Been coming here for years but I never used their turntable service. I finally came in to purchase a new belt, needle and turntable mat and the staff was super helpful! I got home and assembled myself on an old Sony turntable and it was a success in 5 min! Truly appreciate their patience and help. read more

Dear Waterloo Records, Never in a million years did I picture myself writing this, but I am writing this letter to officially announce our break up. I like to think that you are the main reason for the collection of over 10,000 records and cds I have amassed over my lifetime. Sure, I cheated on you a few times with Sound Exchange (for New Beat), Alien Records (for dance jams), Stashus Mule (for live bootleg recordings), and Tower Records (better pricing and a ton of imports). I even cheated on you out-of-state once with Amoeba Records. I don't think it counts because it was out-of-state. Over the years, I have enjoyed your in-stores (whether performances or signings only) like Lush, Diamanda Galas, Alec Empire, kd Lang, X, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, Doyle Bramhall II (with Wendy and Lisa), Throwing Muses, and my first-ever in-store which was to meet Lene Lovich. I think there was even an acoustic My Bloody Valentine appearance in there somewhere. Over the years I have also had to deal with reeeeeeally bad customer service. I've dealt with rude employees who don't acknowledge my presence when making a transaction, talk to other employees about last night's show instead of creating a good customer experience, and who act like they are doing me a favor by looking up stock. Sure, some of the old guard have been extremely helpful, pleasant, etc., but in more recent years I have found many of the people at the front to be 'too cool for school' as the saying goes. Perhaps they should be considered 'too cool for front end service' and be kept busy with inventory or stocking product. If it wasn't for the older employees I would have bolted long ago. Today's final experience came unexpectedly as I visited your website to find out what today's new releases would be. I get excited about new release day. Go figure. I noticed that a new cd by Patrick Watson was being released today and the price on your website was $13.97 but a line was made through that price for a sale price of $11.97! I went to your store to pick up the cd and noticed that the price was $13.99 with no sale sticker (now there are 3 prices). Having shopped with you for over 20 years, I know that mistakes happen so I didn't think much about it other than to alert your cashier that it should have a sale price based on the home page of your website. Me: The price per your website says it's $11.97 (I even pulled it up on my phone so I would have proof ready in case there was a line) Cashier: No, it's ringing up at $13.99 Me: According to your website, it's $11.97 (and I showed him your site on my phone) Cashier: I don't really know. Let me find out. He then asks a female cashier and she explains that it's an online price. I mention that nowhere on the website does it state 'Web/Online price.' Female cashier: We lower the price online so people who buy online will pay the same price as they would in-store. It's $2.50 for shipping so it comes out the same. Wrong. $13.97 does not equal $11.97 + $2.50 (that equals $14.47) It also does not equal the same if I buy in-store as $13.97 + tax = $15.12 She says she is merely trying to help me understand the pricing. I mention that the website does NOT state that it's an online price only. I know it's only a $2 difference, but the point is that the pricing on their website is misleading and should be corrected. At this point a manager comes up and we have the same conversation. He says he will talk to their web guy about it. Okay. Fair enough. It's not as if you haven't had an online presence for quite some time, but sure. So........then I wait for the the 'Sorry this happened. We will get this fixed. Apologies for the miscommunication on our site. We will mark this down the $2 to keep a customer happy who is obviously right about this mistake.' Nope. Nothing. Nada. I am all about supporting local businesses, especially record stores as music is such a big part of my life; however, I will be purchasing my music elsewhere...perhaps online where the deals are, in fact, better! Today, on Amazon, I found that Patrick Watson cd (new!) for $9.30 + $2.98 shipping for a total of $12.28! This price is even better than your online price ($11.97 + $2.50 + tax = $15.66) Thanks for many great memories even if some are tarnished by poor customer service. It was a great run! read more

This review is based on them as a vinyl shop. Let me start by saying I have been to Waterloo many years ago when they were in another location so I was shocked when I went in this past weekend. I was very disappointed. It's a total tourist attraction now. So much for keeping Austin weird, it's sold out just like the rest of the town. There is parking, so you don't have to search for street parking. But upon walking in, the staff was very unfriendly. There's barely any used vinyl to look through. The majority of their records are remastered copies or new pressings. It's not laid out very well either. There are very few used albums to look through and they are mixed in with the new. The metal and punk sections were small in the sense of they were only well known bands. I couldn't find much European metal either. I'm totally baffled by all the reviews of how amazing this place is. Unless you are bringing your kid to pick up the new Cold Play or K Perry album I wouldn't come here. There is no "crate digging" going on. Do yourself a favor and go to the other side of downtown to hit up End of an Ear, you will have much better luck there! read more

