I stopped in for my first visit on the way to the new Reckless location. Like the many reviews here I was taken or shaken back by the high prices. Not just moderately higher prices but extravagantly high. So instead of going on about prices, I should say that i realized this is a concept record shop. This really puts it in perspective. Shuga is about the ultra record store experience. A shop where you will see hard to find, rare vinyl pressings that you only see in your ebay Follow Feed. On my visit, I did see neat Brazilian editions of Bowie on colored vinyl that I never seen before (around $70). Original pressing Pink Floyd titles were priced at around $70 as well. Browsing about, I saw titles that I don't normally see on the shelves. The shop is very organized, clean and has an ultra cool vibe. So for this concept to work, you must suspend reality and be ok spending $25 for a late era Talking Heads record (ok last price reference). They have digital stations where you can browse additional stock not in the store. All this really differentiates them from the other shops along Milwaukee Ave. For me, it was pretty cool seeing so much cool titles all in one shop. It's like a museum of collectable vinyl releases. Not sure I ever see myself impulse buying anything, but I know where to come if have a taste for exotic vinyl. read more

Decent selection of New vinyl that is priced a little above normal but they do have a nice selection. If you want to buy USED vinyl Id stay clear as the prices dont reflect the quality of grading. They do have some cool hundred dollar lps but those are something you seek out and not something you go shopping for. I've visited about 6 times now and haven't found a good deal yet. They really take the fun out of record shopping. read more

If you want a record store that's both deeply in-touch with the music community and staffed by friendly and knowledgeable music lovers, this is where you need to be buying your records. Not only do they host great live events, I always manage to find stuff here I can'f find anywhere else. Shopping is a fun experience because the staff is fun to kick it with. There's a lot of other record stores in close proximity, but Shuga is always my first stop. read more

What a horrible setup for an in-store performance, I'm extremely disappointed, I can't see anything that I paid money for

Got there 10 minutes before closing and the staff treated me as if i had all the time in the world. The staff is super nice and helpful. They knew where everything was at. Plus I got a free button :) read more

Another great record store with a great selection. Loved how everything is organized. Ambience is perfect. Pricing is pretty good. A lot of albums were actually cheaper than Amazon. Will definitely be going back again and again read more

Favorite record store. They carry rare items, many new releases, and bootlegs, all of which aren't always found in abundance in some stores. The staff gave helpful recommendations and was also quite friendly to me, which I, as a younger female, do not always experience in record stores. The rap section is much better with a greater selection compared to most record stores. (One of my most exciting finds was a bootleg of The Life of Pablo.) If only I lived in the area! read more

Big vinyl junkie. This place is beautiful looking and packed with gems. Also, the music playing has been killer every single time I've been in. Seriously I've bought the record playing from the lovely lady behind the counter twice. They know their stuff and can help you find exactly what you're looking for and what you're not looking for. Welcome to the neighborhood! read more

Shuga Records is hands down my favorite record store in Chicago. Staff is super helpful and they always have great events.

Today was the first time I went in. When I first walked in I found a couple Record Store Day Releases that just arrived that I didn't get on RSD, so that was great. The owner of the shop came up and started talking about one of the albums with me. He recommend some great albums that I had never even seen in shops. I do agree the prices are high on some, but the condition is all great. Coming from personal collections and hard to come by albums. If you know what you want and know the price its worth then you can probably find it here or on their online store. It was cool that they had Ipad's that you could search their stored records. I will be going back in the future. read more

This is my favorite record shop now by far. I am typically looking at the rap section and a lot of shops I pop into are lacking if they carry anything at all. Everyone I've brought here has been blown away. They also carry bootlegs and I love it. read more

One of the best Record Stores I've had the pleasure of shopping! They have awesome recommendations and service. I'll stop by any time I'm in the neighborhood. read more

Shuga Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Shuga Records is an excellent vinyl shop, both online and also their Chicago store. They have a great selection that covers all tastes. Prices are very competitive relative to the quality of their stock. The times I've been there, the staff placed a much higher priority on making sure I got what I wanted rather than just making a sale. The Chicago store is set up so you can easily browse their online selection while you're there. Shuga records also supports local artists by promoting shows at local venues. I've really liked the shows I've been to. read more

