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Lou's Records

4.0 (214 reviews)
ModerateMusic & DVDs
Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

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Coco G.

Glad to see this mecha for audiophiles is still doing well! Easily reached off the Pacific coast highway 101 in Encinitas. Limited parking. A slight musty/dusty smell greets you as you enter, but one adapts quickly and at least the front door stays open to let in fresh air. Welcoming vibe, accessible organization of merchandise including lots of Lou's merch (hats, shirts, stickers, mugs, tote bags). Few staff, knowledgeable and helpful, generally stay up front at counter, so go there for questions. With the resurgent popularity of records, there is a smaller inventory of CDs at this time, which makes sense. Standard prices for records.

Elle N.

Nostalgia, all day, every day. I don't live in the past, I just want to bring all the good parts with me into the future. The way they do it on " Stranger Things". There is not much that beats live music. Lou's has been known to be a host site for local live break out performances. My father was a collector of vinyl, even interviewed on the topic. Music was always played on the next electronic device in the home. Memories of people, places and things stay with us through time, space and music. So, go to Lou's any day but especially on record store day. Pick up some pieces of you here: past, present and future. Note: I picked up Joe Stummer's record day release. #Luecadia #LousRecords #RecordStoreDay #Strummerville

Waiting outside
Heather Z.

This place is so fun and well stocked! I lined up on Black Friday early in the morning and unfortunately did not get the record I wanted, but still had a great time. The staff used a number system so at a certain time, those in line would receive a number and then come back at a later time to buy what they want. They kept us updated through Instagram on where they were in line.

Pro freestyle skater Per Holknekt skating in front of the old Lou's location in downtown Encinitas in the early 80s.
Miki V.

Lou's is the vinyl store of record in San Diego. Every member of every notable band from San Diego grew up shopping at Lou's, where they got all the music that influenced their careers and songwriting. And all of that music was curated by Lou's notoriously specialized staff--each a walking encyclopedia of all genres of music. I started shopping at Lou's in 1982, and having traveled the world and shopped at many of the fabled record stores across the US and Europe, none has compared to the quality and selection of Lou's. It's more than a local institution, it's nurtured generations of San Diegans who continue to enjoy evolve our musical tastes, and continue to rely on Lou's to have what we seek or to recommend something new. Because for more than 40 years, it always has.

Some of the items Lou's has !
John P.

Lou's is awesome !!! Always check it out if you happen to be in the area . They have a great selection. Amber and I love Lou's records !!!!

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3 years ago

Great selection! I came here when I was just starting to build my record collection and I ended up finding my favorite album of all time.

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6 years ago

Got the New Tool album there earlier this year. Always a cool little shop. Support your local shop!

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