Forwver the Best record store in NYC - great selection, rare vinyl and new releases - John is the greatest!

Great store has rare and fantastic collectibles . The owner John is very knowledgeable.

My mom was visiting from Georgia and we were near Record Runner when we stopped by Chip City. We weren't quite ready to go back to my place so my mom looked up places to walk to around the area. She found this place and thought I'd like to visit since I'm on a record/vinyl collection kick. Specifically for Madonna. We got there and I saw Madonna in the window. Immediately I knew I had to go in. You have to knock to enter, and you can't bring any outside food or drink so make sure you dispose of it or seal it and put it in a bag before you enter. I was luckily just finished with my drink. When we got in, the gentleman heard me talking about Madonna because she was displayed in multiple areas. It was a small little store and record stores overwhelm me often and I didn't know where to look just yet. But I repeat, it was small so I would have seen it soon. Either way the guy was awesome and pointed out his Madonna selection where I found this erotica picture disc. Now it's not rare, you can buy it on her official website, but I happily bought it from this store as I was so thrilled to see it right there in front of me. I can't wait to go back. This is 100% the place I will go to for my Madonna needs! read more

Record Runner - Madonna "Erotica" picture disc Vinyl Recoed - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

See all

My favorite place in New York City to buy my vinyl and other music related items. If you don't see it just ask the super informed owner John. He has lots of stuff in the back he can get for you. I love Japan pressings and he has lots of those as well. I get to the city a couple times a year and this is always on my list of places to go. read more

Good selection, but I went to text a friend and ask if they wanted a certain record and the man behind the counter cut the music and asked me to "not take a picture." Ok sure, no problem. But when I said "oh I wasn't" he then mocked me for it. No problem dude but I'm not going to buy from a rude shopowner. read more

Went with a friend who is really into the pop music this place specializes in. There were a few things I could have bought for myself, but I didn't. My friend was able to find a lot he wanted. The space is very small and densely packed and the owner seemingly had a lot of back stock as well to bring out as people were interested, so we got a bit overwhelmed. A lot of what was on the shelves was actually magazines shrink wrapped to 12"x12" cardboard to give the illusion they had a lot more LPs available than they actually did. read more

I've been going to Record Runner longer than I can remember. It's the lone hold out to a Village culture long gone by. Yeah there's no more Bleeker Bob's but the institute that is Record Runner lives on. Now I only get visit once a year as I moved out of NY in '91, but it's always a must. I always ask for a few the bands I search for to which I always get a laugh and "can't get any of that 90's stuff ". Though I do do get recognized for it like I was there yesterday asking the same question. And that is the quintessential reason for everyone to make the trip when in the area. The man knows his records and always accommodates customers who like to shoot the breeze. While I don't often find the bands I search for, I do always find something. This passed trip I left with a mint original copy of The Cure's "Boy's don't cry" and The Smith's "Rank". If you don't see it on the floor, ask because it may be in the back. You know, that magical place where all the awesome stuff is... read more

Record Runner - Opens at 12:30... get a slice from Joe's and wait it out! - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

The guy working knows a thing or two about vinyl. Very knowledgeable and willing to share his insight. Store is also located next to a few low key yet vibrant coffee shops like The Coppola Cafe, or Joe coffee company (on Waverly). Recommend checking this record shop out if you're in the nearby area. Loving my Dylan's Greatest Hits, Vol. II. read more

went with my girlfriend today, great selection of stuff and the guy was super chill, the place was kinda small but it's alright when there's a lot of great stuff in there. read more

The fact that Record Runner is still in business is a testament to its greatness. I bought all my records there when I was a teenager (and even worked there at one time). To this day, I rely on the owner to find me rare gems of the bands I still collect, whether it's The Cure, The Police, or even Rick Springfield, whose rare 45s I always seek. He's gotten me some super rare Japanese movie posters too that are framed on my walls. After 40 years in business, Record Runner is pretty much the only record store still standing from back in the day, and in another 40 years it should be turned into a historical landmark. read more

Record Runner is a NYC institution. I still remember their ads in Star Hitz magazines back in the 1980s. I mailed ordered from them since I was a teenager. They have the best selection of rare collector items. I am very glad to be able to come here in person. I will always make it a point to stop in when I am in NYC. John the owner is awesome and really know his stuff. read more

Record Runner - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Wow!! I came in here after a friend recommended it and I was not disappointed! I collect everything Mariah Carey and they had just that! From vinyls to CDs, posters, magazines, tour programs/advertisements! Everything!! I ended up buying $950 worth of merchandise. This is thee place for collectors! Lots of rare singles and international editions. It's now a must visit of mine whenever I'm in New York! read more

See all

Nice but very cramped record store in the village. They have a large selection of mostly vinyl and you can spend hours in there browsing. Prices are reasonable as well. read more

Mapped out a bunch of stores from Brooklyn to Manhatten and this one topped the list. Fair prices and an incredibly deep selection of 80s pop. The Madonna section was massive. Good rock collection and a lot of new records. The used bins are more my haunt and I found The Jam and Gang of Four for under $20 total. Friendly owner who is a legend in his own right if you start talking to him. Bonus star for being on the street where Bob Dylan shot a famous album cover. read more