Waterloo Records has earned its ranking on the lists of multiple sources as one of the best independent record stores in America. After 30 years, they continue to adapt to the trends without losing their soul. If you've settled for just downloading what's popular, you're probably missing out on a lot that's new and maybe more interesting. Waterloo houses a full array of CDs (new and used) and LPs from multiple genres and labels, both commercial and independent, and is a great source for local and international music. If you're into LPs, FYI the entire back room has been devoted to them. Wish I still had a turntable. Lately, they've set up listening stations throughout with staff recommendations, so you can sample before you buy. The employees are like music librarians, with vast reserves of knowledge and helpful attitudes. One of the aspects of Waterloo that I most appreciate is their support of local and up-and-coming independent artists. They regularly host artists for CD releases, signings, and live performances. They take their show on the road with a tent at ACL Fest. During SXSW, the Waterloo Stage (in their parking lot) can give you a free sample of a full range of indie bands, with an in-store signing afterward. My teens and their friends were excited to spend most of their time and discretionary budget there this year. If you're visiting from out of town or heading out and want to bring along something quintessentially Austin, they also stock a lot of cute kitschy items. And if you want to clean our your collection of LPs and CDs and go digital, or maybe just make room for more, they also buy your used ones. Personally, I can spend hours here and never leave without a handful of used CDs and a few new ones. It's more fun than buying shoes. read more

Many-a-college-days were spent in Waterloo, sniffing the vinyl as I was too poor to collect much of anything else at the time. That was until ... i was commandeered by the Visa demons at the Co-Op and they gave me my very own credit card with a whole $500 limit. They may as well have given me Waterloo gift cards. So, my devotion to the prize of the Austin music scene is incalculable. From CDs to free shows with the Shiner kegs to alone time in the listening booths, Waterloo has provided, and I've been all too happy to accept. Fantastic, fantastic record store. One of the country's best. read more

4.50 stars. One of my favorite recordings ever is "The Break-up Song" by Ben Folds Five. I mean, how can you NOT like a song with an angry piano solo? Of course, it's hard to take the song too seriously. But when Ben Folds penned the words, "Give me my money back, give me my money back you bitch! And don't forget to bring me back my black T-shirt!", I wonder if he was harkening to that beautiful red, white, and blue Waterloo Records logo on their dark black T-shirts. You can find music from bands like Ben Folds Five at Waterloo. More importantly, this is the type of store where bands like American Analog Set are prominently featured. It pays homage to Austin heroes like Bob Schneider or Explosions in the Sky. The vinyl selection is nationally recognized. It might not be hyperbole to call it the best modern vinyl collection in the entire country. Maybe. Is this not enough for you to love the place? Well, how about free shows in the store? Yeah, they do that too. There aren't too many other places in the country where you can see amazing shows for free inside a music store. The Waterloo Records T-shirt reached Austin institution status years ago. This is a successful local business that challenges the parameters of what a music store experience can entail. In short, it is the exact type of entity that spawned Austin's city motto: "Keep Austin Weird" (As a short aside, if that is the case, can we please stop closing every single music venue of substance in the city? Going back to Austin often feels like a funeral to me these days...) Some people might attack this store as being too popular or "selling out". I would suggest ignoring these people. If continuing to support local music while providing an excellent array of music covering an extraordinary number of music tastes through a number of different mediums is not your cup of tea, then you should probably drink cyanide. P.S. To the ex who nabbed my first Waterloo T-shirt, I want it back. You bitch. read more

