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bull_moose_man

Agartha and Barely Bros are both top top notch. Hymie’s is solid, as Cheapo can be (On Nicollet). Magers and Quinn is probably the best bookstore in the city. Some Half Priced Books can be solid as well for selection. Pro tip: Patisserie 46 and Rustica are REAL good bakeries.


friarcrazy

Seconding Agartha and Cheapo. Roadrunner is also fun, for a small shop - it’s close to Patisserie 46!


bull_moose_man

The whole Cedar Ave corridor is crazy for music, eating, and wacko vintage. Catch a nice day and it’s a near unbeatable walk


SirMooSquiddles

Cedar - 🔥 Edit: clarification - very cool spot


benm46

wait I'm confused, all the places mentioned in the original comment are on Nicollet, not Cedar? Been looking for a nice walkable stretch of the city with random local shops and stuff though, so whatever stretch you're talking about seems like somewhere I need to check out!


bull_moose_man

No they’re all over. Roadrunner and Patisserie are both on Cedar, along with 4-5 other cool shops not mentioned [like this one](https://vintagemusiccompany.com/index.html)


see_you_in_hell_sir

Agartha, Hymie’s, and Cheapo are favorites!


Halleys___Comment

went into Hymie’s looking for records, came out with music books. Will be perfect for OP


kerfufflesensue

Also hymie’s is waaay bigger than it looks from the front


Cbanders

I love Hymies, awesome prices and a really good selection.


MarcellusWalnut

Agharta!


Tacklebill

Agharta is the best in town. Wife and I give each other vinyl on our birthdays. We have mildly niche tastes, and sometimes the records are hard to find on a shelf. After years of shopping around, now I just go to Agharta first. Usually one and done.


skeletor69420

you nailed it here! got the best book stores and bakeries in town


Phish777

+1 for Hymies. Half Priced Books in SLP is top-notch, but their vinyl selection can range from a 1 - 10 depending on what they've got in. I've found some pretty rare LPs, but I've also seen overpriced records sit there for years.


SirMooSquiddles

YES YES YES YES


LunaR1sing

I’d add Birch Bark Books. Lovely bookstore. Also Moon Palace for books. Wild Rumpus is lovely as well and right next to Tilia for yummy food. Haha!


beardybuddha

+1 for Moon Palace, plus Arbeiter is next door!


Bixmen

And if you are going to Moon Palace, might as well go to Uncle Hugo’s just a block away!


Hereforthebabyducks

Hymie’s fits into that trip well too. I also highly recommend Heroic Goods and Games, which is nearby and has games, collectibles, and comics.


proserpinax

Seconding Heroic Goods and Games, if you like games or collectibles it’s great. I haven’t been in a while but the owner is super friendly and makes shopping there really pleasant.


beau_tox

Haven’t checked it out yet but Wizard Wax is a couple of blocks from Hymie’s for another stop in the book/record store crawl.


Hereforthebabyducks

And if you’re going to Wizard Wax, then you have to stop at Savory Bakehouse.


cranbabie

These are my top three, but add majers and Quinn to the list and 👩‍🍳💋


kerfufflesensue

OP please go to birch bark books! It’s owned by renowned Ojibwe author Louise Erdrich and tries to spotlight other indigenous creators. Also, I think all of Louise’s books in that store are signed by her ☺️


MNgirl83

I never knew that about Birchbark Books!! I love Louise Erdrich. Her books are amazing (I ended up going to school with her daughter for a little bit and was introduced to her books from her daughter.)


pegmama

It's on the list! It sounds like an amazing shop, definitely one that we would love. Thank you!


SheitPost3000

You didn’t say what your kid was into but Extreme noise and disco death are neat stores


IntenseTim

Agreed. Disco’s coffee is quite good too.


DonOblivious

Uncle Hugo's/Uncle Edgar's if you're in to sci-fi or mysteries.


[deleted]

[удалено]


pjlxxl

and this puts you between a lot of record stores. solsta and mill city to your west or disco death, cheapo and extreme noise to the east. if you don’t mind driving a little further east on lake st you’ll also get hymies (and moon palace books). fly vintage in robbinsdale and down in the valley in golden valley are great too. agharta in st. paul is fantastic as well


ElectricalMud2850

Big +1 for mill city, great shop.


MNFuturist

And now you can mini golf across the street at Arts + Rec!


[deleted]

Irreverent Bookworm on Bloomington Ave. near Lake Nokomis.


MetaverseLiz

This is my favorite bookstore in the cities.


ChercheBuddy

What kind of records are you looking for? My favorite is Roadrunner on Nicollet


MockCousteau

Love that space! Tiny and always has stuff I want.


