Digging for Vinyl Gold: The Top 4 Record Stores in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, is a haven for music lovers, where vinyl spins as freely as the coffee flows. With a vibrant music scene and a deep love for all things analog, the city’s record stores are treasure troves for crate-diggers, casual collectors, and audiophiles alike. Whether you’re hunting for a rare jazz LP, a punk 7-inch, or just want to soak in the vibes of a shop buzzing with character, Portland’s got you covered. Here’s a fun rundown of the top four local record stores you need to visit, based on their unique offerings, atmosphere, and that special Portland charm. Let’s drop the needle and dive in!

1. Music Millennium – The Granddaddy of Portland Vinyl

Location: 3158 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Music Millennium isn’t just a record store—it’s a Portland institution. Opened in 1969, it’s the oldest record store in the Pacific Northwest, and stepping inside feels like walking into a musical time capsule. This place is a sprawling labyrinth of new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, posters, and memorabilia, with everything from Joni Mitchell classics to local gems like MAITA’s Best Wishes. The sheer variety here is staggering—rock, jazz, soul, gospel, you name it. You might even spot a sleepy pup lounging among the crates, adding to the cozy, lived-in vibe.

What makes Music Millennium extra special? It’s a hub for the local music scene, hosting in-store performances, album signings, and DJ sets. Imagine catching a free show by a touring band while flipping through bins of vinyl. On Record Store Day, they go all out with free coffee, muffins, and gift bags for early birds. If you’re a vinyl newbie or a seasoned collector, the knowledgeable staff (and owner Terry Currier, a local music encyclopedia) will guide you to your next obsession. Pro tip: Check out their bargain bins for hidden gems under $5

2. Mississippi Records – The Eclectic Crate-Digger’s Dream

Location: 5202 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Tucked next to the Hollywood Theatre, Mississippi Records is a quirky, hole-in-the-wall shop that’s a must-visit for anyone who loves music with a story. Founded by Eric Isaacson, this store (and its former label, now based in New York) is all about curated, eclectic finds. Think rare Nigerian dance LPs, Japanese jazz, vintage blues, or soulful 45s. Their cassette section is a standout, featuring mixtapes compiled by co-owner Warren Hill that capture unique moods or themes—perfect for discovering obscure tracks you won’t find on Spotify.

The vibe here is pure Portland: unpretentious, artsy, and a little offbeat. The shop’s small size forces you to slow down and savor the hunt, and the staff’s passion for music is infectious. Mississippi Records also doubles as a cultural hub, with a cafe and even the Portland Museum of Modern Art in the basement. If you’re after something rare or just want to nerd out over international obscurities, this is your spot. Bonus: Their $1–$3 bins are a goldmine for budget-conscious collectors

3. My Vinyl Underground – The Indie Pop Hideout

Location: 1414 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214 (in the basement of Books with Pictures)

Descend into the basement of Books with Pictures on Division, and you’ll find My Vinyl Underground, the physical outpost of Portland’s Jigsaw Records. This fiercely independent shop is a haven for indie pop, shoegaze, twee, lo-fi, and dream pop fans, with a sprinkle of punk and metal for good measure. Owner Chris McFarlane’s “undying devotion” to indie music shines through in the carefully curated selection of new and used vinyl and CDs, often spotlighting small labels and local artists like Portland’s own punk legends, the Wipers.

The subterranean setting gives it a speakeasy-like charm, and the staff is always ready to geek out over your favorite obscure band. My Vinyl Underground occasionally hosts shows, making it a community hub for indie music lovers. It’s the kind of place where you’ll walk out with a record you didn’t know you needed but can’t stop spinning. Perfect for those who want to support the little guys and discover something new.

4. Crossroads Music – The Crate-Digger’s Paradise

Location: 8112 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206

If you’ve ever dreamed of losing yourself in endless bins of vinyl, Crossroads Music is your happy place. This multi-vendor shop operates like a melodic consignment store, with over 35 individual collectors curating their sections. The result? A mind-boggling selection of used records spanning jazz, folk, world music, rock, and ultra-rare obscurities. You’ll find everything from dollar-bin essentials to collector-grade rarities (think $1 LPs next to a $1,000 first pressing).

Crossroads is a crate-digger’s dream, but be warned: You’ll need time. Each vendor organizes their bins differently, so searching for that one specific record is a time-consuming and often frustrating experience. The staff is friendly and the vibe is laid-back, making it easy to spend hours flipping through records. If you’re after deep cuts or love the thrill of the hunt, Crossroads is unbeatable. Bring a tote bag—you’re gonna need it.

Why Portland’s Record Stores Rock

Portland’s record stores aren’t just shops; they’re cultural landmarks that reflect the city’s quirky, music-obsessed soul. Whether you’re at Music Millennium for a live show, Mississippi Records for a rare international find, My Vinyl Underground for indie pop treasures, or Crossroads for an all-day vinyl safari, each store offers a unique experience. So grab your reusable tote, channel your inner music nerd, and hit these spots. You’re guaranteed to leave with a stack of records and a story to tell. Happy digging!