One guy on here said "Waterloo might be the greatest record store in the United States." That might be true if Waterloo was the ONLY record store that guy had ever been to. My boyfriend and I relocated to Austin from California where we both worked in an independent record store for a collective total of about seven years. It was not as big or well-known as Amoeba, but I would say it was comparable in variety, and really the only record store worth stopping at in central California. That being said, I think we both have a pretty good idea of how a record store works. Three out of three times we have gone in, the level of customer service was extremely sub-par. We were not greeted upon entering the store, were not offered help in finding anything we were looking for, and were snubbed when we came to the counter to seek help. I, having never been in before and not being sure of how they organized their listening copies, asked whether they had two new releases to listen to. The girl at the counter told me in a condescending though barely audible voice that I could pull anything off the floor and listen to it. I asked where I could find the CD and she waved me in the direction of it, then lost interest. They did not have the CD in the artist section, but they did have about three different artists in the section who clearly did not belong there. We should have given up then, but we collect records, and understand the importance of supporting local shops as we have mad love for them! We tried to check out the vinyl, but were disappointed to discover that they were packed so tightly in the bins that you literally had to bend the record to look at the title behind it. In addition, whoever prices their used vinyl has no idea what they're doing. Or they believe that the people who buy used vinyl have no idea what THEY'RE doing. This time, we waited, as the only people in line, while the two employees finished up a chess game they had going on behind the counter. The third time we went was definitely our last. We grabbed one record, and again, waited as the only people in line while THREE employees shot the shit with each other. Another employee left the floor to come ring us up, while the others didn't even look at us. We should have just walked out with the record. For anyone who is serious about supporting local business, receiving excellent customer service, and finding reasonably priced used vinyl, spend your money and time elsewhere! If we had treated customers with the contempt and carelessness of Waterloo employees, we would have been fired on the spot, as I'm sure most employers would agree. We don't mind spending the extra money to drive down to End of an Ear! Or even to get records shipped to us. Infinitely better! read more

I try to discover a little something to make me sweeter Oh Waterloo refrain from breaking my heart I'm so in love with you I'll be forever blue That you gimme no reason why you are closed today That you gimme no That you gimme no That you gimme no That you gimme no Soul, I hear you calling Oh Waterloo please Give a little respect to me And if I should falter would you open your doors up to me? We can make love not war and live at peace with our music I'm so in love with you I'll be forever blue What music or reason could drive a man to forsake his lover? Oh, Waterloo Don't you tell me no Don't you tell me no Don't you tell me no Don't you tell me no Soul, I hear you calling Oh Waterloo please Give a little respect to me I'm so in love with you I'll be forever blue That you gimme no reason, you know you hurt me being closed today. That you gimme no That you gimme no That you gimme no That you gimme no Soul, I hear you calling Oh Waterloo please (give a little respect) Give a little respect to me Stop the inventory counting Soul, I hear you calling Oh Waterloo please (give a little respect) No more inventory counting Give a little respect to me read more

Time and time again, I see Waterloo ranked as one of the best record stores in the world. I would have to disagree. If you are looking for newly pressed vinyl and reissues, then by all means, this is your place (or the dozen other places that sell the same inventory). But for an actual record store (I should say a used record store) it is nowhere near amazing. It's essentially a Tower Records or a Warehouse (back when they were a thing) with new releases and nothing really worth searching for. If you like to scour and dig for interesting used records at a good price, avoid here at all costs. read more

Maybe the best in Austin... Still, the "live music capital of the world" deserves better. Having lived in both Austin and L.A., I have to say Amoeba (at least in L.A. and San Francisco) blows Waterloo totally out of the water. Waterloo is maybe 1/3 or 1/4 Amoeba's size, and I always found Amoeba's staff much friendlier. Who doesn't like it when the person at the register compliments your choice or suggests another interesting artist or album? I've probably been to Waterloo 100 times in the past 10 years, and I can count the times that's happened on the fingers of one hand. It happened at Amoeba maybe every third or fourth visit. Unless you're looking for Texas artists (and I know many are), you will do better elsewhere. As a music lover, I hate not having a place to casually browse for hard-to-find titles, but Waterloo just isn't up to the task of servicing most people with extensive music collections. It truly pains me to say online shopping is better than visiting the local record store, but it is. If you need a common title, you can find it cheaper on the Internet. If you're looking for something obscure, and you don't like having to special order titles, you owe it to yourself to check online first. The used section is pretty terrible, and prices are not really resonable on many titles. Again, you're often better off on Amazon, eBay, deepdiscount.com, etc. Also, I think used titles work better when mixed in with the new, rather than alone in one section with 10 people crawling all over them constantly. I am also not crazy about the video store. Vulcan Video is much better. In particular, it drives me crazy that new DVDs of old films are put in the "new release" section where you have to pay premium rental prices. That is totally ridiculous. In short, Waterloo may be the best place to browse in Austin - it is an institution - but deifying the place is unnecessary. If you really love shopping for music, do yourself a favor: Visit 1855 Haight St. in San Francisco or 6400 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood and prepare to lose your mind. Waterloo just might look like crap afterward. read more