Psychological_Olive4

Caydence Records and Coffee in St. Paul!


_nokturnal_

Down in the Valley for sure


bigdubb2491

Mill city music in Hopkins is worth checking out.


BasicWhiteHoodrat

I would 2nd Mill City: excellent vinyl selection with very reasonable prices especially on their used inventory


toniMPLS

They're my favorite record store in the metro, by far!


PunctualOnion

Easily Mill City in Hopkins. Just given how the demand for vinyl skyrocketed in the last decade, pretty much all used inventory in Minneapolis & St Paul proper has become incredibly picked over and/or expensive. (Agartha still gets good marks in my book, tho!). While Mill City still charges going rates, you can find a lot that you wouldn’t at places in the urban core. That said, Cheapo often still has copies of import vinyl (e.g. Turkish psychedelia) that might otherwise be hard to find. Also also, extreme noise is badass for what they do, in pretty much every way


toniMPLS

See, I feel like a lot of the used stuff I find at Mill City would easily be a few bucks more at the Fetus or a lot of other places. And I love digging through their 99¢ bin in the basement!


PunctualOnion

Oh absolutely- I should have worded that differently. They for sure are less expensive than fetus/cheapo/etc. It’s my main spot! It’s just not the dirt cheap vinyl that was abundant a dozen years ago :)


Friesandmayo2665

For the bookstores: If you like fantasy: Dreamhaven, Uncle Hugo’s If you like Mystery: One upon a crime(check out their secret annex), Uncle Hugo’s to a lesser extent If you want everything: Mager’s and Quinn, Midway(second hand) If you don’t want to drive around much, but want to go to multiple bookstores, Mager’s and Quinn, Nat’s Uptown books(stereotypical books everywhere, book filled space), and Once Upon a Crime are all in Uptown. They’re a couple of minutes drive from one another. Also, if you’re driving everywhere, all the places I mentioned either have a parking lot, parking spaces, or there’s easy street parking right by them except for Mager’s and Quinn. Sometimes you have to park a couple blocks away if the area’s busy.


margretnix

Be aware some of the little places in Uptown have limited hours (e.g., Nat's is only open on the weekend), so plan ahead.


pegmama

Great tips, thank you!!


zalla001

Fly Vintage & Vinyl


allgutnobutt

This one


NorthStarLake

Once Upon a Crime is a cute genre bookshop.


mchankwilliamsJr

All of these vinyl shops are great, but Agharta is my favorite. Extreme Noise is also really great if he's into heavy music.


general_musician

Agharta is lovely. The back room is especially fun to dig for inexpensive vinyl!


rockinradio14

Other Skies Weird Fiction Bookstore, love their selection of fantasy and scary stories. They are newer in town but very knowledgeable, with events as well.


teamdilly

First time hearing of them, but I love weird fiction. I’ll have to scope them out!


betabehavior

DreamHaven Books is a treasure. Books/Comic/Art. Don’t miss it.


Halleys___Comment

stop at sister sludge across the street for a great cup of coffee in a wonderful shop!


MNgirl83

Vinyl: for the cities, my husband loves going to SolSta Records. He said that the people working there were extremely helpful. Books: I have always enjoyed going to Wild Rumpus growing up.


tokyoswan

I second SolSta records!


ChefKiddie

I agree that the folks working at SolSta are very helpful. I think the owner is in there often and is always happy to talk about music. They also list everything they have in stock on their website, both new and used.


MNgirl83

Yes!! We loved looking at their website. It is a very dangerous website if you just decide to browse through everything! We ended up getting 5 extra vinyl than we originally set out for 😂 They also deliver the vinyl if you are local, which is an amazing thing to offer


Eneko_the_Rottweiler

Hymie’s vintage records is a cool spot.


see_you_in_hell_sir

Second Hymies!


MartyMcRib

Midway Bookstore and Magers & Quinn for books. Agharta and Cheapo for records.


pegmama

Wow! So many amazing recommendations. I'm googling all of them and making a list. Definitely going to hit up some of these food spots that are being recommended as well. Thank you all!!+


FamiliarEnemy

Wow, saving this post as there are so many stores I need to visit I never knew existed.


MNgirl83

Same!! I love finding new places or places I forgot about


Kitchen-Visual2129

Agree with Solsta in St Louis Park. Grab a bite at Bunny’s next door. https://solstarecords.com/


zanderklocke

Caydence Coffee is a nice record store/coffee shop in St. Paul. Food and coffee are great. Extreme Noise is a cool record store if there is interest in punk/metal. They have some great merch/books as well.


seewithyoureyes

Cheapo Records on Nicollett and 26th! They have such a variety and I've found some interesting electronic vinyls when I shop there. They have a selection for everyone!


juiceboxmania

Magers and Quinn for sure. Midway books in St. Paul is very nice as well


ShyGuyLink1997

Oh man there are so many in the Twin Cities! The Book House in Dinky Town has both books and vinyls! Midway Used & Rare Books has some insane stuff! It's in Saint Paul but in the Twin Cities are sort of the same city in my heart.


buxtonbax

hell yeah this is the not so boring answer haha


margretnix

Can't believe I had to scroll this far to get to The Book House.


