This isn't a place for casual browsers or trendy tastes. If you're here to sip coffee, take pictures, and hunt for modern pop hits--respectfully, this isn't for you (and you'll feel it from across the room). This record shop is a time capsule, rooted in the 1970s, steeped in soul, and echoing with culture. The merchandise displayed on the walls and shelves are so priceless and rich in musical, theatric, and San Diegan history that they're not for sale--no matter the price. (I've asked lol) The records lining these shelves aren't just music--they're history. From rock to jazz, comedy & poetry, Disney soundtracks to local San Diego bands, it's a treasure hunt that gives you a THRILL. --first come, first served. What's here today might be gone tomorrow. Every vinyl is an Original Press--no reprints, no knockoffs. Each one hand-picked by the owner, preserved with passion, and waiting for someone who truly gets it. This isn't just a record shop. It's a legacy. THIS is true musical passion. read more

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Extremely rude owner. My friend and I walked in, and I was casually telling her a story about visiting years ago and taking a photo back then. The owner abruptly interrupted us in a rude tone saying, "No pictures." I politely explained that I was just telling a story and wasn't taking any photos. Despite this, she kept repeating "no pictures" and continued staring us down while we browsed the store for 30 seconds until we left. We never even had our phones or cameras out, yet she kept accusing us. It made the whole experience uncomfortable and unwelcoming. read more

Such a nifty place. We were in the area for the Adams Avenue festival and my son immediately spotted the records sitting outside in the bins and made a beeline straight to them. Such a neat place, tons of vintage records. Outside the front door there were bins of records for 50 cents each and there were some amazing finds. Everything from Edgar Winter to Fleetwood Mac and all in-between. My kids got 12 records for $6, not a bad deal and to be honest I am happy they enjoy listening to records new and vintage. Not sure if the kind young ladies working were the owners or just working that day but they were super sweet. They talked a bit to my kids about music and were surprised at their record picks (thought such eclectic music for such young kids). Nickelodeon is a great hidden gem off of Adams. read more

Nickelodeon Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - San Diego, California

From the moment my friend and I walked in, a worker was staring at us. Felt super uncomfortable because she watched us the entire time we were in there. Not a welcoming environment! read more

Great little gem of a record store. It's like something from a time warp. I found some really awesome records here. Just make sure you pay in cash! read more

Nickelodeon Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - San Diego, California

Not exactly the best; not exactly the worst. Honestly felt uncomfortable being here. Walked in and said hi to who I'm assuming is the owner and I got no response. Just a blank stare. Passed by another older woman who kept staring me down as if I was going to steal something in the store. You might be able to find some hidden gems if you're into rock and jazz music. However, trust the other low-rated reviews because they're speaking nothing but the truth. read more

Stopped by during the Adams street fair yesterday and scored half a dozen gems in the 50 cents bins out front. Also found a nice Miles Davis and Porgy Bess record inside. The ladies working at the shop were very nice and attentive. Next time I'm in the area I'll come back to do some more digging. read more

I called this place in advance to see if they sold CDS and was told they did. when I got there was told it was vinyl only. complete waste of time. read more

Great business and kind workers, got a Daryl hall/John Oates album. One of the gem stores on Adams Ave

It's been many years since I've been here because I no longer live in San Diego and the times I've visited I've hit it outside of open hours. But I have been thinking of this place quite a bit lately. I'm currently spinning a Leonard Cohen album, which the ladies who run the shop had recommended. I remember buying a small stack of records and having a pleasant chat about the eclectic nature of my selections. Next time I visit San Diego I definitely plan on stopping in. read more

I went in here killing time, I'd never been & the collection seemed good but the owner (I think the owner and the one mentioned in other reviews as rude) was so unfriendly to the point I felt uncomfortable and left. I took a photo of a vintage 7up ad on the wall I liked; and saw she was staring at me, I said "hi" she glared at me and then looked down with no response. Ok... I said "I just liked the decor" she responded (with attitude) "me too". I felt so unwelcome and left. If there were signs for no photos, or if she kindly asked me not to that's one thing but she chose to be unprofessional instead. Even if there was something I wanted I would have passed. If you're looking for records shops there are much better ones with much friendlier staff in SD. read more

