Daybreak Records

I have spent the majority of my life in record stores and my opinion is no one does it better than Daybreak. Their customer service, inventory/prices, kindness and love of records are tops. Take time to check out the entire store, there is good stuff everywhere. Much love daybreak! Doing the most with style!

I LOVE this record shop! The staff is friendly, there's always good music playing, and there’s a nice aesthetic throughout—not to mention the awesome selection this shop usually has! I keep up with their Instagram page @daybreakrecords, and I have bought records online and traded records from my collection at their physical store before. One-of-a-kind customer service!

I was only able to make it ten minutes before closing, flight home the next day, but the guy running it was real cool about it, and I found a decent amount of treasure in just a few minutes. I could’ve easily spent an hour just digging through the bargain bins honestly. Whether you’re digging for records to sample or for your collection, both the bargain bins and regular bins are going to reward you here. You will find so much you will have to make tough decisions 😂

This is hands down the best record store I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. The selection is incredible, with deep crates full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. The staff is not only knowledgeable but also refreshingly welcoming—no judgment here, just a genuine passion for music and what you love. If you’re a vinyl enthusiast or just curious, this place is an absolute must. Support this gem—stores like this are rare, and this one’s the real deal!

I love this store and the people that work there. You can spend an hour checking out records or ten minutes just browsing and they are always so nice and helpful. I am friends with a lot of avid record collectors and most agree that Daybreak is awesome. Plus, they always post their cool weekend drops on Fridays and Saturdays and you can call and buy them over the phone and they will hold them for you, which is super nice. I live out in the suburbs and I can't always get there, so being able to grab them on Monday or Tuesday is really kind. Not all stores would do that.

Stepping into this record store feels like uncovering a treasure trove for music lovers. The selection is vast and carefully curated, offering a mix of classics and rare finds that keep you digging for more. What really sets this place apart is the staff they’re music aficionados with a passion for sharing knowledge and they create a place where every taste is celebrated. Whether you're hunting for something specific or just browsing, this spot is a must-visit. A true haven for vinyl enthusiasts and one of the best in the game!

I wish every city had a record store of this quality. First met the owner RJ years ago when he worked at another shop in the neighborhood. He always had the best recommendations and input on what to check out. It’s been awesome to see him open his own spot that always has an insanely well curated collection where record condition is always prioritized. Prices are fair and inventory moves quick so there’s always something new in to check out. As Seattle mom and pop stores seem to be closing left and right, Daybreak serves as a reminder of how awesome this city can be when we continue to support and shop local.

Daybreak is literally my first stop whenever visiting Seattle. The frequently restocked used selection is unmatched. I have had some serious jackpot finds at prices that are fair. Always friendly and courteous staff. Highly recommended. And get yourself one of the cool tote bags while you are there.

Walking up to Daybreak Records in cool gray Seattle weather felt like I was coming over to my buddy's place to browse and listen to their records. I looooove the setup of their shop as it is so dreamy to me with the dark colors of the exterior of the shop to the organization of all the records displayed on the wall and in the bins. Being able to browse and find records under the cool Pacific Northwest weather is just chef's kiss for me. While browsing I found a record I had been looking for for a very very long time and it was at a dang good price too especially for a double vinyl set LP (2 records/2 sides). I was thrilled to have found it! Of course I was willing to fly back to Texas with it too because it was such a rare find. It made it back home with me safely and I am so proud to add to my collection. The staff here were super nice and knowledgeable. They were just as excited as I was when I shared I couldn't believe what I found. I love their logo and merch so I bought a button as well and brought it back home to add to my magnet collection to the fridge.

You wanted the best... You got the best... The hottest store in the Northwest - Daybreak Records!!!

Incredibly rude owner. Overpriced hole in the wall. Don't bother, there are so many better shops in the area.

I just got a record player, so I've been enjoying finding shops to start my collection. We happened upon Daybreak records. They have a really nice assortment of most used, but some new, vinyl and merchandise. I was looking for a few records from more current artists, so they didn't quite have what I wanted, but the owner was great at pointing me in the right direction. As I build my collection more, I'll be back for more classic and vintage stuff, as this seems to be the place to be for that.

Stopped by the old location when I was visiting from NY and bought some nice records. Plus they always post a good selection on IG so you can buy even if you're not local. Can't wait to check out the new location next time I'm in Seattle. Peace.

I went to Daybreak for the first time and was so impressed. The shop itself is well organized, easy to navigate, great staff, but lots of variety. What I noticed most of all was the cleanness of the used vinyl (they sell new and used). The record covers especially were some of the finest quality I have come across, kudos to the curator on that. I picked up three albums, couple Jazz and a Who record I have been trying to track down. The prices were very reasonable! Came home and I've been loving the quality of the vinyl I got. Played the Who's Eminence Front pretty much at capacity and the clarity of the record shows. Can't recommend this place enough, great staff, great selection, some cool rare stuff that I had to really hold back on cause I went crazy this weekend with records. It will now be in my rotation.