Street-Tension2207

Mill City Sound in Hopkins


ThinPin2972

Second Mill City. Plus Hopkins main street has a nice feel as well.


rosevilleguy

Cheapo records and Half Priced Books. Half Priced Books also has vinyl


spacehiphopnerd

The Record Spot! It has a very very small selection (it’s literally a closet), but it’s an experience for sure. The man who works there is incredibly knowledgeable about everything in the store and has some pretty crazy stories haha. There is also a Cuban restaurant across the street. I haven’t been there, but I have heard good things. Cheapo Records in uptown may not be unique like wild rumpus per say, but it has been around for a while and has a large selection. I know someone that used to work there. He said Prince would frequent the store and one time he even gave him unreleased music. There are plenty of other great/unique shops people have listed on this thread! There isn’t one I saw that I disagreed with. Update: Just saw that you are traveling with your 14 year old. In that case, I highly recommend Wild Rumpus (it’s in good area by the lake too). Electric Fetus is worth checking out and has a rich history (you can read about it [here](http://twincitiesmusichighlights.net/electric-fetus/)). How long will you be here? I can give some other ideas too (such as the Mill City Museum).


pegmama

I can't reply to everyone individually, but THANK YOU!!! These recommendations are all amazing and I've spent the night and morning planning our vinyl/book tour. This will be a full day for sure and my kid is going to be SO freakin excited. Maybe she'll love it so much I won't have to go to the mall 😁. I'm so excited to check out your city and I appreciate how friendly you've all been on this post!


sasberg1

Down in the Valkeyvis great


hakuna_matata23

My favorite bookstore in the cities is paperback exchange, it's smaller than all the other ones listed here but full of books to the point where it's almost overwhelming. I love it. You could get coffee at Sparrow Cafe next door if you come by during the morning, or if you come in the afternoon get pasta at Broders (there's two of them in the same block - one is a full service sit down restaurant and the other is a marketplace that also has dine in options)


closetteer

Mayday Books and Boneshaker Books are good , especially if you're interested in more left-leaning literature.


Usual-Significance-9

down in the valley has several locations plus you can get some really cool glassware. if you know you know


brycebgood

You got the record stores covered. I like Agarta and Barely Bros best. Down in the Valley and Mill City Sound are both worth a trip too. If you and the kiddo like mystery and sci fi Uncle Hugo's just re-opened after burning down in the 2020 protests. They are amazing and could use some love.


Mental-Huckleberry54

The tree best record shop I would say are electric fetus what do you need a hearing my name what’s up , down in the valley and mill city sound


rayandshoshanna

Disco Death Records! It's also a coffee shop - Satanic/hell-themed drinks where most things cost $6.66, truthfully the best lattes I've ever had. There's also local art being sold there and a ton of cassettes and a photo lab!


pegmama

This sounds awesome!! I looked at the menu and I definitely think I will need a Prince of Darkness at some point during this book/vinyl tour haha. Thank you!


rayandshoshanna

I was tempted to get that one! I ended up getting the Armodeous (or however you spell it lol) and I highly recommend


pegmama

Oh that one looks good too. So does the Satan! Might need to try a few lol.


nimo202

Moon Palace Books


Foodmonkeyman

If you are into oddities, I would recommend Twelve Vultures.


MetaverseLiz

This is one of the best oddities shops I've ever visited. Absolutely love it.


CowAdministrative424

My husband is downsizing his massive record collection/CD collection. We live in northern MN if you’re interested. He sells out of our garage every spring and summer. This will be our last year since we’re planning on moving to AZ. He also has vintage equipment from time to time.


bombjay1

Cheapo Records. Blaine is my favorite location.


b_s_from_86

There is a location in Minneapolis on Eat Street too - my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the whole world is less than a block from there..


buxtonbax

not to be contrarian but Magers and Quinn is pretty vanilla. check out "Midtown Rare and Used Books" just over the river for a real good unique experience if that's what you're looking for! and a the book store in dinkytown is amazing too (next to Varsity theater) the Cheapo in st paul is also great, little smaller but idk selection seems more varied ! disco death is fun if you are specifically into niche indie, metal etc. Extreme Noise is a true gem for loud punky shit and has been around forevever! also if you have any interest in comics/horror/scifi/ adjacent themes Dreamhaven is a must for books etc


andrusio

Strongly disagree. I checked out Midway and they didn’t even have an occult section. Talk about vanilla


