Awesome, eclectic, expansive selection of various physical mediums, but mostly vinyls! This shop feels like your uncle or grandpas basement in the best way possible. It's cozy, it's inviting, and it's for music lovers. All different types of genres and decades of music. I popped in while waiting for my artist at Chicago Tattooing to finish their previous client. Ended up with 2 new vinyls for my collection! Very reasonable prices!!! Support Goovin High! read more

Groovin High - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A game changer for us now wanting to sit outside for RSD. I usually get most/all I want and he opens earlier than any other locations.

I have lived in Chicago for 9 years and worked on Belmont 2 of them, as well as in the area for 4 years. I love the mystery of this place as I have NEVER EVER ONCE SEEN IT OPEN. EVER. Someone explain the mystery. Does anyone know who owns it? Are they alive and well? What an intriguing, beautiful, place. read more

There is one huge problem with this place that I'm amazed nobody has mentioned before, one that makes me NEVER want to go back. And that is, the bins are so danged stuffed that YOU CANNOT FLIP THROUGH THE RECORDS!!! Seriously, in order to scan through a bin, you need to pull each record out individually part way to even see what the title is. This makes record browsing, which normally is an enjoyable thing to do, a frustrating slog. Impossible. Forget it. read more

Incredible old school record shop. Been in business for years, against all odds. Opens whenever he feels like it...literally on the sign. Owner Joe is wonderful, full of stories and his love of music is an inspiration. read more

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Guy who owns this place is totally rude, sad to say. Other reviewers are right that he never sticks to his posted hours, so screw this place. Check out other stores instead such as Reckless on Broadway. Dave's Records is also worth a look, on Clark south of Diversey. If you're into house or dance/EDM music, check out Gramaphone on Clark north of Diversey, and ditto for Bob's Blues & Jazz Mart(operated by the old Jazz Record Mart owner) on Irving Park west of Kimball. And RIP to Deadwax, which used to operate on Lincoln inbetween Grace and Irving Park. read more

I first found this place last summer and felt like I walked into a gem. I loved the dvd selection, the prices, the music and the owner seemed friendly. That's about all the good things I can say about this place. It seems every time I want to go to the place it is always closed for some ridiculous reason. One time I went and there was a note saying he was too stressed from tax season to come in. Other times there were various sporting events he would rather watch than be at work. I tried to return a dvd I bought there that didn't work right and it took a month to even find the place open again. If you go there in the middle of the day there is a good chance it won't be open. The hours are unpredictable and subject to his whim. When I finally did return it I was sneered at. Not so friendly. Groovin' High is first on my list of places to never go again. Bad service one time is reason for me to never go back but I guess it won't matter since it's hardly ever open anyway. read more

A record hunters must-see shop in Chicago. If you are in the area, and this shop is open (apparently the hours the owner keeps are hit and miss). Not much going on here for used records, and the real gem here is the clearance bin to your left as you walk in. You'll find a ton of indie bands at 20-50% off, making most records anywhere from 8.50 - 14 bucks for a new album (Jack White / Blunderbuss was a nice find in this stack). If you can put up with the weird hours, this place has it going on. Maybe call ahead first to make sure it is open. read more

I love Groovin' High. There are no records shop left out there :( There's a diverse collection of music, fair prices - $12-ish for a new cd, but I do like the bargain bin! There were some cheap good finds. Places like this are a dying breed and the guy that runs the place is extremely helpful. They've held cds for me when I've called ahead of time and I like to kill time just browsing. I think it's a cool place, it's just too bad I don't take the el as much as I used to. I would always stop here on my way home. read more

Its shocking to find a music store that is a throwback to the day when people who worked in such a place actually know something about music, in all genres. And, overhearing conversations with other customers, is willing to go out of his way to look for stuff that you like, now or in the future, and knows everything in his entire collection. Not the greatest classical selection but still better than most chain stores out there. And someone that hand writes all their bills out for purchases...makes me feel warm and at home in the days when there was personal attention and actual authenticity to salesmen, ESPECIALLY in the music business. Can't get that anywhere else in Chicago that I know. read more

