Lou's closing??? I've been hearing rumors. Due to increasing computer downloads, (thanks i Tunes) being the cause of decreased CD sales and possibly the demise of the best music store ever to grace us with it's existence. Say it isn't so. PLEASE! I promise to visit more often. I'll buy things too. What will it take? Lou's is part of my fondest memories from high school. Ahh yes those cruel days of high school. But ditching class to hop a smoke filled VW buss to Lou's made life worth living. Back then Lou's was located in the same place as VG Donuts and The Office and much much smaller but the selection was huge. A donut and a record in the same vicinity... How cool is that? My first purchase - "Gigantor" and "Nights in White Satin" by "The Dickies". Still have em too! I don't remember the donut but it was probably chocolate cake frosting. Me likey those. If the rumors are true then a little piece of me is dying inside. Lesson's I've learned in life is that all great things will come to an end. New ones will begin although not often able to fill the shoes of their predecessor. That's life in a nutshell. Perhaps I am premature in mourning the loss of Lou's until I get the facts. I hope he is staying in business and staying put. I really do. read more

Lou will always have a fond place in my heart for being the first store I ended up at while ditching class for the first time since my arrival at a California public school. Every time I think of Lou's, it reminds of me days where being broke in style was easy and fun. I've just gotten spoiled by the instant access of iTunes and Amazon.com. Damn me. When you're a kid, music takes on a similar importance that paycheck takes on as adults. Lou's was the place for me where I could indulge my punk rock and my jazz, my classical with my death metal. Hours and hours spent meandering through the isles. buying CDs and discussing music with friends over smokes and coffee. Good times. Great selection, I love this place. I still try and drop by when I'm in the area. Lou, the owner- when he's around, hit him up for jazz selections. He's rarely disappointed me in his recommendations. I love the fact that they carry more selection here than most places- if your tastes run eclectic like mine, you've found music heaven in North County. read more

I'm a Leucadia hometown girl. Growing up, Lou's was *the* place to get your music fix on. Back in the day, they had these little gold gift certificates. Everybody in my 'hood exchanged gold Lou's gift certificates for birthdays, Christmas, or any other gift-giving occasion. Seriously, I would give 'em as gifts to anybody I really liked, and I would receive at least 6 every b-day or xmas. I still remember going to Lou's, a pocket stuffed with little gold tickets, and look for new cassettes or classic vinyl. That's where I bought my first copy of Zep's "Houses of the Holy" and Bob's "Burnin'" on vinyl (you gotta get the classics). I purchased so many cassette tapes from there, it's silly. And Lou's is also the place I purchased my very first CD (Bad Religion's "80-85") back in the summer of 1992. Yes, Lou's is a Leucadia institution. It's where you would bump into friends and make new ones. And the most amazing thing is -- it's still standing! How many indie record shops can say that? Nowadays, I still go there to find some more rare and underground stuff I'm looking for. We buy lots of vinyl, and it's cool that many of the labels are starting to include a digital copy of the album when you buy the LP. Best of both worlds! But, oh snap! I almost forgot about their used store. You gotta check out the new arrivals in the used store before you stroll over to the new store. Just make sure you check the disc for scratches before you leave (I witnessed some dude try to exchange a disc that wouldn't play when he got it home, and was rebuffed by a tall, grumpy, limey employee -- poor dude got stuck with a bunk cd). But, your efforts diggin' through the used bins could pay off, and you might get lucky and save yourself some duckets by finding what you were looking for in the first place. (My husband went to Lou's last week prepared to purchase the Brightblack Morning Light CD full price, but found it used, complete *with* the cool kaleidescope glasses tucked into the sleeve... nice!) Added bonus: They are members of the Coalition of Independent Record Stores (http://www.cimsmusic.com/), which is super cool. As such, they get lots of swag to give away when you buy new releases (t-shirts, posters, stickers, singles, 7" vinyl, etc.), which is pure radness. They may no longer have the little gold tickets (I think their gift certs are now brown), they will forever be legendary Lecuadia. read more

Staff was very rude and unprofessional. Would not recommend to anyone looking for good customer service.

