Gems abound, the turnover is rapid, and the prices are reasonable. Not many record stores can claim as much. They will order stuff for you, they will hold stuff for you. The staff can be hit or miss, but over time you'll zero in on a fave or two. Great looking space, terrific in-stores, speedy and efficient trade instation. But it's all about the stock. And they got it in spades. Avoid the Belmont location. The manager is a real kips**t. They misplace stock, whinge about it like infants, and then take it out on customers. Forewarned you read more

This is an updated reposting of my previous review from when the store was at its earlier location. To sum up quickly... I've now been shopping at this location solidly for the last 5+ years since I moved back to Chicago, and it continues to be as good as it was when I first posted my review back in 2011. For more details, see below... As a 40 year old, I remember first hand when back in the 1990s, we had a lot more choices for good record stores with huge selections that existed in the real world. And back then, Reckless was good (at least the Broadway location, anyhow), but it really didn't stand out as strongly compared to the competition as people like to think it did now when they reflect back on those old days. However, in today's world, I have to say that I think it now is pretty much among the best stores in Chicago. This is in part because most of the worthy competition has died, but also because Reckless has risen to that level in the last 10 years. Particularly at the Wicker Park location, but Broadway, too. At both of these locations, I have (in recent times) found prices to be fair, selection to be great (the searchable online database totally rules), and, for vinyl at least, the quality ratings are pretty much always accurate. Did I mention the online database rules? I also find the employees to be super helpful and friendly. I'm not sure why this Reckless gets knocked for having snooty employees. That is a problem sometimes at the Broadway location (and always has been, even back in the day), but I honestly haven't run into it here. read more

A good local record store. They have a good selection of Vinyl and for a fair price. The staff is knowledgeable and very friendly. The basement of this place has tons of good records for a dollar. I don't recommend selling here because the employees give low ball offers for your music. I do however recommend shopping at Reckless to anyone in the area, it's a great shop. read more

Enjoying a leisurely Sunday fall afternoon strolling alone. I happened to come upon this record store. I entered in search for some great country music. I was really enjoying my time browsing until this disgusting version of "little drummer boy" comes on the speakers. In September ....? I..? Come on... read more

Nice selection, rude staff. My wife picked out a display record from the shelf and handed it to them. They pulled out a scuffed stock record and handed it to her. She point out the cover was bent. Without a word of apology they swapped scuffed record for better copy. I'd recommend the one I no Wrigleyville over this one. read more

You know that store in the movie High Fidelity, yeah that's this store, which is awesome that a place like that still exists in the era of digital music. A must visit for any record collector, with a total eclectic mix of LPs for sure to find something you like. They also do a small business in used DVDs, with a nice selection of older out of print criterion films among others. All those great boxed DVD set are here too,you know they ones with the great collectibles. They seem to be open pretty late at night, and in a great neighborhood too. Perfect for what it is, and if you like what it is. read more

Almost has everything under the sun. Very old school record store. It has many new albums but has an excellent stock of old records by popular musicians in all genres. read more

I am moving and found that I owned 150+ dvds that I have not touched in years. I took my collection to Reckless Records, and they purchased ~40 of them for $1 each, and gave me directions for where I could donate the rest. I have no idea what their criteria was for buying or not buying DVDs, but I was happy to get $40 cash out of what I considered to be an antequaited collection. read more

Every time we are in Chicago, we always stop here to see what they have. Lots of genres of music on vinyl, CDs, even some tapes and more. They also have books and DVDs. Staff is always friendly and helpful. The Milwaukee location is our favorite and the best in my opinion. It's close to shops and restaurants as well. read more

This shop is a must. A favorite date activity for my husband and I for almost a decade now. Such a diverse and beautiful collection! Please support their business so they stick around. read more

Reckless is an institution in wicker park. The neighborhood has changed and even Reckless moved down the street but it's one of the staples. They have a great selection of new and used records, CD's, even tapes (who is listening to tapes?). The staff is helpful and it's always a good mix of patrons. Truthfully I don't even listen to records that often, I just like going in! read more

Reckless Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best record store in Chicago hands down. This location is way bigger than the loop one. Huge selection of Vinyls. I never sold anything here yet though. read more

Advertised a Dee Snider autograph session on their webpage. The venue was listed as their Milwaukee Ave location. We hauled ass from Elgin to be there and were told it was at their Broadway location. OK, haul ass through World Series traffic on the L, get there 10 minutes before the end of the advertised time for the event. "Dee left 45 minutes ago." read more

Reckless Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Oodles and oodles of records. They do this weird thing close to closing though where they suddenly shut off all the music and they keep announcing that they're close to closing every few minutes and all the employees go from friendly to a little stern and all the fresh and fun vibes just get sucked out really fast. read more

Great music shop. But the web site says they buy DVDs. Brought in 60 recent DVDs, all in excellent condition. Told to return in one hour. Upon returning was told "Not interested we have them in stock." So don't waste your time trying to sell back DVDs read more

Nice store. Many choices. Very good organize store. If you go there make sure you have enough time to check everything. Will be back again. The staff really friendly and ready to help. Amazing experience. Highly recommend! read more

I've traveled quite a bit since my first review and got some perspective. Reckless is without a doubt one of the best record stores in the country. I can get over my gripe of opened records. Their selection and prices are not even comparable to other shops around the country. We are lucky to have Reckless in Chicago. read more

