City Cast Madison logo

The Best Indie Record Stores in Madison

Posted on November 25, 2025
Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas

Hand looking through a stack of records

Browsing the shelves (sinceLF / Getty)

On Nov. 28, Madison’s indie record stores will celebrate Record Store Day Black Friday, stocking their shelves with plenty of limited-edition releases and other goodies for vinylphiles.

Madison is lucky to have a vibrant indie record scene. Here are some of our favorite places to shop for vinyl.

Strictly Discs

Founded in 1988 and boasting a massive used-vinyl selection (more than 500,000 records), Strictly Discs has several locations to visit throughout the Madison area. You can browse their full Black Friday list, or get in line before the store opens at 8 a.m. There might be coffee while you wait.

Mad City Music

If you want to sell your own collection of vinyl, CDs, or cassettes, stop by this spot on Atwood avenue. You can learn more about how to take care of your record collection, and browse the many shelves. If you fall in love with the store, you'd be among fans like Brandi Carlile, Slug from Atmosphere, and if you fall in love with another record lover, you might even host your wedding here (someone else did).

B-Side Records

Their website might be only one page (with their address on State Street), but B-Side's list of records, stickers, and live shows could fill a catalogue. Check out their Instagram for the most up-to-date information on what happens when.

Jiggy Jamz

Whether it's pure vinyl, CDs, gear, or art, Jiggy Jamz has a little of everything. It's a hint of the past with stacks of old classics and a bit of the future with live-streamed jamz and ways to digitize your collection. They're open Monday through Saturday on Fordem Avenue.

The Door

For all you metal-heads and punks, The Door's curated collection of CDs and vinyl will get your head banging. They say "If it's Weird, Loud, or Fast, we sell it," but visit their store on Monona Drive to make sure.

Box of Wax Records

Record aficionados will love to browse the shelves hidden inside the Antiques Mall of Madison on Cottage Grove Road. There you'll find new releases and deep cuts tucked away beside your next renovation project.

Share article

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Madison, Explained

See All

The latest in Madison

Madison's BestJuly 7

A Phish Head’s Survival Guide to Madison

Are you going to see Phish in Madison at the Kohl Center this week? Here’s what to know, from your chance to score last-minute tickets to...

A crowd of people wearing colorful t-shirts and bracelets smile at a Phish concert.
Madison's BestJuly 1

Your Guide To July 2026 in Madison

Plan your perfect July in Madison with our ultimate guide. Discover top summer events like Fete de Marquette, Maxwell Street Days, and At...

A large group of people sit at tables on a terrace overlooking the beach.
Food & DrinkJune 25

The Best New Restaurants in Madison

This month’s list of new Madison restaurants includes a spot inside Brennan’s Market, 7 Brew coffee shop near East Towne Mall, and Asteri...

The front of Skip's After Market showing two planter boxes of yellow, orange and purple wildflowers and a table and chairs in front.
Food & DrinkJune 18

The Best Ice Cream in Madison

There are plenty of spots to indulge in a cold scoop (or several) of ice cream in Madison. Here are some of the best local spots in town.

A white building with a glass door with red trim.
Local CivicsJune 18

Democratic Candidates Sound Off in Assembly District 76 Forum

There are five Democratic candidates running to succeed Rep. Francesca Hong in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Five candidates are seated in a row on stage, the moderator is to the left
Madison's BestJune 16

How To Celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in Madison

June 19 is Juneteenth, the day that America celebrates the end of slavery. But there are events all week in Madison to commemorate the ho...

A group of people walk down the street on a sunny day in a parade celebrating Juneteenth. People in the front hold a banner that reads "June 19, 1865."
Neighborhood GuidesJune 15

Take a Look Inside the Center for Black Excellence and Culture

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture opened its doors last month to much fanfare. The $32 million facility is envisioned as a hub...

The interior of a building with white walls and a polished floor.
Food & DrinkJune 11

Where to Watch the World Cup in Madison

The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off today, and Madison soccer fans are ready. Here's where to watch the matches, including bars...

A man in purple cheers surrounded by fans in bleachers.