Johnny Cash, hosting Saturday Night Live in April 1982, dressed up as Elton John, who was the musical guest, who in turn dressed up as Johnny Cash.

Our work making official rock & roll, bluegrass, and country music often takes us to Music City USA, and as lifelong vinyl collectors, we pulled together a helpful guide to the best record stores in Nashville — with an extra focus on Downtown for walkable digging.

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Downtown Nashville

These are the BEST record stores in downtown Nashville — if it isn’t on this definitive list, it’s not a record store worth going to!

Third Man Records

Jack White’s vinyl playground: limited pressings, recording booth, and a curated store that makes collectors smile.

Address: 627 7th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-891-4393
Website: thirdmanrecords.com
Hours (posted): Daily 11am–6pm

Ernest Tubb Record Shop

Founded by country legend Ernest Tubb in 1947, this Broadway landmark is woven into Nashville’s musical DNA. Check official channels for current updates and events.

Address: 417 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-255-7503
Website: ernesttubbrecordshop.co
Hours: See site or social for current info

Dead End Records (Marathon Village; quick hop from Downtown)

Metal & punk sanctuary with deep selection, local-band support, and community events.

Address: 1200 Clinton St, Suite 10, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 629-250-9910
Website: deadendrecordstn.com
Hours (posted): Mon, Wed–Sat 11am–6pm · Sun 12–5pm (Tue closed)

If you must only go to one record store in downtown Nashville, make it Third Man Records. If you can go to two, make it Third Man and Ernest Tubb.

East Nashville

Grimey’s New & Preloved Music

A pillar of the scene: excellent new/used bins, in-store events, and staff who know their pressings.

Address: 1060 E Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: 615-226-3811
Website: grimeys.com
Hours (posted): Tue–Thu 11am–6pm · Fri–Sat 11am–7pm · Sun 12–5pm (Mon closed)

The Groove

Indie, country, soul & punk with a neighborhood vibe and smart curation.

Address: 1103 Calvin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: 615-227-5760
Website: thegroovenashville.com
Hours: See site for today’s hours

Vinyl Tap (Record Store + Bar)

Flip through records with a pint — relaxed and social, perfect for mixed-taste groups.

Address: 2038 Greenwood Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: 615-454-3995
Website: vinyltapnashville.com
Hours (posted): Mon–Tue 3–10pm · Wed–Thu 12pm–12am · Fri–Sat 12pm–1am · Sun 12–11pm

Garage Sale Vintage (Records + Vintage)

Part crate-dig, part vintage fashion find — energetic, long hours, steady used-vinyl turnover.

Address: 747 Douglas Ave #101, Nashville, TN 37207
Phone: 615-760-5944
Website: garagesalevintage.com
Hours (posted): Sun–Thu 10am–10pm · Fri–Sat 10am–12am

West Nashville

The Great Escape

Classic institution for vinyl, comics, movies, and collectibles — big, browseable, and fun to get lost in.

Address: 5400 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: 615-385-2116
Website: thegreatescapeonline.com
Hours: See site for current hours

McKAY’s (Books • Music • Movies • Games)

Massive used-media paradise with a surprisingly deep vinyl section and constant turnover.

Address: 636 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: 615-353-2595
Website: mckaybooks.com
Hours (posted): Mon–Thu 9am–9pm · Fri–Sat 9am–10pm · Sun 10am–7pm

South Nashville

Phonoluxe Records

Old-school crate-digger’s stop with big used selections across rock, R&B, blues, and country.

Address: 2609 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
Phone: 615-259-3500
Website: facebook.com/phonoluxerecords
Hours: Check Facebook for current hours

Greater Nashville (Worth the Drive)

Towne Square Records & Comics (Gallatin)

Day-trip option for vinyl + comics hunters. Friendly staff, steady used-LP racks, and community events on the square.

Address: 124 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: 615-670-9627
Website: Facebook: Towne Square Records & Comics
Hours (posted): Tue–Thu 11am–6pm · Fri 11am–8pm · Sat 11am–6pm · Sun 12–5pm (Mon closed)

A Few Final Notes from Fellow Collectors

  • Bring time & patience: The best finds usually come from digging and browsing rather than quick hits.
  • Downtown is convenient, but for deeper digging, branch out to East and other neighborhoods.
  • Since we make Nashville-themed merch and love the scene, it’s a joy to see record stores thriving here.
  • And of course: don’t forget to check our merch page when you’re planning your trip or want to rep Music City gear.

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Browse the collection. Wear the legacy.