Reckless Records

A cute record store with a large selection of great albums and music merch. I came to trade in some records and pick up a limited signed copy of BRAT they had. The trade in value was fair and I was happy with it. It’s also really neat they were able to get limited signed pressings of Charli’s new album, it was the only record store i saw around town who had them. I ended up leaving with BRAT and a copy of the Strokes “Is this it”. The prices are pretty on par with other record stores too. Id definitely shop again here!

I was super happy to find this branch of Reckless Records after being disappointed in their downtown outpost. An excellent selection of used vinyl and heaps of bargain boxes to spend time digging through. Found lots of great records here and it was well worth the trip. They also have T-shirts, CDs, tapes, and other paraphernalia.

I literally just left this place minutes ago. I’m looking for a specific record which, according to their website they have in their inventory. After searching on my own with no luck, I asked for assistance finding it. The person checks the place where it’s supposed to be and then they check the stack beside it. They can’t find it either. I continue looking for almost 30 minutes and I still can’t find it myself. I eventually, call a different location where they were able to find it on the floor and offered to place it on hold for me. I didn’t need the shop turned upside for me, but looking for more than a thirty seconds would’ve been nice. Needless to say, I won’t be shopping at reckless record on Belmont anymore.

Great variety of music with expected prices. The workers here are surprisingly rude. I saw them treat this kid like he was a nuisance for just shopping. No need to act like that.

Place was very cool on the phone; people far far nicer then Suga Records who J bought from in discogs which won't again. I called them and asked wherenthe best store for emo would be he snickered and said both. Through research I knew Belmont and found something. Thanks guys!

I visited this location because I was in the area, I normally frequent the Wicker Park location. I will never come back here. I asked a person if they had something in stock, and the way they checked was by taking a look at the wall, and saying yeah this is all we have. When I asked someone else, when I was walking up to pay for something, they said to me "Yeah I think you asked that other person the same question, if they said no, it's a no." I just wanted them to look in the system lol, but I guess that's too much to ask. The person that checked us out at the register was noticeably rude and dismissive for seemingly no reason. I would not recommend this store.

Good selection but dear god some of the staff are just weird socially. Not all but one guy in particular had no skills and seemed very grumpy the whole time. Very stand offish

I would honestly say this and the one Wicker Park are easily the best Reckless stores in the city. Their variety is vast, especially in the soul and jazz categories. At this one though, definitely check their new arrivals, there’s always a gem in there.

A cute record store with a large selection of great albums and music merch. I came to trade in some records and pick up a limited signed copy of BRAT they had. The trade in value was fair and I was happy with it. It's also really neat they were able to get limited signed pressings of Charli's new album, it was the only record store i saw around town who had them. I ended up leaving with BRAT and a copy of the Strokes "Is this it". The prices are pretty on par with other record stores too. Id definitely shop again here!

Great selection, was impressed at the variety and even some lesser known artists, especially oldies, which surprised me. Pretty well organized too.

While in Chicago this past Thursday, my husband and I were drawn into this outstanding record store. After my husband got a record player he became a fan of going to at least 1 record store when on road trips, even if the road trips are just day trips. I'm glad his enjoyment of vinyls helped us find Reckless Records because this store is great. We did buy a vinyl while at Reckless Records and I considered buying a t-shirt, but my husband was disappointed because he is a 3-4xl and they go up to a unisex 2xl. I know we tend to come to this part of town when we travel to Chicago so next time I will most likely give into my impulse to buy every tee-shirt to ever exist in the universe that has a cute design and is in a color I like. If you're looking for a good record store with a solid customer service reputation, large selection of items and a clean store, Reckless Records is definitely worth your time. I know next time we are in Chicago I'm going to request coming back here instead of checking out somewhere different. Or maybe as well as, who knows. I just want to come back.

