I spent a good deal of time at this Reckless through out high school and college, well before there was a Wicker Park, Loop or the short lived Evanston location (which was actually my favorite location for a really long time.) It was part of my rotation of record stores, which also included the Second Hand Tunes locations, Dr Wax, Clubhouse and Video Beat, all on Clark St. and all long gone. Of all these stores, this is the only one left and that actually makes me really sad. This Reckless was always a decent store that seemed to have a lot stuff, but missing certain essentials. As many other people mentioned already, with the exception of maybe one or two clerks (who have long since quit), the lowest common denominator indie hipster fuck has tended the register. To this day, if I end up at this Reckless, I will forever feel like what I'm buying isn't cool enough for Hipster McAwkwardpants. The only difference now is that I don't really care. The selection here is very picked over and I try not to go there with any kind of agenda, because I know they won't have what I'm looking for. I tend to save this Reckless location specifically for digging around for potential hidden gems or records I might have missed the first time around. Like pretty much everyone else says, hit up the Milwaukee Ave. Reckless or the one in the loop. Better selection with less attitude. read more

I enjoy browsing here - I always end up looking very uncool with a used Mary Poppins or Teletubbies DVD, but that's what I get for shopping with my 6-year-old Riot Girl. She likes PJ Harvey and Sleater-Kinney too, so I get useful suggestions from her. The staff is very professional - not bubbly by any means, but way less blase (dangit, can't save the accent over the 'e' - HELP NISH) than most record store people. Great selection, and I do tend to compare to the suburbs, so you may feel differently. read more

One of my favorite places. Any indie, new or obscure cd, dvd or video you want or need, they will have it!

I walked out with a copy of purple rain, near mint with the original poster. need i say more? always the best. read more

Way too many "hipsters" shopping in this place, but a good selection of records make it worth the it. They had a good selection of foreign music (lack of Asian however) and tons of 0.50$ LPs and 45s. I found quite a few gems at the bargain table. I've heard the employees are awful, but I didn't have to deal with them at all as I only came near them when I handed them my money and walked out of the store. In my eyes, the less interruption while I'm digging, the better. Lots of good used records for good prices. read more

I'm in love with this record store. The best selection, there's so much to choose from! They carry VICE Magazine (shameless plug). The guys that work there are extremely helpful and nice. There are reviews tagged on the cd files. They have listening stations. The used cd prices are incredible and they are filed under artist names in the same section as the new cds...makes it that much easier to buy used cd's and save a ton of money. You should go there and buy music asap. I heart Reckless! read more

This location is great because it's not nearly as picked over as the Bucktown spot. They just seemed to have more overall and stuff was categorized a bit better too. Either way I'm a fan of both. read more

It's no Amoeba (the worlds largest independent record store in L.A. and San Francisco), but Reckless is Chicago's largest independent store. While I don't know why we can't sustain our own Amoeba, Reckless will do for now. Decent selection of used CDs and albums, you can look up their inventory on their site (www.reckless.com) before you bother plowing through the hundreds of barely organized plastic holders. It's frustrating when you can't find something that they're supposed to have, but the staff is always helpful. Some complain that the staff is snobby or rude, but that's just not true. I've been shopping there since 1992 and I've never, ever had anyone be rude to me, let alone scoff at any of my requests (which aren't always cool!). And I can be a demanding pain in the ass sometimes, with my long list of titles for them to look up and find for me. So not the easiest store to find stuff, but gawd bless 'em, the staff does a good job. I've seen lots of interesting local rockstars and cute girls come and go on their staff (in both Wicker Park and Lakeview locations) -- I always thought they should have a Reckless calendar! read more

Reckless Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have been to,the store on Belmont a few times and they have a large selection . But on newer used dvds they price them way up like $20.00 dallors for used and like the other store on the block Like the exchange they will low ball you on blu rays reg.dvds . But used CDs and LPS they prices Well . I will still gO there but I will sell my blu rays,and dvds to anyplace else but at reckless or cd exchange read more

This place has a huge selections or Dvd's and records. The staff are pretty cool overall, I've ran into one or two snotty music types. If you've ever visited record stores frequently you know exactly the kind of person I'm talking about. But, like I said, mostly everyone there is pretty cool and snotty or not they really know what they are talking about. The prices are very reasonable and they have a killer selection of used vinyl. I am particularly fond of the psychedelic and garage rock sections; they just have a ton of the old Pebbles comps and rare no name records.. They also have staff picks which is a great way to find new music that you might not run into otherwise. Def check them out if your into vinyl. read more

I can't believe it took me 2 years to walk up to this place! It's like a relic, with a ton of movies and vinyl CDs to choose from. They have great prices for good quality and you can also sell your stuff. I love their collection and can seriously spend 2 hours looking around. As if this wasn't enough they also bring bands from time to time to play for free, and you can even get old posters or vintage stuff that you would find for a much higher price on e-bay. They have button badges too! read more

I scored some used cd's for a dollar. Much cheaper than buying one or two songs from itunes.

