We visit Tampa kinda often (2-3 times per year) and there is always a few places we try to visit with every trip; for my husband, Daddy Kool is the one he ALWAYS wants to visit. I admit I'd be bored sometimes but in the last few years I've been learning to love records as much as my husband always has. Now we both love visiting Daddy Kool. The staff are always so willing to help you but not just point to where to find something, they take the time to walk you over to the spot and even dig though the records to make sure you find what you want. Last visit they even took the time to introduce us to some other artists when they didn't have this one record we really wanted. Amazing selection and awesome staff. read more

This place is pretty cool. It would be a lot cooler if I had a record player. I like going through the aisles just to see the different albums. 24.12.2024 read more

Daddy Kool Records - March 2024 - Vinyl Records Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

Big fan of Daddy Kool Records! The location inside FloridaRAMA is really cool and it feels natural for them to be there. I got 3 records I'd been wanting. I did call ahead to check on a specific record and thank goodness, because the website inaccurately reflected their stock. The staff was super friendly, everything was well-organized, and I can't wait to come look again soon. read more

Great time hanging out on Record Store Day 2025. Nice people and good music playing. Good blues section too. read more

Daddy Kool Records - Plenty of new and used records. They also have other cool stuff to buy. The used record section has very fair pricing. Had a blast. - Vinyl Records Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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this store has very good customer service and their selection and music and various forms or formats are on point. This place has a lot of good music and a lot of music related products. I would highly recommend the store to anyone. read more

Their new location has plenty of space for all their product. They have new and used albums doing used CDs they also have stickers and patches and other rock 'n' roll memorabilia. I also found obscure and hard to find Zappa collection. Highly recommended. read more

Daddy Kool Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

Terrible store, I bought a vinyl virtually and they just took my money without invoicing or sending any of the products I ordered. I tried to write them through their customer service email, Facebook, Instagram and twitter but I ended up blocked with no sign of getting my money back because obviously they are not going to send me what I bought because it's been almost half a month of the order. They are thieves. 0/5 read more

Wide selection of vinyl- new and used options. Cool vibes too. The prices of the new records are a little high. I should have saved my records from childhood! read more

Daddy Kool Records - Nothing like a trip to the record store for date night. We stocked our vinyl collection with some good classic albums. - Vinyl Records Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

While many used record stores have moved more towards vinyl, Daddy Kool Records still has a good number of CDs. They are all brand new still in their cellophane wrapper but the negative aspect is that they are all just put on the shelf at random. No alphabetizing at all, which makes it a chore to look through hundreds of them. They also have t-shirts, music equipment, and plenty of other music-related memorabilia and items. The prices weren't bad but prepared to dig. read more

I had a few issues locating Daddy Kool Records, but not even my GPS could stop me from finding and enjoying this place. The store itself is pretty big, tons of vinyls, cds, dvds (mostly concert dvds), and a few novelty items as well. I noticed near the door a huge collection of cds that were discounted. I picked up some random cds that I used to have for nostalgia purposes. Yes, I stream music, but sometimes I do miss having the physical disc. I loved going through the concert dvds. They had some great finds. I picked up a few dvds as well as some cds too. They vinyl collection was pretty expansive, but I didn't find anything I needed that day at least. It's a great place to beef up your music selection or find something for a music-lover. the prices are reasonable and the staff is really friendly. Definitely worth checking out even if you get lost a few times along the way, keep trying. It's worth it, I promise. read more

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I've walked by countless times, yet finally had the opportunity to venture inside. Was taken back to my '90s youth so big time, the kid behind the counter is lucky I didn't start bawling. Lots of great vinyl, tapes, a bit of music memorabilia and my ultimate favorite - STICKERS! I comb eBay and Amazon and these old-school stickers go for like $5 each. Daddy's got them at '80s prices $1.50. What??! Yessss! My bestie bought a cheap-arse tee for $8 so he can play the role of waking billboard - he's been doing that for Bananas forever. Tip: Great place to take your cool, out-of-town friends. read more