Awesome selection of cds and lp"s And a dvd,game collection at all 3 locations a go to spot for collectors

Why do record stores open at 10 or 11 o'clock in the morning and close 6 or 8 o'clock at night that's when the whole populations working It's just weird I don't wanna buy crap from Amazon. I hate Amazon. I want these businesses to thrive so please open up early afternoon and close at 9 or 10 Music is related to nightlife, the pandemic is over

We were looking for a particular Bob Dylan vinyl for a Christmas gift, and I called Reckless records to see if they had it. I called and the gentleman was so nice and patient on the phone. I was delighted they had one in stock and was able to hold it for us. When we arrived, again customer service was top notch. We spent some time look at their selection of vinyls and was not disappointed. They have a large selection, organized and clean. The store was relatively busy for an early Sunday morning. Again customer service was top notch .

This store like all there other stores when you go to sell they low ball you and if you look at a used Cd someone staff will dog you around the store and heaven forbid look at a used DVD some sweaty guy will come over shaking give you a hard time for doing that. I dont need that and i dont need someone following me around the store .I have run record /cd/dvds stores myself and this action will just alienate people me being one there are enough other stores to shop at or just order on line .then you dont have to deal with this or employees with attitudes.

Great vast selection of used vinyl and a small but not too small selection of new and used CDs. Newer space that doesn't feel old but nice a bright. The staff have always been very nice.

I liked the stuff here! Prices were pretty solid on the lower end for most things compared to the internet (other than with grails). I just didn't buy anything cause I didn't personally need any vinyl, and they didn't have any of the smiths or Shoegaze stuff I would've been looking for.

Reckless Records is a cool music shop especially if you're a fan of vinyl records. They have an impressive selection and will do their best to source special requests. While records are their bread & butter, they also have an eclectic mix of random video games, clothing, ad other knick knacks. Definitely worth checking out if you're a music fan or just looking for something out of the ordinary.

I came from out of town, I was charged $199.99 for a record that was advertised as $100. I called to get it corrected and the manager argued with me that I was trying to "catch them on a mistake and 'stick it to them' " When I communicated I never saw the $199 price as it was a small barcode and I never touched the record till after it was rung up. Manager wanted me to MAIL the LP back to them to get a refund on the $199 instead of honoring their own pricing card that advertised $100. 100% scam and reporting them to my credit card company and Better Business. Photos are included. Awful awful awful. STAY AWAY!!

Lots of records. But that can be the problem. Some of the bins are so jam pack it's hard to find what you're looking for.

Six months ago I inquired about an album I was interested in owning on vinyl. The guy behind the desk told me they didn't have it, then asked if I would like them to give me a call if it ever came in. With a shrug I said sure, gave my info and dipped out, then completely forgot about the encounter... ...until last week, when Reckless called and told me the album just came in, and if I was still interested they'd happily put it aside. Earlier today I went in and bought the album, and have been enjoying a very laidback evening with this long awaited record as my soundtrack. That's it. The end. These guys are great, and you should give them your money.

Good selection. Selling quality so you pay a little higher but it's great quality. Go there every chance I get.

Why is it every time I come in here I feel like I'm being talked down to? When I don't interact with any of the employees I have a great experience, but as soon as I need to ask a question I have no desire to give them my money. I think it's time for me to find a new place to feed my vinyl habit.

Top vinyl collection! I found some great records. Really organized, fun to browse. Super friendly staff.

I saw the Paramore listening party there a few weeks ago and loved it also bought myself a vinyl

You know what's cool? Staying next door to one of the best record stores in Chicago, that's what. I made my first ever stop into Reckless Records over the weekend and it left me with some mixed feelings. The store itself is well spaced out and full of everything from records, cassettes, and CD's to books, DVDs, and blu-rays. The DVD/Blu-Ray selection is truly impressive and features everything from popular movies to some obscure tv shows like the Big Bad Beetle Borgs (one of my favourites as a kid). Being a record store of course this place has thousands of records well organized and marked, which is where my complaint lies. As a record collector who goes to record stores pretty much anywhere I go, it baffles me that this store would put stickers on the actual record sleeve instead of a plastic sleeve. For me, it's a complete turn off as I like having my records neatly organized and not with price stickers on it, just kind of a weird way to do things. Overall though, this is a pretty sick store that had something for pretty much anyone. This is a definite must stop when visiting the Windy City.

