Explore Baltimore: Top 5 Record Stores

January 31st, 2025 by Liz Kosik

1. The Sound Garden (1993)
A Fells Point staple, The Sound Garden has been Baltimore’s go-to record store for over 30 years. They carry a massive selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and movies, plus host in-store events with big-name artists. Expect to find everything from classic rock to underground hip-hop in their stacks.

2. Celebrated Summer Records (2006)
Located in Hampden, Celebrated Summer is a haven for punk, hardcore, and indie lovers. Owner Tony Pence curates a well-organized selection of new and vintage records, with a strong focus on underground scenes. They also have a solid mix of jazz, metal, and soundtracks for collectors.

3. Baby’s on Fire (2016)
This Mount Vernon gem is part record store, part café, offering a laid-back space to sip coffee while crate-digging. They stock a well-curated selection of indie, rock, and experimental records, plus some great reissues. Run by musicians, it’s a perfect spot for both casual listeners and die-hard collectors.

4. Mount Vernon Records (2022)
One of Baltimore’s newest record shops, Mount Vernon Records goes beyond vinyl, also selling art, clothing, and DJ gear. They specialize in jazz, soul, and hip-hop, with a rotating selection of rare finds. The shop also offers music production and DJ classes, making it a hub for the local scene.

5. Normal’s Books & Records (1990)
A quirky Charles Village spot, Normal’s is packed with secondhand records, books, and zines. Their vinyl section leans heavily into jazz, blues, and avant-garde, with plenty of rare and offbeat selections. It’s the kind of place where digging through the bins can lead to unexpected treasures.