After this review I'm sure to be excommunicated from the music community of San Diego. The vinyl aficionados will shovel me into a pit, without a chance for exoneration, only to be fed dirt until I'm buried alive for my sins. This record shop, purported to be the mecca of musical enlightenment for vinyl elitists, is a major disappointment for me. I expected a cauldron of hard to find gems, an untapped source of long forgotten albums ready to be flipped through by my fluttering fingertips. I expected records - a lot of records. Am I sounding like a Benedict Arnold yet? What I got was two shacks. One of the wings of Lou's Records was the holding cell for the tarnished, warn albums of years past. I love digging through crates of vinyl, pulling out sullied records that complete my collection, but these records weren't the bastion of awesomeness that I heard about. I found the worst records from classic artists, and the mediocre records from the awful artists (Jermaine Jackson, anyone?) The new records, located inconveniently next door, were going to be my electrolytes after this exhausting journey to nothingness that I just experienced. Alas, the new records were overpriced at $27 a pop. Not only this, but their selection was the smallest, most underwhelming thing ever. I left with a Brian Eno album that I purchased with $30 and a droll expression of muted anger. I would much rather go to Record City in Hillcrest or Cow in Ocean Beach. Both are cheaper and more accessible to drive to. Ever heard of a false idol? I've got one to tip over. Now that this is over with, feel free to send me to the guillotine, Robespierre. read more

On the one hand I love finding a shop that still sells records/tapes/etc. On the other hand paying $13 for an old AC/DC cd is way out of my price range! I can buy songs off the internet for much cheaper...so unless you are into the nostalgia of it all and want to actually own a piece of the past??? I thought stuff in this store was way overpriced. Even used cd's were overpriced. i wouldn't shop here again. I was actually looking for 4-5 old cd's so they could have had a customer. Oh well...your mileage may vary. read more

Awesome record store. Old record store feel & great service. Definitely nice to have in Encinitas. Record lovers beware you will spend your money ;) read more

Lou's Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Encinitas, California

Starlight Desperation? Yes they have it. Weird obscure Canadian band that your friend Chris was in, after high school, yes, ohhhh yes. Whether it's used, or brand new, they've got it. There's surprisingly not a lot of record store snobbery, which makes the trip from OB to Encinitas worth the drive. I like it when I go into the used side and that special they did for George Harrison is right in front right after I just WATCHED the damned show on PBS that week, damn it's like Lou's Used side reads my mind (she shakes her head) and I don't mind if they do, it works for me, it reallllllllllllly does. Or how about the time I went in, and my friend wanted that Joy Division Box set and the clerk is like "oh it's right there, (he points it out) I can see his sad eyes from here." Connect, connect, connect, anything about music and what you're thinking about is pretty much there, it's a cosmic thing. Record Store Snobbery = 0 Ambiance = 10 Stock = 10 Ambiance + Stock = NICE COMBO read more

Lou's represents the very best memories of my youth. My childhood buddies and I - with a weekend afternoon to kill and much too young to have drivers licenses - would hop on our bikes and ride from Solana Beach all along the 101 to Encinitas. We did a lot of soul searching talk on these trips: I'd tease my friend about his Star Trek worship and he'd give me shit about my moronic high school crushes. We hit all our favorite hangouts: Java Depot for caffeine, Thrill Books for Grendel and Shade the Changing Man and X-Men, the beach for the air, meditation, beach bunnies, and then Lou's Records. Lou's Records, for young musicphiles, was heaven. New CDs on the left housing, used on the right, You could spend DAYS sifting through the treasures filling Lou's bins. And we did, hollering at each other from across the room at our finds. "Holy shit, look what I found!" It was a revelation to us, with each CD purchase you'd save 4 or 5 bucks on a new CD easy. That is, if Wherehouse or Sam Goody or Tower even stocked the obscure record you just found. I'd often leave Lou's with my fill, armed with the potential soundtrack to next week's high school episode. Sure, the prices have gone up since then, but to this day, when I'm visiting SD this is a requisite stop. 5-stars, cuz this is where I came up. read more

I have been buying music from this record shop for years. Albeit not too much in the last few years. Today I pop in about 5 pm and mr. Mustache is behind the counter. I greet him and ask how he is doing. A cordial greeting is normally returned instead no response. A few seconds later a terse "anything I could help you with?" I asked if they any Julieta Venegas. I realize she is not a household name but the response was a condescending "never heard of her!" Okay mustache boy is not very friendly and comes across as arrogant. A feed seconds later he wants to know if I don't mind writing down her name. Again, the tone was brusque, not friendly. Looks it up can't find anything. So for a place that is half the size it was a few years back, obviously less inventory and losing market share--it is unwise to have staff lacking in basic customer service. I collect rare or hard to find music. I saw a few items I liked but did not buy a thing...felt disrespected. I will not be going back to Lou's. I do not like to give bad reviews but this was a bad experience. #Lousrecordsbadservice #nomaslous read more