Daddy Kool Records - My sticker haul. No Built to Spill or Death Cab stickers, but this will do. - Vinyl Records Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

This place has moved and it's larger with a great used record section and tons of new releases. Prices are very good. You may wonder where your GPS is taking you in an industrial looking area but this seems to be a developing arts community. Definitely worth searching this one out. read more

Driving along Central Avenue in search of food... I catch a glimpse of a hip looking store front; and how could you miss it being that it's bright orange (yet blends right into the tree lined street). I couldn't resist and I pull in for a quick pit stop. And the inside is bright green... quite refreshing and awakening. They have CD's (small selection)... but the inventory is mostly vinyl records (also limited selection but more choices than the CD collection). My interest in records is limited to "do you remember this" AND / OR "do you remember that" kinda nostalgia... And I also have an interest in 78s. Not the year, but the 78 RPM records. For those not familiar... they are not vinyl; if you drop them they shatter like glass and they pre-date 1950s. Unfortunately for me, Daddy Kool does not carry them... BUMMER! That's not to say I didn't find some cool finds.... Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force... that they did have ! ! ! Without 78 RPM records in stock there really wasn't much for me to purchase. Although, the sales clerk was wearing a really cool Daddy Kool store t-shirt and a sign posted on the back wall had them listed for sale on the cheap side (around 8 dollars)... but they were sold out (DAMN). But then the clerk added that they have been sold out for awhile... my suggestion... take the sale sign down. I later learned that the bulk of their business is selling concert tickets. Even their website is geared 100 percent to tickets to a variety of venues. And their business card may say the word "records" but even still the business card is geared toward ticket sales. Although the music selection is limited and I didn't get lucky... it's still pretty KOOL ! ! ! read more

It's so great to have a record store in grand central. We truly are lucky. The used section is excellent and large, and I'm always going weekly to check the new stock of used records. The also have a great funk and hip hop section (new) and I've found lots of mini grails over the years that have appreciated significantly. They seem to get pressings that other shops don't have. At least with certain labels. Also, thanks for maintaining a listening station for us. I don't know why some stores don't have them. read more

Daddy Kool was the highlight of our rainy day shopping. My crew enjoyed the wide selection and excellent organization of the vinyl records, cassettes and CDs. We ended up purchasing; Elephant by The White Stripes, My Favorite Worst Nightmare by Artic Monkeys, and Blunderbuss by Jack White. Our salesperson also gave great lunch tips and protective bags for the rain. read more

Daddy Kool Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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I've collected hundreds and hundreds of records over the years and I love looking to see what DK can add. This is your average record store, to be honest. If you are a hipster, though, this place is for you. Their selection is fairly basic, but you may be lucky enough to find a jewel every now and then. They are average - over priced to me as far as new records go. Their prices for used are way better. Their redeeming quality would be their collectables. They have figures, posters, stickers, and more. Also, they have live music pretty frequently. I love supporting small artists and love that DK does as well. Over-all, this store, like many others on this road, is a good way to spend an afternoon. read more

Cool staff, knowledge and not overwhelming. Good selection- perhaps the best "modern" music selection for the last three decades. Have bought here before and I will buy again. Thank you!! read more

What a real treat for me this place was. Daddy Kool Records takes home the gold for the best assortment of overall records in the Sunshine State. From new LP's to classic rock staples to an abundant 45 section to punk, hardcore and hip hop heavy hitters to discographies from Bowie, Cash and Sinatra - you get the picture. And the prices! New LP's aren't $26-$30 like most places, but rather $18-$20. The records are modestly priced and I believe this is why Daddy Kool has such a high reputation. Ended up buying FIDLAR's new album because I'll be seeing them in Tallahassee in a few weeks. This sparked a conversation with the man behind the counter since he went to FSU some years ago and knew the venue they'd be playing. Best record store I've been to in Florida. Vinyl fever never felt so kool. read more

