Ran by prejudice imbeciles. My first time going here, I wanted to listen to a record we noticed that the needle was missing. My boyfriend and I go up to the front and kindly ask if we could listen to a record and the ignorant employee with the gray hair stated only if we wanted to buy that record. He repeated this ignorant statement three times to us. How will I know if I want to buy it if I haven't heard it? It is no longer the 90s we have streaming nowadays I could've just looked this up on my phone but to be respectful I opted for the record player. The employee said I'd have to give him my drivers license in exchange for the needle. I did so, I listened to the record it did not please me. I took the needle off went back up to the front and retrieve my license. We then continued to look around for other records but that experience totally threw me off to the point where I didn't want to listen to anything else because of how rude the workers were. My boyfriend has been going there for years and encountering that was shocking. I suspect it's due to prejudice! Fortunately we love music and we did buy the records we came in there looking for. But I would never go back here again! read more

Hyde Park Records - Front - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have visited four vinyl record stores in the Chicago area and Hyde Park had the widest selection for me - Soul, Disco, House. I was there well over an hour and spent over $500 in used and new vinyl. I felt that the prices were fair based on rarity and quality of the records. There were some new 12" records that were priced bit higher than I would like so I passed on them. The young man that checked me out found me a big box for my selections so that I could easily mail them to myself. My only criticism is that there were major stacks of vinyl behind the counter that hadn't been put out for sale yet. I had a fear of missing out there! I will definitely be back on my next visit to Chicago. This place is a staple for Hyde Park. read more

Went to Hyde Park Records to unload some of my vinyl albums. Due to my basement flooded so I needed the room for so remodeling. What an excellent place this is. Very friendly staff, they're very knowledgeable about their music. So if you have vinyl records you need to part with I definitely recommend them, they're very fare on pricing. read more

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Service was cool. Selection was out of this world. It was nostalgic walking through this record store. I had to buy something! The Jet Beauty of the week made me think back to some great memories. The prices were reasonable to purchase little pieces of history. Highly recommend this on your tour or visit to Chicago. It's been said that there was a scene in the movie 'Love Jones' that was filmed here. These were the good ole days. read more

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BOMB location, fun place, lots to dig through, TECHNIC 1200s for playback in HOUSE WITH HOUSE RECORDS RIGHTS NEXT TO IT! I found a cross country pimping DVD here LOL, rare and never to find anywhere else so worth it for that $5 ALONE. I even got a good Dusty Groove old school style price here for a few records, they buy. $10 HOLLA! I'm RICH! But then I spent half, so is the capitalist "game." This is in the bustling Hyde Park that is probably like Castlevania II. The freaks come out and night and you betta hyde yo kids hyde yo wife when the sun goes down. REVERSE SUN DOWN TOWN!!! Come for the records leave for the peace! Decent sandwich shop next to here Club 53, a cool shop next to it where people set up shop old school style outside Stamp' Lays Executive Shop which is cool for clothes. This area is VINTAGE for now, because a TRASH Wingstop opened up next door and gentrification of COOKIE CUTTER TRASH CULTURE is there as it is everywhere in the cheapening capitalist avoidant attachment run world. Don't get it twisted the overall population of status quo avoidant attachment parents could NEVER raise good kids so their kids will end up worse hence meaning society is in it's accelerated downfall. But "WHAT ME WORRY?!! " 0 F's given as I have no stock in it as I funnily hear avoidant attachment friends put on what they do, their FAKE AF mask of care thinking about "their kids." LOL at that and their avoidant attachment BS effort in life, love, and relationships as they can never truly do those things so their results in their own life and their kids and their overall relationships will be TRASH. Until then, go support and enjoy rare and slowly dissappearing places like Hyde Park Records an the surrounding area. read more

This place has been going downhill since I first bought from them in ~2007. They used to be great, but past few times I've bought from them the selection isn't what it used to be, records are routinely overpriced way over market, and generally misgraded. Expect a record they say is near mint to have multiple marks and scratches on it, and to play with repeating pops, but still priced at higher than normal prices. When you try to bring it up with them, they're beyond rude. Just look at their responses to other reviews to get a sense of the customer service, straight up unhinged. Tons of better options in Chicago. read more