Lou's is one of those businesses that transcends give-and-take consumerism and is more institution than industry. Their selection of records (and movies) is diverse, comprehensive, and unique. Of course, Lou's carries most of the records you can expect at a Barnes and Noble (I was going to use Tower as an example but realized they're all gone), but it goes beyond that. Lou's is like Amoeba minus the pretense and plus (more) character. Maybe it's the nondecript but homey nature of the Lou's buildings. Maybe it's the hip obscurity of its location off the PCH. Maybe it's the backyard-ish concerts with huge names like Jack Johnson that bring out the fire marshall for overcrowdedness, only to have him permit three more songs just because J.Jo asked him so nicely. And maybe it's Lou's 2+ decades of dedication to serving the desperate music needs of San Diego. Regardless, Lou's Records imbues the grassroots charm, wide/bold selection, and feeling of familiarity that all great record stores exhibit. read more

North county institution! Bought some of my first records here! Will come here till the day I die!

The new record store is well-stocked -- although prices tend be a little on the high side ($15+ per CD). The used record store, on the other hand, has a pretty crappy CD selection. You might find some interesting stuff in the new arrival section, but once you're done with this bin you're left with bin after bin of 1990's garbage (e.g., dozens of Semisonic, Collective Soul, Live, and Candlebox LPs). I think I know what the problem is with Lou's used store: THEY BUY BACK EVERYTHING. Every CD I've had rejected by Amoeba in LA has been bought up by Lou's in Encinitas. Sure, they give me less per CD than Amoeba, but the fact is that they still buy-back everything I offer them. If Lou's were a little more selective with their buy-back policy, then perhaps their used store would be in better shape than it currently stands. That said, I'd rather spend my money at Lou's than any of the indie record store slayers (i.e., Best Buy or iTunes). I just wish Lou's had a better selection of used records for me to blow my cash on. read more

I'm sure it's all been said before in here but I have to add my 2 cents. It's the best record store I've ever been to in in my life and I've been buying music for a long time. I can't think of anything on virtually any format that you wouldn't be able to find at Lou's. Absolutely the best! read more

Lou's what are you doing? This spot in the day used to be so righteous but it has faded in recent times. There was three separate stores; new music, used music, and movies. Each had their own uniqueness to it that is hard to find elsewhere. You could stop in and chances were likely that they would have what you wanted on the shelf. Then the internet music phenomenon came along and I would venture to say that sales took a hit because of that. I would stop in weekly and browse their selection; look for artists I had never heard of, listen to music, check out movies, chat with people, and eventually walk out with a purchase that I was satisfied with. They had a deal where if you spent $100 (and had receipts to prove it) you would get $10 off a purchase. It pains me to drive by now and not see the former glory, but I digress. It's an institution that is worth visiting and supporting. read more

I was up in Encinitas the other day and I was reminded of the wonders of Lou's. When I was in High School and College I spent WAY too many hours and $$$ here ... but every one of them was worth it. Originally the store was a cramped little space in downtown Encinitas (I think there is a little clothing boutique there now), but the new place (if you can call it "new" anymore ... as it must be about 15 years since it moved), is just spectacular. The staff was always a little pretentious, but also INCREDIBLY knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive. The splitting of the new and used into seperate buildings was genious. This is THE place to find rare gems, imports, and really funky used music in San Diego. We called it "Lose Your Money" and not "Lou's Records" for a reason ... it is hard to not spend your cash once you show up. read more

My first time at Lou's today! Loved it! Always wanted to go up and see the record store shows people put on but never have gotten around to it. A big enough place to have room to wander and flip through musical heaven but not too small where it's that stuffy record store smell. Amazing selection of music, and major points for featuring so much of the Hot Water Music/other side projects of them. I purchased my first vinyl today, Hot Water Music's No Division album. Oh yes. Sweet yes. 9 dollars sweet yes! The staff was very friendly! Lots of stickers and clothes to pick from if music isn't your thing. Just beware of the changing floor elevations... I almost died. read more

What is not to love about Lou's? I have had some great times here. I remember seeing G. Love and Jack Johnson (at separate times) inside, and a few other awesome sets by them and others outside. Having good artists play a quick set before their show later that night is awesome. What really keeps me coming back here is their selection of vinyl. Lets face it, nobody buys CDs that much anymore. When I do, I get them used from Lou's. There are just certain ones that you have to own in something other than digital form. Their vinyl selection keeps my vinyl collection expanding. I love the sound of vinyl, especially on older stuff like 60's rock, jazz and blues. Lou's will always be my first choice. I love taking the drive up there, I think it adds to the experience! read more

Love this record store, the people are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. They have a great selection and even greater prices. I make my sister take me EVERY time I come to visit. read more

It's nice overall, I guess I'm just spoiled, my home town record store is pretty awesome and in my opinion, blows this place out of the water. Not that many used records, most of their stock is new. I have a feeling that this place gets picked pretty hard on a regular basis, so maybe thats why they don't have that many used records. The guy who rang me up said when they get new stuff in, it's usually gone by the end of the week. But Cool store, if your in the area check it out. Also no vintage audio gear, that was a bummer. read more

The men know their shit here, they aren't bubbly or outgoing but they know their stuff, it's the charm of the place.