Amazing selections, fair pricing and a great vibe. These are the folks who have the answers or know how to access what you need. Cool vibe. Clean, too. read more

Daddy Kool is for the cool kids! This record store has everything from records to cassette tapes and CDs. There is an amazing used section in the back of the store where I was able to find a vinyl record of the Caribbean artist The Mighty Sparrow on sale and a Stevie Wonder record. Daddy Kool has an extensive selection of records and the artists range from Elvis to Miles Davis to World Music. I look forward to visiting again. read more

Daddy Kool Records - Extensive selection - Vinyl Records Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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One of the coolest record/music shops ever! I love independently owned music stores rather than big boxy places like Best Buy. About a year ago they moved to a new location, a few blocks away from their old one. I couldn't find it but I was plesantly pleased when I finally did. Inside you're greeted with bright green walls and a large selection of music, including hard to find things. The owner of the shop is super friendly and will special order cds for you if needed. They also sell concert tickets to local places such as Jannus Landing and The State Theater just down the road.. as well as some events in Tampa. They have a great selection of indie bands and I bought Explosions In The Sky tickets here once.. which I was very excited about. A plus side is that you don't get hit with the ticket fees either. Daddy Kool's is a must see if you love music and you happen to be in downtown St.Pete. read more

Daddy Kool Records - Outside of Daddy Kool's - Vinyl Records Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

Can't wait for Daddy Kool Records to open in their new location in the Warehouse Arts District on Record Store Day (4-13-19)!

This is hard to write, but let me start by saying a few great things about Daddy Kool. They're location is great, while parking isn't great, the store is in a great spot for foot traffic and to hang around the block. The older owner is the nicest guy in the world and always will take the time to talk to you if he's in the shop to break down concerts, tell old stories or just have a laugh. Now comes the hard part... this store seems to be dying on the vine. I don't know what's happened to the staff over the last few months, but it's really bad now. I walked in yesterday to see two girls completely ignore me as the played on their phones behind the counter. The third young gentlemen was just sitting complaining about his friends as they watched me stroll by and never pick up their heads. I was stunned as in the past this had never happened there, but more and more it's been happening as I go in. I looked through the records multiple times for a certain artist. The young man walked past me twice and never said, "hello" or "do you need help?" Just ignored me as he went to the back to get food. I then watched an older man buy tickets at the front counter as a Christmas present for someone. He was nice and asked a few questions you'd expect someone buying a gift they know nothing about. The girl was okay with him, but mostly kept her answers to yes, no or I think so. Sadly as soon as he walked out the "Too Cool For School" girl behind the counter spent four minutes complaining about how, "gross" he was and felt "sad for him." I was so put off I almost said something, but figured it wasn't my place and the manager would see this eventually. I've been going to Daddy Kool for ten years. I write that to say this... the selection has dropped off measurably! Dig through the stacks and you'll see what feels like tombstones of artists they once carried. There was a time when even the smallest act that just came through town had two records in the shop. I went in for an act that I had tickets to see and wanted to pair it with a record as a present for my wife, keep in mind the act is playing five blocks down the street in three days... NOTHING! It's JAW DROPPING how the records available now are just the commercial bands like Metallica and Twenty One Pilots mixed in with whomever the girl behind the counter likes that you never heard of. There's always been kind of an order or niche to the record stores in St. Pete... Bananas is for every record ever made and has EVERYTHING, but picks and chooses its new release vinyl. Planet Retro is for the Punk, Bootleg and Classic Rock stuff and Daddy Kool was for the first releases, all the stuff you knew came out on Friday or that band no one else had that just came out with a record, Daddy Kool had it. Now... Daddy Kool is just my last resort to check for a new album only if Amazon is sold out and that's only because most of the time Daddy Kool doesn't have stuff by opening acts anymore. So, I checked the bins, really unimpressed unless I wanted Ride The Lightning (which there's always three of) and decided to suck it up and ask the girls. Here we go... Me: Do you have Barns Courtney? Girl: Who's that? Me: He's kind of a new singer songwriter. Girl: I don't know who he is. Me: He's in town Friday, would he be in a certain section? Girl: if it's not rap it's over there in alphabetical order. Me: Thanks Girl: (going back into her phone) Uh Huh... I mean WOW! Sorry to bother you. So I took the hint and figured maybe they'd get my message if I just walked out, but I don't think they did. Listen... I get places have bad employees and more importantly good employees that have bad days. I can remember there was a Daddy Kool kid with glasses and his hat on backwards all the time that was AWESOME and talkative about any kind of music as soon as you walked in. There was a girl with red hair that was always behind the counter and chipper and loaded you up with stickers and made comments about your album when you checked out. There's just this weird vibe there now. Like going to see your grandma at a nursing home after you come back from college and last time you saw her was summer and she was cooking you your favorite cookies in her childhood house. I don't know... I still go in once a month. I used to go once a week, but it seems the reasons to go have faded. Daddy Kool was an institution of downtown St. Pete, but it's feeling more and more that it's fading away like the rest of that block and will soon be a Gourmet Taco shop if this keeps up. There was a real point in time up to about a year ago where Park Ave in Orlando and Daddy Kool fought it out for best record store in Florida. Maybe one day soon that will happen with a culture change at DK. read more

