Washington, D.C., is a city like no other, where local culture and international influences collide to create unique communities, neighborhoods, and shops. Independent businesses add character to the neighborhoods, especially the D.C. record stores and bookstores that stick to classic, analog style.
Here are six great D.C. bookstores and record stores where visitors can listen, learn, shop, and leave with something special.
Capitol Hill Books, Capitol Hill
Opened in 1991 and purchased by employees in 2018, Capitol Hill Books is a haven for book lovers in the nation’s capital. Both the neighborhood and this shop brim with eclectic energy and warmth.
The three-story building is like a house with a room for each genre (including the bathroom). The shelves are perfectly, chaotically organized, with helpful and humorous labels like “My name’s Alice Munro and I run this town” and “famous ‘D’ authors.” Owner Kyle Burk describes the shop as “packed to the gills and a little weird.”
According to Burk, Capitol Hill Books hopes to offer “really good books” to the community, to help people find new things they perhaps didn’t even know they’d wanted — or had long desired. It’s not uncommon for a customer to leave the store beaming, finally having scored a book they had spent years searching for.
Though Capitol Hill Books can feel like a familiar, well-worn home, it never gets old.
Som Records, U Street Corridor
Hidden under a barbershop between the busy Logan Circle and U Street neighborhoods, Som Records is all about surprises. In the bright-orange-hued space, new records and old greats are always in stock, like a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered.
Don’t miss the discount bin; the discounted label on these rare and interesting finds may mean they’re priceless. Live rock and soul records or a funky mixtape or EP will surely land in your luggage and atop your record player back home.
Politics and Prose, Chevy Chase Heights
A fixture in the cozy Chevy Chase Heights neighborhood since 1984, Politics and Prose represents the city’s intellectual spirit.
The sprawling nonfiction selection (and fiction lineup) features books that delve deep into every subject, from photography and sports to foreign politics. Politics and Prose also highlights works from local authors across genres, and boasts rows of literary gifts.
The basement has a cozy room filled with children’s books and reading nooks. In another cozy room, The Den serves an impressive lineup of all-day cafe bites, teas, and coffees.
Don’t miss chances to join the community; check the shop’s calendar before your trip to meet special guests on book tours.
Byrdland Records, Union Market District
Byrdland Records, located in the Union Market District of warehouses-turned-small businesses, carries more than 5,000 new and used records. Founded by the team behind celebrated local venue SongByrd Music House, Byrdland Records proves that vinyl is not a thing of the past.
The wide aisles hold a perfect combo of retro and up-and-coming records and a unique selection of hip-hop, reggae, soul and rock. Byrdland sets itself apart with many electronic music options, rare indie finds, and D.C.-specific music (like Go-Go). There’s a colorful lounge with vintage memorabilia and cozy couches where music lovers can relax.
The space also hosts new-music listening parties and open mics for local rising stars.
“Over time, more and more bands are putting in an album with vinyl, and … music lovers are … excited for new releases,” co-owner Joe Lapan said.
Co-owner Alisha Edmonson celebrates that vinyl allows for a “physical collection [that] reminds you of what you love.” And Byrdland is certainly the place to cultivate your love for music.
Kramers, Dupont Circle
Kramers fits perfectly in Dupont, a central Northwest neighborhood of open-air patios and late-night hot spots. The landmark D.C. bookstore has been the place for book lovers to mingle since 1976.
The shop features wide selections of mystery, romance, foreign literature, children’s books, and every other genre you might seek out. Every surface is covered in a rainbow of books.
Kramers was the first bookshop in the city to double as an (all-day) café — and they do it right — with incredible coffee and wholesome brunches. Their full-service bar features local brews and classic cocktails, making it a perfect solo hang or a date-with-a-book destination.
HR Records, Petworth
HR (Home Rule) Records celebrates all that makes DC special. Nestled in Petworth — a community of historic townhomes in tree-lined Northwest D.C. — this D.C. record store features classics and rare finds across R&B, funk, jazz, blues, and genre with a little soul (rock and rap included).
The shop plays music of every soulful genre as visitors spend hours browsing rediscovered favorites. Local art and posters (including some advertising Home Rule Music Festival) adorn the walls.
Vinyl prices start in single digits for rare singles and mixes and remain affordable for sprawling funk and jazz anthologies from the likes of Al Green and D.C. icon Duke Ellington.
HR Records is the perfect place to explore the D.C. record store scene and to find a record with a bit of D.C. soul.
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