TURNED THE LIGHTS OFF ON CUSTOMERS 5 MINS TO CLOSING!! It was about 10 minutes to closing and they announced that they were closing in 10 minutes. Then 5 minutes later they turned the lights off on us, while me and 1 other customer were still looking at Albums. The other customer got mad and told them that they dont close for 5 more minutes. A worker said "you're done looking. Time to go.". Wow..Really? Well seeing that I am a tourist from California and I need some tunes for my road trip tomorrow, I sucked it up and went to the counter with my selections. They proceeded to start to ring me up with the lights still off. I told them that I needed to add all this up in my head to make sure it is within my budget, so they needed to turn the lights on- because I cant even see the prices on the CDs!! It was a really rediculous situation. I told them that it was very rude and disrespectful to turn the lights off of people still shopping 5 min before closing!!! Wtf people!! You lost 2 customers tonight!! read more

Chicago is spoiled for having what is literally one of the best record stores in the world... and I've been to many of them! Incredible selection, service, and I'll be damned if even the prices are even better than what you'd find on Discogs. Truly world class! read more

I don't know who gave this place a 4 star rating. They're morons. Great selection, amazing prices, knowledgeable staff. My friend recommended this shop as the best record shop in Chicago. Wow. Amazing experience. Highly recommend. read more

One of the local standbys. Since they moved the store and expanded, i've only been in once, but there's always good stuff to find here. Focus on indie, punk, metal, etc. but this location has a pretty nice selection of obscure electronic stuff if that's your thing. Pretty deep selection, so browsing is easy. Store has an open layout with well organized bins, clean and well-lit. New titles up on the wall. Solid stop overall, maybe the best in Wicker Park. read more

I e never been disappointed when shopping at this record store chain. I love grabbing Lp's from here. Looking visit their site and search.

My group stopped in on a recent Chicago trip and we are glad we did. Found some gems here! Reckless has a great selection, was pretty well organized, and for a very fair price. read more

I'm here for arcade fire and it's pretty cool. The staff are straight from that movie empire records! Can't wait to see what they have in store! read more

The best selection on new vinyl that I have ever seen. Not a deep selection of used stuff which was disappointing but it's a Must Visit for any vinyl fan. Prices a little steep but not crazy for a major city. read more

I am glad they opened this location which is ever so close to my apartment, not to mention it is a great location being in the heart of Wicker Park basically. They have an amazing selection for you record collecting junkie's to drool over. I also love that they host some incredible shows, most if not are all free. read more

Great Record Store. I had pleasant time there. digging in the bins and bargains in the basement.

Every time I shop here the staff is always very helpful. The place is very organized and easy to find what you are looking for. I also like the fact that you can just browse for long periods of time and find random treasures. Definitely my favorite record store in Chicago! read more

My favorite record store. The vibe is cool yet unpretentious, with all the coolest bands you've never heard of sharing bin space with mainstream stuff, and I haven't found the staff to be judgmental at all. There's plenty of space to look around, and it's pretty well organized. In addition to the standard record store blend of classic rock and hipster stuff, they actually have a fabulous jazz selection, and, my favorite, a whole section devoted to classical. The prices at Reckless for used record are some of the best I've seen, with lesser known stuff (like almost all of the classical records) going for less than 5 dollars, other used stuff for around 7. The new records have WAY better prices than Barnes and nobles or urban outfitters or wherever (15-25 dollars) and they always have something that will surprise you. Just by far the most pleasurable record shopping experience. Will be back soon. read more

A really solid record store. I did some digging here a few days ago and i was pleasantly surprised.

This place has the best Hip Hop selection I have ever seen. I walked out of there with 10+ cds for about $30. And they have everything cataloged, so you can search online. But go in person, cause the prices are better than what it says online. read more

Hands down one of the best record stores in Chicago for vinyl and movies - I'm pretty into their extensive horror movie collection and they always have solid punk releases and local stuff. read more

Huge selection. Some rare vintage 7inch records. Helpful staff plus very knowledgable. Alot of chicago local rare collectables as well.

I sometimes go to this store for hard to find videos and most of the time I get some good people who are willing to look up anything for you. I have worked in stores. Lp , cd, for the last 45 years and I have played music for 60 years and I still think that good customer service is the best way to be. But the last two times I went to this store some older curly haired guy who must hate his job and won't do anything for a customer said after I asked him if he would look up something to see if it was ever on dvd and he said to me no I'm not going to look up something for you. if it is not there in stock we don't have it..that's fine I would rather support a store where the service is friendly . And there are a few other places who care about their customers that I will go to for what I want and not get an attitude from them. thanks but no thanks and if I need to find a hard to find dvd I will just go on line from now on. read more

These guys are awesome. Visited from out of town, got the wrong record for the sleeve. They sent the right one to me!!!

Reckless is awesome, all three stores, but Wicker Park is my usual spot. I exclusively listen to classical vinyl and their selection and the quality are amazing. Prices are great and if you're trading, their trade value is very fair. Note on their website, great search capability, but there's always a lot more in stock. I usually go with a short list and leave with a ton more. read more

This place is nice and spacious, which is great considering it gets crowded! The vinyl is priced fair and, on my first trip to this location, I was able to snag a couple of gems I've been searching for, most notably Stiff Little Fingers "Inflammable Material." Reckless has a bigger selection than Dusty Groove, so it is worth hitting both up in the same day if you have time. As it should be, the employees are helpful without following you around and asking you if you are looking for anything in particular (hint, hint Val's Halla!) If you are going to make one stop for vinyl in Chi-town, Reckless is the spot. read more

You can find some gems here and they rate their records, so you can find some that are near Mint. I found the selection to be solid and high turnover, so lots of new stuff comes in! read more

This place has it all. Good staff, competitive pricing, nice used stuff and good vibes. Definitely worth a stop whether you're visiting Chicago or are a resident. read more

I've always loved reckless for record shopping. Their used vinyl is always priced completely fair... many times under the normal prices you see regularly for "rare" or sought after used LP's. Also, the selection seems to change on a daily basis, keeping it fresh and interesting. Thanks Reckless. read more