Most legit vinyl shop ever. Lou's been running the show for over 30 years, has hosted an unbelievable roster of artists for in-store appearances and performances, and is still himself putting in hours at the store, along with an incredibly knowledgable and friendly staff. Don't have a turntable? Lou stocks them. Need a needle for that old turntable you haven't used in 20 years? Lou stocks them. he'll even show you how to properly clean a record. Lou's Records is a true San Diego landmark, and conveniently located on PCH. read more

With the closing of Tower Records I morned the loss of a valuable music resource and wandered around the land of mail order for a while. Sam Goodies is OK, but still too mainstream and isn't much better than Target or Walmart as far as selection goes. Come to think of it, I have never found anything I listen to at Sam Goodies or Target. I have been going to Lou's for years, but I live in San Diego and can't always get up to Encinitas. I've seen Lous described as an old school music store. You see that more and more nowadays, people referring to good stuff that's been around for a while as "old school". Translation, new school sucks, old school is the shit. Coincidentally, I'm fifty years old. Technically, that makes me old school - do the math. Lou's is definitely old school. They have two things that make it the only music store in the area that's worth a shit; great prices and great selection. Even when Tower was around there were many hard to find recordings that I could only find at Lou's. There have been several recordings that I could only find at Lous including rare CD box sets, old vinyl, and limited release CD's. There are two buildings at Lou's. One has new CD's and DVD's and the other has used stuff and they will buy your used CD's and DVD's. Check both of them out. The only drawback to Lou's is that it is real easy to spend a lot of money in there. So, take your ass up to Lou's and max that credit card out - what are you waiting for. read more

i often have a hard time with record stores, even indie ones. the music i listen to just isn't generally available at them. well, except hospital in new york but that place is SO overpriced. forgive me, but the stuff i buy is like 3 dollar cassettes and 7 dollar cd-rs. i liked this place for two reasons. i saw lots of stuff i could get for my friends who are more indie minded and also i found this leprechaun catering LP that i never thought i would see anywhere and zeena parkin's devotion LP. i'm just hoping that when i come back in a few days with $$ they'll both still be there. read more

When you think record store in San Diego, first thing that comes to mind for most is "Lou's Records"! The selectiong goes from nestalgic, and modern, to hard to find. If your not sure what to get, the staff, is very knowledgable about what they have, and will give you one, two, or even three differen't selections that will probably make you smile. Sometimes they will even just ask what you might be looking for? And play something on the stereo for you to hear if it's not too crowded. If you like Records, and like to dig, and spend time with the hope of finding that hard to find record......"Spend time at Lous" read more

Greatest record shop around, Only let down it that the Reggae selection on vinyl is non longer.

i was tempted to give lou's a one star rating, just to balance the scales against all the positive reviews people have given them. this place definitely does not deserve four and 1/2 stars. it deserves a two star rating. the employees are insanely rude and snobbish. i'm sure this attitude trickles down from the management/owners, because the angriest looks i get when i enter the store always seem to come from whoever is the oldest looking person behind the counter. over the years, i have been yelled at -- YELLED AT -- by several members of the staff. the used vinyl selection, though once pretty good, is now laughable. several years ago, they had copies of "this years model", "all things must pass", "speaking in tongues", and other relatively good albums. the records that now populate the bins there are the same as you might find in the picked over 99 cent box at a church-run thrift store. carpenters and mid-80s elton john, ahoy. the only saving grace of this store is their new vinyl selection. reasonably priced, and they will usually get one copy of each new indie-type release. in closing: go to m-theory or off the record in san diego. the service is far more friendly, and their selections are much better. read more

a good selection of 60s albums for $1.99 will keep me coming. friendly service and fairly well organized, I should have discovered them sooner! read more

Ventured in for the first time two days ago on a lovely Saturday afternoon. I found 13 gems in the 45 section, and snagged them all for under $20! Two were in good shape, albeit sleeveless, for only 19 cents each. The priciest were only $2.99. Great condition and a great value. Made the weekend in Encinitas quite memorable. Only took about a half hour to scour the 7" bins. If you're into 45s, the price is right and the vinyl is mostly vg+ or better. Glad I got to experience the legendary Lou's, and thank you! read more

Great for finding local artists and bands that your wouldn't find at your local mall retailer. It's a bit cramped, but that's because they've got the best selection in town. read more

Lou's is the best. There is no way any place in san diego is better. The only problem is its in north county, otherwise it's perfect.