Love Daddy Kool...best staff, best selection, super organized, and they care about their customers by taking the highest precautions to keep us and them safe during the pandemic. Favorite vinyl store around! read more

A great independent record store along the Pinellas Trail. I enjoy browsing the used records and have found some good deals. Staff is friendly and helpful and quite knowledgeable about many music genres. Definitely a must do if you have family in town or are biking the Trail. read more

When I was in there with my hub, some local artist was in there trying to sell their stuff. This place is awesome as I heard that they support local artist by selling their stuffs for them and not taking a cut! That's all we are about! Support local artist with whole heart! This place is great! read more

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I've been going here since mid 2016 and it's easily one of the best record shops I've ever been to. Staff is usually always cool, and Manny is a really nice guy. I come in all the time with my friends and one of us always manages to find something to add to our collections. This is definitely a shop you wanna check out since they have a wide variety of pop punk, classic rock, hip hop/rap, alternative, and a great selection of used records. My only wish for DK is if they added more indie rock and pop. It's almost impossible to find bands like Boy Pablo, The Buttertones, Hot Flash Heat Wave, The Magic Gang, and No Vacations for example. Some indie flavors would really be great to see added in the store since I don't wanna use amazon to compete against them. read more

Kick ass store. I don't collect or buy vinyl but their merch goes beyond to include cd's and even this thing I remember called cassettes. Great variety of music, cool employees and interesting knick-knacks to be found. Music hounds should make a trip in for sure. Cheers. read more

This record shop is rad! It's a small layout, but that isn't a mark against them. They manage to stock all of the relevant items that you'd want without a sh!t-ton of those Asian toys that litter so many other record stores. It's about the music man! A good assortment of used vinyl at really good prices. Many of their albums were under $3. That's like thrift store cheap! The staff is cool too. They actually help you out. This store is across the street from State Theater, and next door to Local 662, a busy music venue. I'll be back here again on my next trip to St. Pete. read more

Best. Record. Store. Want cool music and NEED some vinyl? Check out Daddy Kool. Long a mainstay in the area, with an owner who has literally made the live music scene pop for 30 years (gawds I'm old...) Daddy Kool has survived where Alternative Record and Vinyl Fever did not. Go. Shop. Spend Money. Support an important business. read more

I love the 'new' Daddy Kool Records! The new location is a little harder to find than the old one, but it's definitely worth the effort. The big, expansive store has plenty of merchandise, but still has lots of 'room to breathe." They have a nice range of formats (vinyl, CDs, DVDs, even tapes I think) and other merch like posters, cups and t shirts. I especially liked the $5 table of CDs. Often if you look at a record store's $1 or $2 table, it's full of artist you've never heard of. DK's $5 table is the opposite; so full of good choices, it's hard to decide. I ended up buying a live ELP two disc set. I also got a good, fair price on some vinyl I sold (same experience at the old location, by the way.) The place is clean and well lit, and the staff is, well....kool. Highly recommended! read more

