There’s no conversation about vinyl shops in Houston without Cactus Music. Widely acknowledged as the oldest independent music store in Houston, it’s provided an array of records, music ephemera, and more for five decades. Check out the calendar for its regular listening parties (often with free pizza and beer), in-store performances, and artist signings. 

Since 1985, Vinal Edge has provided the Heights with a top-notch selection of vintage records. The shop’s collection holds more than 100,000 titles across several music genres, including jazz, classic rock, country, electronic, and more. In addition to the vast vinyl inventory, the shop also offers a selection of DVDs, posters, books, and toys. 

Memo (often referred to as "Memo’s") is the premiere physical media destination for Latin music. Founded by famed producer and artist Guillermo “Memo” Villarreal in 1968, the shop holds a collection of diasporic classics. Stop in to browse its walls filled with photographs before shopping for Tejano, salsa, and merengue hits alongside a selection of movies. 

Established in 2012, Sweet Spot is the perfect landing for music lovers who live beyond the outer loop. The shop carries vintage vinyl in all genres and houses a selection of new releases. If you’re in need of new or gently used audio equipment, Sweet Spot also sells turntables, amps, headphones, and other essentials. Looking for a rare title? The super friendly staff will help you find it. 

Coffee, music, and vegan cuisine collide at Mo' Brunch and Brews, the perfect start or capper to a day exploring the Museum District. The vinyl shop is curated by DJ and ethnomusicologist Flash Gordon Parks, and features an impressive selection of rare Houston records and Black music ephemera. 

Sound Revolution is for the real rock stars. Part skate shop, part smoke shop, and all record store, it's a family-owned staple in Northwest Houston that also boasts a huge online catalog for virtual shoppers around the world. 

Right in the heart of the Mid Main district, this shop was inspired by Sigman Byrd's 1955 book Sig Byrd’s Houston. Sig’s Lagoon fills two entire floors, suitable for hours of browsing familiar titles and unearthing hidden gems. You’ll also find quirky objects and baubles along the way. 

Another one of Houston’s oldest record stores, Sound Exchange also sells used CDs and provides turntable repair services. The shop has a particular affinity for international releases of physical media, and the selection trends toward metal, jazz, punk, R&B, blues, soul, goth, hard rock, and experimental sounds. 

Although Austin import JuiceLand has multiple locations across the Houston area, only the Montrose shop doubles as a record store. Stop in for a healthy meal or snack and flip through its well-curated selections.

As with many of the other shops here, the List combines the vinyl shopping experience with other goodies, in this case coffee, books, home goods, and clothing. There's even a film lab. An events calendar features vinyl nights, DJ sets, chess games, pop-ups, and more. 

This Montrose area stalwart is as well known for its surf and skate gear as it is for its music. Grab a cup of coffee from the little stand in the front and get to browsing the huge range of used vinyl and CDs. Movies, too, if you also happen to be a cinephile.