Solid selection, nice and airy feel to the place. Staff is very nice and they play good stuff on the turntable. Will be back!

Another vinyl-only record shop. Good selection, but sadly, no CDs. They do sell cassettes. Hmmm (counting in my head the number of people I know who still have tape decks vs. those I know who still have CD players)... I know vinyl's all the rage in Seattle. But it will pass. I promise. (Discogs has seen a recent uptick in CD sales over vinyl.) And besides, I remember being able to buy a new vinyl release for $15--little more than a decade ago. But today, I see them in some shops for as much as $40. That increase does not correspond to today's (or tomorrow's) inflation. Why are they so expensive? Sound quality? Music sounds noticeably better on vinyl--if it's from an analog source. But most new releases are digital recordings. And they sound just as good on a CD player.

Spring break in Seattle with my family, and had a few hours each night to peel away and dig. I visited four shops over two nights, and Daybreak was - hands down - the best. I grabbed 5-6 records in my first pass-through their bins. I went up to the counter to check out. And that's when I saw a copy of an uncensored of Kick Out the Jams on the wall. I asked the owner and he confirmed - a gorgeous, clean copy. A quick recalibration and I walked out proudly owning one my most coveted grails for a very reasonable price. The owner is cool, very approachable and friendly. His shop is well-organized and clean, just a great space. And yea, they have parking. Highly recommend!

Great place to go through their record selection as it is laid out perfectly in their store. Friendly staff and great assortment. First time I came here, I parked a few blocks away and didn't realize they have their own parking lot. Seriously? That is a game changer for all of us who try to find parking on the street, just zip right in and park. Flipping through the records brings back the nostalgia of going record shopping in the 80s. This place should definitely be on your list of places to hit when in Seattle or if you are local.

We were across the street getting burgers and my husband took me here as a little surprise since he got me a record player for my birthday. I love cute little city spots that speak to the vibe of Seattle for sure. There are trinkets and lots of records to choose from that are organized very well. We also didn't spend much and that is awesome too. They have new arrivals, old school tunes, and some discounted prices that were great. We walked out with 4 records and I love them! They also take good care of their stock.

Best prices in the city and one of the strongest mixes of music across genres. This is my main spot.

I go to a lot of record stores and they all have their own thing. Generally I judge record stores based on the used selection because the new stuff you can get anywhere. Sometimes I don't know what I'm looking for, but at Daybreak I always find something interesting regardless of what I'm there for. Every trip is a new experience. My whole family thinks this is the best priced/selection of vinyl in all of the Seattle area. Hard to not leave nothing. Even the economy bins are decent.

One of the best record stores in all the land! Thoughtfully sourced and always amazing racks. Very knowledgeable staff that are unpretentious and will help you find some new favorites you've never heard of before. Their IG account is baller as well... Always giving you a heads up on what's going out at least a few hours before. If you're shopping at inferior record shops in the Seattle area... Its time to make the Daybreak!! PS F@ k Yelp!!!

Daybreak fucking rules. Hands down. They get records here that you would never see anywhere else in Seattle and are super knowledgeable across multiple genres. Prices are also super reasonable and aren't priced off of fucking Discogs. RJ and Gary are awesome. A real Seattle gem

Okay this is quite interesting. The new records they sell, especially if it's from newer or more popular artists, are wayyy marked up. BUT! They have an array of clearance records sorted by genre (especially jazz) that are $1-10, so if you're willing to listen to something new, this is the place to go. The turntable they have in shop is really high quality and is good for listening to the records before you buy them. The shop itself is decently clean and well-kept, and they have tote bags and record covers for sale as well. Also stop by jive time if you're in the area, it's super close by.

The Best record store in Seattle... ... it's the first place I come when visiting the pac NW.

Great selection and prices! Went in search of certain ones, found a few I was looking for and ones I wasn't! Nice staff!

It's difficult to gauge a record store from a single visit but this might be the best record store in Seattle. And there are lots of good record stores there. Daybreak had a great new arrivals bin, loads of used vinyl in multiple genres and stuff was in terrific condition and priced very reasonably. I left with an armload of purchases. I wish they had more space for 45s because, if they did them as well as they do albums, they'd be worth six stars. That's a rarity. Still, I can't imagine anyone who's a digger leaving disappointed.

I buy a lot of records and this place is one of my favorites in Seattle. Truly reasonable prices, excellent quality vinyl, unique finds, and super nice owner with good taste. The shop has a really nice aesthetic, too. Just go--you won't be disappointed!