Sometime ago i'm pretty sure someone said "Music is, as Music Does" and Music does it outstandingly well at Reckless Records on Broadway just up the street from "Crisp" (killer Korean BBQ wings n such)! This is a 2 Hour stop, easy! But I only had 30 min. Being an "Indy" guy, Wes M was on my mind and RR did not disappoint. A used "Montgomery Bros" from the land of the Maple Leaf (ya hoser!), Fantasy Records, near mint (first listen, an accurate description), on Red Vinyl yet, $9.98! A STEAL! Also NOLA's own the subdudes on CD from '94 and Butch Thompson of PHC fame on CD from '97. Both for $2 each and both gems, especially the subdudes! The man behind the cash register even said he was a 'Bone' player and a fan of Indy's own JJ Johnson... small world this music thing! Reckless Records, a stop not to be missed!

This place is Fun in the Sun!! Lots of music -- too much to see in one afternoon :) I lose hours every time I come here and it's never a problem! Everything is easy to get to and read, and they have a small but select section of Old Radio which is my favorite.

love the range of selection but almost every time I go in the staff always seems to be too cool. Not all of them but for example I once asked a question about the Beatles and the response I got was an eye roll followed by a response of "Sorry, Ive never heard of them". I waited for a little chuckle and braced myself for a funny response but he held to his gun turned his back and walked away. Thats just dicky. Ill still shop there and bitch about it though.... I might also add my favorite movie is High Fidelity so go figure.

Cool spot if you're looking for records and cds. They have a great variety and the shore is pretty big. They had trouble finding something for me, but they were really nice about it and helpful. They were playing some NIN album, Add Violence, which gave it a hip, spooky coffee shop vibe. I loved it! It's minutes from the Belmont stop and not somewhere you should miss!

This was my first visit to the new location on Belmont. It's a bit larger than I remember with a lighter and airier feel to it. It doesn't feel cramped at all. Very nice. The selection is very good and I found a few items that I wanted. I will always find time to go to a Reckless Records location when I'm in town.

If you like vinyl, you have to go here, enough said. Also, DVDs and music paraphrenalia - go and browse. It's GREAT. Helpful staff, great selection, buy/sell CDs/DVDs/vinyl. Enough said. GO HERE.

i'd like to know why Reckless doesn't have black employees if most of the music they sells is jazz, rock and blues? #blacklivesmatter

What do the following have in common? Spoon "Kill the Moonlight", My Morning Jacket "Evil Urges", "Sheryl Crow" by Sheryl Crow and Feist "Let it Die"? They were all part of my Friday CD purchases at Reckless! CDs, LPs, DVDs...and a helpful smiling staff! Okay, so I made that last part up, but you gotta love this place!

Ok-- we needed to kill thirty minutes, so we chose this place because it was near to our destination and we love vinyl searching. BIG mistake, this place is more for people who have hours to kill. Walking in, I found myself in an overwhelming trance. Heaps of records left me walking through the aisles. I was low key trying to find Harvest Moon/ Neil Young, but developed music ADHD instead. I have no doubt in my mind that staff would have helped me find anything I was looking for. So many old records here. I recommend this place to vinyl lovers and semi vinyl lovers, alike.

This shop holds a special place in my heart. I was introduced to Tim Hecker here. I purchased Bill Callahan, Johnson and Molina, Xiu Xiu, and Sun Kil Moon CD's here. I would ride my bike here and spend hours looking for new artists to discover then head to bobtail. They have a large selection of both new and used music as well as movies. If there is something specific you want that they don't have you can throw your name down on a waitlist and when they get something in they will call you (I still randomly get calls for music I was on the waitlist for even though I have not lived there since 2011). They also have a sweet deal where a purchase of a new CD from an artist playing a show at Lincoln Hall or Schubas will get you two tickets to that show. They always have flyers supporting local artists and shows and the staff are a pretty laidback group of people.