Let me start off by saying that I feel that the record shop scene in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay areas is a bit lacking. Now, I don't mean that as any slight to the area or those who are fighting the good fight to keep it alive but I would be lying if I said any store in the area really jumped out at me as being special, Daddy Kool included. I have been visiting the St. Petersburg area for the majority of my life but it was only recently that I found out that this place existed and after visiting a nearby museum, I decided to give Daddy Kool a whirl. The first thing that struck me was how indifferent the guy behind the counter seemed to be about me being there, even though I was the only one in the shop the entire time I was there. The second thing I noticed is how ridiculous some of their prices where. I'm not sure if this is due to the fact that they have no real competition or people in the area are just willing to pay more for records, but most of the stuff I found here I could get for at least $4 less at home. On the upside however, and the reason I gave Daddy Kool a three star review, is the store is clean and well organized. It is a spacey store so there is no squeezing into areas to check out music and it is well lit as well so you don't have to kill your eyes trying to read the fine print. Lastly, it is a store trying to carry on a tradition that seems to be going the way of the Buffalo in St. Petersburg. UPDATE 6/27/12: I recently revisited St. Petersburg and gave Daddy Kool another shot, and boy did they pass with flying colors! The indifferent employee at the counter? Gone. Replaced with a super friendly gentlemen, who even gave me 10% off when I showed him my college ID. High prices? Still existent, but more available cheaper records seem to have been introduced as well. I ended up spending about $40 or $50 dollars here and walked away with about four records. I am definitely glad I gave Daddy Kool another chance. I will most definitely be returning here in the future. Keep up the good work! read more

Came in to sell some old records I've had for quite sometime but wanted to let go of them due to a move. I sold probably over 30 records of various genre to them in one visit. I did my research on the records before I went to sell them and I feel like they gave me a fair price. I didn't have much time to browse around the store but they do have a large selection of records and cds. I definitely recommend bringing your records here if you would like to sell them and want a fair deal. Didn't catch the guys name unfortunately but he was bald and very nice. It was a smooth and easy experience go by and check them out. read more

Daddy Kool is a great little shop. It's a great place to pick up some new music, some sort of weird toy thingie or pick up a concert ticket. Why I go there: there's tons of vinyl! The selection is categorized well, there's an amazing 7" section, a great variety of artists and genres, etc. The staff is very helpful giving recommendations and helping you find things. If they don't have something, they will try to order it for you. Very nice of them. The minor downside: You can sometimes find better deals elsewhere, but it is a close and convenient record store with an awesome selection. I'm okay with paying a few bucks more. read more

This is an Eclectic store with a wide variety of media. They have comic books paperback books adult coloring books vital records CDs and cassette tapes. The employees here are amazing! They're very knowledgeable about their products and go out of their way to be helpful. Vicky helped me the last two times I was in the store. She remembered me and what I was looking for. I love shopping here! read more

Daddy Kool Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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I enjoy this place simply because they offer an alternative to buying tickets at the venue or online. Their service fees are typically less and the people working there are helpful and friendly. read more

Made the trip across the bridge into St. Pete. I've heard great things about Daddy Kool for some time now, and was not disappointed. Super selection of music. I could browse the store for hours finding albums that I didn't know existed on vinyl. Very nice and friendly staff. I will most definitely be back! read more

Love Daddy Kool Records. If they don't have it in stock they will order it for you. Great service

Amazing selection to choose from. Tons of different genres. I found a lot of my favorite bands that aren't normally at your local record shop! I spent over an hour browsing since it was very easy and organized to find records!!! Also lots of good sales! read more

Great store, has a ton of new and used records. I collect singles and they also had a huge selection of 7in vinyl. Will return!