Are they ever open? Honestly I've lived here since last October and walk by it almost everyday never seen it open once. Did the guy who owns it die and collapse behind the counter? Has anyone who lives in the apartments on top smelled anything strange? Like a dead body? Honestly what's the deal with this place? read more

If you're tired of getting the glaring eye when you approach the counter with your Rush LP's, come enjoy the laid-back vibe of Groovin' High. I came in here on the last day of his annual November sale, and all used vinyl in the store was 50% off. I made off with old Columbia mono pressings of Louis Armstrong's Hot Five and Hot Seven collections in near mint condition for $6. My roommate got an old German import of Led Zeppelin I, practically brand new, for $12. That is an absolute steal. The selection isn't mind-blowing, but perusing the new arrivals boxes can yield some potentially great results. The prices are mostly very reasonable. A few steeply priced items here and there, but this guy knows what he has. You won't see worthless USA-only Beatles LP's with outrageous price tags on them. The owner is a big part of why I love this place. All throughout my time in the shop, he was walking around the floor, telling people who just walked in about the sale that day. When you have a question, he answers it as best he can, with obvious enthusiasm. When you have a musical anecdote, he shares his too and encourages you to check out such-and-such band or artist he thinks you might like. This guy clearly loves music and loves sharing it with others. Go buy a record from him. read more

This place is a joke. I had read that the hours were a little bit strange but thought I'd try anyway. I went out of my way twice to check this place out, and each time the door was locked and the lights were out. There is plenty of competition in terms of record stores in Chicago, so this guy seems to want to alienate customers and lose business. read more

My first stop in here was great. The guy was REALLY friendly, there was great deals on used DVDs (although those prices are nearing prices for new DVDs) and a great selection, although prices on music were a bit steep. Now, you'd think that things would change after people complain about the same thing over and over again, but the guy continues to have irratic hours. He should do everyone a favor and simply not POST hours. He must not need this shop to make a living because Bruno is right, he has to lose SO much business. It's frustrating, especially in this weather. Of the last six times I've gone by here, he has closed early or not opened at all five times. You wonder which little sign you'll get today. "Sorry, enjoying the winter break!" "Closed early today!" Come on, man. You're a great guy. Just stay open and stick to your hours, post different hours, or don't post your hours at all. read more

This is also one of the best places to find new and used vinyl, the owner always says hello and knows everything in the store and if he has it, if he doesn't and its an available record there is a good chance you will see it pop up in there in a week or two, sometimes there are some weird hours but hey he is an owner operator he's gotta take care of his own world too... it seems like every time im in there i end up in a conversation of music with the guy, and i always find what i need want or find something that is killer... i went in and had a conversation about the black keys and he only had one album from them at the time and he was a fan for sure but then the next week there was all that they have on vinyl in stock and ready for me to buy, only i had to buy some waits, and cash and one black keys album and not all that i wanted. well what more can i say... go here, oh and they have cd's too if you don't do vinyl... read more

I really do love this place. However, Groovin' does lose a star due to the unpredictable hours. Often times, the not posted on the door informing you they are closed would leave you feeling bad for getting mad. Example: "Hanging out with the Wife, see you tomorrow!" I actually saw that sign once, how could you be made for something so sweet? Anyway, the guy who runs (owns?) the place is absolutely awesome. He's always ready for some friendly conversation and to compliment your purchases (if they deserve compliment, that is). Always a good selection of vinyl to be found in great condition, and they seem to have a bunch of CDs. This is, so far, my favorite music, 'nuff said. read more

