Vinyl records are in the midst of a comeback. Yet the neighborhood record store—once an expected part of most communities—remains a rare commodity. The shops that exist buy and sell while offering new and used products. But 12 independent record stores in Nassau and Suffolk also offer some more intimate details to delight music lovers.
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Innersleeve Records, Amagansett
Long Island’s most eastern outlet for new and used vinyl is known for its live performances. There’s close to weekly shows in the summer and several throughout the winter. Another standout feature is the free records bin positioned in the shop’s breezeway. It’s there to peruse 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Next time the Hamptons call your name, remember free records also await regardless of the season. Phone: 631-604-6248 | Address: 199 Main St. Click to spin
Sunday Records, Riverhead
Only open on Sundays (thus the name), this small shop is organized with precision to appeal to vinyl heads with Long Island pedigrees. Records are arranged by way of beloved local radio frequencies: the WBAB section (classic rock), the WEHM area (newer releases) and a WLIR row. The latter not only offers 45s, 12-inch singles and full albums from the new wave genre, but also includes most of the WLIR “Screamer of the Week” and “Shriek of the Week” featured tracks from the 80s and 90s. Keep an eye out for some old-school memorabilia as well. Phone: 631-599-3918 | Address: 125 Roanoke Ave. Click to spin
Record Stop, Patchogue
Management points out Record Stop has been in business since 1974 despite moving from Ronkonkoma to Shirley to Patchogue. It’s now in one of Long Island’s hottest neighborhoods where DJs, artists and musicians frequently pass through. The spot sells brand new turntables, speakers and headphones. Staffers boast the store also carries thousands of CDs, hard-to-find concert footage DVDs, vinyl care supplies and even snacks and drinks. Phone: 631-585-3294 | Address: 30-32 Railroad Ave. Click to spin
Vinyl Paradise, Sayville
Somewhat on the small side, this cozy shop specializes in punk, metal and other members of the hard(er) rock music family. Expect friendly service and keep up with its social media accounts for when free, in-store live events go down. Phone: 631-750-9576| Address: 273 Railroad Ave Click to spin
Record Reserve, Northport
Now in Cow Harbor (formerly of Kings Park), this store has more than just records. It carries CDs and a selection of albums on brand new cassettes. Looking for tarot cards? Record Reserve also sells a variety of such items, as well as a rack of books dealing with related content. Phone: 631-721-6250| Address: 243 Main St Click to spin
Looney Tunes, West Babylon
Looney Tunes has been in business since 1971 and has famously hosted in-store performances, meet-and-greets and autograph signings from nationally and internationally recognized acts and bands. It also has its own record label (Brookvale Records) and offers CDs and an assortment of logoed clothing (including some of its specialty “Strong Island” apparel). Phone: 631-587-7722| Address: 31 Brookvale Ave Click to spin
Mr. Cheapo CD and Record Exchange, Commack and Mineola
Counting for two entries on this list, the Cheapo stores both sport deep collections of CDs, as well as DVDs, video games and vinyl. When visiting the Commack store, head to the back and look above the 45s to spot a wall sporting pieces by popular artists like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Commack: Phone: 631-543-8686 | Address: 2020 Jericho Tpke || Mineola: 516-742-7670 | 134 Jericho Tpke Click to spin
High Fidelity Records and CDs, Amityville
In this right-to-the-point record store, customers can look through long aisles of records and CDs. The Facebook page also lists the new LPs that have arrived. Phone: 631-264-0524 | Address: 59b Merrick Rd Click to spin
Hideaway Vinyl, Huntington
This small boutique (run by an autonomous vendor) is located inside Rosie’s Vintage, a larger store selling antique and vintage décor, clothing and collectibles. Hideaway Vinyl is packed with offbeat pieces from genres including surf, ska, new wave, punk, hip-hop and metal. Phone: 516-308-6416 | Address: 101 Woodbury Rd Click to spin
Infinity Records Ltd., Massapequa Park
Aside from its wide selection of vinyl, cassettes, CDs and memorabilia, this shop’s an option to consider when selling guitars or vintage stereo equipment. Infinity also has a VPI Typhoon Record Cleaning Machine available for those who need vinyl pieces refreshed. Phone: 516-221-0634 | Address: 510 Park Blvd Click to spin
Vinyl Bay 777, Plainview
This shop is easy to miss in its industrial location. Yet, Vinyl Bay 777 is a music lover’s dream with rows of vinyl and CDs, plus cassettes, ephemera, collectibles and even a bin of 8-track tapes. Phone: 516-595-7210 | Address: 101-14 Dupont St. Click to spin