"Love this store, such a wide range of records, I end up finding WAY too much stuff to buy after going to look for one thing."
"They host a lot of events and have an endless amount of records."
"The record store out front has an amazing selection of any kind of music."
"Definitely one of the best record shops I have ever been to. Wild selection of vinyls in every genre with just about every artist."
"Great selection of vinyl. Jazz, classic rock, heavy metal, hip hop."
"They have a pretty impressive collection of records, especially old jazz and funk albums."
"Great store, lots of vinyl records to dig through."
Cons:
"Vinyl is still a limited market and the selection here is equally limited."
"I saw a lot of prices were marked up on the used vinyl which is pretty disappointing."
"It's not the biggest and doesn't have a huge collection."
"Their selections of Rush, Frank Zappa, and King Crimson left something to be desired."
"Their stock has been considerably reduced and most of the stuff they now carry is mainstream."
"The selection of records, especially the hip-hop was lacking."
"If you're looking for deep cuts you'll probably be disappointed."
Store Atmosphere & Location
Pros:
"One of my favorite music venues plus it's a record store!!! Sound is great and sight lines."
"Wow! What a venue!"
"I absolutely loved the atmosphere."
"This place was incredible and very nostalgic, they had tons and tons of records."
"It's super easy to get to from the L-train right off the Bedford stop in Williamsburg."
"An iconic New York record store."
"The shop's aesthetic is 👌🔥!"
Cons:
"The new location is tiny compared to the old Williamsburg warehouse."
"Coffee shop won't provide you with water, or a cup with which to get water from the bathroom sink."
"It has a very upscale feel to it which was slightly off-putting."
"A horrible, stuffy aroma and atmosphere with equally shaky staff."
"It was kind of like they took the vinyl section of Urban Outfitters and made a generic store out of it."
"Very meh honestly. Lots of new records, particularly alternative/indie records. Did not find anything I was looking for."
"Slightly off the beaten track. I think the only people who would end up here are those souls looking for this record outpost."
Customer Service
Pros:
"The staff is helpful and knowledgeable as well."
"The staff here is super helpful pointing you in the right direction if you need suggestions on new artists based on genre."
"The staff was great - very patient and accommodating of all of the fans."
"Every staff member I've come across is polite, even when they ask you to leave so they can break down the stage and clear the floor."
"Staff are friendly and helpful."
"People behind the counter are really nice and helpful."
"The NYC store’s employees are the best. Patient, professional, and will find the answer to your question."
Cons:
"Went here on July 4th 2020 - the the staff service ruined it. VERY sullen and unhelpful employees."
"Customer service needs improvement."
"Zero staff interaction and so/so selection make this record store average as far as record stores go."
"Poor customer service."
"Bizarrely UNprofessional place!!"
"The staff are the most miserable people that you could meet."
"The workers we extremely rude."
Concert Venue
Pros:
"Fabulous store and great concert venue."
"They have good space for standing room and a 'VIP' or sitting balcony upstairs."
"I loved the concert venue, small and personal but didnt feel overcrowded."
"I saw the Richard Swift tribute show and it was phenomenal."
"The concert venue has got to be one of my favorite smaller venues in the city."
"Small intimate concert venue with great sound!"
"What an absolutely great small-sized venue to see any kind of show there's not a bad standing spot in the house."
Cons:
"While the balcony railing can occasionally get in the line of sight for those patrons, the balcony itself is fairly spacious and offers limited bench seating."
"It gets loud toward the bar with people talking, like every other venue anywhere."
"I wish they had opened the sitting area in the balcony or at least left some seats downstairs for the people who are not able to stand up for the entire two hours of a show."
"A sad end to a storied shop. The Rough Trade in Williamsburg was legendary in its short time with us."
"Call in advance so as to not waste time. The store will be open but, they have pop-up concerts which bar entry to customers until the show is over."
"There was a Valentines Day 2018 skate jam there in the back music venue space where a ramp was built and a few bands had jammed out all night."
"Awful - terrible customer service as it is almost impossible to email a real human."