What a cool shop. HUGE selection of new used vinyl and rare finds for a fair price. Every time I'm in Buffalo I'm coming back to this shop.

Great little independent music store in Buffalo. They have a variety of new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs... There's a listening station for anything used and they were playing some great music in the store while we shopped On Thursday Friday Saturday nights they open a bar in the back - definitely going to come back and give that a try. Fun vibe and great music choices read more

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I love coming here, especially since they opened a bar in the back on Thurs/Fri/Sat. It's a friendly atmosphere, and the drinks are decently priced. I'm glad that this is in my neighborhood. Also, LOL at Rick P. from North Tonawanda's review about the neighborhood. Afraid of black/brown people much? read more

I have never been to a record shop that has this many good things in the clearance bins alone. The overwhelming emphasis of the shop is vinyl, as it would be hard to keep a brick-and-mortar selling CD's these days, and the new selections are also good (it's punk- and indie-heavy, although I'm more into the tons of 60's soul, rock, and country that they also have). But seriously: I've left with mostly or totally unscathed copies of Kinks, Animals, Johnny Cash, Ike and Tina, and Ella Fitzgerald records for between one and five bucks any number of times. It's like someone scoured every thrift store in the world at the same time and sucked everything good into one shop. I save money there by mostly going old, but now that they have an inexpensive bar (!) in the back of the new store, I'm sure my purchase judgment will get worse. There is also a nice and constantly rotating collection of used turntables and speakers, and I will likely let them put together some equipment for me when I'm ready to upgrade. Some of the clerks are more outgoing than others, but everyone I have talked to has known a good deal about music and given me sound advice. They've been in three locations in four years now on Grant Street, so maybe they're outlaws fleeing justice and that's how it's so cheap? In any case, it's a great addition to a burgeoning food, drink, retail and arts scene in this eclectic West Side neighborhood. Parking is street only, there is a small cash discount, and get the Genny Cream Ale pounder and shot combo at the bar. It's win-win. read more

Very unique place. Awesome small venue for live music in the back. Classic vinyls available.

This is an awesome record shop. Good prices, great selection of new and used vinyl, CD's and cassette tapes. I try to come here as much as I can. Staff friendly and helpful read more

This terrific, tidy little shop is a must-visit for any record collector who is living in or visiting Buffalo. They offer lots of great used vinyl and have friendly staff, but best of all are the prices. Unlike the stores ('record museums,' I call them) where rare vintage LPs are priced at $75+ and then put in the bins where they remain for decades since nobody but Bono can afford them, Black Dots automatically discounts their records if they've been in the bins for a certain amount of time. I expected to drop around $40 on the seven or eight LPs I found here, but with the discounted pricing I ended up paying just $27 instead. You get the feeling that these guys actually WANT regular people to buy records here--to take the music home and enjoy it. I picked up several Dinah Washington LPs that were under $3 each, a Crown Heights Affair record I hadn't seen before, a rare gospel LP by The Raymond Rasberry Singers for just $4 and a few other things too. Automatically discounting the used records that have been on the shelves for over a year is smart, friendly, and fair. If I lived in Buffalo I would always start my record hunting here. read more

Decent selection on Punk and hardcore vinyl. Nice sized store. The only con is that the neighborhood is less than desirable. I would not recommend going here if you are not from the area or are not familiar with Buffalo. This is honestly the main reason for my rating. With the lack of parking; you'll have to find a spot on Grant or a side street. Can make the walk uncomfortable going to a from the location. read more

I had been to the old location years ago, so I was very happy to come to the new location. Brandon was super nice, and even told me about a Food Hall on Grant with all kinds of Indian, Ethiopian, Middle Eastern food. Must go next time. Black Dots is a true gem! Found some good 7"s for cheap read more

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awesome stuff, went for record store day and i've been back a few times. well organized and the workers are always happy to help you find what you're looking for read more

Great Record store and now in a bigger and brighter space. Had large, eclectic new arrivals section that spilled over onto two carefully stacked piles in the floor. Also plentiful and well organized used and new records in every genre. But here's why this is a top 10 record store nationwide: LPs priced to move (under Discogs), person working there was really helpful and friendly, and they have a nice turntable setup w headphones to listen to the condition. What more can I say? Oh yeah, slight discount if you pay cash and gave me a couple of mailers since I wanted to ship the records I bought. If I lived in Buffalo, I'd stop by once a week. If you're passing through like me, definitely go here first. read more

Full disclosure: I own a shop a couple doors down from Black Dots. The shop is a great space, but its's easy to miss if you're not looking for it...tucked in the basement of home on the corner of grant and Lafayette, Josh has a great collection of new and used vinyl. Pricing is great. I found a ton of classic rock used vinyl in the $3-$6, and he's got an extensive collection of punk and hardcore and even some vintage turntables. This place is a hidden gem on Grant St. read more

My first time in this spot was after I got jumped by a group of ruffneck children around the block. I stumbled in with a fractured jaw and a broken nose. The staff was super nice and politely used a push broom to move me out of the store and to the curb. I think the cashier peed on me while I was out but it's straight. But after I was released from the hospital I revisited this place at there new location. Great bar, awesome records and dvds, and good thicc vibes all over. Best place to find killer wax in Buffalo. Highly reccomended. read more

I've been to record stores all over the country (literally... everywhere) and this is one of the best I've ever been to. I stopped in here while I was in town visiting family. Black Dots has a great selection of Used and New Albums- and a wide range of musical genres. Regardless of your taste, there will be something here for you. They are a small shop- but stock great albums. The albums are in great condition. I found a couple records there I've been wanting for a long time (but have always been out of my price range), for a great deal. Dark Side of the Moon, Innervisions, Killing Me Softly, Srgt. Peppers, and the list goes on. They carry everything from Rock, to Pop, to Jazz, to Blues, to Metal, to Punk, to Comedy and everything in the middle. My husband was most excited about their selection of Live Concerts recorded on Cassette Tape. We are both suckers for Live music. Worth going out of your way to check them out! read more

Super awesome. Bought an album online and it came really quickly. Remember to shop local everyone!

Being a big fan of records stemming from the punk and alternative genres, I love this store! The used section is loaded with goodies by The Smiths, David Byrne, and The Ramones. It is a smaller shop, and therefore somewhat selective in what they choose to stock. But they seemed to have carved out a good market for themselves. read more

Cool little record store and label hq for local punk bands. They had a wide array of used records in all different genres. Loved the little tape wall full of gems and rare cassettes. The prices seemed fair and were mostly around the prices you see online. Not too many crazy deals to be had but nonetheless its worth the trip if you are in the area. read more

I give this place 5 stars. As a former Record Theadre shopper, I stopped bothering and started coming here and it is literally the best decision I've made. I just recently started shopping here and they literally have everything I'm looking for. Reasonably priced, absolutely helpful employees. Super giving, they always have stickers or a little something to add. Awesome selection of things you won't find at any other record shop around here. I also love that they feature local bands, always have an up to date listing of local shows, zines as well as equipment. This place is the bomb and I'll never shop anywhere else. read more

I was looking for records while on vacation from California. Found this spot in the basement of a huge house. This spot really reminds me of 1234 Go records in Oakland, Ca. Lots of punk & indie records. Tons of hard to find stuff at reasonable prices. Also, lots of filler records for less than $5. Dropped $75 on seven records that would've cost me over $100 in the Bay Area. Well curated and records in good condition. Nice dude runs the spot too! read more