On the hunt for vinyl in Metro Detroit with a recommendation for a beer or two to sustain you on your adventure.
Metro Detroit: Vinyl and Beer Adventure
Metro Detroit is a huge area. According to the U.S. Census, the Detroit–Warren–Livonia Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is 3,913 square miles! Can you imagine all the vinyl treasure just waiting to be explored in this massive area? How about all the delicious beers to savor while looking over your recent record purchases?
To be honest, this will not be a comprehensive listing of where to get either vinyl or beer. It is our best shot at sharing a few favorites. There are bound to be many great places we missed. That is where you come in. Got a hot tip on a great place to pick up that white whale you need for your record collection? Got a favorite brewery that you love and want to share? Let us know by sending us an email. As with any listing like this, it will definitely get out of date. The beauty is that you’ll have a snapshot in time to peruse with your friends and family while enjoying a Michigan-made beer. Ok, let’s start digging in those crates!
Dig For Vinyl
New, used, it doesn’t matter. When vinyl calls, you must answer. The following is a listing of some killer record stores you should visit the next time you are heading toward Detroit. This list is organized geographically, starting in Sterling Heights, then working toward Detroit, and then into the western towns of Dearborn and Livonia.
Village Vinyl (34230 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48312)
We finally made it out to the new Village Vinyl location in Sterling Heights. Their new digs are sweet—a big, bright space to showcase their extensive selection. The meat and potatoes for me at Village Vinyl are the metal, hardcore, and punk selections. These guys and Flipside Records (over in Berkley) have it down when it comes to metal. Bonus: they carry local artists. On my last trip out there, I scored the released Amino Acids releases.
Detroit Record Club (28834 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067)
I have to admit, I wanted to sink into the leather chair and enjoy the music as soon as I walked into Detroit Record Club. I felt like I was invited into someone’s private record room. The folks here are happy to let you listen as you browse or just chill out. The selection is rock solid with some excellent classic rock, as well as Motown, soul, hip-hop, and jazz.
Flipside Records (3099 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072)
Flipside Records in Berkley not only supports local music through tape, CD, and album sales but also hosts live gigs. We caught The Lucid Furs, Ladyship Warship, and Carbon Decoy jamming in the store. The selection and prices at Flipside are fantastic, particularly if you are a rock, metal, or punk fan. They have a unique selection of collectibles and a decent lineup of audio gear, if you are in the market.
Street Corner Music (26020 Greenfield Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237)
Street Corner Music in Oak Park is a long and narrow store packed with bargains. They have all the genres covered with a fine selection of soul and rock music. To keep it fresh, they divide up the rock into THEN and NOW. For the brave, I mean thrifty, shopper, Street Corner has bins full of $1 and even 25c records. For those looking for vintage audio equipment, they have turntables, receivers, and more.
UHF (512 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067)
Over in Royal Oak is a blast-from-the-past record store called UHF. They score big with not only a treasure trove of local, punk, and metal music but also an impressive selection of music-themed books, graphic novels, and comic books. UHF has an excellent selection of rock collectibles, if that is your jam.
Found Sound (234 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220)
You’ll find Found Sound in fabulous Ferndale. This place is definitely fun with tons to explore, not only in the bins, but on the walls. They have a majestic selection of local, indie, and punk with a sizable metal selection too. The old school record store vibe can’t be beat. Bonus, they have some 8-track tapes!
Peoples Records (1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207)
Just a few blocks from Eastern Market, you’ll find Peoples Records. It is a massive store that radiates a strong aura of hidden treasures. This is the store you need to hit if you are hunting for the sounds of Detroit. Peoples Records has a massive collection of soul, jazz, Motown, and local music.
Dearborn Music (22501 Michigan Ave, Newman St, Dearborn, MI 48124)
Since 1956, Dearborn Music has been a destination for music lovers. Our very first Record Store Day extravaganza included a stop at Dearborn Music. It is a gigantic store packed with records, tapes, CDs, books, t-shirts, and collectibles. Chances are, if you couldn’t find a particular record, Dearborn Music has it.
Rock City Music (33425 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154)
The very first vinyl and beer post included a stop at Rock City Music in Livonia. No reason not to include this gem of a store again. They have a fine selection of records in their outstanding musical instrument store. Get a new guitar rig, drum kit, and pick up some vinyl. You can jam to your heart’s content thanks to Rock City Music.
