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
Madison, ExplainedAugust 18

Fitchburg Took Down Flock Cameras, But Will Test Others

Fitchburg ends its Flock Safety license plate reader contract over privacy concerns, testing alternatives from Axon and Motorola despite...

A city street on a winter's day with a Flock camera attached to a pole.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 10

Meet the Madison Democrats Running For Assembly District 76

Find information about the candidates running for Wisconsin's Assembly District 76 seat in the upcoming primary election.

Five political candidates sit on a stage with microphones in front of them.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 10

Your Guide to the August Primary Election in Wisconsin

Get ready for the Wisconsin election on August 11. Learn where to vote in Madison, what ID to bring, how to vote early, and mail-in ballo...

A white sign with a United States flag image and the words “VOTE HERE VOTE AQUI” stands upright in front of a Madison municipal building.
Madison, ExplainedAugust 3

How State Government Is Reducing Its Footprint in Madison

Wisconsin is shrinking its downtown Madison office space. Learn how the long-term Vision 2030 plan will change the state government's phy...

A gray multi-story building in downtown Madison.
Madison, ExplainedMay 18

How Smart Studios Put Madison on the Musical Map

Why did Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Death Cab for Cutie and other bands want to record songs in Madison? As a new documentary explains, S...

A two-story red brick building on a street.
Madison, ExplainedMay 4

Quiz: Are you a True Madisonian?

You may live in Madison, but are you a true Madisonian?

A downtown street scene with a capitol dome at the top of the street.
Madison, ExplainedApril 7

Reader Tips On How To Beat High Gas Prices

According to AAA, the average price of a regular gallon of gas in Dane County is $3.87 a gallon.

A gas station sign next to a busy road.
Madison, ExplainedMarch 25

How To Beat High Gas Prices in Madison

The average price of a gallon of regular gas is 60 cents higher in Dane County than it was a year ago.

A gas sign in front of a road next to a pedestrian bridge.

The latest in Madison

Madison's BestAugust 17

Madison Artist Knocks It Out of the Park With Brewers Mural

Madison artist Emily Balsley unveils her new "Seventh Inning Stretch" mural at Fitchburg’s McKee Farms Park, inspired by her Brewers T-sh...

A woman paints a mural on a wall. The mural has a cornflower blue background and is populated with people and animals in Brewers uniforms and caps..
Food & DrinkAugust 13

These Madison Restaurants Are Gone But Not Forgotten

We also asked our readers and listeners to share their favorite defunct Madison restaurants, and dozens of you responded. Here are some o...

A strip mall restaurant with a green-and-white sign.
Madison NewsAugust 10

Listen to Our Interviews with Wisconsin’s Candidates for Governor

There are still seven candidates in the running for Wisconsin governor. Find out where they stand on the issues.

Four voting stations sit empty in front of a windows on a sunny day
Madison's BestAugust 6

The Best Fish Fries in Madison

Friday fish fries are a tradition in Wisconsin, and Madison has lots of options. Here are some of our favorites, including Dexter’s Pub,...

A plate of fried fish and french fries.
Madison NewsAugust 5

Madison Police Clear Ruiz Memorial and Encampment Site

Madison authorities dismantle the Corey Ruiz encampment at Baldwin & Williamson. District 6 Ald. Davy Mayer discusses the fallout on City...

Candles and flowers form a makeshift memorial.
Madison's BestJuly 31

Madison’s Best: Your Guide To August 2026 in Madison

Discover the best events, festivals, and activities in Madison this August 2026. Don't miss out on the ultimate summer highlights—plan yo...

The City Cast Madison team stands in front of a pop-up tent at the 2025 Magic Pride Festival.
Food & DrinkJuly 30

The Best New Restaurants in Madison

This month’s list of the area’s best new restaurants includes a new outpost for a wildly popular local pizza chain, a new sushi spot near...

Two people standing at a counter at a pizza restaurant.
Madison NewsJuly 29

Site of Corey Ruiz Shooting Becomes a Living Memorial

Protesters close Madison blocks for a Corey Ruiz memorial site, sparking debate over safety and traffic. Chief Patterson shares no new up...

A sprawling makeshift memorial for Corey Ruiz with flowers and candles.