Great place! My teenaged son was in heaven. If you're a vinyl connoisseur and near Chicago, this is a must! read more

Hyde Park Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Do Not Shop Here! This Man ( The Owner) Kicked My Service Dog! Only because the camera angle could not see on the floor is the only reason he is not in Jail my hand to god it happened. This owner is a evil man. Being kicked out of Hyde Park Records on 53rd was a jarring experience, to say the least. It started innocently enough--I was outside flipping through crates of records, enjoying the hunt for that perfect vinyl gem. After finding one I wanted to purchase, I strolled inside the store to pay for it. That's when things took a turn. I was informed that dogs weren't allowed in the store, despite my companion being a registered service animal with a visible ID tag. My attempts to explain fell on deaf ears. Instead of a civil resolution, I found myself confronted by the owner, who not only refused to acknowledge my situation but also attempted to snatch the record from my hand. As if that wasn't distressing enough, the situation escalated quickly. I was subjected to verbal abuse, accused of being mentally ill, and relentlessly followed around the store. Each corner felt like a trap, and I could feel panic creeping in. Despite my pleas, the owner and their staff showed no compassion, instead choosing to escalate the situation further. The climax came when my dog was kicked--an act of cruelty that I couldn't comprehend. I remained non-aggressive throughout, even handing over the money for the record despite the chaos around me. Eventually, I was left with no choice but to wait for the police. Thankfully, the authorities were able to review the security footage, confirming my account of the events and aggressive behavior. Yet, the emotional toll lingers. The blatant disregard for my rights as a person with a disability, the cruelty towards my service animal, and the verbal assault I endured are scars that won't easily fade. It's disheartening to think that in this day and age, some still believe they have the right to discriminate and mistreat others based on their own misguided rules. My hope is that by speaking out about my experience, it serves as a reminder that compassion and understanding should always prevail over ignorance and hostility. After reading the reviews, I had no idea the type of place i was walking into...I now see this is not just a one time thing. He does this all the time. I have a police report and I am reporting him to ADA & DOJ. My review is very real. read more

PLEASE DO NOT SHOP HERE (unless they change owners) this man is extremely rude, and a horrible person. im at a loss of words from my experience at this store. i was kicked out for browsing the store. i was nothing but polite and respectful to the owner, and he snatched something out of my hands that was not labeled (do not touch) or (not for sale) and kicked me out. i asked a coworker (who turned out to be his son) if he owned the place and he reluctantly said yes. the owner said "haha you can't escalate it" i told the owner that i was a regular customer, and that my family was as well, and he replied i don't care. and put his hands on me in an attempt to remove me from the store. mind you this was all because i looked at a book that was not for sale, yet it was not labeled. please do not support this establishment. read more

Hyde Park Records - store owner (rudest man on earth) - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Have tons of old school records and cd's. Takes you back when you were younger when music had sooooo much more meaningful lyrics read more

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i bought baduizm and the minute I got home and played it the vinyl was very scratchy and skipping parts of the song

The service was nice, steady and patient. The selection was over the moon, and they have music that me and my parents love. The value was excellent for people who are on a tight budget. read more

I love this place like real talk I go every week it's good to have these classics n my collection I was happy to find this place because I wasn't eBen looking for it I was just driving to my home i appreciate it so much read more

Great record shop! Stopped in here the other day with my girlfriend after we had breakfast in Hyde Park. We decided we haven't been record hunting lately and popped in here. The store seems small when you walk in but they have a great selection of rock, soul, blues, jazz and house records. They have a great amount of CDs and DVDs as well. Pricing here is fair and I've definitely happy with my nearly perfect Purple Rain record that I purchased for $15. The Southside lacks in it's record stores but Hyde Park Records is the exception! read more