Huge, diverse selection of new and used vinyl of various genres. New records could be kind of pricey, but no pricier than I've seen in other record stores. My friends and I spent way more time in here than expected. There was just so much to explore! read more

Waterloo Records & Video - Music & DVDs Near Me - Austin, Texas

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What a great record store. LOVE the iPod listening station. Haven't seen that anywhere in SD, where I hail from. Prices are pretty dope as well. Slightly higher than your typical iTunes download, but I'm ALL about throwing down an extra buck or two to support cool, independent record stores. Cool vibe too. Picked up the new Atmosphere album, as well as the Black & White Years record. Those guys kill. You Austinites should be proud of 'em. I'm sure you are :) Make 'em say WOO for Waterloo! That was lame. I'm sorry... read more

I'm a record store snob. I buy one CD a week (I'm collecting Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 discs that came out a couple of years ago), and sometimes two. I usually stay up north and go to the Barnes & Noble in the Arboretum (close to my house) or the Borders at the Domain (I have a Borders Rewards card). But twice a month I venture downtown to Waterloo. For my money, they have the best selection in town, especially their box sets. I've only gone into Cheapo three times in the time I've been in Austin (about a year-and-a-half), and it just doesn't do it for me. Antone's on Guadalupe is good if you're looking for vinyl. But Waterloo works for me. Why? I don't know. Selection for one. I've found some real good stuff in there (a set of 10 discs chronicling the history of R&B during the 50's that is just downright AWESOME!) I'll continue to visit Cheapo, and perhaps one day they'll have something I like. But until then, in my quest for music, I'll continue to venture into Waterloo. read more

I should explain my 3-star review of Waterloo based on the fact that I'm coming at it as a vinyl crate-digger and it seems to be the most lauded record store in Austin (there's even a mini one in the airport), the first place I visited. They've got an ok used vinyl selection for a small town, with pretty low prices, but not as much as I was expecting based on their reputation and not much good stuff. There are a fair amount of unsorted records stacked sideways underneath the sorted vinyl, so if you've got the time you might want to check it out, but with a cursory glance it seemed to be the usual dollar bin crud. As far as vinyl goes they have as many new pressings, if not more than their used stuff, and a lot that is electronica. Their used CD stock didn't blow me away, either. This place seemed to be serving as sort of a replacement to Tower, mainly focused on new CD's and vinyl for DJ's. So if that's what you're looking for its definitely worth a visit. It does dishearten me a little though, when you go in a record store and in addition to music they're selling stuff like sunglasses and Pez dispensers. Those with calluses formed from hours of repeated record browsing probably won't last long here, there's better places for that in Austin. read more

For Those About to Rock... I needed to add some AC/DC to my ipod. It is hard to find AC/DC in this internet world, so off to Waterloo Records I went. As usual, I was Thunderstruck! read more

It's hard to come across record shops that will truly meet all your needs and Waterloo does just that. With such a wide selection of vinyls you are sure to find something for yourself. They are awesome! From free surprise special guest shows to staff that will help meet your music needs Waterloo is awesome! read more

Amazing store, great selection of vinyl, cds and blu rays. I wish I had a bigger suitcase. Much respect for their selection of 45s, the bastard child vinyl format. They had a great selection that was organized pretty well Which is refreshing. They also have a pretty good selection of magazines. I wish there was a store this good in NY. read more