Ive been shopping at Reckless Records for decades and as far as finding lps, they are great. Convenient and between the branches they usually have what I'm looking for. Recently though, the attitude of the staff is crappy at best. Today I called the Belmont store and asked for an lp from the Loop store to be transferred to their store (a service they graciously provide for free), and was told it was easier if I called the Loop store. Really? OK so I call the Loop store and ask the girl about the cover of the LP I'm looking for and get an audible sigh of exasperation because now she has to walk all the way over to the album and look at it. She comes back and tells me about it. I tell her thanks for checking I'm only interested in the cover so that won't work for me but thanks. She hangs up on me. I know it's cool to be aloof and all but really - it's not. You're in the service industry and it's NOT asking too much to ask for your help. A better attitude goes a long way.

Here's an advice: Follow their social media. My guy recently saw that someone brought in a good amount of metal records the other day, so we went in. Surely, there were, in addition to a bunch of David Bowie records. I was able to find a soundtrack from a movie that Bowie was featured in thanks to this stranger! I love looking through used records, finding ones that we don't have and want. Most of the records are in good condition. I love that the vinyl itself is actually kept in the back. The employee goes and finds the record whenever you are ready to check out. If you own a record player and you love Christmas music, head over now - they had a decent selection!

Lame selection very very lame selection. Great place to go if your looking to add to your dad rock collection or to add records to that overpriced record shelf you bought at your local urban outfitters. The people that work here are not very friendly and always follow me around with their eyes as if I'm going to steal something. They also seem very pretentious. Won't be coming back anymore not even just to look. Overpriced items too. I can find most of these records on their top shelf on discogs or eBay for 30-20 bucks cheaper than what they charge in the same exact condition.

The best Reckless location in my opinion. The prices are fair and they have a huge selection of vinyl and CD's. They also have a great selection of $1 records and CD's. The employees are very friendly and helpful. I recommend this store to anyone who loves music in the Belmont area.

I've been shopping year for years, usually,​ I'm looking for comedy, spoken word, and opera and they have some excellent finds here. Their dance music selection is not great. Gramophone​ is much better for dance. What Reckless refers to as dance music is generally depressing ambiance that seems to be what the depressing cashiers work here would probably consider upbeat. Speaking of which, the staff is why I have given this otherwise good record store only two stars. They're so unhappy and in the 15+ years I've been coming here, not ONCE has anyone asked if they can help me find something specific. Why are there so many people working here when all they do is stand behind the desk acting superior? Maybe the British company who owns Reckless doesn't know how poor the management is here on Broadway.

This is where my addiction for second hand music started as a poor entry level office worker. The first time I walked in here I spent every dime I had on me. Then I realized I had a problem because I was showing up every week and dropping a lot of cash. But it's a godsend. If you want your own physical copy in this world that is fastly becoming 100% digital, you can get it here for 6-10 bucks. I'm too young to appreciate vinyl but too old to be willing to give up the liner notes, pictures and lyrics that typically come with an artist's CD jewel case. So I still happily frequent Reckless to further increase my collection at a bargain. Once you get used to not paying $15 for a new album it's hard to go back. The movie selection is also a problem but of course in a good way. I'm always trolling for that sci-fi or horror movie that I know I'll watch over and over again.

So. Many. Records. I'm kind of glad I don't live in Chicago because I'd certainly be a regular at Reckless and would definitely spend more on physical music than I currently do! Excellent place to browse for new and used releases, helpful staff, and very fair prices for new and used records, CDs, and the ever present dollar bin. Winning all around!

Couldn't knock Reckless if I tried. It's been around forever, the selection is excellent, the prices are solid and it's just weird enough... You won't leave empty handed If you're still into VHS definitely make sure to pay reckless a visit. It's truly a gem in that sense. Carve out some time if you wanna stop by here, there is definitely some digging to be done. The selection of both new and used vinyl is extensive and from my experience one is not necessarily better than the other. Although the other location isn't necessarily close by, if you don't find what you are looking for at this one you should check out the other reckless. IMHO, just as good. Parking can be a hassle in the area. You've been warned. Also, this is a great place to sell back both vinyl and CDs.