My daughter was listening to records today on one of the turntables in the back. As a DJ myself, she knows exactly what she is doing. She is also 18. One of the guys there (with an accent) told her that she cannot listen to the records that she was checking out. The problem is that she knows to listen to the condition of a record prior to purchasing. Also, there are two turntables, so there should not have been a problem. I called them to tell them about this incident and the guy with the accent talked over me telling me that he wouldn't discuss it with me because i was not there and to come in if i have a problem. Hyde Park records has gone down, and I know this, but THIS is petty. I will not be patronizing this place and I will be spreading the word to everyone i know. it's a shame that they would treat someone like that. Just insane. The other reviews are correct - they have horrific customer service and do not seem to appreciate the patrons. read more

HPR, you have everything I want. It's too bad I moved six states away. My wife, and my bank account are now happier, but I miss digging through your racks, finding a record I've been looking for for ages, and then celebrating next door with a large plate of rib tips. I suggest a Hype Park East record shop.. maybe in Cambridge. read more

It pains me to write this review, but Hyde Park Records is a mere shadow of it's former self. Years ago you could find some real gems at great prices. Unfortunately all good things eventually come to an end. I continued to support the shop over the years, but found myself going less and less often. The reason? There are many more selections to be browsed, but the condition of the vinyl has gotten worse and worse. To add insult to injury, the prices on these very same records kept going higher. I mean I get that some records demand a fair amount, but that is usually comparable to their playing condition. If the record has scratches or skips that immediately takes their worth down. I say this to warn everyone - be sure to listen to your records BEFORE purchase. On this particular day I did purchase a fairly rare vinyl record and, visually, it looked fairly clean minus a small "dent" in the wax (which I took to be a manufacturing defect). Upon playing it at home I noticed the loud "crackles" running throughout the background. On top of that I found a large, rusty screw inside the bottom of the jacket! This was probably the cause of the dent on the surface of the record. I am not sure how they are storing their records, but this would be unacceptable at almost any other vinyl shop. Also a vinyl record with so much background noise should have been priced much lower regardless of rarity. This is definitely not the Hyde Park Records of old. The people that used to work there were friendly and greeted you as you came into the door. The current employees just stand around and won't speak until it's checkout time. It takes very little effort to just smile and say hello. The cold reception certainly isn't welcoming. In conclusion you may be able to find a hidden gem during your visit here, but there is a high chance that the condition is sub par at best and unplayable at worst. For the price they are asking for their records I say save yourself a trip and look elsewhere. read more

One of the last best record stores we have in Chicago. They have responsible priced items. U can find records as low as $.99 there. U can actually be there for hours without realizing it. They have a decent selection of DVDs; some are as low as $2 each. It's always a treat to see & touch vinyl. Here u will not be disappointed. The staff are ok but today they had 2 friendly associates there. Always an eclectic crowd. Viva vinyl!!!! read more

Hyde Park Records - Records!!!!! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I would have giving this place five stars but the two men working there today had very bad attitudes, weren't friendly or helpful AT ALL... With that being said this place rocks. Why am I just finding this gold mind? Man I was in 7th heaven and got some great finds. Man talk about a great birthday present. From jazz to gospel pop to hip hop they have it all! Vinyl is my one love but they have CD's comic books magazines erethang! I can't wait to go back. If music soothes your soul like it does mine you should visit this place and I'm sure you will find what you love! Hopefully when you go and I go back the customer service will be better. read more

Went back here after having late lunch in the area. Today they had a whole bunch of used CDs near the register area for $1.00. Was happy as I found several CDs to add to my collection. Didn't see much in the rest of the store except the bargain DVD wall where I found a travel series for a really good price. Definitely worth the trip today as I found some great stuff to add to my collection. read more

Visited this shop a few months ago, got a cold "welcome" from the front desk staff. I smiled at them, I got looks like I am not welcome. I felt super uncomfortable the whole time I browsed here, and would not ever return. read more