To be fair, I'm only basing this review on the DVD section. I didn't really have time to browse the vinyl or much else. Actually, I did buy one CD on trip #2. I would give 3 1/2 (damn you Yelp, give us the half star option already!) and maybe boost to 4 on repeat visits, if I'm in the area again. As with all media-type stores, how much you like Waterloo will depend on what you're looking for. I buy mostly horror/cult DVD's, so these are the sections I spent time in. I first headed toward the used DVD's. All the genres were mixed together, and with about three full walls, there was a decent amount to go through, but nothing approaching, say, Amoeba Records or anything that epic. I managed to find several I wanted to buy, but eliminated just as many (or more) because they just weren't that competitively priced in some cases. I noticed certain DVD's that were obtainable new for $5-6 at Target or (shudder) Walmart were priced closer to $10. I understand the value in supporting an independent store and that there's no real competing with a beast like Walmart--however real collectors will know how cheaply you can obtain this stuff, especially online, so it's pretty important to keep your thumb on the pulse. I'm trying not to be overly critical, because I still managed to find some good deals and had a stack of DVD's. I tend to go hog-wild when buying DVD's or music--so as I was sorting through my stuff deciding what I really NEEDED as opposed to a simple impulse buy, I was already bitching to friend #1 about the upcoming blow to my credit card account--friend #2 chimed in one section behind me, "You definitely don't want to come over here then, because you'll be spending even more money dude." Against my better judgement, I joined friend #2 in the cult/foreign section. Damn you Waterloo. I will admit, they had quite the cutting edge selection of obscure, weird new DVD's that practically called to me from the shelves. Fortunately for my wallet, most were prohibitively priced--many in the $25-$30 for a single disc DVD? Come on now, a lot of these weren't even that rare. I can understand charging that much for something limited, or out of print, but something easily found at Best Buy?!? I hate to compare this place to Amoeba Records again, especially seeing as how Amoeba is a total collector's mecca, hence my favorite store of all time. But Amoeba has a shitload of used and new DVD's, including VERY hard to find stuff that Waterloo doesn't have, and it's all priced much lower. Most stuff (even new) is in the $15-20 range at most. If you pay more than $20, you're getting something that is either out-of-print, impossible to find, or both. That said, we're not in California, let alone the Bay Area, so Waterloo did satisfy my media fix for the time being. We came back before we left town--I had to pick up a couple blaxploitation DVD's--a double pack of "Truck Turner" (Isaac Hayes) and "Hammer" (Fred Williamson)--along with an 10-movie oddity called "Thug City Chronicles presents Black Soul Dynamite," which includes timeless classics like "Black Emanuelle 2" and "Mafia vs. Ninja." I had to impulse buy a CD for the two-day journey home, so I chose Darkthrone's heartwarming black metal release "Dark Thrones and Black Flags," with songs about cute puppies and sugarplums. At a $17.99 price tag (damn!) it stung, but at least it's a good album. My black metal and black 70's action needs were thus temporarily quenched. I give Waterloo about 4 1/2 stars for selection, 2 1/2 stars for pricing. 3 1/2 overall. read more

They have just about everything, the employees are awesome as well! It's a staple every time I visit Austin

I used to practically live in this store when I worked downtown. I own over 1000 CDs, but I'm sad to say it's been well over a year since I've been to Waterloo. I don't know how independent music stores stay open considering how much mp3 files and music sharing is going on now. I download about 98% of all music now and put it directly on my iPod. The days of CDs are numbered. In fact, I should sell my collection but I just can't bring myself to do it. The main reason I'd still go to Waterloo would be for advice. First off, Waterloo has an incredible selection of music. There are artists that you can't find anywhere else. Plus, their in-store musician appearances are always cool. Lastly, the staff is knowledgeable. If you need advice or help finding something, they all know the store and have great advice about artists you may not have listened to previously. I love Waterloo, but if it's still open in 10yrs I'll be very surprised. read more

I'm going to be a party-pooper and give this place only three stars. Why? Because I'm a record store snob. Not a music snob, a *record store snob*. Why are you a record store snob, Catherine? Because the very first job I had was at a record store in Dallas called Collector's Records. That place had every LP and 45 I ever wanted. They had 78s. They even had a selection of Edison wax cylinders. Waterloo doesn't have any. Neither does Antone's. I still have a few wax cylinders at home. Got nothing to play them on, but that's beside the point. Some of their vinyl is overpriced, too. Half Price Books typically has a better selection and pricing scheme. And Waterloo has a paltry selection of big band/jazz/Dixieland records. Nonexistent, even. I'm not totally down on Waterloo Records. Hell, I just bought an LP there last Friday evening before I hit 24 Diner. Also bought a cutesy little stuffed Domo character. Y'know, the Japanese character that Target was using as a mascot around Halloween. He was on sale and was too cute to pass up. I'm no stranger to Waterloo, and I know I'll go back again and will probably buy some things, but it's not Collector's Records. Collector's Records unfortunately closed about two months after I moved here in 2001. Waterloo and Antone's were the only two record stores I was willing to spend any time in back then. With the recent addition of Breakaway Records, Waterloo and Antone's are now two of only the three Austin record stores I will patronize. Music Mania went downhill nearly fifteen years ago. 33 Degrees never had any genres I wanted, save for the occasional Rolling Stones LP. End of an Ear is a yawnfest to me. Piranha Records in Round Rock is a joke. Cheapo, and Sundance Records in San Marcos are stores I still need to try out. Oh yeah, I forgot to add Half Price to the list of record stores I go to. I wish Waterloo sold more 45s and less hipster garbage. And I don't just mean hipster DJ records, if any hipsters actually own turntables who don't use them strictly for DJ purposes. I also mean hipster keychains and party games, crap that I would find at Spencer's in the mall. They should get rid of that junk to make more room for more records. They did have more Beatles stuff than I thought they would, so props to them on that. I know I'll find myself back in this store to buy more records, but it will be with a heavy heart, as always. read more