Shuga Records is the best vinyl shop in Chicago. No question. They have an amazing selection of new and old vinyl, and Adam is one of the most genuine and open people I've met. Each time I go into Shuga, Adam has made recommendations and will let me know what to look out for that is soon to be released. Unlike Dusty Groove or Reckless, Adam and is staff know what they are talking about I look for excuses to head back there. Do your self a favor and check them out. You can thank me later. read more

By far my go-to spot for record collecting! Adam, Will, and the entire staff offer a very friendly and welcoming environment every time I come through the door. With a fully digitized inventory and an eBay store to match, no other record store in the area can possibly compare with the vast inventory and knowledge this store has as a whole. HIGHLY recommended! read more

Shuga Records is fugggin GREAT! Adam, Will, Norman, and all the staff there are super chill people who are very knowledgable on rock, indie, doom, grind, metal, psychedelic, jazz, pop, etc. Very in touch with the local diy music scene in Chicago and across the Midwest. These guys partner up with Emporium Arcade Bar and book shows with the dopest acts you would never have even heard of. It's small business record shops like this that contribute to the thriving music scene culture in Chicago. Visit this gem in the Wicker Park neighborhood along with neighboring beer & grub spots.. Well worth the visit to the city. Everything about this place and their mission is 110% great. read more

Awesome store with a great selection and great staff! I could have stayed for hours! Zane was personable, knowledgeable and friendly! Groovy as it gets. I will be back for sure! read more

After speaking to the owner (Adam) while I was in his shop, I learned a lot about the music that I was interested in. He was amazing at explaining things in terms I could understand, and I couldn't help but feel the positive energy he had. It's nice to not just hear about his passion for music, store, and his employees, but to feel that passion as well. The positive atmosphere was helpful, and his staff was a pleasure to work with. They have the funniest analogies sometimes which keeps me coming back every time I go to Chicago. Adam is a funny guy that has grown on me. Now every time I'm in Chicago, I never miss a stop to say hello to Adam and his store, just so I can listen to all the great music and knowledge he has to share. I've never even walked into another record store since I've been to his store. read more

I make the trip down from the burbs every chance I can, or for most new releases. The local section and wide variety keeps me coming in! Love the staff too---I've discovered new fave artists thanks to their choosing! Hit up Shuga for a wide variety, keen local staff, and awesome in-store concerts. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! Has everything I need and more. Great prices. Don't forget to explore the used section, bunch of hidden gems with new-used records coming in all the time. Staff never turns away a question and is very polite. You'll find what you need here, and perhaps make a few new friends in this welcoming atmosphere! read more

This place is the bomb! Everyone who works here is incredible, they always have great vinyl at really great prices AND put on some killer shows. read more

Great store with a great selection of used, new, and reissues. I grabbed several titles during my recent first visit here. The employees were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended. I'll definitely be back every time I am in town. read more

Visited several record stores in Chicago over a long weekend last May including Reckless Records, but honestly I loved Shuga the most!!! Good prices, very cool and helpful employees who introduced me to a really good band, Ne-Hi, from Chicago, and even met the owner Adam who was just a class guy. They also do they're own pressings for several bands and repressings of some really cool stuff from the past. Also noticed they had a little stage in the back where bands do in store appearances. If I was from Chicago, this would no doubt be my local shop and if your visiting and a lover of vinyl music, Shuga is a must stop!!! I'll be back my next trip up! read more

Excellent and diverse inventory, plus a knowledgable staff. I've been buying from Shuga for years and they can always find what you want, no matter how weird or rare. Adam knows his stuff and has been in the business as a seller and a DJ for as long as I can remember. I doubt you'll find such a well-versed aficionado who's also a nice and approachable guy anywhere else. read more

Great selection of Hip Hop, new releases, and rock. Small Blues selection but overall quality records. They even took my info and will notify me when records I was looking for come in. Good location with ample street parking. Friendly staff too. Feels less picked over than Reckless records down the street. read more

I'm not a fan of vinyl (too expensive a hobby for my tastes), but as a music fan I love the store and its whole vibe. Staff is friendly and the selection is extensive, if expensive. They also make a point of having an entirely separate section for Chicago bands in case you wanted to check out local talent. read more