If spending top $$$$ for garbage records that are completely unlistenable is your thing, then this spot is for you! Many better record shops in the city who actually have integrity in their product and respect for their customers. Stopped in about 20 minutes before they closed and picked up a couple 45's assuming they did some sort of quality control before pricing their albums. Some roots reggae priced at $4.99 per 7". Came home to find the records unlistenable, terribly scratched and horrible quality. I returned to the store a week later with the receipt and records explaining they were unlistenable and asking to exchange them for something of equal value. The (owner?) refused to exchange them and told me I should have listened to them before purchasing. I explained to him they were about to close so I didn't have the time to listen before purchasing. He proclaimed this was my fault and still refused to exchange the records. Mind you, I was looking to exchange them, not for my money back. And I would have happily purchased more (after checking their quality this time) and continued to be a customer. Terrible way to run a business in my opinion. I will never be back and I advise you to stay away. I gave the owner a chance to make things right, he did not. I'm down $10. He's down my business and many others after I spread the word. His loss. Always a fan of supporting local business but this establishment does not deserve that support. read more

Highly recommended Chicago record shop. Great selection and fair prices. A lot of great Soul, RnB, and Jazz. New arrivals section was full of used gems in great shape. I will make it a point to continue to support this establishment. read more

Pretty good selection of rock and pop, excellent selection of soul and jazz. Records are rated fairly and usually quite reasonably priced. (Note: I'm not sure about cds since I haven't looked at those). About the only complaint I have is I found a number of dirty records. Not that this is terrible, but the fact that you have to put the work in on cleaning them yourself in a good number of cases drops the rating from 5 to 4 stars. Other than that, this place is pretty cool. read more

I used to shop at this place at least twice a month and always find fantastic stuff. Lately it seems like nothing worthwhile is hitting the floor anymore. I'm told the new owner is shipping everything overseas now. Whether this is true or not, the fact remains that the store is a poor shell of itself. read more

There are so many better record stores in the city of Chicago, especially with better staff and prices. I have had a number of bad and surprising experiences at Hyde Park Records and generally avoid going there even though we have a substantial record collection that is constantly being expanded. They do not like when you mention any other record store to any patrons while you're there (how weird is that? Where's the record community love?). I have been reprimanded by a man behind the counter for suggesting K Starke or Beverly to the person who was trying to get rid of a trunkful of records... after HPR refused to take any of them. Now they seem to think that they own the listening environment not only IN the store, but OUTSIDE as well. They now regularly set up really crappy speakers to play mediocre music at a loud volume outside the entrance. I'm sorry, but if you're trying to sell records then you should really invest in a decent set of speakers that don't crinkle the bass and warp the high end. It just sounds like a teenager from the 90s playing his boombox too loud to annoy the neighbors. The selection is okay, but nothing you can't find anywhere else if you get your fingers dusty. And what happened to all the classical stuff? And how does the same record labeled with the same condition and the same pressing have 3 different prices when I find it in different spots in the store? Lastly, the listening station is pretty awful and located in an awkward place right at the front of the store. read more

Hyde Park Records, do not ever go away. I love you. You're small, so I feel like you're mine. You're unpretentious, thank you. You have records for ninety-nine cents. And you smell fantastic, like an attic full of treasures. read more

Hyde Park Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

BEST shop in Chicago, hands down! I always leave with a stack big enough to make me wonder if I'm gonna have enough room in my luggage to bring it all home. A good problem to have. read more

What a great record store! Vinyl, Tapes, CDs, Publications, Books, etc all related to music. Very vast soul sections and old Ebony and Jet magazines for sell makes for an inspiring visit. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable and if you don't mind digging you can find some gems in the .99 cent bins. read more

Hyde Park Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A great resource for when you're on the south side and feel like hitting the bins. Prices can go a little high here, and I came on a really cold day and they had the door wide open with no heater running- seemed a little less than ideal for sticking around a while, because it was freezing and my fingers couldn't even flip through the stacks. Anyway, it's got a really good selection. I'm going to visit again on a warmer day. read more

Was in Hyde park to check out some architecture... stopped into Hyde Park Records to crate dig. Left with a stack of tasty wax that's keeping my Technics turnin' Highly recommended. Thanks! read more