One of the best record stores in the country ... vast and comprehensive selection, totally cool employees. I put out a record a couple of years ago and before we even sent copies to our own record distributor one of the employees from Waterloo somehow tracked me down and called me personally to see if they could order copies first - I think he had got a copy of a radio show in the UK that played it and tracked me down. So I figure if they are that passionate about our music, you can only imagine the kinds of stuff they have that no other store can get their hands on. Don't miss. read more

My opinion of this place has improved after multiple visits and helpful staff. And also this: If you've received a gift card from a national chain store that carries music or video (Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Circuit City, Borders, Barnes & Noble, FYE, etc.) then bring that gift card* to Waterloo Records & Video. We'll gladly exchange it for it's full amount on any merchandise we sell: CDs, DVDs, gift items or anything else in the store excluding concert tickets. That is straight off the Waterloo website, people. And that's awesome. F chains. read more

It's an independent record store, so that is a plus. Actually, the more I think about it there aren't really many chain music stores left (that are not online). I go here for the vinyl, and occasionally I will pick up some used cd's. The vinyl selection is good for the indie crowd. I'm not sure how great their used vinyl is because I don't often look through it because the store is often too crowded for me. Sometimes I think they are charging too much for records, but then I go to another store and notice that the prices are similar. I guess vinyl is expensive in general these days. That is why vinyl happy hour on Tuesdays (10% off all vinyl 7-10 or 11 pm) is a god send. Now I just need to get my lazy ass down there on a Tuesday. Thongs. read more

Waterloo has strengths and weaknesses: if you want to check out Texas artists, this is the place to find their CD or record, regardless of "genre", and if you can't find it they will order it for you. If you are just visiting town, or a recent arrival who wants to learn about Texas music, drop by and look around, you'll leave happy. For the only music store in the central part of town, it doesn't have a large non popular music section. But that says more about Austin than it does about Waterloo. Classical and Jazz music lovers are better off at Barnes and Noble. Waterloo does have a strong section of music from Africa and the Middle East. It has a decent used CD section. Music is stocked alphabetically, not by style, which is the preferred way at many indie record shops. Waterloo is heavy on the indie pop and rock scene. What used to be called "college radio " ," "back in" "the day"." Like most record stores the internet and WiFi based download services are the big competition. If I owned Waterloo I would get rid of all the trinkets and double down on vinyl and CDs. Make Waterloo a true destination for visitors and locals . In the 80s the store was on south Lamar in a small strip center near the old/current Taco Bell place. Prices were cheap then and I understand their "new" high rent district corner requires full price on new CDs to keep the doors open.But I would move the location and double the floor space and find a place with better parking , even if it means leaving the downtown area. A few years ago a lot of the old timers were let go en masse. I don't recognize anyone anymore. Not that they were customer friendly though. Avoid the store on weekends when 40 something and 50 something rich Dads with their teen age spawn take over the store. As Yogi Berra would say : no one goes there anymore, its too crowded. Go on a weekday late in the evening, when the non - rich never-been-Dads have the place all to themselves. I hope the magic returns to Waterloo, so I can give more stars in the future. read more

I'm a local, and I was an indie buyer at a record store from '90-'96. For 2 decades, Waterloo was THE PLACE for music. Unfortunately, now it utilizes cranky, novice staff, and after years of selling out to corporate record label interests, the selection is now akin to an above average mall store. They do not coordinate their stock with the local radio stations or offer much used music (due to said corporate entanglement). I have continued to buy from them to support physical record stores, but, because they charge unconscionably high prices, I may have to go the Amazon route. Why they are driving the few music buyers left away is beyond me, but I guess they are just catering to tourists now. Gone are the days of music lover customer service and cool finds. Pains me to say this, but Waterloo is no longer representative of Texas or Americana music-but you can buy a lot of toys there! read more