This place is pretty cool and the prices on used cd's are nice..I recently moved here from wisconsin and have bought about 12 or so cd's from here to add too my ipod. The used cd selection is pretty extensive especially for metal cd's but not as much for rap or hip-hop. Not to be so picky here but the two problems i have is the way they list the cd's i can be a little painstaking to find what you are looking for with all those thin sheets of paper close together and the new cd's are a little expensive. read more

Better than the Wicker Park location--perhaps cos this area no longer as hip as Wicker Park? This means: More Used LPs (and better punk selection) since this neighborhood is more CD than LP..and three listening stations! Would go here more often, but it is 30+ minutes by bike, and horrible to navigate by bike on the weekends. Move this store to Logan Sq or Humboldt Park! read more

This is a super cool record store. You can walk in with $20, and if you're patient and open minded, walk out with more than a handful of new music that you will love. I am a little intimidated asking their staff for some of my more mainstream obsessions, but I think that's based more on my judgments than theirs. I've lived in a few great music towns, and this is my favorite record store in any of them. read more

Love Reckless. They'll usually have what you want in stock and seem to have pretty good customer service. The workers don't really seem snobby, which is nice in a place where you feel like people might think they're too cool for you haha it's just a fun place to hang out in a browse. read more

Would it kill these hipsters to crack a smile, offer help, or, god forbid, say hello? Other than the poor service and rude holier than thou music snobs, it's truly the best place to get music. Outstanding prices compared to every other store in Chicago, unbeatable selection (of a wide range of genres) and both new and used options galore. I want to rate it lower because of the people, but I can't. The music outweighs the jerks. read more

Awesome selection of used CDs. Unfortunately, I am not a vinyl collector, but I do have friends that purchase a good amount from here. Website is updated on a daily basis. I have also picked up a good amount of music from the $1 bin. I wish there was more merch, like t-shirts. read more

One of the BEST selections I've seen in a record shop. Definitely worth checking out. It would be nice if there was a play station

Just started collecting vinyl last year, and am damn glad I found Reckless! Helpful/informative staff, great prices, and one of the biggest selections I've ever come across. Found an 'Ol Dirty Bastard limited edition CD book-set right along with some Pharcyde and Common. Cannot say one bad thing about the joint. Loyal customer forever! read more

I guess I have been spoiled by the Amoeba Record stores on the West Coast, but this place has a lot to be desired. Especially when you consider that this is the third biggest city in America and Reckless is supposed to be the best in town. Their punk/indie selection is terrible and they don't even have records from Chicago bands. Plenty of Mogwai and Coldplay, if that's your thing. read more

they are cheap buyers. they have a very large overhead with giant stores and many employees grading and pricing and puting the records out. i sold them about 1000 lps that i had in my closet from the 1960 to mid 80s. i brought them in lots as i live 2 blocks away.the prices they paid me seemed very low and i fought with them to pay more for the lots. i did get them up in price on most lots. i still had about 8000 more lps they offered me next to nothing on my 45s. i kind of expected this as they do not seem to do much with 45s and dvds.i then started calling other shops. i ended up selling my lps and 45s at great prices at other shops but i could not do much with the dvds . i am sorry i sold my first 1000 lps at reckless. i just assumed that i would get more at a bigger store. read more

A respectable record store in my neighborhood....desperatley lacking on underground old school hip hop but hey, nobody's perfect. However they do have almost every abstract dvd i've wanted...and got it for cheap!!! plus who doesn't like a place that features the cutest indie girls ever employed??? This place doesnt take itself too seriously but the staff seems to know their stuff. read more

great place to buy vinyl. i like that you can look for something specific online and find out if they have it at a certain location. prices are reasonable and i'm always finding something i wasn't expecting to see. they also have a large collection of used cd's and movies - though i haven't taken advantage of those. it's not fancy inside, but that doesn't matter when you're buying music. and occasionally i've had strange older men start to hit on me there...i don't even know what to say about that... read more

I think I've been to every one in the city and outside. My son is a music freak and he drags me to each and every one when I'm in town. Prices are reasonable.....his "needs" are not....lol read more

This is a great record store. They have 3 locations in Chicago-land and will transfer any LP, CD, DVD or book to the location nearest you in a day or 2. They have a HUGE selection of used music and a great website where you can search their entire inventory (minus the discount bin). These guys are really organized. I have always found the staff to be very friendly and would gladly recommend Reckless to any audiophile. read more

I went in Reckless Records to sell some movies and games. They had me wait over 1hour and then when I came back to the counter to asked a question I was told they wasn't going to buy anything. So I asked the employee if you all knew you weren't gonna buy anything why did you all have me wait for a hour, He told me that's what we do to people of color we don't know. and I was felt bad because I have been coming to reckless for over 20 years. read more