Great new and used record store. I usually order online and pickup. They're online inventory is regularly updated so you can always check back for the record you're looking for. Very helpful staff.

The staff here is awesome. I live in SoCal and still search their online inventory periodically and they are always prompt in mailing and packaging nicely. Fairly priced vinyl with $4 media mail. Packages come quick! Will continue to be a buyer online and when visiting Chicago!

I love the selection here, it was close to my apt but girl with green hair is very rude, arrogant and cruel towards customers. Looking at the other reviews it's clear others have experienced similar behavior from her. It's funny because she is so expressive in how she dresses and yet has zero tolerance for others. Learn how to treat people, walking into a record store shouldn't feel like dealing with a HS bully. I would suggest Shuga records instead.

When I recently revisited during the weekend of Lakeview East Art Fair, it reminded me how much this is still my fav location of Reckless. Selection is the best of all 3 locations, the aisles feel roomy and not too cramped, and I always forget how big the discount/clearance section is. All the other reviews cover the important facts about this one, so I won't make this too much longer. Amazing that I'm old enough to remember the first Broadway Ave location of where Reckless is(IIRC, across the entrance into the parking garage on the same side of the street, where Dryhop now is). I guess I'll see if this continues to be my fav location, or if the new Milwaukee Ave location will surpass it? So far I don't think it will(and only have visited the new Milwaukee Ave location once so far), but we'll see over time.

Advertised a Dee Snider autograph session on their webpage. The venue was listed as their Milwaukee Ave location. We hauled ass from Elgin to be there and were told it was at their Broadway location. OK, haul ass through World Series traffic on the L, get there 10 minutes before the end of the advertised time for the event. "Dee left 45 minutes ago."

Probably my favorite Reckless location in Chicago. Prices for jazz, world music, and classical LPs/CDs are unbeatable. Pop/rock music prices vary, but overall are pretty reasonable. I never walk out of this store empty handed. For selling your collection, these guys give the best prices from anywhere I've gone.

Legit metal selection! Prices are reasonable and great condition. I also like that they add notes/reviews on the albums.

Went here the other day for some rekkids. I've been goin to the Lakeview reckless for years back to when they were on the east side of Broadway back by the Walgreens and had carpeted floors. Spent alot o loot. Bought a NEW album and got home and popped it on my platter,,,and lo and behold,,,,skip city. Wth. I was severely disappointed. Called em out on it and they said to return w my receipt for an exchange. Did so the very next day and the lughead clerk was givin me the business about it all. Like,,,,"hmmm,,,,what was wrong w the album?,,,,,ummm,,,,what kind of record player do you have?",,,,,etc,,,etc,,,. Listen dumbass I've been shopping here since you were a fart on yer daddies undies theres nuthin wrong w my record player. He reluctantly gave me a credit and accepted the exchange,,,but made sure to tell me that they 'usually' dont do stuff like this,,,cus the item was new. Screw you,,,I should be able to buy a new album and return it w out gettin my balls busted if its flawed. Dont think I'll be back.

Sometimes it's just easier to be part of the solution than part of the problem. It doesn't take someone remotely connected to the news of the day to know CD sales are plummeting due to digital music (both legal and illegal). I am part of the problem because I'm addicted to Rhapsody. And yet, it almost pains me to stay away from record stores to occasionally buy a CD (aka be part of the solution). And today on Record Store Day only one possible store to show love to came to mind - Reckless Records on Broadway. It's almost muscle memory to go to this location from back in the day (before the MP3 revolution I went here about once a week). But it's more than just that which has me going back to this location over the others. First of all, it's in Lakeview which means fewer hipsters (at least on the customer side of the counter). Secondly, the used selection reflects the fact that there are fewer hipsters trading in music and hence a more diverse selection than at certain other nameless stores. I have walked out of here with some truly embarassing used CDs (with minimal reaction from the employees) - just yesterday the Goo Goo Dolls first CD caught my eye but I didn't purchase it - before and loved their prices (usually under $8 pre-tax). They even carry (and feature out in the open for the world to see) some CDs in new release that would make some of the Wicker Park customer's heads explode. I never walk in expecting bargains on new releases though (honestly, they're cheaper at some chain stores since Reckless rarely discounts new stuff). Still I always find a way to walk out with something (most of the time completely unplanned). However, the best part of this Reckless is it really is the center of the music universe for this part of town. There will always be flyers, buttons, 'zines, free papers (this used to be one of the few reliable places in Lakeview to pick up The Reader about 10 years ago), posters, and all other sorts of promotional bric-a-brac to rummage through. So it's virtually impossible to walk out empty handed whether you buy CDs (or DVDs or LPs) or not. And, therefore, it will never feel like a pointless trip. Not that a trip to a good brick-and-mortar record store is ever pointless.

