This little shop in Riverside just might be the coolest place in the entire city, or the surrounding area for that matter. Truly a one-of-a-kind and unique record shop with an impressive collection of vinyl across many genres: rock, jazz, goth, punk, oldies. The shop format here is perfect for those who like the dig as there's always new collections coming and going here.If you were looking for original issues, out of print records, or stuff you just don't generally see you in a "new" record shops then this spot is definitely worth a visit. The owner is been in the business a long time and he's really friendly, and you just might find some gems at a great price. read more

Over priced vinyl and jaded employees. Went in for the first time today with low expectations. In my experience most small record stores are ran by old douche bags snd this one was not that different. I was looking at Dead Kennedy's: In God We Trust, and there was a $23 version and a $45 version (both way overpriced) and I wasn't sure the different so I ask the owner and he sarcastically says "I'll get right in checking that. Just set them down there." And he proceeded to joke with employees and do other stuff before even looking at the records. He eventually just comes and says one is an original release and the other is a more current reissue. He could have told me that in one second instead of being a dick about it. The female employee wasn't rude but some sort of greeting or politeness at checkout or when we got there would have been nice. I spent like $93 so that they don't close down like Mad Platter (way better) did, but I won't be back. Just finished Doris...it's super scratched. Never going back. read more

Rat Hole - Charged $24 for a $17, AND SCRATCHED, record! - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

A great gem! My boyfriend and I just found this place and it's a hole in the wall treasure trove. So many records, great customer service! The nice gentleman working the cash register cleaned all of our records and even put them in a nice clear casing. Definitely will be going back! read more

Rat Hole - Inside! - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

Very big collection ! They had all the records I was looking for and more! Super great environment , they got your back here for whatever you need, that's the valuable kind of customer relationships I like to see. read more

Rat Hole - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

I absolutely love this place. Definitely a comfort place. Such a cool nice record store. Owners are cool too! 10/10 recommended

I love this record store. They have the best selection and I was able to find vinyls that I couldn't find anywhere else. It's a hidden gem in Riverside that I will be visiting again. read more

My first time at this store amazed me! The entrance was dressed up like a haunted house, lol! From some of the pictures that I've seen, they change it up often. They have lots of records, shirts, patches, and stickers. The owner and staff are welcoming and friendly too! The prices weren't bad especially since they have a vast collection of hard to find records. I will be returning there, when passing through Riverside, CA. Thanks guys! read more

Awesome employees and great selection! Albums, T-Shirts, posters, stickers and buttons. Very helpful and knowledgeable employees.

First off, this place is a bitch to find. It's in the back of Riverside Appliance, behind a gate. There is a Carl's Jr right across the street. Now that that's out of the way, I'm very pleased with this store. It's small, stocked with a bit of everything. Most were original 125 gram prints. Hardly any 180/200 gram reissues. Prices are varied depending on the record and condition. Mostly reasonable prices. Back wall is filled with $1 records. Decent selection of shirts, stickers, buttons, and posters. The owner told us there should be more records put out each month. Had a great conversation with the owner. I'm hoping this place sticks around! Highly recommend and I will be returning. read more

Rat Hole - This Rat Hole is a hidden gem! Located in the back of Riverside Appliance, behind a gate. - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

I've lived in riverside for about 6 years, but didn't find out about this place until today :( as soon as you step in, you're greeted w tons of sick art in the form of stickers, patches, records, flags, etc. The guy who rang my friends and I up, Chris, was super helpful and informative about the shop, and everything in it :) I will definitely be going back !!!! read more

Rat Hole - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

This is a great record store if you're in Riverside or just driving through the area! They had a ton of rock gems and I was even able to find an out of print original pressing of a Kraftwerk record I have been looking for for a while, just chilling in it's bin. Same with a Hives record I've been scouring for. They have a ton of great stickers too (I'm a collector, lol) so that was a plus. Love this place and the staff was great. 20/10 ... 12 stars on Yelp ... will be back, and you should go too. read more

Rat Hole - The entrance to The Rat Hole! - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

Amazing selection, and great service. Everytime I'm in town the rathole is on the list