I'm already looking forward to Groovin my way back here. Apparently I got lucky and managed to stop in during one of the elusive open times but was pretty impressed with the selection and range of music. Good selection of new releases, vinyl reissues and most of the used stuff isn't in absolutely decrepit condition like most places. Unlike Reckless Records they actually have a hip hop section and while it isn't huge there is a good mix of old school stuff with some more recent hip hop. Additionally the owner is a nice guy. Obviously I think you go to any record store for the selection more than the staff but he is a nice guy who isn't pretentious about music. Answered my questions regarding an artist he had put on and was very loquacious about the material. Again, a great store. Was glad to spend more time restraining myself from spending $100 than pouring over whether or not to drop $20 on a record I just "kind of" want like I do at other stores. read more

Finally was able to visit Groovin High Inc. I've been trying to go for over a year, but it's never been open during the times I've walked by. I totally respect the owner's rights to set his own hours, but it's the only thing that stops me from giving them 5 stars. I'm sure there are plenty of music fans that would be willing to help run it during the week. Hell, I'd run it on nights and weekends if he'd let me! Other than that - this is a collector and music fan's dream shop. After my shock and excitement died down from the place actually being open, I was amazed at the vinyl selection. I walked out with three incredibly rare items, all out of print but all records I've been craving to listen to on vinyl. The owner and I chatted about my purchases, as well as Record Store Day, and I left with a high that one only experiences after finding records of which you've scavenged dozens of stores. read more

The owner, whose name I believe is Joe, is just a joy to talk to about music, records, the industry, etc. I have tried to go out of my way many times to buy from him. BUT.... The guy's never open! I walk by there to get to the train and back each morning, and I'm not joking, he isn't open more than 20% of the time during the weekdays. Weekends are always busy and a good crowd, and it's not like I don't understand shutting down a few days a week if he's the only employee, but you can't just ignore the store hours. Just make sure you call ahead and you'll be fine read more

Like several other reviewers I walked to this store during the hours that it was supposed to be open and it was closed. How can a record store be closed at 6pm on a Saturday? Lame. Don't bother going here if you value your time. read more

Place is always closed, have stopped by early, close to closing time (according to the door) and in between and nothingggg

So happy to see this place open! My girlfriend and I went in on a whim and picked up some lps. We also struck up some great conversation with the owner about Shel Silverstein. And to top it all off, the guy gave us some complimentary Hershey bars! Can't wait to return! read more

As probably one of the neighborhood's biggest music buyers, I feel bad about not coming more often. Just this week, however, I was pleasantly surprised to find a Bowie remaster for $5 cheaper than anywhere else, along with a new hardcover of All Yesterday's Parties: The Velvet Underground In Print for half price. It's a nice little store, and the prices are good, though it could be a little better in stocking at least one copy of the best weekly new releases. People who don't have "everything" might have better luck in scanning the used stacks and finding deals. There's a surprisingly good selection of music-related books, and a decent vinyl section. read more

Groovin High - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is such a nice little record store, and the guy inside is so helpful and friendly---why did he name it the stupidest name ever? If you're in the neighborhood (don't make any special trips to come here) you might want to check out the used selection. There are some good deals and rare finds among the stacks. read more

Is this place ever open? I'm sure it's an amazing store but how would I know? I've tried coming here three different times based upon when the store hours say they're "open". The sign on the door says "Monday-Saturday 11-8pm or whenever I feel like it". The owner obviously gives no fucks. This must just be a side hobby for him/her because there's no way having that kind of apathetic attitude makes for great business. I'm done trying to give this place my business. Back to Reckless I go. read more

This place rocks. The hours are weird but the collection of records this guy has makes it worth it!

This is hands down the best record shop in the city IMO. Best selection of modern and "older" music. Wide range of genres and you can normally find the newest records there. As others have pointed out they don't have set store hours and just open "whenever he feels like it." The owner is very laid back, knowledgeable, and a great person to talk with. I had an issue with a record I bought and he let me bring it back in that day for a new one no questions asked. Only suggestion I can make is that they hire a student to work part time. Just have someone operating the register so you can open a few hours each day/week! read more

Went there at 5:30pm on a Wednesday and it was closed. Sign said open "when we feel like it."

