Waterloo Records & Video

Today felt like a scene from the 1995 cult classic Empire Records, a coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Allan Moyle. The film follows a group of record store employees over an extraordinary day. Today, I was the star.

Opening scene ... Marcie enters the store. My adventure at Waterloo Records in Austin began! The records, customers, and ambiance captivated my senses. Saying I had a phenomenal day is an understatement.

In today’s world, perspective is everything. By focusing on hope and positivity, we can transform our planet and humanity. Every step I took captured the essence of rock 'n' roll! People were doing photo shoots, setting up a stage for a live show, and teenagers were debating whether to glue a coin to the carpet—just like the movie! Rock 'n' roll played throughout the store.

The highlight was the staff. Jessi, Cory, and others provided exceptional customer service. I had to pinch myself—it felt surreal! I realized that as a society, we can create a brighter future by recognizing the good in everyone and everything. Cynicism about the world is understandable, but there are always opportunities to make a positive impact. Kindness doesn't need a reason.

The passionate and enthusiastic staff made me feel like I was living out scenes from Empire Records. It was truly the best day in Austin! If the music isn't enough, the cast of Empire Records would definitely approve of this local favorite, as should we all! Damn the man, long live local!

Fun fact: Jessi whispered, "You know, our break room isn't as big as in the movie." 😂 They even gave me a token to take home, just for loving my time there! #supportlocalbusiness

Excellent large record, audio and collectibles store in Austin. Lots of vinyl, DVDs, stereos and music memorabilia. Highly recommended store.

Honestly this is one of the best record stores I have ever been to and I live in the Bay Area where there are tons of options to choose from. This store is huge and the selection is stunning, not only that but it’s so well organized, it’s amazing! Makes finding what you need actually possible but if you do get stuck the staff was so helpful and friendly. Great spot, I’ll definitely be back.

Awesome Record store and the staff answered all my questions. Spent more than I should have, but their prices were better than Amazon on stuff I liked. I highly recommend this store to all vinyl lovers!

I come here every time I visit Austin and I always find good stuff. Their selection is huge and they even have underground and local picks. Vinyl is half the store and just as great. I just wish they had more foreign stuff like Japanese rock. But this place is fantastic.

Cool place!!! My wife is a musician so she was hyped to see this store!!!

Was a little overwhelmed at first but once I settled in it was fine. There is SO MUCH TO EXPLORE. The store is organized well, and they have great crate digger sales as well as a great selection of new albums. Excited to make this a tradition when we are in Austin.

Waterloo Records is arguably the beating heart of Austin. It has been around forever and weathered all the recording industry changes. It is in these hollowed halls that you can find any obscure vinyl or even cassette or cd that you are looking for. The staff is counter culture and really nice and helpful. This place IS Austin. You will find people from all walks of life in Waterloo Records and it is always an experience to browse the endless vinyl and pick out a few gems. This place is of ATX lore and you can’t call yourself an Austinite unless you are a frequenter of this epic establishment. Tourists and townies alike - go check it out.

The place to go when you want to find those recently released albums that cost way too much on Amazon but have just the right price here at Waterloo. Also a great place to find movies, collectibles, and shirts too. Nice wide variety but everything is pretty much set together and not broken by genre (least on the cd side) so you do have to hunt a little.

Amazing selection, mainly of music but also movies, you can find second hand jewels; staff knows their stuff to make great recommendations while having a good time. Definitely a place to go to for music and movie aficionados, like yours truly.

A must visit for any true Austin resident and visitor worth their space on earth. The granddaddy of Austin record stores. I've been around long enough to remember their old location on S. Lamar. I fear one day approaching they'll have to relocate. I hope they're already scouting a good spot. Love me some Waterloo!

A massive selection of vinyl in all the genres. I spent a good 40 minutes digging. Highly recommend for vinyl lovers. If you're gonna visit one or two record shops in Austin, this has to be one of them.

This place was spectacular!! It’s great to see this type of music on vinyl make a return to the mainstream !!! Waterloo keeps this alive and well!! A must if you live in town and a destination for any music shop fans!! Great staff and awesome selection of music and movies!!

One of the best record stores in the US. Great selection. Happy to help staff and in store music was amazing. Wish I lived hear I would shop the bins on a weekly basis.

This place is awesome! Good selection, cool atmosphere, and nice people. We need more places like this.

Solid music store in Austin. Aisles and aisles of vinyl! such a great selection of classics and current. an icon in Austin!

Went here this past weekend and they had a signing for Kingfish Ingram. The selection of new and used is amazing- got some great rare Tom Petty and on sale Christmas vinyl. Great experience! Busy too!

I don’t even live in the Austin area, but I visit pretty frequently throughout the year. Being a collector this place is an absolute goldmine for me. I find myself consistently ordering from their online site

Great mix of vinyl, cds, videos and more. A one stop shop for your music needs. Huge selection of new vinyl ... love all the jazz options. Love the way new used vinyl is organized to see quickly what's been added recently.

One of my mandatory stops when I'm in Austin. Hard not to walk out with a handful of awesome records every time. Just plan on spending more time than you have there, because once you start digging you won't stop! One of the best record shops in America..