This Reckless has been ok in the past, in my experiences, but the last time I went in, it reminded me of why I hate record store employees. You think you're so much better than us, but get this: you're a glorified CASHIER. Here's what happened: I go in, with a CD in mind. I couldn't find it on the shelves in either rock/pop or experimental, so I go up to the guy at the counter. "I'm looking for this CD" (i describe it) "I think it's spelled P-I-O-U..." "I know how it's spelled." He looks at me with contempt, like I'm interrupting his oh-so-busy job. He looks back down, getting back to whatever he was doing. A long pause ensues. "Well...uh, do you know where it is?" "It's on _the wall_." Super condescending, he doesn't even look up, just points. Screw you, Reckless. This is why I buy stuff online.

I struck out again at another record store location for this franchise.This location has more dust on it's shelves than the one in the loop.It also has a Male employee that acts like he has a bloody murder scene like monthly menstrual cycle unfortunately.I said "how you're doing"? He sounded like one of these most miserable mumble rappers saying a one letter or one word response in return,not a cordial attitude.Music wise,it was a torture chamber of really annoying and bad music blaring through their ceiling speakers.If i would've had some really good noise cancelling over the ear headphones it probably wouldn't have annoyed me as much.I think you know by now what I did after browsing the entire Jazz CD section.

The used bins are okay. You can usually find something you never knew you wanted. Then again you can do that at the Wicker Park location where the staff is polite. Guess what? If I want to buy an Assuck record, I'm going to and I don't expect any wisecracks. You're going to put it in a bag and smile. Why? Because you work in a fucking record store and you're 33 years old. When you get a real job we can talk about why I actually purchased the "Misery Index" LP.

Want to know what kills me? When people say they don't like the indie stores because the employees are mean. Mean? Don't you know that part of the shopping thrill is interaction? Winking at the fella behind the counter and watching him fall all over himself stuttering? Yeesh. Smile a lot and you'll find the total experience more rewarding. Where the heck else are you going to find entertainment like this? Oh riiiiiight, the racks of stuff for sale...

As a 35 year old, I remember first hand when back in the 1990s, we had a lot more choices for good record stores with huge selections that existed in the real world. And back then, Reckless was good, but it really didn't stand out as strongly compared to the competition as people like to think it did now when they reflect back on those old days. However, in today's world, I have to say that I think it now is pretty much among the best stores in Chicago. This is in part because most of the worthy competition has died, but also because Reckless has risen to that level in the last 5-7 years. At the Broadway location, one finds a nice selection, nice prices, and fair and accurate vinyl ratings. I never understand why people complain about this location. Yes, it is true this one is a bit less "filled to the brim with greatness" than the Wicker Park location in re: rock and pop, but it still is really nice these days. And a lot better than some of the other stores in Chicago proper. In addition, they also often have as good a jazz record selection at this specific location as pretty much any other store in the city (except maybe Jazz Record Mart, which is damn hard to do). They also usually have a great selection of Classical records, too, and, along with Dave's, now stand as pretty much one of the two best classical record sellers in Chicago. (Minus the guys who run a couple of the booths at the Chicagoland Record Collector's show, of course.)