I made another pilgrimage to Lous over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. They had CD's for $5 so got some tunes for the long drive home.

Over the last few years the selection of new cds have really gone down, although thats not what I come here for. When I'm in town (once every couple of years) I stop by to check out their used section and I always seem to leave with a few cds for the collection. I hope Lou's is still around a couple of years from now when I return for a visit. read more

So happy it exists in funky Leucadia! Long may it thrive! You can always find some cheap used music in their "used" building and they have a great collection of new music, cool toys, and t-shirts in the main building. One of the last (perhaps THE last?) good places to browse through music in the northern San Diego area. Let's all support it! read more

I ordered a Mike Patton cd two year ago, still don't have it. A few years ago this place was awesome however now, the stock is limited and low. The only part of this store that is interesting is the second hand part. That is all and I am sad. read more

I'm a fairly serious music junkie, and I feel obligated to shop at Lou's. They're kind, knowledgeable, and have a solid selection of new/used CDs and vinyl. I wasn't around in their "heyday," but I've watched the store shrink to half of its size in the past year. If you love music, please consider supporting Lou's and other independent record stores. read more

A San Diego staple. The staff here is exactly what you would want and expect from a record store, knowledgeable & sarcastic. Down with the man up with Lou's! read more

Just go there already, if you're looking for something you just don't want to wait to be delivered, they probably have it (and then some). Vinyl, toys, cds, used, dvds, whatever is all there. New and old, take an hour or two and start browsing. Lovely and helpful folks run this place. read more

Lou's is the best place in San Diego for music-except maybe The Casbah.

Lou's is the record store everyone in the Encinitas & Carlsbad areas know about. It's the biggest record store in the area and it carries a wide range of cds, vinyls, and even movies. It used to be bigger than it currently is, which was nice because then there was more of a selection, which has shrunk now since there is less space than there used to be. Nonetheless, Lou's is still popular with it's customers. read more

Nice selection, reasonable prices, easy navigation, very helpful staff - Fantastic place to get lost in looking for hidden treasures whether vinyl, VHS, Laser Disc, blue ray or you name it. read more

It is with a heavy heart that I give Lou's two stars here. I started buying music here almost ten years ago and as a jazz musician and fan, I was thrilled to find an entire wall of jazz, with every album I could ask for at or below the cheapest online price. Unfortunately, I don't think Lou's has received any new shipments of jazz albums in at least 2 to 3 years. Now the entire genre is relegated to two racks, with most of the good stuff having been sold already (there's quite a bit of Kenny G left if you're interested). What happened? As for the entire store, I'd say the overall amount of merchandise in the "new albums" store has decreased by at least half, if not two thirds, over the past five years. I still check Lou's before I order an album online, but I'm starting to lose faith. Lou's Records, are you dying? I promise not to give up on you. All I ask is for additional new jazz albums! read more

ONE REASON: I was Camper Van Beethoven here for free! Five stars for life!

Lou's is just around the corner from my house....I love walking over there just to see what new music and movies have come in. They have everything and everyone that you can think of. There is no other place like it in North County! read more

Lou's is and always will be my place to get music and movies. It's a destination for vinyl and movie collectors.. A real hands on place in this world of Amazon and iTunes. Go in and actually see and buy music that has an album cover. read more

As one Kenny Banya would say, "The best, Jerry, the best!"

Oh Lou's. Much beloved of me during my teenage years. I bought a lot of my Duran Duran records, badges(pins) and books there-at reasonable prices. Then they moved to Leucadia. I liked it a lot. There were a lot of changes(does anyone else remember the video section that was in the front for a while?) And the store took up both sides-one of the best selections in all of San Diego. I have spent my fair share of money on imports at Lou's.It was murder during the summer(not very well air conditioned.) The video store moved to the other side where the used CD's were. Lou's got a remodel and.. I don't think it helped all that much. I have only gone to Lou's intermittently over the years but I have seen their prices get higher. I have to agree with the people that say they get attitude from the people there. I think that's been true in the past;none of the people who worked there when I was going there frequently are there anymore. There used to be a guy who worked in there who tried to chat me up. Kinda gross. Luckily he's long gone. I can't reccomend Lou's anymore.Sad, because there are so few places like it. read more