Found some cool stuff while waiting for someone. The local vinyl selection is good and they had some different records in there, I mean different from most stores like this. Everyone in there was nice to me and I found an extra record in my bag when I got home. I'll go back when I'm in town read more

Was a bit skeptical when I opened the door because I thought I was going to a different record store but when I walked in there were literally tons of records and good ones too. The lady there was very, very helpful! She directed me to the new arrivals and took my phone number when I asked for a specific album that she didn't have, told me she'd call me if she could find it. I bought six record, some very classic rock shit and 80s stuff. I'm definitely going back, neighborhood record shop better than the other one down the street lol! I'd give this shop six stars if I could!! read more

I took my life's albums into this very unique record store. The two owners were very pleasant, looked over my records and offered me a fair price. If you want to find an album, they have a huge supply and if they don't have what you want, they work with dealers and can get it. very knowledgeable and friendly. read more

If I could give them less than one star I would. First of all their selection is atrocious, secondly I was only able to get up to the letter "P" in the Rock section before I was rudely asked if I was "just going to touch every record in the store". I will be taking my business to literally any other record store in San Diego. read more

I could spend HOURS in this store, and I have. They have a massive collection of old rock, pop, jazz, Big Band records for bargain prices. The ladies who own the shop are really nice and will help you find just about anything you're looking for. Once, I was in there looking for Credence Clearwater Revival vinyls for my dad and I came across a record that the band cut BEFORE they hit if big as CCR, under the band name "The Golliwogs." As you can imagine, my dad was beyond thrilled to get the album. We took the record with us to a CCR concert and got it signed by Stu Cook and Doug "Cosmo" Clifford., who were equally excited to see the old, pre-Credence record. The look on my dad's face was PRICELESS. Anyway, this place is perfect to spend a weekend morning sifting through. It's a nice stop if you're walking around in the area. Just make sure you bring cash with you. The owners have a ridiculously old credit card machine that works, but takes forever, so better off with nice, crisp bills instead. read more

Love this place. A little dusty but it adds to the character. They have a good selection and are not overpriced. Both ladies that run the store have always been very nice and helpful. I have asked them for certain records that they did not have and they took my phone number. Within two weeks they called to let me know they had the record I was looking for on hold for me. Check out the sale bins out front. I have found some great deals. read more

I don't usually review the following places: tattoo shops, piercing shops, or record stores. Not sure why, but it may have to do with tryng to keep a couple of secrets just for me. I know people are reviewing everything, but it's the type of Yelp personality I'm trying to give myself.... Anyway, Nichelodeon. She advertises as being a vintage vinyl shop and that usually means trying to hike up prices to folks who don't know any better. But she's honest. Her prices are modest and her selection is great! Grabbed a Harry Nilsson and some others for under $25. Come support. Even if you don't have a record player, it's cool to own vinyls now, don't you know? read more

I am a vinylphile. A self-confessed vinylholic. Completely strung out on the black crack. MPWhat? To even play a cd makes me feel just a little bit ashamed and dirty. And not in a good way either. And DO NOT get me started on digital downloads! Nickelodeon is, for my vinyl habit, like having your dealer live right next door. He may sell inferior product but for the sake of convenience and satisfying that urge you'll check him out every once in a while. Saturday mornings there's 4 fresh crates of 50 cent records set outside the shop. Big band, musicals, 80's, classic rock, vocal standards, obscure world music from the 50's and 60's. Live life. Take some chances. If the cover looks cool, give it a try. The worst thing that could happen is that you'll end up with a conversation piece for your coffee table or wall. LP art is some of the greatest of our lifetimes. The inside of the store is a cluttered mess. Just how I like my record shops. You never know what you'll find. Never. You just have to be willing to leave with grey fingertips from all the dust to get to your private gem but believe me, it's in there. Somewhere. I also love the fact that it's a cash only biz! When I owned my own record shop downtown I wanted it to be cash only until I realized that all the kids were spending money on newly acquired credit cards! So happy to have been part of America's credit addiction. Not really. Come in to Nickelodeon some Saturday. Have a look around. Dry those tears of nostalgia and belly up to the bins. Just don't step on me! I'm the guy rooting around in the bins beneath the bins. . . read more