First off I want to say that my friend and I do take this pandemic seriously despite what the manager's reply says and we were complying with the store's regulations regarding covid 19- we were told to cover our noses completely which we did and continued to look around. (Both of our noses were completely covered the rest of our stay) We were approached again by the manager who had an attitude and told us to pull our masks up again. Since we are wearing surgical masks they do tend to slip down and not stay on the bridge of the nose- but still our noses were covered. We didn't argue just pulled our masks up again. Then we were approached a third time and were very rudely threatened to be kicked out. I understand the importance of lowering spread of covid but it was extremely ridiculous and not realistic unless we taped our masks to our face. The manager could have been more understanding and helpful so that we could continue to shop in this cool store but instead was very aggressive towards us. Maybe if they are that concerned about covid they can close and return to curbside pickup and then take a customer service class!. read more

Waterloo is a audiophile's wet dream. I am really not sure what to say about this place that hasn't been said 100 times over. Impressive vinyl and one of the better selections of blind box toys in town. Also if you need some small Austin-centric gifts this is a good stop. Do as I do, get a table at 24 diner next door and then peruse Waterloo while you wait. That is a win-win. read more

I love Waterloo Records. This is a spot I like to take guests from out of town. - The Music is the most important thing. - They have live shows both inside and outside on occasion. - Great selection of local artists. - The vinyl selection is amazing This is where you go to shop for music if you are a real music lover. You will find great new music every visit. This isn't some chain that is just trying to get your money. The people here really love music. Waterloo is such a huge supporter of the local music scene. That is so important to this town. We are lucky to have this gem in our city. read more

This is one of the best record stores in the country. But, I can't give it 5 stars due to one small issue...small parking. Tight parking spots and a pretty limited amount, as well. Honestly, I have experienced some distant staff members in the past, and compared to other records stores here in town, this just doesn't cut it. That being said, go here for some amazing in-stores and a pretty rocking used LP selection. Also, you can drink a beer in the store...which is pretty much the best reason to be able to shop anyways, right? Liquid Courage. read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review for Waterloo yet! This place is great. They have plenty of odds and ends, CDs, records and more. You can drop in and get a Birthday present in a matter of minutes. The ONLY thing I have to say is that I don't find the record selection the absolute best. Which I know some are hard to find and what not. I will always still love Waterloo, though! read more

Opens at ten doh Whatever you are looking for, this place has it or can get it. I like the fact they have listening stations and that the employee picks are usually pretty on point with what I have been digging on. They have great in store performances for free....often times offering beer. This is a great place and an Austin institution. If you buy your music at Best buy, don't talk to me. Let's keep Austin what it was and keep gems like this flourishing. The fact that they offer tickets to many events here is also a huge plus. If you have a couple of hours to kill and are in the neighborhood...swing through. You will leave aurally happy. Your hipster nieces and nephews will also love their logo t shirts for Christmas gifts. Trust. read more

I need a CD. I have three options. Buy online, from a big box store that hasn't gone out of business, or go to the place I bought my very first CD- Waterloo Records (Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" purchased with allowance money in 1993 when I was 6 years old). I have always been a fan of Waterloo, and in this day and age of the dwindling CD format and near impossible to find vinyl- I know I can find it in this place. If for some reason I can't find it, the employees will find it for me out there in the world and call me when it comes in. I can also find quirky gifts here, and often find myself looking at non-music stuff just as much as the music stuff. I've also seen many a live performance here- and if you haven't, you need to experience it. Experiencing a release party at Waterloo is much different than seeing the same band in some dark, dingy bar. You'll love it. I have always been in love with Waterloo and love that it is a local establishment. Yes, it is more expensive than buying it online or ripping tracks from your friend, but it is totally worth it- especially at an institution that has remained consistent in its commitment to music and high levels of service throughout the years. read more

Best record store I've been in since I left college [5 years ago - sigh]. They had all the new stuff I was looking for AND the super old CD my Boyfriend has been searching for since oh, I don't know, 1998. And once when I was having an allergy attack and couldn't stop sneezing, one of the staff brought me a box of tissues. Seriously, best record store ever. read more

...Kill me, but I really don't appreciate Waterloo. I find them pretty expensive, hard to get to, usually crowded, and rather uninteresting. I don't particularly care for their trinkets, either, as you can get almost any of them someplace better. Also, I think that for the time/effort to get to Waterloo and the money spent there, you can easily find a half-dozen small, local, interesting places that could use the business. read more

