, radios and turntables.
“This place is incredible! An absolute menagerie of nostalgia and new, from books to records to rpg miniatures. Prices are fair and the selection is fantastic. The people too are fr…” — Nicholas
#8 Disc Replay: Now on 94th Ave next to HobbyTown USA
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,136 reviews · Orland Park, IL
Chain buying, selling & trading pre-owned media items, including DVDs, video games & electronics.
“The ONLY TRUE. Disc replay in the area that is a staple but also the only place that you can be a total nerd outcast and never have to be ashamed of yourself cause these folks are …” — Kris
#9 Bucket O' Blood Books and Records
4.8 ★★★★★ 555 reviews · Chicago, IL
Quirky shop for sci-fi, fantasy, horror & other books, plus indie rock, punk & metal records.
“If you’re digging for Rock and Metal records visiting Chicago - this is THE place you don’t want to miss. Be sure to view the “just in” (unsorted) section - who knows what you’ll f…” — John
#10 Kiss the Sky
4.8 ★★★★★ 534 reviews · Batavia, IL
Long-running indie music store stocking new and used vinyl, CDs, posters, and clothing.
“Kiss the Sky is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts and vinyl collectors alike! I'm just barely dipping my toes into the world of vinyl, and I feel like this place is a must vis…” — George