THE MAP
Every vinyl destination inside the greater Washington footprint. Zoom in to see individual venues.
THE 24 RECORD SHOPS
DC still has go-go, hardcore, and a serious jazz crate.
DC's record scene is smaller than New York's or Philly's but its identity is sharper. Som Records in Adams Morgan handles international and jazz. Smash on 18th Street is the punk / hardcore institution. Byrdland, Red Onion and HR fill in around Shaw and Petworth.
The dig is heavy on jazz, go-go, hardcore, hip-hop and a healthy federal-city classical catalogue. The 9:30 Club, Black Cat and DC9 handle the night listening. Small city, tight scene, real history.
THE FIVE ROOMS
1809 18th St NW. The city's essential curated counter — jazz, soul, funk, Brazilian, international. Neal Becton's picks travel worldwide.
Long-running punk / hardcore institution — DC's underground counter since the 80s.
Curated new-and-used — indie, hip-hop, soul, jazz. In-stores and a coffee bar on-site.
Rock, punk, soul second-hand — the friendly first stop in a heritage neighbourhood.
The newer generalist — indie, hip-hop, dance. A resident-run addition to the city's small map.