There aren't many record stores around anymore, so I'll take what I can get. Lou's had a great variety! Although you might not find the exact record you came to buy, I guarantee you'll end up coming across one you'll have to have! Staff could be friendlier, but I'm there for music! read more

Lou's is my favorite, great staff that knows their stuff, especially Kevin, he's a cool dude. I could spend hours here and be happy with life. read more

Lou's Records is one of my favorite destinations. I usually stop by there every Friday night on my way home from work. I have discovered some great gems there. Thank you Lou's. read more

Lou's is my favorite record store in California. I could literally spend hours in there, just looking for all my favorite artists in all forms (vinyl, cd, cassette). My kids and I once hauled out of there with 300$ worth of vinyls, all stuffed into about 5 boxes. The owner is super nice and the atmosphere is great; it's relaxing to just sift through music and listen to the good music playing in the shop. Also, they have free posters by the door, and who doesn't like free posters? Thanks. Lou's! read more

I have been going here since I was a kid. I love this place and will always send friends and family here.

if you have never been here. go. this is quite possibly the best record store i have ever ever ever been to. they sell, anything. the best part is you feel like you are getting lost in some giant music library, and can spend at least 4 hours browsing stuff you thought you might never ever browse. the staff are awesome and i hope they never ever rennovate and make it all *modern*. if it aint broke don't fix it. lou's records totally embodies a socal surf town in its vibe and ecclectic mix of music. it is \m/ times a billion! read more

Use to drive up from Long Beach to dig around and found some ok stuff at times. But the last time I came, I had found 3 records at .99 cents. I didnt have cash on me, and offered to pay with my card. The person working refused to ring me up. said "it isnt worth my time". So I walked out, never to return. To many quality record stores out there who dont treat there customers like trash. Some people become successful in life and have goals, others work for owners of a record store. read more

They made a 15 year old David Bowie fan VERY happy. Great selection of vinyl. I'll definitely be returning.

I'm an out-of-towner but a big collector nerd and I made it a point to visit Lou's, based on reviews here and elsewhere. Glad I went! A large but unpretentious *real* record store with an interesting selection both new and used. Reasonable prices and a diverse, sometimes surprising selection. If you value independent shops with eclectic choices, this place seems like a place you'd want to give your business. Glad I checked it out and I'll definitely return if I make it back down to Encinitas. read more

While I was out of the country, I was looking for a Record Store Day release album that was limited to 750 on the first press. I called everywhere back home in Los Angeles within a 200 mile radius and nobody had it, but Lou's Records DID! Kevin was really helpful and friendly and we joked a bit about how bad I wanted this record. I was saved because he was able to ship it and the shipping was cheap and fast! I ordered it on 04/24 and it was waiting for me when I came home on 04/27. I will consider Kevin and Lou's Records for future purchases, cheers! read more

Well, Been goings to Lou's since they were in Cardiff, then in Encinitas where Detour Salon is and then the newer spot. Lou is an amazing guy, but what in the hell is going on there Lou? The Staff in the new building is horrible....They don't give you the time of day, they are f'n rude!!!! David and the gal in the Used department are awesome!! So Friendly! I still miss REX , Devon, Sam, Travis, and Ian..My question is....Why in the hell do you not put all of the metal, rock and Punk used vinyl out..it has been sitting back there for years (I've seen it cleaned)...you would make money!!! but it seems like you want to close shop!! Something needs to be done here..please.. It's not worth my time anymore...LOUS POR VIDA!!! read more

OK selection. Not so great prices. EXTREMELY rude service. Why put up with that when there is Amazon?

can anything be better than the used cd building. god i love running around in there like i am hunting a rabbit or something trying to find random ass bands as they pop into my head. i always try and make a day out of going up there. take the PCH up there from torrey pines, stop for coffee at the pannikin, hit up lous for a couple hours, then lunch on the way back. always a good time. read more