Out of all of the records stores I've been through across town, I have to say that this is my favorite one so far. The owner is awesome and a really nice guy that you can talk to about music or probably just about anything. He's got a great collection of music filled up to the brim of this small store and he's really helpful directing you to what you're looking for or what you're browsing for. Yes, he does close his store whenever he wants to, but it's his own store so he can do whatever he wants with it, so I don't blame him. If business is slow, go ahead and close up for the night, that's the beauty of being in business for yourself. Just make sure you call him and see if he's in. He'll probably tell you he doesn't know when he'll be open until and he doesn't want to deceive you or he'll tell you he's waiting for the UPS truck and then he's closing, so go make that mad dash before the UPS truck gets there! Highly highly recommend this store! Go and check it out for yourself! read more

I might not be the hippest chick on the block when it comes to the music scene, but as far as I'm concerned GROOVIN HIGH is the shiz. For the size of the store they have a great selection. The shop owner is probably one of the coolest old guys I've ever met. He's so friggin hippy, chill that it breaks my heart. You know how you walk in to some local records stores and you feel like the owner/everyone else in the store is judging you by the music you buy? NOT HERE! This place is totally judgement free. Best Buy might have better prices, but I'm doing my music shopping at Groovin High from here on out. read more

Groovin High is owned by a guy who worked for many years at the Record Exchange in Rogers Park. This place is a gem. Go often, you may not know what you're looking for until you find it. read more

Well, I'm not a vinyl collector, but I do live right by there so I've been in a few times. All the CD's are behind the desk, and the guy that runs the place has a good knowledge of music. They always seem to have what I'm looking for, in CD's. He doesn't allow dogs though which I don't understand. He'd probably get a lot more of my business if he did allow my dog in there. read more

I love visiting this place....when it's open. This would be a 5-star review if the business hours were more reliable. The selection of both music and DVDs puts it on par with Reckless Records as a one-stop-shop for entertainment needs. The owner is awesome, and very knowledgeable about his inventory. Again, this place is great. So great that it's very disheartening to walk a few blocks out of my way to stop by....to find it closed. I've gotten in the habit of calling ahead to see if he's open. DO THAT!! read more

This is a classic record store, the kind of place you don't want to see go extinct because of iTunes, the kind of place that I'll actually leave my computer to travel to, and pay an extra dollar or two, in order to support. I love iTunes, don't get me wrong, but there's no replacement for browsing around a low-fi store, flipping through records or cds and coming across something you've wanted for a while, but keeps slipping your mind. The best reason to go here is the guy, I think his name is Joe. He may be the owner. Unlike the high school kids at Best Buy or hipsters at other record stores in town, he actually knows a ton about music. If you ask for it, he knows about it, and he can recommend other things along those lines that you might like. But unlike the classic record store guy, he's extremely friendly and helpful. Not intimidating at all. Spend your money here and help preserve one of the most charming elements of American pop culture -- the independent record store. read more

I have walked past this store at least three times a week for the last year, and have yet to see it open. Is it closed? I hope not, because it's still one of my favorite places to crate dig in the city. read more

Was super excited to try this place out for it is really close to my apartment. I've tried going there about 4 times now, and every time it has been closed. Pretty disappointed! read more

It's mainly a vinyl place which is cool. The guy in there is friendly and helpful. It's for sure worth a stop if you're walking the block.

Each time I've walked into Groovin' High, I've walked out with a disc or two. The guy behind the counter is super nice and easy to talk to about any genre of music. I've never seen any other workers in the store, so I think he's running the show solo. About a year and a half ago I picked up Fela Kuti's Music is the Weapon double disc & dvd for only $19 new. Can't beat that with a stick! If I still lived in the 'hood, I'd swing by a lot more. You never know what goodies you might find. read more

Great record store for anyone that still buys music over the counter. Joe is tops with all of his knowledge and great selection. Great place to kill hours on a Saturday afternoon. read more

A fine old school record store with a knowledgeable and helpful guy behind the counter. I just wish Groovin' High kept more reliable hours, or at least that he "felt like" being open more often. read more