This is the best spot in Seattle to find records. There's a good selection of new/reissued but the best part are the incredible original and early pressings. The selections go deep too. Don't sleep on the weekend drops. Go early and often.

You can't ask for more out of a record store. Their stock varies depending on what type of collection they've swiped up in the previous weeks-- sometimes they'll have a massive old school metal selection, sometimes punk/hardcore, maybe 80s cult classics or new wave-- but they always have a consistently good selection across multiple genres. Solid pricing, and run by good people. If you're in Seattle and you don't visit this shop you're making a mistake.

Great crew, great selection. Always happy to shop here and get lost for a few hours. The first store I'll take my DJ friends from out of town to.

The selection is quite good, and they don't shy away from offering LPs that are obscure to most music fans. They also have lots of bargain LPs to choose from and I don't mean "Goodwill bargain LPs." These are bargain LPs that are worth your time. Everything is priced fairly. Please support this local, independent business. Thanks!

Prices are decent and so is the selection but whoever was working was unfriendly and acted way too cool. I don't have time for that. There are way too many record stores out there. I'll go somewhere else.

Whenever I pop into a random record store to browse their selection, I can usually hear my internal dialogue saying "Oh yeah I've seen this one before...yup that's a normal one...I wonder if they have this one......nope they don't...Damn this one is expensive" However, when I was in Seattle and I came across Daybreak Records while checking out the Fremont area, that dialogue changed. I found myself saying things like "Wow they have this? I've never seen this one! What is that they are playing? I've never heard this but I want it!" Daybreak pretty much has it all from the vibe of the store, to the knowledge of the staff, to the crazy variety of what they carry (Punk, Metal, Jazz, R&B, Classics, Soundtracks, Latin and on and on...) to the rarities they get their hands on and last but not least: to the affordability of what they have to offer. They truly love music. All types of music...and unlike other shops I have come across, they are fair to their customers. You won't get ripped off and you will return (There is always new stuff being put out in there). Even if you are not a serious vinyl collector you have to check this place out...and if you are....then you've just found Shangri-La!

Small, but excellent collection and friendly service, unlike the entitled owner at JiveTime down the street. Also, unlike JT, they give you a fair price on trading vinyl. Highly recommended (and a place to park)!

I like this place, it's like Discogs, but in real life. They have a cool Mascot. No Bammer.

My FAVORITE record store. I love original pressings of used vinyl and nobody in Seattle consistently offers CLEAN pressings like Daybreak. RJ is a master curator who does all the leg work, so I can bring myself in, pull a GEM from the stacks and KNOW that it's the cleanest copy I'm going to find. Dunno how he does it, yet he does. All this with AMAZING, fair prices. No gouging. No BS top pricing for a sub-par copy. Love the staff, love the open air garage door. Love the wood grain. Love the big-ass plant. They do it right. Just adhere to the rules, and don't talk their ears off.

For Seattle record stores with OG pressings that don't look/sound like they were stored behind a heavily used litter box for 40 years, there is none higher. Prices are honest - if an LP is uncommon, expect to open thy wallet. But there are always deals to be found and I don't think I've ever left empty-handed. The owner is knowledgeable yet chill and will chop it up without pretension - not exactly the norm in his line of work.

Super cool little vinyl shop. Found a lot of cool punk and hardcore albums. Definitely recommend stopping in if you're looking for a good selection of less common vinyl

Best record store in the Northwest!! Go check out their amazing selection and have a chat with the employees.

Daybreak should be a model for anyone trying to open a record store in the new world of buying and selling vinyl. Clean, friendly, well curated, fast turning shop with broad expertise about a lot of different styles. Fair prices and obsessive buying keep the bins turning. I always hate it when I cruise into a place after a month or two away and its all the same stuff, but that's never a problem with Daybreak. It's nice that "clean condition" is part of the concept here. I'm not a person who loses my mind over a small seem split or dinged corner... but its an awful feeling to finally see something you've wanted for ages in the bins somewhere only to pull the record out and realize it looks like someone used it to sand their house. Daybreak doesn't waste your time like that, everything on the floor is in good enough shape to take home. More importantly, Daybreak records pays FAIRLY on collection buys, and that's why word spreads and people keep selling them great collections, which makes a great shopping experience for me. Everyone is a winner. Thanks to smart phones, discogs, greedy landlords, etc.... we can't really have any barns anymore with 100,000 poorly organized cheap records to sweat over and pluck under priced gems. Daybreak is clearly the best case scenario in a world where it's getting harder and harder to have any damn fun.

The greatest record store in Seattle...gems galore on vinyl (and cassette!)...I always walk out with the best stuff and feel great about supporting such a stellar local business.