Lol, the ladies that run this store are wonderful; been a few times and grabbed some serious gems here, and was treated just fine and they were very knowledgeable. Ignore the other reviewers that feel the service is poor, as I'm sure they prob just weren't having a good day at the time. Anyway, not the biggest selection, but it's a good one! read more

This is NOT where I come to increase my indie collection, but that is part of its charm. Much like its cramped and dusty interior. If you're looking for classic rock or older music, you might find it here, and the atmosphere is the kind of searching and quiet personal victory of finding the elusive rare recording. This place isn't for the kind of person who wants to be in and out and on their way, its definitely a place to casually flip through the selection--it is a good size--and chat with the owners. Its been mentioned in the reviews before, their bargain bins are great! This is where I got The Who's Tommy for 50¢. read more

I've lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years, and I did shop here the first few years. However, I finally just couldn't stand going anymore for reasons you've seen others here give. One of the two women who works here sometimes steps out front for a cigarette, and several times I happened to be walking by and gave her a friendly greeting only to be ignored and/or scowled at. And she's just as nasty inside the shop. The selection is mostly mediocre, and the women who run the place are rude and unhelpful. Luckily, San Diego has more and much better record store options. read more

I am so sad...this place looked like a fun place to go to I was looking for a particular record and when I walked in the lady at the front made hand signals embarrassed me for opening the door the wrong way, which is just a strange door and could really be opened either way.Then as I walked through I noticed a lady at the center of the room and I said hi with a huge smile on my face. I was completely ignored and I tried to let it go but as I walked around the room searching for a record the center lady turned and watched me. I felt so uncomfortable and asked if it was okay that I shop . Was ignored. Kept getting stares and finally I said ," is this real? , well since I must look suspicious I'll be on my way" another customer there said ,"you're fine" I said ,"thanks man, I thought I was" I may have given them a reaction but I've just never been treated this way before especially at a record store ! I decided that's not a place I wanted to spend my money at. Please don't support this guys , there is so many worthy places to find a Jimi Hendrix discs ! read more

Came by to check things things out. Was greeted by the owner saying if I was looking for anything to ask. Found a lot of cool 45 singles and saw they had a lot of very vintage (old) albums. A bit crowded and dusty, but worth a look. Came in over my annual holiday visit with family. To the customers upset about taking a photo. That's just NOT cool and can be considered copyright infringement. There actually are signs in Macy's that say photography in the store is not allowed. Buy it. Then take a picture of your record. read more

again, another place in north park that is almost never open. when we drove past today and realized the lights were on i decided to put my hunger on hold and stop in. very cramped, very dusty but full of great stuff. this is not your average record store. nor is it indie. it's packed full with vinyl classics and antique american pop. i picked up a record here by "miss teal joy". i have no idea what she sounds like just yet, but i'm a 20's - 60's girl pop lover and i just couldn't resist when i saw something that looked interesting by a person i'd never heard. if around next payday i drive past nickelodeon again and it's open, i'll know it's fate and i'll probably spend about $100 just adding to my collection. the woman (i know there's two, but the other wasn't there) who owns the place seems great. at first i was going to pay with debit and she happened to mention that they had an ancient credit card machine and i remembered that i had cash. when i said that she offered to pay the tax and just charge me an even $15. i'm pretty sure these ladies don't turn a profit, but that they love what they do. i hope nickelodeon stays around. read more