It seems like every time I go here, I end up spending at least half my paycheck. This place is great. They have a huge selection of albums. Everything from reggae to death metal. Old school hip-hop to indie-rock. Whatever you're looking for, chances are you can find it here. And if it's not in print anymore, they also have a gigantic used section right across the way. DVDs, Cd's, vinyl, tapes, everything you're little musical heart could ever want. read more

Any record store where you can actually buy vinyl merits 5 stars. The used ones from the 60's and 70's are the bomb. I buy them just for the album covers. read more

Something for everyone here. A wide selection of many different formats for music and movies. There are even playback devices, T-shirts and accessories to be bought too. Prepare yourself for an enjoyable experience - except perhaps for those who feel the need to be pampered like some kind of Afghan Hound. Everyone is free to come in and browse. The employees here work hard keeping the shelves stocked, and organized, and they do a great job. So if you get your feelings hurt when you are not greeted W*lmart-style when you enter, don't be upset, just try to understand the staff are taking care of what's good for everyone. They will of course give you great service when you are at the front counter. They know their stuff here, and the will help you out. Corridors of great value used CDs, plenty of vinyl, bundles of new releases, as well as classics, hidden gems and lesser-known wonders. Music is very good as a tiny file of binary digits, but it's glorious and romantic when you have a tangible format in your hands which appeals to multiple senses, over and over again. read more

Clean up your act Lou! I have been a customer for about 15 years and have not minded sorting through the grime and putting up with the attitude while spending a few hundred dollars there because that's just what it is. But then I bought a DVD about a month ago that just wouldn't play on my machine like EVERYTHING else would. So, I take it back and "old sod" in the used dept tells me that it plays on his tivo so it obviously must be able to play on my DVD player. I ask for credit because it's worthless to me but he just looks at me as if I'm a swindler. Finally, he agrees to give me credit for only half the cost - $3.50 - despite the fact that I'm 3 days after the 1 week deadline to return. Anyhow, he just lost you a faithful customer over the cost of a cold one and I'm still stuck with a DVD that won't work on my machine. Way to go in this harsh climate. read more

My reviews are typically long, and possibly boring as all hell for most of you, but I'm going to try something new and keep this brief, with some recommendations. The 'record' selection (I say "record" because it seems to match what you get in a music store, even if records are a rarity these days) is top class with a great mix of indie/rare artists and run-of-the-mill bullshit, which you have to admit you have some sort of affinity for. Anyhoo, Lou's is a classic/old school record store. The only thing I believe Lou's needs to get to work on is the speed of their damn remodel. Hello, record store people?? There was a freaking car that ran into your store...so get it fixed. This isn't Mexico. When things need to be fixed they should be fixed within a few months. Trust me, I'm an old school punk rocker and can appreciate the beaten down look, but you are running a store Mr. Lou, so fix it up like you care, rather than like you are about to retire, sell the business to a major record company and move away and forget the fact that you built the best record store in all of San Diego. Please take this as a compliment. I may not be the smoothest of complimentary writers, but I mean well, and I've loved your establishment for the better part of 32 years. Cheers, FT read more

One of the best record stores I have been to; great selection and reasonably priced

Great selection of new and used CDs and LPs. I appreciated their accessories for vinyl-lovers: album sleeves, record cleaners, stylus brushes. The staff is friendly and helpful, tool. read more

Hi, I found Lou's Records many years ago, don't even think CD's were around yet. Loved the set up and variety of music that they had. Then and now. It's a great place to shop for both new and used. read more

If iTunes and the 70's had a baby it would be Lou's Records. This place is a total throwback and is one of the best places to find good music. From the samples they have out that aren't the usual crap that is so mainstream, you can really find great music here. Lou's is one of the best places in all of San Diego for music. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it here. read more

cheap new releases & hard-to-find imports. great music dvds at a fair price. i'm pissed on the rare occasion that i buy nothing here. worth the trek. read more

great service! if you ever get to experience it! average selection but come on what do u get in encinitas?!?!?! if you go here not set on being let down because u want a certain album...you will leave happy because you'll find stuff you didnt expect to and thats all i got to say! awesome service, great prices, great ride outta the parkin lot, and one time free tickets to a show someone just left at the counter!!!! read more