I never thought I'd find another record store as cool (and diverse) as my collegetown record store... But I did. As soon as I walked in I felt like I was back at home. I must've killed about an hour or so roaming the aisles, inspecting every section thoroughly. They even have a leg up on the competition with an extensive, inexpensive DVD section. What ended up purchasing was a CD that I hadn't been able to find ANYWHERE else in store. I left with a big grin on my face, knowing I'd found a great deal. I was so impressed, in fact, that I brought a friend back with me a couple hours later. My friend was really familiar with the store, as he had grown up in this area. Hyde Park Records, you've got a fan. read more

HPR is a great shop with a deep selection of Jazz, Soul, Rock, House, and Disco. The clerk was really helpful, and knew exactly where to find what I was looking for. Selection has always been deep and eclectic, i've been coming here for 10 years, and miss the wacky artwork on the walls. They have lots of in-store performances and dj's which is very cool. Prices are high on some things, more or less high end discogs prices. Sure they have a dollar bin, but you get what you pay for there. I found a great LP i'd been looking for, bit the bullet on vg+/nm vinyl for $30. Sure the new reissue is half the price, but it's nice to support a local business and pick up an original press at the same time. Lots of 12"s in the house bins were $10 and up. There is plenty to find though if you spend the time to look. It was funny in a sad way seeing young kids come in and get bored and leave. I know there are young heads out there, this is a great spot to start your vinyl collection... read more

I like this record store a lot. It's very convenient to where I live and they have a strong selection. Their pricing is very fair. The staff is very helpful and friendly. I've had them order CDs for me if they didn't have it in stock or weren't originally planning on getting it on the release day. Make sure you check out the shelves under the CD racks- there are some great, cheap finds there. I've found some rare, out of print stuff for $5. Just don't tell them. read more

Great store, selection was great, and the staff was friendly. I don't drop by this area often, but I'd gladly come back when in the area again. Beats going to Dr. Wax, if that's still in Hyde Park anymore(though I thought all of them went out of business). They have a 2 for $5 CD section, so I enjoyed finding 2 albums there I'd always wanted to listen to(Serj Tarkinan's(sp?) of System of a Down's solo album, and Primitive Radio Gods). Looks like they had a turntable, if you want to listen to a record before you buy one. I'll investigate the vinyl selection, next time I return. read more

First of all let me say one thing I love supporting community businesses, especially record shops and cafes . But this place was an absolute disaster , I couldn't get any answers from the staff , they knew where nothing was they just told me it's all kind of mixed up , I asked for a specific album to see if they had it and without even help me look for the album they both said we don't have it , lo and behold 20 minutes later I found four copies of it . I came in to grab a couple of cassettes and there was piles of framed artwork that looks like it was found in the alley covering all of the shelving on the lower ends and he said " just move the artwork somewhere else" first of all I don't work here that's your job and the lazy staff. I will never attempt shopping here again. One thing I don't like doing is leaving bad reviews but maybe you guys need to hear it that you need to be a little more organized and helpful to customers . Also you might want to clean up the place it almost looks like a storage facility packed with junk. At least put a smile on your face read more

We give Hyde Park Records 5 stars! So many great albums to choose from. The staff people were attentive and friendly. We'll be back. read more

Hyde Park Records - Great choices! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A fine fine record store, on par with most in the city. A good selection of used and new vinyl and CDs, both reasonably priced. Free pins. Cheap and cute Hyde Park Records and WHPK t-shirts. Some used and new DVDs, both music- and nonmusic-oriented. Friendly and helpful staff without a shred of preteniousness. It doesn't seem as if they specialize in any particular genre. They definitely cover the 'indie' stuff well, be it hip-hop or bubblegum. And they have most all the mass market stuff too. Basically, they do their best to cover all the bases, and they do a damn fine job. A gem! read more

I love their Jazz section. Decent selection, multiple price points. No high-ball price tags. The $0.99 area is awesome and vast. A great place to start out if you're looking to create a collection of vinyl. I also love the atmosphere . . . Keep around, Hyde Park Vinyl! read more

GREAT record store. They had everything I was looking for. I was after a few indie rock CDs, but it looked like they had a good selection of genres on CD and vinyl. Nice guys working there and a comfy environment. Free buttons too. read more