Reckless is a good record store. but don't expect to find anything amazing. with such a large staff jems rarely make the floor, Those that do are quickly picked up by ebayers. I find going early on a weekday is when you'll find better used vinyl. read more

Spent a lot of money here. Got 2 vinyls that skipped. Gave me a lecture and said it's my record player's problem. Told me to go home and try them again... Probably will never shop here again. read more

Awesome record store. They had everything my husband and I wanted - jazz records, indie records, used DVDs and VHS, and helpful staff. I found some gems on vinyl that I didn't know I needed. My husband found a fat stack of used jazz records. We both left happy! read more

Great selection and great prices. I love used CD stores, and this one really has the lowest prices. I can spend a long time in here. I really don't like the staff, though. It's a whole bunch of guys who think their job is rocket science. I tried to talk to this guy about Vampire Weekend (who I can't stand) and he totally ignored me. Then he rang me up in silence. WEIRD! Again, I do shop here, but I really really dislike the employees. read more

A great place crowded with tons of new and used records, cds, dvds, video games, etc. Helpful staff that will get you what you are looking for and fair prices. read more

A good solid independent record shop. Huge selection and helpful staff

Reckless carries all manner of new, used, and rare music and movies on various formats. It's a pretty big place and packed with items. It can be difficult to locate CDs, however. They aren't quite in alphabetical order, but searching pays off. If you can't find something, a staff member will be happy to check their database and look for you. Recommended for those who enjoy small label rock/pop and local outfits. read more

This is one of my regular places to find records and used DVDs. People sell things here pretty frequently, so there are always new merchandise. The prices are reasonable and they have a vast collection. They sell DVD box sets, records, CDs and even LASERDISCS! Their vinyl is sometimes lacking because it gets sold out too quickly or because it can get pricey, but overall it's worth the visit. They've also expanded recently, so the new storefront is even better than it was before. read more

Found some Springsteen bootlegs at a reasonable price, that I'm rescuing from the Midwest and bringing back to Jersey. Interesting system of keeping records in the back and just the sleeves up front. Can't say that it bothers me. Great that they have such a comprehensive system. I don't know how it compares to the other locations, but it's a nice place to pop in and check out the selection. read more

This location has moved across the street and the new location is way bigger and more organized as well. They have one of the best selections in the used Cd and DVD game, and the prices can be pretty good for most items. This place continues to be a favorite haunt when I'm in the area. read more

I went to Chicago once with some friends of mine. One of the guys was originally from Chicago and he said this store was like a Cleveland store that I love (My Mind's Eye) but better. He is right. They have a selection that could easily take hours to go through everything. The prices are very reasonable for being in Chicago and the selection is top notch. I don't even want to think of how much money I've spent at this location over the years and will continue to spend. I always go here when I am in town. read more

Reckless Records is a lakeview staple, and is one of the best record stores I've been to in my 23 years of existence. I find it to be quite the hipster/emo hang out usually, but it's not an issue because they are super helpful and can hook you up with any information you may need. They are right down the street from Intelligenica, so go get a coffee and come here to browse the stacks of media they have. For those interested in classical music, they have an excellent collection of cds and vinyl for very low prices. I recently bought some Rammstein cds here, and they were in excellent condition. I know a lot of people don't by CDs anymore, but if you're still a little retro like me, you'll really appreciate this place for its eclectic charm and alternative vibe. read more

A great place to spend an entire afternoon, easy. An extensive catalog of LP's and 45's you won't find anywhere else in the city, with a neighborhood atmosphere that's familiar but at the same time niche. Basically most of my reissues come from this store along with some pretty covetous vintage vinyls that have my friends swooning whenever they stop by my place. The stacks are meticulously curated to fit an all encompassing spectrum of music. The atmosphere is so chill that I'm content just to browse the selection, aimlessly wandering the aisles, thumbing through albums as an old record plays throughout the store. The thousands of records give off a familiar library scent, half must and half history, that you can't help but fall into a meditative state here. Pulling out an album to double check its bar code in the matrix becomes a meditative practice, and it's not hard to strike up a conversation with the clerks, talking shop, that'll go into the waning hours before closing. All the posters and records hanging on the walls give you the vibe of someone's older brother's really cool basement. A record hanging on the wall catches my eye and the overhead lights bleed down the groves of the vinyl. My feet continue shuffling along the middle aisle, which makes the light curve further down until my line of sight matches up perfectly with the reflection, sending a beam of light into my eyes. The store, the records, the musty smell, the sound system playing Lucinda Williams, all wash away except for the black record and its beam of light. The veins in my neck swell and hold my head in place, and I can feel my hands tense up and shake as something is coming through, some kind of transmission encoded in the light and piercing through the bone in my skull and blooming in the empty space where my brain should be, and this frightens me, and even as the cash register returns and the album racks return and Lucinda Williams' voice comes back from the ether, the light isn't done with me and transmits one final message before I end up swallowing my tongue: This... moment... will... be... lost... read more