I remember Lou's fondly. But Lou's is famous now and feels very "picked thru." Came here with a list of vinyl to replace. Nothing obscure. No luck. Led Zeppelin? Only one album. The Who? No albums. And so on. I found one album on my list, but it was way overpriced. Lou's has a small section of $1 used vinyl. Think it was my last trip to Lou's. It's not their fault vinyl is popular again. read more

I'm giving all five stars because it's really the only place in Encinitas to get vinyl, and it has a great used section. Also accepts trade ins!!! Lou's doesn't carry much (keyword - MUCH) of the genres of music I listen to (Jazz, old R&B, Classical, World musics) but it nonetheless has an awesome collection for most. Support independent music stores! read more

I dig on Lou's Records a lot. I have yet to find a better music store in San Diego. I'm particularly fond of the vinyl and audiophile recordings they STOCK. Yes that's right, stock. Very nice. I don't think they have an elitist vibe, but I can see how one would think that. I chalk it up to the kids working behind the counter not having a clue how to operate in social situations. It is a shame nonetheless. read more

Lou's Records is a legendary San Diego record store. New and used recordings, with many on sale for extremely good prices. The drive there near the coastline is beautiful and highly enjoyable, and then you can dive into Lou's huge collection. The deals and selection were good enough that my friends and I used to drive 20 to 30 minutes to go there in high school and just browse for hours. The store is part of a string of good and interesting businesses made of houses along a stretch of Highway 101 in Encinitas. My recommendation, go for a drive (with the top down if you have a convertible), stop at Lou's, then walk with your arms full of recent music acquisitions to nearby Pannikan (http://www.yelp.com/biz/N2CMkBLbeiipGcEPOf04bA) to pour over the album covers or CD booklets while sipping a cappuccino for, or to Juanitas(http://www.yelp.com/biz/WbBb90IKaMjClcdUN9jeSw) for great cheap Mexican food. read more

A year after my disheartening last visit, I went back. I was shocked to find that the New side is now closed; being remodeled into a pet hospital; all of Lou's - used and new - is now in what used to be the Used Side of the store. But that's OK, because things have actually gotten better with the consolidation. There was more "new" used vinyl than I'd seen in a while, and I walked away with a small armload of goodies that, frankly, I wasn't expecting. The new selection is much reduced from the glory days, but I still picked up the new Chris Isaak and Shelby Lynne CDs for 'way under what Target or Best Buy would charge me. I hope things continue to improve; I would hate to lose Lou's. read more

Lou's is really hit or miss for me these days. It's always a last resort to go here, when I can't find a CD anywhere else, and don't want to order it online. Some of the guys here, never seem too interested in helping me, and the prices are pretty average. Every once in awhile, there will be a good band playing here for a CD release etc, but I don't think it's worth the drive anymore. read more

This is the best place for music and records. I love coming to Lou's Records and getting old used cds and as well as new cds. I love driving by the shop and seeing who is playing there and all their prices are totally reasonable and not over-priced at all!!! Lou's also has a little video shop as well. This is a lovely little place on the 101 in Encinitas. read more

This place was awesome! Such a San Diego iconic record shop that's been around for decades. They had a great diverse selection of used vinyl also some cool new unique stuff that I haven't seen at other shops. Would definitely recommend checking it out if you're in north county. read more

Drove down to Lou's as a pit stop before going to see a show in Solana Beach. Had to say I was impressed as we walked up and realized there were two stores? Two? What's going on?? Upon further inspection I figured out one was the Used section and the other housed the New records. Already Lou's is starting out to be one of the more unique record stores I have ever been to. Stopped in to browse through the used section first. The new arrivals section was pretty good, but I have to say I wasn't impressed by the rest of the used stock. It was pretty slim pickings, lots of 90s stuff I wasn't really interested in buying. However, their DVD section was pretty good, found lots of cheap box sets and movies. Having my fill of the used section, I wandered over to the new album wing... Great layout. They had a great selection of rock/pop fare which was further divided into "Independent" and they keep true to the definition, they had a few items that other record stores don't normally carry. The prices were pretty reasonable for new releases, and I got a free sticker and button for the new album I bought. Sweet! read more