Enjoy Some Brews
Digging through the crates in search of that one record that will complete your collection can be thirsty work. Beer and vinyl go hand in hand. If beer isn’t your thing, have no fear. Many of these spots include other libational offerings as well as non-alcoholic beverages to wet your whistle. As with the vinyl listing, the breweries start to the north in Warren and snake along south to Detroit.
Kuhnhenn Brewing (5919 Chicago Rd, Warren, MI 48092
Kuhnhenn Brewing in Warren is a true landmark in Michigan beer. They consistently create some of the best beers in the state, with their DRIPA (Double Rice IPA) being a favorite (and gold medal winner at the World Beer Cup). Where they get wild is their barrel-aged beers, which are heavy-hitters in all the good ways. Their taproom radiates a laid-back vibe that makes it the perfect venue to enjoy a brew (or two) with friends.
Stumblebum Beer Co (1965 W Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48084)
Not only do they serve marvelous beer, Stumblebum Beer Co. pairs it with cheese! You heard that right—cheese! A newcomer to the Michigan craft beer scene, this brewery in Troy is just a few miles west of Kuhnhenn and north of Detroit Record Club. If you happen to have a Dyson product in need of repair (as we did during our visit), they are conveniently located right next door. The inside is spacious with a train theme. I’m guessing a nod to Boxcar Willie, perhaps? We’ll have to ask about that origin story next time.
Don’t pass up the cheese-and-meat tray. Forget about wine and cheese. Beer and cheese are truly the perfect pair. You can find just about any beer style to complement a given cheese. Enjoying their cheese, meats, and beers reminded me a bit of our beer and cheese pairing at Zingerman’s. Stumblebum Beer Co. is a wonderful place to visit anytime and most especially during a day of vinyl hunting.
Royal Oak Brewery (215 E 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067)
One of the OG’s in Michigan beer is Royal Oak Brewery. For 30 years, they have been crafting bold and beautiful beers in a variety of styles. These beers are so good, they’ve won gold at the Great American Beer Fest. Their space is wide open and comfortable, with attentive staff who want you to have a great time. The go-to beer is the Northern Kolsch, but the ESB is not to be missed. Arrive hungry, as they have an excellent kitchen too.
Unexpected Craft Brewing Company (14401 W Eleven Mile Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237)
After you hit Flipside and Street Corner Records, pop over to Unexpected Craft Brewing Company for a refreshment. The beers here are amazing. You can get just about any style of beer here, but their standout is the stout. In particular, the Coffee Peanut Butter Chocolate Stencel Stout is fabulous. It is practically a dessert. Sadly, during our visit, I came unprepared and have no photos of their pub, which is large and comfortable.
Full Measure Brewing (2700 Orleans St, Detroit, MI 48207)
While you are downtown visiting Peoples Records, make a stop at Full Measure Brewing in Eastern Market. We made our first visit during our Dangerous Day with Jay before the Detroit Fall Beer Festival. This place bubbles with a charm all its own. Familiar, whimsical, and captivating best describe the pub. The beers are next level, with an emphasis on true-to-style brews and intriguing ingredient combinations. Full Measure also produces its own spirits for those looking for craft cocktails.
Six Spoke Brewing (2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216)
Just before you head out of Detroit, drop in for a beer at Six Spoke Brewing in Corktown. Another Dangerous Day with Jay stop, this is a big pub with a working-class character. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. If you aren’t sure what beers to try, they are happy to guide you. My choice would be the Nasher’s IPA and the Packard Pils. Each is a top-class beer for its respective style. While you are down this way, why not visit the newly renovated Michigan Central, just a couple of blocks away.
Batch Brewing Company (1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216)
Since you are already in Corktown, it would be a shame to miss Batch Brewing Company. A community hub that serves stellar beers and sumptuous food. The BBQ meats are on par with the best in Texas. While Batch isn’t afraid to brew big high ABV beers, they excel in producing full-bodied beers in the 5% range. This means you can enjoy a couple of great-tasting beers without getting hammered. There are always excellent events happening at Batch, so be sure to check their calendar before your next visit.
Pictures
We’ve got photos of Metro Detroit Vinyl and Beer scattered all over the place.
- Our first Record Store Day post with photos of Dearborn Records.
- The First Beer and Vinyl tour with photos from Rock City Music, Kuhnhenn, and Batch (as well as Village Vinyl’s first store)
- The Detroit Metro Area tour with photos of Flipside, Detroit Record Club, Found Sound, UHF, Street Corner, and Royal Oak Brewing.
- Peoples Records
- Village Vinyl
- Stumblebum Beer Co.
- Dangerous Day With Jay with photos of Full Measure and Six Spoke