Man, I really don't get it. Maybe I haven't been here enough times, but I'm in complete and total agreement with all the other reviewers who've been mentioning Amoeba. Compared to the L.A. store, Waterloo is kind of dinky, in terms of both selection *and* price. The pricing is where they're really losing points from me - I'm not gonna buy a used CD in a broken case from you for $9.99, sorry. One of the many awesome things about Amoeba were the used bins - rows and rows, every artist imaginable, killer prices. In comparison, Waterloo is just average. I've found better deals and had more fun browsing at CD Warehouse. Driving to any CD Warehouse is also easier than driving here. I found the atmosphere to be very generic. It's not a box store, but it doesn't have its own personality either. Doesn't seem to specialize in any genre, but doesn't have a big enough selection to specialize in having it all. Not enough used CDs to be a great source for that kind of thing, prices on new CDs are too high for me to make this my new CD stop... The end result was that it just seemed bland to me. Nothing about this place made me want to come back again and again. Just not impressed. read more

When I was about sixteen or seventeen, I distinctly remember recording three songs off KVRX late at night onto a cassette tape. These three songs blew my mind into space and into a musical obsession black hole from which I have never (and will never) return. They were, ahem: Deerhoof - This Magnificent Bird Will Rise Boards of Canada - Iced Cooly Amon Tobin - Back From Space Until then I wasn't aware that music was, well, to put it simply: A cosmic force of mystery to expand your mind, churn your insides, and spiritually jizz all over your face. Ever since then, I've relied on Waterloo Records, Cheapo Discs (RIP), End of an Ear, and THE INTERNET to feed my meth-level addiction. Waterloo, while an introvert's nightmare (so....cramped) has always been classy. From time to time I am pleasantly surprised at their selection. I've never gone there and left empty-handed. Their electronic record section is a bit lacking at times, but then again, have you ever heard a more pretentious statement? God I'm dumb. Most of the time, I go in through the record side (and only after I have gathered enough self-control to convince myself I only need ONE, FUCKING ONE record this month). I stay on that side and do not under any circumstances go up those three little stairs into broke-land. They have movies over there, and I want them. One more nice thing - I love that the employees don't try to make small talk when I check out. That's really special and I appreciate it. If you could maybe not make eye contact with me either, that would be icing on the cake. I got 99 problems and social anxiety is all of them. read more

If you grew up in Austin or went to school here, you know Waterloo Records. If you didn't do either and find yourself in Austin, this is a must -- if you like music that is. Austin is THE music capital -- not Nashville, not LA, not NY, not Seattle. So, plan to spend plenty of time here when you show up. The staff is friendly and there a lot of non-mainstream artists to checkout. The only problem of course is that I spend way too much money here! Enjoy! read more

Waterlou, Waterlou where will you meet your Waterlou? Where else can you play live dead! Where else can you find beatles, animals, rolling stones, pink floyd, queen, doors, rush, led zeppelin, eagles, yes, bee gees, beach boys, ac/dc. Fleetwood mac, areosmith, prince, u2, metallica, cream, springstein, willie, Waylon, lady gaga, blondie, zz top, 4 seasons, who, moody blues, boston, kansas, byrds, snatana, van halen, journey, traffic, kinks, styx, ccr, deep purple,guess who,dc5, doobies, Chicago, kiss, sex pistols,police, black sabbath, genesis, susan boyle, Michael Jackson, bep, Eminem, john mayer, snoop doggie dog on and on! You can find all that alone with cds, dvds, records, books, tid tats, junk, sometimes live appearance of bands, and all kinds of giz moes! Waterloo has been around for so long I forgot they were one even further south on lamer than they are today. Austin weird what else can I say, I like it I like it! Limited parking! Would I go back? If I don't strap me down and kiss my behind! read more

Alright ... I give? What's the big deal with Waterloo? The stock is typical - nothing ya wouldnt expect to find - and everything a middle of the road store should or needs to carry to stay afloat these days. There just aint alot of surprises in the bins. You hear so much about it & their all day instores during SxSW that it must be the greatest store in the world. right? It just can't live up to the hype... its not the store's fault. I'll give 'em props for all the support thay give the local music scene but it's Austin - don;'t ya kinda have to? Also, their staff seems to be on the ball . The high point is their Texas selection so I'm always able to find a Steve Jordan or some other tough to find small label conjunto / border record that aint ever gonna surface in Providence . Their used vinyl selection is ok, can always find something but I'll take End of An Ear's selection over Waterloo's anyday. Put it on your list but not necessarily first stop. read more