Lou's has such a wide selection of music. I'm definitely a music lover and to walk into a record store that has everything I could imagine and more, is such a delight. We spent almost two hours at Lou's not with anything in particular in mind. And found ourselves delving into Incubus to Vanilla Ice. Just enjoying our time in the store. The workers are always friendly and great to talk to. I ended up getting Evan and Jaron for .99 cents. haha Good deal. read more

The records are pricey but the used CD selection is the best in the San Diego area. This weekend I hit up one of their $5 used sales and was not disappointed. The prices for new CDs are usually quite good--not as cheap as online, but its nice to know you are supporting local business. The remodel allows the shopper much more space to shop but the atmosphere has changed as a result. The staff are pretty hit-or-miss as to their friendliness/helpfulness. I have had good and bad experiences. Altogether, worth the drive up from San Diego. read more

Wish I had the option to select zero stars. Sad day for record lovers. My sister and I have quite a collection and have been selling records to record stores for the last few months. Most stores and owners have been nothing but accommodating, honest, and respectful. I'm not sure why I put Lou's on a pedestal because it really isn't anything special. Probably because I'm a local and like to shop local, but just know - don't sell or donate here. I called, inquiring to sell some vinyl. The owner Lou asked if I had classic rock. I brought in beautiful, brand new box sets and singles of The Beatles, David Bowie, Beach Boys, The Doors, and more - all classic and rare finds and he simply said "Ill pass". Did not give me any explanation or anything. My sister even asked "is there a reason you aren't interested?" He repeated: "No. I'm just gonna pass." this is my last straw here as, in general, the owner and front desk associates don't give any person the time of day. You're better off going somewhere else. Lou's has become another typical wannabe place in Encinitas. Hit up another record/music store... it's for the better. Lou's - shape up! it's 2021. You could have a better following if you were just simply nice. read more

Lou's Records. Lou's. 'Light of my life. Fire of my loins. My sin. My soul.' I love you. Have had many a happy memory shopping here through the years. Have also found many hard-to-find vinyl albums here quite a few times. Lou's (new side) has been renovated a lot since I left town, and when I visited months back I didn't recognize I was in the same place. It's a lot more open and spacious now. Good job, guys. read more

Lou's is my very favorite place in the world. I could spend all day here and never get tired of thumbing through LPs and CDs. It's a bummer that they're back down to only one side of the building (which they have been for a couple years I think) but their selection is still pretty good. They don't always have what I'm looking for but they're quick to order something if you ask. The service is always great - helpful but they let you have time to yourself too. Not to mention that they get an amazing selection on Record Store Day every year. They always seem to get things no other store around gets. My tip for RSD is get there early: you get a great number in line, can run to Panikin and still have time to meet great new people. The atmosphere, selection and staff will always keep me coming back. Lou's will forever be my favorite record store. read more

The moment I stepped into the store it smelled like marijuana. Also parking is almost impossible with how small the spaces are. The customer service is as bad as they say, and the only reason this place has a 4 star rating is because the owner is getting people to write reviews for him, why else would this tiny store have almost 200 reviews read more

It seems the times have not been kind to Lous, which is sad. The last time I went in, I noticed that it was not "two sides" any more, but just one side. The "used" side now houses all their old and new products. Their new vinyl selection has seriously gone downhill, and their used selection, is not what it used to be, in my humble opinion. I was hoping maybe they were just renovating the "new" side, but while I was there, somebody came by to look at it, who was interested in leasing it, so there went that theory. The prices on USED CDs still rocks however, so it's a great place to rebuild your once massive CD collection. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a turnaround for Lou's. read more

I drop into Lou's all the time. i don't know music, so every purchase is a surprise. I've never had trouble parking. My secret place ends with "Street". read more

I've been coming here since I was a kid I remember going in as a 12 year old and enjoying browsing the large stock back when they had 3 buildings. I've been in a couple times in the last few years and each time im checked out by the same guy middle aged wears a brim hat, And he just gives me the locals only attitude. working in a niche store you should treat customers with friendliness beings that they share a common interest but that seems to not be the case here anymore unfortunately read more

Great Selection. Knowledgeable Staff. Freedom to browse. Suggestions for new music. Two Stores...New and Used. Occasional In-Stores from Artists. What more do you want? read more