What's the one thing that every company gets demerits when they poll their employees? Money. They aren't making enough. There isn't a more affordable health care that they can subscribe to because everyone is greedy or cheap, and it's never enough. Not enough time off. It's always the same. Unless you work for Google or Apple, you could stand to make a few more dollars an hour/year/career. ...and even Google and Apple get negative feedback about their wages. Much like other high-performing businesses, Shuga Records finds a way to rise above what, albeit few, haters have said to maintain a quality brand, identity and an affordability for any vinyl aficionado. You get what you pay for, and more often than not, you get rare, high quality records, priced where they should be for a human business owner to turn a profit, make a living and maintain a positive reputation. The owner is approachable, helpful and will keep his eye out for you if there is something specific you are looking for. If you, however, are looking to play chicken with him and start your own business selling records, your business won't succeed if you try to grab his stuff and crank it out on Craigslist. Just don't do it. If you're looking for the right piece that isn't torn to shreds, go to Shuga. read more

Fantastic customer service! So quick to respond back to my message with an informative answer. Can't even express how refreshing that is these days. read more

I come here often. I really like their large selection. I have only had good experiences at Shugga. Highly recommended.

This the go-to place for records in Chicago. Tons of tapes, a nice psych section, and lots of local music. Everyone that works here is friendly and helpful. They also have really cool artist signing events and in-store concerts! read more

I was visiting from Portland, had some time to waste in Wicker park and wanted to pick up the new slowdive record. First off, this shop is gorgeous, really nice modern aesthetic and the walls are filled with murals from local artists. Their new vinyl section was pretty diverse, and as a former Midwest girl, I liked the MN and Chicago exclusive sections. I was able to get a limited edition silver vinyl slowdive pressing and the guy at the counter suggested that I check out the new moon duo record which was an A+ rec. 10/10 would shop again. read more

Great staff, selection, and atmosphere. As a beginner in collecting vinyl, Shuga makes the hunt for "the one" sweet!

This shop is great! Found a lot of great local bands' stuff here. Murals on the walls have the shop looking hot and flipping through the poster display on the wall took me back. Will definitely be stopping back here when I'm in the area. read more

Wow. Some of the best selection I have ever seen! They had everything from Cream to Kanye. It was the first time I had ever seen Bloc Party albums in a store. Very reasonable prices too. I could have bought twice as many albums if I had the money. I live across the country and they told me about their online store and shipping. read more

Shuga Records is a one stop shop for amazing vinyl gems! Adam, the owner, is a walking encyclopedia of record knowledge. If he doesn't have what you're looking for in his massive vinyl archive, you can count on him finding what you're looking for. He can also make some fantastic suggestions for you if you're not sure what you're looking for! Extremely knowledgable. The new location is gorgeous and very comfortable to shop in. Can't recommend Shuga Enough! My only compliant, re-open a location in Minneapolis! Hehe but it's a recommend must visit destination while in Chicago! Much Love for Shuga Records!!! Support your locally owned and operated Shuga Records!! read more

Great Place Everyone One Is Very Nice And Helpful Best Record Shop Ever

Easily my favorite record store in Chicago. Could dig here all day and not feel uncomfortable unlike other stores in the area (like reckless) where I feel uncomfortable and unwanted as soon as I walk in. Staff is friendly and approachable. Again, unlike other stores in the area they don't act bothered/annoyed when you ask for help. Favorite thing about this place is the music selection. They don't have a bunch of unwanted boring records you normally see at every record store, and if they do have a record you normally see at every record store most of the time they'll have the limited edition version of it. So far I've been able to find a bunch of local and new release limited stuff that when I show people they right away ask where I got it from. Definitely check this place out and make sure to actually look through the sections & not just over look. You'll most likely walk out with something you've been searching for! read more

Super stoked when I come across new record stores! Great staff very helpful and the collection is off the chain!

Been a while since I purchased, life always in the way, but never had a bad experience and they seem to have or can get anything I need! Next time I am in town, I'll be there and won't walk out empty handed. read more

Terrible prices terrible selection terrible conditions. If you like new maybe it's decent (still overpriced) but otherwise the worst record store in The area. Saw them selling stuff like the carpenters for $8... read more