Make sure you know what you are looking for before you go into Lou's because they have it all...one of the best record stores in the country. read more

A friend referred to Lou's as the Amoeba of SD, and after coming here for an in-store last week, I can't help but agree. The selection of music is ridiculous. Rows and rows of CD's (and bins of records)...heaven in the form of a cute old little shop. Kinda random how they sold kid robot toys and such, but hey, whatever floats your boat. Prices were decent and the people were super friendly. -1 star because I couldn't find any CD's by The Format, my all time favorite band ever. But maybe I wasn't looking at the right section...yeah... read more

Tower Records has bit the dust. Virgin Megawhores is gone like the wind. Borders is now just a memory. Cockblister - even though it was bought by Dish Network - is in a coma with one foot in the grave. But you're still here, Lou's - you're a tough old man. Although I'm giving you 3 stars for now being a place where I can hardly find anything worthwhile anymore I still remember back in the day when I couldn't walk in without spending a few bills and even going through my stack to see which item I could put back with the least regret when I went over my personal music budget limit. In those days this place would have been 10 stars. Heck. I'll give you an extra star just for still being around in an age when shopping for music and movies seems to be nothing more than just a series of endless downloads. read more

a north county tradition been shopping there since they were in cardiff next to VG doughnuts read more

Best indie music store in So Cal. No doubt...

Anything , Everything and then some in the wonderful world of music can be found here. I ALWAYS find what I'm looking for here. They have the best selection of import discs. If you are a fan of used music this will be your new home way from home. Because of Lous Records I have been able to expand my music tastes far beyond what I ever would have thought possible. I have bought up a lot of cheap sale discs took them home and found a new artist that was added to my repertoire. read more

A great selection of music. When I'm in Encinitas and need some new music, I hit this spot up. I have been a regular Lou's shopper since the joint was located on Old Highway 101and E Street in Downtown Encinitas. read more

Top rate: Very friendly, staff doesn't get in your face but happy to help you find anything. Also terrific collection of used items.

I've been shopping here since i was a kid, Lou's always seems to have what I'm looking for. By far the best place to get local music. Whether your looking for Britney Spears, a rare import, or your favorite local band, Lou's will probably have it. read more

Had a great experience. Good Records and good costumer service. Soooo much better than Standards.

Eh, it's ok. I would drive by this place all the time and friends of mine always raved about it. My normal spot for CD's was Sam Goody at the Horton Plaza mall in Downtown because any cd you were looking for, they ALWAYS had it in stock and always at a steal. Anyway, after that Sam Goody shut down, I decided to give this place a shot. Not impressive. Everything is super picked over. I ended up buying N*E*R*D's first record In Search Of. Maybe my expectations were to high for this place after being spoiled at Sam Goody. I thought I was walk in here and find all these hidden gems but that was not the case read more

Also sorry to break the rave reviews but acter many years I realized that it'll drive you nuts looking through the stacks of used to find something you like. Just pay a buck at iTunes and get (most of) what you want without the frustration. Lou's prices on used are not a bargain, either, IMO. Thanks Lou's, but technology, I think, has trumped yet another local institution. read more

I love having Lou's in the neighborhood. A hipster joint in a lazy beachbum town. They have live music now and then in the parking lot, and lots of used stuff, which I like. friendly staff too! read more

Best Record Store in San Diego, great selection. If they don't have they will order it. Wish I could blow more of my income there. Thank LOU'S your the Best read more

Lou's was my first alternative to the wherehouse! back then i was kid w/ no money so i would just go and look at stuff. now that i have (some) money, i live too far to frequent lou's. :( read more

Parking is rather wonky and I looked for a couple of different albums that I couldn't find, but the selection is bigger than most box stores. A nice little walk from Pannikan Coffee & Tea as well, so an artistic neighborhood for me. :) read more

rad rad rad! they have two sections, one for used and one for new. simple yet brilliant. they have a ton of stuff and dont overcharge you. the staff is nice too. one time, the projected neil young's most recent movie on the wall outside for free. rad. read more