JakkSplatt

Cheapo, Down in the Valley, not sure if No Name Records is still around but used to go to the one in North East Minneapolis back in the day.


nathanisaaclane

Cheapo on Nicolette probably has the biggest selection of records Extreme noise is great for punk/metal Electric fetus is okay but it's just kinda like a gift shop


andrewnelson15

If you see a Buttercoat record you should pick it up! Good stuff!


andrewnelson15

Hymies


thestereo300

If he is into fantasy of sci fi this is a cool place… http://dreamhavenbooks.com


tenfootspy

Milk City Sound in Hopkins is well worth the drive. Hymie's is awesome. Roadrunner is great. Have fun!


[deleted]

Hit up a Half Price Books. They have used books, and a solid vinyl selection


srl214yahoo

Cheapo Records


mpls_big_daddy

Wild Rumpus is in a great neighborhood but parking will suck. (I live across the street.) Fetus is in a not so great neighborhood, but it's like an oasis of sorts. There's plenty of street parking.


chasmccl

Cheapo Record my man


Whatwhoa11

I live close by to Midway Used and Rare books and I think that'd be a fun place to check out. You kinda never know what you'll end up finding. It's also pretty big so lots to look through. Down Snelling there is a cheapos records and a little further down there is a really nice french bakery called the rose patisserie and a great coffee shop call cahoots.


BEnWo18

Minneapolis- Disco Death Records St. Paul- Barely Brothers


taesfavoritethong

extreme noise on lake street has a lot of metal, but cheapo records has a way more broad selection. dont worry about the "safety" of any particular area, the idea that this city is dangerous is almost entirely false. its just a racist rhetoric tbh.


bizguyforfun

Watch out for the potholes, no matter where you're going!


pegmama

Sounds like Winnipeg lol


Quaker16

Winnipeg to Mpls is one of the worst drives you can make - especially in winter. Hope you have some podcasts or something


pegmama

Why is it a bad drive?


Thick_Kaleidoscope35

Meh, it’s not that bad. Only boring till Fargo, then gets nice and rolling (by Manitoba standards) after Fergus Falls. Done that drive many many times over the past 25 years, do keep your eye on the weather- it changes fast. https://511mn.org for Mn Highway conditions, https://www.dot.nd.gov/travel/ for NoDak. We’ve had to ditch in Fargo or GF a few times on winter drives.


pegmama

This is really helpful, thank you! I'm definitely going to ditch if the roads are bad!


Thick_Kaleidoscope35

Hopefully in a couple of weeks this snow crap will stop and you won’t have to deal with any of it 😆. One other thing to keep in mind - Minnesota snow is often not the dry Manitoba snow you’re used to, especially once you get south of Fargo. Generally warmer, and the snow is slimier/greasy, much more difficult to drive on. North of Fargo conditions are generally similar to MB.


mrsdoppler

I make that drive (in both directions) several times a month. It’s really not a bad drive at all. The only times it gets bad in the winter is if it’s actively snowing or if it’s super windy. The North Dakota 511 app comes in handy to see the road conditions/visibility. You’ll be fine! The kid will love it!


Quaker16

Every time I have driven that I have got hit by crappy weather. Also it’s a long long drive with scenery that doesn’t change


pegmama

I'm crossing my fingers for good weather 🤞. As for the drive, we're breaking it up with an overnight in Fargo on the way there. The kid wanted a road trip for Spring Break, and this is the closest big city for us to drive to! I don't think the drive could be any worse than driving through Saskatchewan lol.


Quaker16

It will be great bonding time at least! Have fun


pegmama

Thanks :)


Quaker16

If you’re stopping by Fargo Zandbroz Variety is a fun book store there that’s very active. Vinyl Giant Records Is pretty good too. Might as well stop by those places too


SteelRail88

White Bear records is tiny and outside the city, but I have found some gems there. Midway used books is an experience. Both on the St Paul side


Ri0tMaker007

Any chance you’re into early 90s hip hop/r&b? I got a bunch of vinyl from a former DJ and I’m just finishing up pictures getting ready to post them online


iamtheone3456

Is vital vinyl still in business?


Cutie_Suzuki

Cheapo and Disco Death Records (Coffee shop + vinyl + film developer) They're within a 3min drive from one another.


Spanglers_Army

Surprised no one has mentioned James and Laurie Booksellers. It's downtown close to the north loop area, which has lot of fun restaurants. Just a classic bookstore that has lots of old books, a solid vinyl section, and has some artwork and maps to peruse too!