Kylar Royer

As vinyl collecting grows more and more each day, it is helpful to know the best places to find the vinyl of your dreams. Depending on what genre you are looking for, it always helps to know where to look. Whether you’re digging for rock, pop or Spanish music, these are the top five record stores in San Antonio that may cater to your music taste.

5. Batcave Vinyl 

Batcave Vinyl is certainly one of the cooler places to go to find records. Though lacking in some genres such as rap and R&B, Batcave specializes in contemporary rock, grunge and blues albums. What stands out the most about Batcave is the owner’s collection of never-opened original albums from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Whether it is Metallica’s first original single from 1983 or Kiss’ self-titled debut from 1974, the collection of original records will surely drop the average rock fan’s jaw. 

Prices at Batcave are indeed the highest on this list, but it is not so expensive that it discourages people from shopping there. If you are a fan of digging or just want to find that one original rock album, Batcave is the place to go. 

4. Southtown Vinyl 

Any pop, dance and R&B music fan will absolutely love Southtown Vinyl. While other stores on this list focus on rock-based genres, Southtown specializes in pop and dance music from the 80s all the way up to the present day. Whether it is classic artists like Madonna or modern-day pop stars like Dua Lipa, Southtown Vinyl almost always has what you are looking for if you want something new or popular. 

Fairly reasonable on prices, the store also has a great selection of posters, CDs, used record players and brand new turntables. Those looking for classic albums or newly released music are sure to find them at Southtown Vinyl.

3. Flip Side Record Parlor

Like Hogwild Records, Flip Side Record Parlor has been a staple in the San Antonio music scene. Anyone looking to find flyers for local bands or new auditions can surely find them at Flip Side. Located on Southwest Military Drive, the shop offers a selection focusing mainly on the hard rock genre. That being said, the record parlor still has plenty to offer for the average music fan. 

While the store does sell brand-new albums, a majority of Flip Side’s inventory is original used records. Being that they are used, almost all of the store’s albums are extremely well-priced for new and existing customers. Although specializing in hard rock, the store still has a great collection of disco, hip-hop, R&B and country music albums. 

With an overall well-rounded selection, Flip Side is easily one of the best record stores in San Antonio. Those looking to find original records from Kiss, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC should have no problem finding them at this record parlor. 

2. Janie’s Record Shop

Janie’s Record Shop is one of the few mom-and-pop record stores still running in the Alamo City. Despite not carrying a vast selection of new music, Janie’s has been a personal favorite for many years. The store carries almost anything and everything that has to do with Spanish music. Whether it be original vinyl, CDs or posters, the shop is hands down the best Spanish vinyl spot in San Antonio. 

In addition to carrying such a large array of Spanish music, the store also manages to carry a vast selection of rock, soul, jazz and early hip-hop albums. There is something worth listening to for all music tastes. Janie’s prices are also one of the stand-out things about the shop. While some prices on records are firm, the owner of the store is almost always willing to make a mutually beneficial deal. 

• Hogwild Records 

The San Antonio record scene would not be what it is today without Hogwild Records. Since opening in 1982, the store has been renowned for its specialization in metal but has since embraced other genres such as rap, R&B and dance music. Their selection is easily one of the best in San Antonio, with original and reissued albums priced reasonably for the average consumer. If there is an album the store does not have in stock, the employees are always able and willing to order the album straight to the store to be purchased and picked up in less than two weeks. 

Though Hogwild is most known for its records, these are not all the store has to offer. Their collection of band shirts, patches, stickers, records, and outstanding customer service makes them one of the top five record stores in San Antonio. Customers looking for albums by the likes of Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera and Black Sabbath are sure to find them at Hogwild Records.

Read more about local SA record shops

‘Hogwild Records’