I was in here for a few minutes browsing, and left because of the extremely rude old woman who works in there (maybe the owner?) who chastised me for having my phone out. Is an iPhone going to destroy your merchandise? Awful service, will not be returning. read more

Although I didn't find anything I really wanted to buy here, my boyfriend found a couple of gems, and I enjoy this record store simply for the fact that it exists. There are a ton of records here, and the place is cool just because it seems to have been around forever. You have to do some digging (which is half the fun, right?), but this is a really cool vintage record shop. You're not going to necessarily find that album you'll spin every day, but you might find something cool to throw in the mix and surprise everyone. They accept credit cards, but they call it in to be approved, which is kinda awesome. read more

This is a quaint, little shop. Their inventory is pretty disheveled and really dusty. But they do have four crates of records for $0.50 per. Their inventory is great if you're looking for some old stuff, but you won't find anything recent or new. read more

DONT SHOP THERE IF YOU WANT GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. I came there today to buy my girlfriend a record for her upcoming birthday and was treated horribly. I gave greetings to those inside and they looked at me and ignored it as well as attempted to mock me for pulling the door before pushing to open. The women had short blonde hair and hawked me the entire time I was inside. So much to the point that is was noticeablely uncomfortable. I don't know if they were stereotyping me or what but I was even dressed casually. I ended up not buying anything and walking out due to the horrible service. Can't believe it because I lived in normal heights last year and have always had great experiences with all of the shops. Sucks because I thought I'd find a Jimi or CREAM record but that was cut short by unnecessary attitudes. I also wrote my review on google because they suck that much and people should now before walking in and being treated like dirt. Spend your money elsewhere. Swap meets have dope records and cool finds. read more

I stumbled onto Nickelodeon Records' website while searching for an obscure soundtrack that was only issued as a promotional demo and tends to sell for ridiculous prices on the rare occasions when it surfaces. The listing was for a combo with the LP and a 45 single for $25, which seemed too good to be true. I emailed them and promptly got a reply from Elizabeth, who said the combo was out of stock (my heart sank momentarily), but that they had another copy of the LP for $20. SOLD! Took a little over a week to arrive (and she shot me an email to alert me that it was delivered to my porch); the vinyl's practically flawless and the jacket's in remarkable shape for being over 40 years old. I have more than a passing knowledge of old records and looking at their website, the ladies who run this shop have amassed an amazing collection of obscurities which they're selling at prices that are MORE than reasonable. I really wish I was close enough that I could go spend hours digging through their store (I can't imagine what treasures I'd find), but regardless, I highly recommend doing business with them and signed up on Yelp just as a means of giving feedback for this wholly positive experience. read more

We were very excited to stop in for the first time and snag some records to bring back to Phoenix. Looked like a great selection with lots of variety--even some very cool old radio programs! My husband loves old radio and found some from the 40s that he used to listen to as a kid in the 80s. He was planning to buy a stack of them and some Pete Seeger when he snapped a photo of one of the radio programs to send to his brother who would be excited about it. The woman manning the shop (I assume to be the owner) suddenly chirped, "You take a photo of it, you buy it!" We were taken aback because she said it kind of rudely and there was no sign saying to not take any photos. Although they sell vintage records, I think they should get with the times and realize that having a customer share a snapshot to a friend or on instagram is a bit of free publicity. We felt very uncomfortable and ended up leaving without buying any of the records we were excited about. Hopefully the proprietors read this and get the moral of the story--try to assume the best about your customers and not the worst. read more

I went into this shop to to let my teenage son look around the store. He is not into what he calls the "old fashioned records," from my day. The store is so quaint, and Betsy and Ruthie who run the place are very friendly, and let you browse for as long as you want. Aside from the vast collection of records, they also have eclectic decorations inside ranging from old board games, varsity letters from local SD high schools, black and white photos around the walls, and collectibles from Bobs Big Boy, among other things. In the end, my son found a record he loves, and the price was very reasonable. I'll be back! read more