The Rat Hole is Riverside's newest record store and has tons of variety! I like that they have a lots of used and new records, so you can find old pressings. The new stuff is reasonably priced too! It's an excellent place to crate dig, be sure to browse underneath the record bins. I guarantee you'll find something overlooked by many. Store owner Chris is extremely helpful and down to earth. He even cleaned the Cannonball Adderley I purchased just yesterday. Speaking of jazz, they have a solid selection. I picked up a squeaky clean copy Miles Davis's In a Silent Way months ago, a Charles Mingus, and a Stan Getz record. I also got DJ Muggs's Soul Assassin 2 and may pick up a Quasimoto record next time. Also picked up a Sublime 2016 Record Store Day release that was still sealed. Good ska, punk, and reggae all around. Saw some good shoegaze and dream pop albums too. Someone please pickup that This Mortal Coil record and the og My Bloody Valentine records. Lastly, I got James Brown's Superbad, a live recording, and saw some cool comp's I'll check out next time. What are folks waiting?! Dig away! read more

Regular visits are advised, as the New Arrival section has a lot of sales/turn-over. There is a great "crate-dig" opportunity in the boxes below the displays, and you are sure to score some decent gems. Do your homework on what you want, as Rat Hole does abide by the demand for an album, and as a collector I would expect nothing less. The selection? Better than what I've seen from Riverside to East Los Angeles, you just have to take the time to peruse. Chris is a character, in a very good way, and an enthusiastic hobbyist. I've been coming here a few years now, and it's been an enjoyable shopping experience for this collector. read more

This place is super cool. Great customer service. My family and I will definitely be coming back!

This is Gus from Kiss the Sky Record in Illinois... You guys have a lovely place and a great selection. Most importantly, you guys engage with customers and make them feel welcome, which is what I value the most in the industry. Hope to see you guys again soon! :) read more

Oh, the Rat Hole. Truly a gem, if you are a connoisseur. There's a back room, if you are lucky to get an invite. They will haggle with you, if they know you are worthy. I've left with posters I've never seen before, vinyl I've searched years for & vintage items that made amazing gifts. read more

Riverside's newest record store! Conveniently located by the tyler mall shopping center. Let me just tell you, its packing some heat! There's something for everyone, wether you're a huge record advocate or a rookie in the record game; store owner Chris is more than willing to help and share his knowledge. Crate diggers this is the perfect spot to get down and dirty, while searching for hidden Gems. Dusty fingers delight. The store is still in it's beginning phase; however, I have no doubt Chris will have this spot up and running with the best of them-sooner rather than later! Definitely worth the visit if you're in the area. Purchased: Hiphop: *DJ Muggs - Soul Assassin 2 *International breaks (perfect for those samples) Ska/regagge *sealed 2016 RSD Sublime "Jah Won't Pay the Bill's (First reissue of sublime first demo cassette on skunk records) Jazz *Stan Getz - Live at Carnegie Hall *Charles Mingus - A Modern Jazz Symposium Of Music & Poetry (1957 Mono Verison) Soul/Funk *James Brown- Superbad (1971 recorded live) *Afrobeat/Funk CD Compilation read more

Man, I love this place. If you are any type of a music fan, this place has something for you. My girl and I found this place on yelp and it did not disappoint. The owner, Chris, is very knowledgeable about all types of music and answered all of our questions. The back wall is full of gems 5$ and under. Grabbed a couple vinyls that I cant wait to sample and make some Hip Hop beats with. read more

Rat Hole - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

This tiny hole in the wall is a temple to good music and modern art. Every medium, every genre, every artist. Good vibes and a peaceful atmosphere make this one of the best record stores i've found in the Inland Empire. read more

Hidden behind Riverside Appliance, this place is a gem. Great selection, competitive prices, and a friendly owner. They have something for everyone, from most genres. In addition to vinyl records, they also carry shirts, stickers, patches, buttons, and more. Their inventory is constantly replenished, so you could easily visit every week and see new stuff. Highly recommended! read more

See all

Love this place! Always has a great selection of new and used records. You can find some real gems in here. The owner is also more than willing to order anything for you if he doesn't have it in stock. I've brought a lot of my friends here and they all love it. read more