Lou's Records is the sole reason I worked in radio for 6 years! They have the best selection of local music and indie bands! And the employees got me really excited about the music industry. read more

A diamond in the rough for sure. Located on Hwy 101, a few blocks from the grand Pacific, surrounded by random restaurants, liquor stores, motels, and other knicknaks. Lou's is a bastion of the last good music stores. A wonderful collection of records, and hard to find artists. Good for people watching and meeting too. read more

I'd love to say this place was amazing. It looked amazing from the parking lot. But they wouldn't let me come in with my doggie. Really? In Encinitas? You suck, Lou's. They still get three stars for at least being polite about it. read more

i like to record shop - my husband does not. I, however, hate to drive, unless i'm on a mega-road trip, so I rarely get up to lou's - when I do, I usually find a few gems digging around - I have to say that I usually find more treasures at kobey's swap meet on saturday morning in terms of vinyl but I like th ambience of lou's - still has that old time san diego charm I remember growing up here. read more

I love this store. I haven't been in for a little while. It's sad that they don't have the other side anymore. Also they sell some stuff on Amazon. They do have some live music at the store still. It's pretty cool that sometimes they give concert tickets away on Facebook. read more

the best record store in the san diego area, just wish it wasn't such a long drive from where i live! i've found some CHOICE stuff here, both on vinyl and CD. things that i had completely forgotten had been released! the employees are very knowledgable about music and very helpful (if you ask for help). it's important to note that you don't get bothered here unless you ask for it. i RARELY need any help when it comes to shopping, and a lot of music stores ask you if you need help looking for something. sometimes that's okay, but 99% of the time i don't want to talk to you unless i'm checking out. not trying to be rude...just sayin. they don't have the really really obscure stuff, but they still have a healthy selection of independent/underground/whatever you wanna call it music. enough that you'll be pleased that you took the trip. i haven't been there in a really long time, but i hear that the selection is actually going downhill fast. that's really unfortunate, cause lou's is basically the only worthwhile place in san diego to buy music. read more

Bought some snowboard videos here. I don't really "shop" for music anymore though. I just download it for free on-line. Once in a blue moon I'll buy a new CD just to support the artist. If the whole CD is good, I'll spend the money to get the CD at a store rather than the Internet. read more

I've been going here for over 10 years. It's an awesome little record store. I like them because they separate a lot of their records into other genres, more than a typical record store so it makes it easy to find things. They also have used records so that helps a lot I think because you never know you could find something really goood. I highly recommend checking this place out even if you have to travel a bit. There are lots of other good restaurant/bars around it as well! read more

I Love Lou's records and I try to make it down at least once a month. They have great selection and prices, with pretty much all genres covered. It's one of those places that you hope (in our world where retail stores have shorter and shorter lifespans) stays around forever. read more

This used to be my favorite music store, once upon a time, where I spent all of my surplus dough, that I didn't use to bake with. At 1 point in time they even expanded to 2 buildings, but I don't know what it's like now, since I haven't been there for years. This was the Best store in San Diego county for records, cassettes, cd's, vhs videotapes & dvd's, both new & used. If you spent $250 or more, [& kept your receipts], then you'd get a free cd or dvd up to a certain price for them. [$15?]. This was called 'Lou's Gimmick'. I used to come in with my long list monthly for years to satisfy my musical cravings. I'd spend hours there each time, looking at everything they had to offer. What a feast for the ears! 10 Stars, for the way it used to be in the 20th Century. Later on, I think they sold off a lot of their stock, in order to consolidate all of their merchandise. I missed out on that big sale, since I'd moved by then. read more

Lou's Records has a great atmosphere which matches up well with the atmosphere of its locale. There is a huge selection of all things music and something i personally thought was a nice touch is that they sold frames for albums. Great place to shop for music!! read more

lou's gets my 5 star rating. where else can you special order a 5 year old the vienna boys choir album and pick up the simpson's movie at the same time? and is there any place that still sells sodas in a vending machine for 50 cents? read more

Mmmmmmm, well.... I dropped a lot of money here. Unbelievable selection of used vinyl and cds and such. I could not, however, locate several new albums on vinyl or cd, which was a bummer. Still a very cool place. Worth checking out. Be prepared to spend a lot of time browsing; time melts away. read more