Would you believe you have to ring a bell to get buzzed into this place. It's true. There's a decent selection of stuff here. i was mainly looking for late 80s, early 90s rock. The guy was more willing and pleasant when he realized I was buying. Before that... eh, so so. Understandable. It's worth a stop when you're in the neighborhood. read more

I spent so much time whenI moved to NYC in Record Runner. Like Lori M. noted...I am an obsessive Madonna fan who bought copies of her fan club magazine, imported cds with b-sides, and so much more at RR. This is an institution as far as I am concerned. If you love great music and are looking for rare artist items, this is the store for you. read more

This is a store with a lot going for it, however there a few drawbacks that hold me back from a five star review. One of the cool things about this spot is the variety of albums, including many rare imports on vinyl/CD singles. Some drawbacks include the lack of organization in the CD section. I flipped through vinyl and was pleased with the mixture of genres and artists but the CDs were disorganized. One other thing that threw me off was the owner didn't know who John Frusciante was. As the long time guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it's shocking that a record store owner would not know who he was. All of that being said, this shop is more then worth a visit and I will return as it has a lot of great stuff. read more

We originally came across this vintage looking record shop, and wanted to take quick pictures for our Instagram here. We politely asked the man behind the counter if it was ok to take pictures, and he said ok. After taking a few pictures another man rushed back to us and rudely kicked us out! Every time we get access to take photos in an establishment we always out of courtesy purchase something from the business owner. But this man stated we never asked him for permission to take photos. When we told him we asked another man behind the counter. He grabbed the record out of my friends hand and said "bye bye leave now." Not even giving us the opportunity to buy our record, but I'm glad we didn't give this business our money! We are well know Instagram and Facebook personalities and we will be sharing this experience with our other social medias for our followers! It's not hard to be a nice person! For this owner to not even allow us to talk and explain was so NASTY!! read more

If you are in search of your 80s tunes on vinyl, this is the place for you! I went a bit wild in the Duran Duran section. If it wasn't for space limitations in my luggage I would have bought more than the 7 albums I purchased! Not just 80s either...my husband found several Beatles albums he was looking for. John clearly loves what he does! Thank you John! read more

I cannot comprehend the allure of this place unfortunately, but that is just me. Its a bit cramped but not the worst I've seen. The vinyl and CD's were expensive, but that is because the store focuses more on Japanese/Euro imports and rare issues. In terms of CD's, the owner readily admitted that he stopped focusing on curating his CD collection since most patrons come in for vinyl. That is fair and I totally understand that. The owner himself was very helpful and was extremely knowledgeable. This shop did not meet my needs as a CD hunter but it will probably hold a hidden treasure for other music collectors. read more

I always enjoy browsing this place when I'm in the area, and having just read that the owner doesn't know the guitar player from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I'm going back again soon!! read more

A relic of its former self. I assume RR was a small but well stocked LP/CD store with new and used gems - hell if PJ Harvey signs an LP for you then you must have been doing something right. Sadly RR is suffering from the same fate as many other stores - nobody is buying music anymore and as a consequence the shelves are only half full, the used selection is picked through and it seems like most of the interesting items are saved for the website. The store also seems to specialize more on Madonna and Lady Gaga than it's former alternative/indie rock of the past. If you are in the neighborhood swing by for nostalgia but I don't think you'll find anything. But if you do BUY IT, because the owner is a really nice guy! read more

Good selection at reasonable prices, maybe a bit more on the expensive side though. The service was a bit stand off, I mean, any place where you have to knock on the door so they can buzz you in already makes you feel like you're interrupting them somehow! read more

Indignant owner who told me 30 mins before closing that I had less than 5 minutes to browse. I inquired for a particular Beatles 45 and he scolded me for expecting that they'd have it because "with the Beatles it's not that simple." Well, you either you have it or you don't, dude. And he didn't. I don't wish for businesses to fail, especially record stores, which I love supporting. I hope this one fails. read more

After hearing the news about Rebel Rebel Records closing, I was bummed out while on a record hunt. However, discovering Record Runner really brightened my day! Not only do they have everything pop, but they have super rare stuff. The guy working there mentioned that they make sure to keep the rare stuff stocked as well. I found gems that are usually only online and cost an arm and a leg! So be sure to check out this joint whether you're visiting or live in the city. They also sell rare promotional merchandise from various artists. I know where I'm spending all my money! read more

his store has been a rock and pop institution of west village since early 80s-i even worked part time there in mid to late 80s i am very very puzzled by the paucity of reviews on yelp i think maybe this is a failing of yelp-just check their facebook for a true reflection of how valuable a music resource this place is btw the prices are a true reflection of the collectibility of their stock one can never underestimate the value of examining your purchase in person-as opposed to the risks of online read more

The best place to go! Have been going there since 1990 and so glad that it still is here to find something rare, or new stuff from artists that do not necessarily release their work in the USA. Great place, perfect, great for record store day and if you looking for something they will try to get it for you. read more