When you are on your way to the rat hole, you will miss the driveway and proceed to continue in search of a U-turn for miles upon miles. Your GPS illogically tells you to make a U-turn at the first light even though it says no U-turns. Being the rule follower that you are you decide to not make a U-turn there because you never know when the cops are watching. Eventually you will find the proper driveway labeled RECORD STORE that you conveniently missed the first time around. Then you pull into the CUTEST parking lot EVER. You step out and your Doc's hit the blacktop and it gives you flashbacks to your elementary school years in which you spent ample time playing four-square with your childhood best friend Robbie. Once inside the rat hole, you understand why it is called the rat hole. The customers are potheads and don't work. You overhear plans to commit tax fraud between two (2) nice looking gentlemen. You casually peruse through the Simon and Garfunkel albums, but remember that your mother banned you from listening to them after some horrific incident with a movie called "The Graduate" in which an old woman sleeps with a college boy. You look up from the Simon and Garfunkel and you see none other than ROBBIE HIMSELF!! Your dear four square companion is holding an absurd looking record by someone called "linrid skinrid." Don't you know he's a racist Robbie? He's literally from "Alabama." You make your way deeper into the rat hole and feel something fuzzy brush your leg. You jump in astonishment as a scraggly chewawa waddles by. You feel as if "fate" (the name of the choowahwah) calls you to commit heinous crime. A crime beyond words. Something you can never go back on. Your adrenaline is pumping as you boldly walk back toward Simon and Garfunkel. It's almost though the spirit of Lizard Skizard has possessed you. Your head swirls with visions of alligator lizards in the air. Your eyes are guided by the natural feng shui of the rat hole and they land on a strange mushroom man who has been watching over you the whole time. You are captivated by his vibrant colors and strange swirls. He beckons you closer and whispers in your ear: "Go make Robbie proud." You approach the cash register and hand your record to a nice looking man named Chris. You can tell he's different than all the "others" at the store. Theres no sign of weed in his eyes. He smiles at you kindly and asks if this is your first record. You nod your head earnestly looking slightly nervous. He gives you a reassuring glance. You can tell he's wounded like you, thats why he gives you a good deal on the record. You get in the car with immense regret and yet pride. Although you only get the chance to listen to it once before your mom catches you in the act, listening to the record was the best 10 minutes of your life! read more

This place has a lot of selection packed into such a small space. Make sure you are paying attention if it is your first time going to this place. I passed it twice. This place has a lot of albums used and unmarked for price but guy at the counter will check and give you a fair deal. Will be visiting again. read more

My friend and I stopped by Rat Hole a week ago and the store is awesome!! They have a wide variety of records to choose from. There is a diverse range of artists, time periods, and listening options. The staff is very knowledgable and friendly. The store owner, Chris, was personable and willing to help. He also has a record cleaner that he showed me at check out. They also have neat stickers, shirts, and pins for purchase, I will definitely be returning! read more

See all

Love that the staff wore masks it made me feel safe! Also we found some really good finds! The staff is really nice as well I can't wait to go back soon! read more

Pretty cool selection, although it's a tight space, hence the name. Leans to rock and jazz, but saw a good chunk of soul and funk. Not a ton of 45s although I'm sure you can find gems. I bought a small stack and he was able to barter with me a little so I could stay in my budget. My only issue was that the owners didn't wear masks (I went during COVID times), but I guess that's the culture around there. Given how small the space is I think masks would be a good idea. Also the listening station was janky. read more

Enjoyed it here. Found a few records I was looking for. Prices are about normal. Definitely will be back.