Hands down one of the best record shops in town! Amazing selection that moves quickly, super knowledgeable and friendly staff and overall fantastic place to dig through crates. I'm in there weekly and almost always leave with something I've been looking for.

One of my favorite record stores in Seattle! Very well curated collection and all the vinyl is super clean.

My favorite used record shop in town. Meticulously curated. A must do for casual and serious collectors.

Newly opened record store with a really nice selection of records and some awesome deals to save money! (99ct records) The guy is super nice and relaxed and the design of the shop is clear and modern :) A real treasure for the neighborhood!

Wonderful atmosphere to roam, dig, and listen to the albums you like with convenient turntable and headphones. Affordable and friendly, plus some nice $1 LPs. My favorite Seattle record shop for all of these reasons and more.

Best shop in Washington state for sure. Always has originals and the most knowledgeable. RJ and his team are hands down the best. Buying and selling you can't go wrong. Don't try and bring all your trash and try to trade up. Give them respect. They work their butts off to bring you the best and do the same in return.

Great record shopping for the genres I enjoy - including funk, jazz, Balearic, disco, and classic club music (80s, new wave, etc.), plus the occasional house/electronic joint. In particular, I've found some great music that is perfect for sunny summer days across all genres, well-priced and as others have said, clean + in good shape. Love the open door set up plus they allow dogs, and finally - a handful of nice accessories for keeping your vinyl in order.

Daybreak is the best used/vintage record store in Seattle. I always walk out with something. The records are almost always Near Mint, and priced reasonably. Most importantly, the selection within each genre is always great and almost always an original or early pressing -- and the stock is never stale. You can visit this store at least twice a month, and you'll see new arrivals each time. Thanks to Daybreak, I now own some records I thought I would NEVER see in my lifetime.

This is a fantastic record shop! Great, varied selection AND reasonable prices. We typically browse other record shops, maybe find one interesting one thats $40. Here, we found multiple, had to choose which to buy, and then only spent $15 for two albums. Friendly staff, lots of stuff in clearance or on sale, lots of brand new stuff too. Great place, some check it out!!

One of the best record stores in the country. No Cap. Well organized diverse selection. Every time I visit Seattle I make sure to spend a few hours digging in Daybreak Records. I never leave without a few tasty treats.

I could easily make this review about bashing every other record store in Seattle. Sometimes you say to yourself "I didn't know I wanted this until now" Daybreak has really set a new bar in the record store department. Selection, condition, diversity of genre and ambience this store excels on all fronts. The owner worked at Jive Tome as a buyer for 14 years and the store really reflects that. High quality discs and cassettes all priced appropriately (unlike the dingus at Bop Street!) Staff members really know music and it's so refreshing to visit a shop where the dudes are aware of music other than guitar based rock (looking at you Sonic Boom) They also have a beautiful listening station (Silver Platters Sodo and Zion's gate take note!) which is widely acknowledged as the difference between a good and bad record store. Honestly I'm torn because I want vinyl needs to stay away from my secrecy jazz bin, but honestly I really just want this store to exceed. You'll see what I mean when you walk in. They play good music and they play it loud on a s s w w e e t t set of speakers! Follow them on insta for hot tips and special deals.

A great shop with a good selection of artists and records, staff is very helpful and lastly pricing is very reasonable and fair!

Daybreak has got to be one of the best record stores that the US has to offer. The hustle that these guys put into seeking out collections and stocking the store with heat is unmatched. These blokes are Incredibly knowledgeable in every genre you could imagine and unpretentious in their approach to music. Daybreak is not WACK! Daybreak is the sh*t.

This place is THE ONE. Very diverse and well curated music selection. If you like records do yourself a favor and check these guys out.

Daybreak opened a few years ago as a promising upstart amidst Seattle proper's already crowded vinyl retail market. Despite the competition and a pandemic that was initially devastating for many sectors of Seattle retail, Daybreak has not only thrived but risen to the top of the heap to become one of the city's best record stores. (Please note that I am a seasoned collector whose devotion to my hobby probably borders on mental illness, so I do speak with some authority here.) Being all things to all music fans in this very musical city is no easy task, but Daybreak repeatedly rises to the challenge--and prevails. Stop into their store on any given day and you'll find their inventory to be chock full of selections ranging from the rarest of rare LPs for the hardcore collector (like myself) to the "meat and potatoes" bargain bin treasures for those just beginning their love affairs with vinyl. All genres are well represented, especially rock and alternative, and skillfully cataloged. The inventory is mostly used, but even the cheap stuff is usually in tip-top shape. Their prices are fair, sometimes lower than average, and all of the staff members are friendly and upstanding folks. (There is no cooler-than-thou record store clerk attitude in this establishment.) Running a good record store in the 2020s is no small feat, but Daybreak Records shows vinyl collectors of all stripes how it's done.