I've been visiting John's store a several years and he is always helpful and keeps a great stock of new and vintage vinyl. Some hard to find Japanese pressings included. I'll keep coming back here and shop local whenever I can. He does a great job of keeping order in a tight space. If you can't find something, just ask. He may well have it in the back! Some folks are put off that you have to knock on the door to get buzzed into the store. This is because John is usually there by himself and working to keep stock in the back. For obvious reasons, he can't just have people strolling in and out without knowing someone is in the store. Anyhow, I highly recommend stopping in. There's a good chance you'll find something you didn't even know you were looking for. read more

This is the place for fans of pop artists like Madonna and Olivia Newton-John. Very knowledgeable owner who gets excited about the music that he specializes in and gives great recommendations. My son picked up some Japanese import vinyls of Queen and left very happy. Can't wait to visit again! read more

A great selection of 80's alternative but at a price. Found more stuff I'd never seen before but I'd paid for it.But that's ok, I was in NYC and everything is expensive. Owner was very helpful and dug through stacks to help me find more. A good experience and Id go back. read more

I'm giving Record Runner a five-star review, because if you're a fan of 80s new wave -- and I'm the biggest -- then this place is your paradise. It was once voted by Madonna fans as their number-one record store, and Record Runner still specializes in all kinds of material on the girl, from records and posters to books, magazines and little-seen videos. It's also a favorite haunt of Duranies (John Taylor even once did an autograph signing here), and in the last few years Gaga's Little Monsters. If you don't see what you want, just ask -- if it's not filed away in the back, then John, the owner, can get it for you from someone in his vast network of sources. Oh, and if you don't see John in the front, ring the bell -- he's most likely in the other room, filling orders from vinyl maniacs who live as far away as Japan. read more

I have often made Record Runner a stop on my trips to NYC as John always has some Madonna goodies on hand. If you are a specialist collector (Madonna, Janet, Gaga, you name it) RR probably has something to catch your eye. Always good for conversation too. In my humble opinion you can't call yourself a music fan if you have not been to this music institution. All too often the internet has taken over our ability to walk into a store and browse things for ourself. RR also has a website so start there and then check out this neighborhood gem when you can. read more

One of the best record stores that I have ever been to. The owner not only knows his stuff, but he also treats the records themselves with respect. This is a haven for collectors, particularly of 70s and 80s music. My only caveat is to be prepared to spend a lot of money, not because the merchandise is overpriced, but because the selection is so deep and varied. read more

With the take over of the West Village by financial institutions and yet another Starbucks, it is no surprise to me why John(the owner of record Runner) is the last man standing in the village-This store is a NY institution that needs to be preserved. The store offers a wide selection of current releases,along with rare and collectibles vinyls/CD and the personal interaction with John is priceless. If the item you are looking for is not in stock,John most likely will be able to pull some strings and try and get it for you. This is more than just buying records ,it is an experience - The lost art of buying records is still alive and kicking at Record Runner. Don't just go there on the third Saturday in April,make this your primary destination for shopping for music,as I have and you will not be disappointed- Thanks to Record Runner, I can keep my Fridays ritual ,of getting and listening to new releases,alive.And did I mention that the prices are very fair and even the collectible items are very reasonably priced. This is the store for music lovers. read more

My favorite record store in Manhattan by far, especially now that we've lost Virgin and Tower. Record Runner has been in NY for 30 years, and you can tell by the selection of rare and impossible to find records. Perfect for fans of 80's music, new wave, indie, britpop, and the latest EU Dance and Rock singles. Rare imports from Japan? RR's got em. And make sure to ask them for what you're looking for, because if they don't have it, they probably know how to get it. Don't miss this place if you're in NY. read more

A definite must visit for any Manhattan record shopping trip. Great quality used and new vinyl. They stock the spectrum of rock but this shop is a goldmine for 80s & 90s British rock and pop rarities and tons of U.K., Japanese and rare pressings. Also, if you're into pop they have one of the best collections of Madonna, Kylie, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, Prince and Michael Jackson in the world. Well curated metal section as well. If you can't make it to NYC check their website - great source for rare vinyl. Go! read more

This place is amazing and reminds me of my days spent in DC record stores. I saw a really rare poster hung and asked if it was for sale. At the time it wasn't but the owner fairly priced it out and sold it to me. Cool place to shop, listen to music and I love the no attitude vibe. read more

Record runner is an oldie but goodie. RR has been a part of the community forever!! The owner is very knowledgeable about music and history of the village. He's also a very sweet guy and willing to help. They have old school records. If your looking for it they have it. read more

A fantastic used record store. Wonderful comprehensive and well-organized collection (contrast Generation Records on Thompson Street) with rational pricing (contrast Village Music World on Bleecker--are they kidding over there? If there is justice in this world that store will be gone by the time you read this). The guy at the counter knows the collection. Go in, enjoy yourself and buy something for yourself or your throwback friend. read more

The best music store! Before the advent of internet shopping, the owner kept me informed of anything new by my favorite band and if I didn't already have it in my collection, the owner would always find it for me. read more