Chris is the record man of the year. You can find funk rock, rap, R & B, punk, and other genres and he will order anything. He will find it for you! The customer service at this Riverside, CA business is EXCELLENT. The environment is cool and friendly. He knows music history so his conversations are off the chain. Whatever records you are looking for he has or he will order so as I told him the music history in this store is PHENOMENAL. Great shop, excellent customer service, and this is a great gem in the community. I will be back and refer all my family and friends. read more

I was starting to get back into collecting records, I'd gone to record store before but every store I'd go to would only stock up on reprints and reissues. I was happy to hear about this place, as it was a total campy hole in the wall- it actually surprised me the type of records that were in stock at this place! Many people who come here, I've noticed- would only look at the top shelf. Unfortunate for them- as I've found some very great finds on the bottom shelf! It's my very favorite place to go to find records, and I'll always return! read more

Took my 12 year old and he fell in love with the place that we had to take him for a second time lol and I am pretty sure he will keep going because he loves vinyls! read more

Rat Hole - Lots of Vinyls - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

Stopped in today to look for some records with my family. We were greeted as we walked up by Chris . This place has a super chill vibe and Chris checked in on us a few different times to make sure we didn't need anything or have any questions. I would definitely go check this place out if you are looking for music , he even gave out kids some toys to occupy them while we were looking thru vinyls. I found my go to place from now on and not to mention is a local business. Chris was extremely helpful and even offer to help getting a player set up . Thank you read more

Place is literally a rat hole, small in size. Awkward to move around without rubbing up against someone. Should I go butt to butt or butt to crotch? They have a decent size collection. Some records are overpriced, like I would never spend $99 on "watch the throne" but to each his own. And aside from the spider bite I received on my leg while walking around, I don't mind supporting a small business. read more

Everything from Jazz to Punk or Hip Hop to Metal. This place has it all. Such a great selection of vinyls, cds, shirts ,stickers, patches, posters and much more. Great prices too, Chris is willing to work with you on pricing and knows his vinyls down to a science considering condition. Cool setup with pricing easy to see split into sections. Went twice on the same day and still didn't come close to seeing everything available. My girlfriend found this spot that's just around the corner of my home, we had gone to eat dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant and she noticed the small yellow sign from this shop. Don't turn your head away, check out this little record shop with a big inventory. read more

Rat Hole - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

This place is fucking awesome. I made a trip to Riverside from Huntington Beach for the sole purpose of visiting this place, at my brother's recommendation. The owner and his employee are cool dudes who don't treat you like they are too cool for school. They have an insane selection of stickers patches and so on. Their punk and metal selection is top notch. I purchased Peace Thru Vandalism and Group Sex and had a difficult time only purchasing two records. They even threw in a free shop sticker if I promised to put it on my car. If you are into supporting small businesses and love a good record store check this place out. read more

Back at the Rathole records! Everything has been expanded and looks amazing! All the cds are now up on the wall and there is so much more space. Come check them out! Absolutely favorite place to be. Chris and the staff are the best and can help you with any record needs questions or concerns! Come on by. read more

Rat Hole - Rathole Records ! - Vinyl Records Near Me - Riverside, California

We stumbled upon this small record store just to go in and check it out, and ended up buying just about everything we laid eyes on! The owner was so generous and kind, and the store is awesome! Wide variety of records, CDs, and just about anything you can ask for. Definitely gonna come back, even if it's just to browse! read more

Overpriced, not welcoming at all, not personable, and did I mention overpriced... I understand supporting small record shops so they can sustain business but the prices of these records are obnoxious. I saw tons of records and almost everything I touched was 80$ and up it's MADNESS. The place is really cool looking but it's a shame it's just not the kind of business I wanna support ;( There's plenty of other record stores in the riverside area that could use support and are way more fair than this place. read more

Quite literally the worst Vinyl store experience I've ever had. Most of the records are not priced all the prices are looked up are looked online. I understand if youre business is understaffed but if you can't properly grade and price your records do not put them out on the shelves. How can a person make an informed decision when buying records if the prices are arbitrary? read more

What an incredible store! Went in for my first time today and the selection was incredible and were complimented by outstanding prices! The staff is friendly and understand what it is to be an insatiable collector of music. I could spend hours here! They offer super unique patches and stickers along side their wide array of vinyls! I only wish to see stores like this prosper! Truly created for customer satisfaction! I will be spending much more of my time and money here rather than at Riversides infamous "Mad Platter!" As an aside, I walked out with original pressings of "Space Oddity - David Bowie", "The Times They Are a Changing - Bob Dylan" and "The Best of Elton John - Elton John." What a fun day for music! Thanks Rat Hole! read more