I’ve got a friend who’s a total addict for vinyl record stores. On his last visit to the Twin Cities, he reached out to me for advice on the best record stores in Minneapolis & St. Paul.
Now, I’m no expert, but I certainly enjoy digging through some crates. Something about that rush of putting your hands on a new find… I totally get it.
I put together this list for him. After he made his rounds, I enjoyed hearing his expert opinion on each of the local record stores. (And adjusting my list accordingly…)
Now, I’m sharing that list with you!
In this post, we’re dropping the needle on the 9 best record stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul!
Contents
Twin Cities Map of the Best Record Stores in Minneapolis & St. Paul
Detailed list of our 9 favorites
1. Electric Fetus
Without a doubt, the king of Twin Cities record stores is Electric Fetus, near downtown Minneapolis.
In operation since 1968, this massive location takes up nearly a whole city block. And they’ve got the incredible selection to prove it! It’s no wonder then why Electric Fetus has become so iconic in Minneapolis, and why local vinyl enthusiasts widely consider it to be the best overall record store in town.
- Address: 2000 S 4th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
- Website: Electric Fetus
2. Barely Brothers
Barely Brothers is a local favorite record shop located near University Avenue in St. Paul. They’re known for their quality selection, helpful employees, and occasionally, live music in their otherwise cozy shop. (They have “Friday Night DJs” each week.)
Look for the helpful post-it notes on select records, which staff use to share some inside scoop on their favorite finds!
- Address: 783 Raymond Ave, St Paul, MN 55114
- Website: Barely Brothers Records
3. Agharta Records
Located just a block away from Barely Brothers, this is another awesome local St. Paul record shop. Agharta Records has a great selection with helpful staff. If they don’t have it, they’ll probably help you get it!
We especially love their bargain “dig room” where you’re sure to find some discount gems.
- Address: 2512 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55114
- Website: Agharta Records
4. Hymie’s Vintage Records
Hymie’s has been a neighborhood institution in the South Minneapolis neighborhood for over 30 years. Back in the day, Jim “Hymie” Peterson was known as something of an O.G. Shazam, always able to tell you exactly what song you had in mind.
While Hymie has unfortunately passed, we’re grateful that his legendary record store lives on.
- Address: 3820 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
- Website: Hymie’s
5. Caydence Records and Coffee
The Twin Cities have a lot of record stores, but they sure don’t have any other record stores that double as coffee shops!
At Cadence Records and Coffee, you can grab delicious coffee, tea, and pastries while you browse! A very cool and unique spot.
- Address: 900 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130
- Website: Caydence Records & Coffee
6. Mill City Sound
Mill City sound is planted firmly in the suburbs of Hopkins, MN, about 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. That distance doesn’t stop a loyal following of vinyl fans, many who believe this to be the best record store in the Twin Cities.
Whether it has Electric Fetus beat might be a stretch, but it’s certainly worth the drive to find out for yourself!
- Address: 812 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
- Website: Mill City Sound
7. Roadrunner Records
In the Minneapolis and St. Paul vinyl community, for whatever reason, Roadrunner Records tends to fill that spot of “underrated record shop.” It’s not the biggest or flashiest shop, but they maintain a consistently solid collection of records that’s definitely worth checking out.
- Address: 4534 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
- Website: Roadrunner Records
8. Extreme Noise
If you’re looking for punk and metal records, there’s no better record shop in the Twin Cities than Extreme Noise. This spot near uptown specializes in a rocking selection of… rock.
But the amazing part? Extreme Noise is ran entirely by volunteer staff. Those volunteers reinvested all profits back into the store and the local punk rock community. Naturally, those same volunteers tend to love nothing more than helping you find your perfect vinyl.
- Address: 407 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Website: Extreme Noise Records
9. Cheapo Records
Cheapo records has multiple locations around the cities, and they proudly call themselves the “Last Authentic Music Stores.” The Minneapolis location probably has the deepest selection, but the St. Paul store is no slouch, either.
- Address 1: 2600 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Address 2: 71 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104
- Address 3: 170 89th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434
- Website: Cheapo Records
