Grapevine’s Best Of 2016: Best Record Store

Reykjavík is a relatively small city, but even so, sometimes you need a bit of local advice to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a good people-watching spot, somewhere to see some contemporary art, or the best place to catch an Icelandic movie. Don’t worry, friends—we’ve got you covered via our Best of Reykjavík 2016 series. Here are some of our favourite spots in Reykjavík, for all kinds of super-fun days and nights out. Enjoy! And if you try our list, you can let us know what you thought of the selections via letters@grapevine.is.

Best Record Store

Winner: Reykjavík Record Shop
Klapparstígur 35
Reykjavík Record Shop is capitalising on the current boom in vinyl sales. With a focus on new releases, indie-rock and alternative music, it’s frequented by hipsters and old-timers with an eye on up-and-coming acts. You can spend an hour thumbing through the catalogue or just pop in to grab something for an upcoming party. It’s amazing, given the state of the music industry, that these places are still making a go of it. So if you love vinyl, get out there and support your local indie store!

Runner up: Lucky Records
Rauðarárstígur 10
Lucky Records is a previous winner in this category, and for good reason. With a wide selection that includes a lot of funk and soul, it’s one of those stores that regulars will defend to the hilt. It also hosts the occasional live show, making it kind of like a Rough Trade Reykjavík.

Runner up: 12 Tónar
Skólavörðustígur 15
12 Tónar is an iconic Reykjavík record store, specialising in Icelandic music, old and new. It’s also a record label that releases some of the best bands on the Icelandic scene. If you swing by, the staff will sound out your taste, then sit you down with a coffee, some headphones, and a listening pile. You won’t leave empty handed.

Previous Winners:
2015: Reykjavík Record Shop
2014: Lucky Records
2013: Lucky Records

Read more of our Best of 2016 lists here.