This place is amazing for vinyl hunting. The downstairs shelves are packed with an surprisingly…read morecomprehensive selection. There's a lot of obscure experimental and electronic music as well as punk and indie. The location is amazing too, not far from the university on the near west side. Get a beer at Garth's to top off your digging adventure.

While a great selection, they have always been overpriced and the folks that work have usually been…read moreunfriendly in my experience. I grew up in Madison, went there for years, though no longer live in Madison (but visited back in December). I always preferred the B-side on State Street for the prices and moreover, the vibe. For used CDs however, you can find relatively good value at Strictly Discs. Their used vinyl is remarkably expensive, though again, a great selection.

I like this place starting with the name I get to explain to . . . well I'm a college professor so…read moreno one actually pays any attention to me. Comfortable lay out for a smallish store, very good selection without this fat guy feeling cramped. I'm in for the CDs, but nice vinyl options. Jazz and rock, wide range, some of everything else. Good prices, when you figure in shipping it's better than online. Plus, there's contact with human beings. Two knowledgeable sales people working when I dropped in, walking distance from the Madison Concourse or the Capitol.

A gem of a record store!!! What a selection and very welcoming vibe. A must for music lovers.read more

Groovy Wood Studio has taken the next logical step in its evolution and launched Groovy Vinyl. This…read moreis *the* place to come not just in Madison but the region for a deep dive selection of vinyl and custom reimagined stereo consoles on which to spin your wax! Current selection is from the purveyors own vault. Its why every record was placed with care and attention. When a certain Rolling Stones album was sold to a new owner it was felt. This is a passion project staffed by knowledgeable, fun, easy to talk to folks who treat you like a friend. Yours truly has proffered the idea select new vinyl be added in the future so that's among reasons to return here. The whole enterprise is a vibe and that vibes name is Groovy. Experience it for yourself. *Listen for yourself.* Yes, if you ask nicely your pending purchase may be played in a try before you buy scenario on the jukebox/vertical LP player. We get by with a little help from our friends, some might say, and you will get your satisfaction from Groovy Vinyl. P.S. While there have a chat about getting a custom built console made on which to play your new vinyl. You'll see them around the shop and it just makes good groovy sense!

I was in town visiting a friend, he had this cool old wood stereo counsel, he dropped some old…read morevinyl records and that thing it blasted out music you could feel. We had a few drinks and my buddy got to talking about the place he purchased that council, and records and we decided to head down and check it out. The owner, Steve, treated us like kings, he told great stories and helped my pick out a counsel I could ship home, and them he kicked in several free records. I couldn't believe the knowledge and hospitality. Not only will I be back, but I highly recommend you stop in if you are in Maddison. The place is unique and definitely "Groovy"!!

With some extra time in Madison between my Frank Lloyd Wright tours I figured I would check out…read moresome of the local thrift stores, luckily Agrace Thrift Store was close to my motel. Located in strip of shops I found to be Agrace to be a very nice thrift store with a good selection of upscale items. The selection of clothing is a bit limited, but they were doing work to expand the shop into the store next door. Agrace did have a nice selection of decor and home goods, including some really unique vintage items. I found a nice older Mexican wood carving that was very reasonably priced and had to buy it. Agrace is a very nice thrift store with some really good items for sale, well worth a visit to see if you can find something you like. A bit upscale, but with good prices so check them out.

This thrift store is such a hidden gem! I stopped in recently and found a few really cute pieces at…read moregreat prices. Everything was clean, organized, and easy to browse through, which made shopping such a nice experience. I love that they carry a wide range of styles and sizes, so there's something for everyone. It's also amazing knowing that the money goes toward a meaningful cause. The staff were super friendly and helpful too, which made me want to come back even more. I'll definitely be shopping here again soon, it's the perfect spot to find unique clothes while supporting something good.

Frugal Muse Books, Music, Video, Inc. was established in 1994 and has been locally owned and…read moreoperated since. DVDs, CDs, LPs, graphic novels, audio books, and real books means they have something for everyone. They donate books to systems that support people in need and at least one other local business! I learned through The Barrymore Theatre that Frugal Muse is a ticket outlet for it. It is super convenient having a neighborhood ticket outlet! I enjoy paying cash that goes directly to the theatre (the bookstore being supportive enough not to add a fee) and that I get a physical ticket! No scan a phone here. I got paper tickets and I love it! My friend that has been with me on each of my ticket procurement outings finds quality low cost dvds for her family at Frugal Muse. Yesterdays selection: "Toy Story 3" still in the shrink wrap. The store is clean, organized, quaint, quiet. It's what I imagine book stores "used to be like", I say having grown up only in national chains environments. There are always a half dozen or more other shoppers when I've been here. Join them! There are always a couple gentlemen working behind the counter and I suspect they would talk books and authors if you engage them. Key tip: Frugal Muse can order new books! Drop in here to order what you want - avoid the national chain! Support local.

We love coming here to see what else we can read or research! I love the selection of cookbooks and…read moremy husband likes they have an assortment of cds/records. They have a good teen section that's grown over the last few years and a new manga section. Prices are always reasonable and they have a good selection of $2 books. People behind the counter are always friendly and helpful.

I was walking toward the lake and noticed books displayed in a window by my knees. I had to…read moreinvestigate. Lucky me, I stumbled upon Lake City Books. Looking at the sign on the door, I realized I was making this discovery 13 minutes before closing. I was greeted when I walked in and assured them I just wanted to poke my head in, as I saw they were getting ready to leave, and was told I was welcome. I made a quick lap around just to check them out, and stopped by their merch counter to grab a quick souvenir. I love a local bookstore, and grabbed a coffee mug to remind myself to come back. They had a cute setup and a table dedicated to my current favorite obsession, Dungeon Crawler Carl. They had signs everywhere informing everyone of their planned move, apparently out of the basement. I am not sure where they will be next, but I will make a point to search them out the next time I am in Madison. And come in plenty of time to peruse.

Love, love & more love for this indie bookstore. The owner & staff are so much fun & really know…read moretheir stuff. The selection is huge for a smallish store & they also buy used books for fair prices. Journals, candles, socks & other cool swag like t-shirts for sale, too. And they are moving to a new location on Carroll St in July! Get thee downtown asap!

After grabbing lunch in Waunakee I was in the mood for some thrift shopping. I was surprised to…read moresee that Waunakee had a thrift store and decided to check this place out. It's not on the main drag like you might expect, but just off of it, making it easy to find and park. It has a bit of an odd layout but they have plenty of stuff, and it was all well organized. Great prices, too. The store was clean and the staff was friendly. I will absolutely be coming back whenever I'm in the area.

As far as donating- -don't expect them to lift a finger as…read moreyou unload your car, even when there's 10+ bags. -don't expect a thank you, no matter how many hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of items you've graciously donated. -you'll likely also have to search for an employee to even accept the items, while the donation bay is marked "open." -expect them to keep some of the items you've donated, if they find them valuable (I've seen that happen several times.) -if you ask for a receipt for documentation reasons, they'll send you off in search of one amongst their bins. Good cause but they've burned me one too many times. The ungrateful, unhelpful attitudes are extremely off putting. I'll be donating elsewhere from now on. Plenty of other options.

Great selection of used books at very affordable prices. The quality is good, the space is well…read moreorganized with plenty of signage to help you find your way. And there is strategically-placed seating so you can easily plop down & take the time to consider potential purchases. A delightful book store.

Easily the best book store in Madison. No contest…read more The Book Deal is in an unassuming, sort of odd location, but it all adds to the character of the place. There is plenty of signage and the folks who run it will walk you around if you're a first time visitor. Extremely friendly people who really care about books and spreading the joy of reading to everyone. The collection and variety is pretty incredible. I go there with my fiancé at least once a month, usually twice, and we always leave with an incredible haul between the two of us. The majority of the stock is $3.99-4.99 and the books are in great condition! There's a range in price depending on what you're interested in (collectibles, new releases, etc.) but there's something for everyone. Dedicated rooms for different genres make it easy to find something you'll like. As much as I'd love to keep this gem to myself, the Book Deal deserves all the support that book lovers of Madison have to offer! Worth the trip out of downtown. See you next time!