Best Comic Shops, Record Stores, Pop Spots in DC

June 9, 2017 0 0

Pop culture is as popular today as it has ever been, thanks to the rise of the Internet and online fandom. Coupled with a recent vinyl renaissance and a public groundswell of support for all things old-school and retro, comic book shops, record stores, and outlets devoted to all manner of pop effluvia are suddenly popping up in record numbers to help cater to the multitudes of fans obsessed with scratching that itch. From anime-obsessed shops to vinyl record stores to geek havens, like many world-class cities, Washington, D.C. plays its own part in helping keep the movement alive. So dust off your turntable and brush up on your knowledge of obscure DC and Marvel one-shots: Below, you’ll find a list of the best spots to stop off at to get your pop culture fix across the nation’s capital.

  

       Fantom Comics                         Songbyrd                             Kramerbooks                      Alliance Comics

Name	Location	Description
Fantom Comics	2010 P St NW	A go-to spot for anyone obsessed with today’s hottest mainstream and indie comic book releases, this little gem – which hosts regular theme and trivia nights, and occasionally serves liquor to go with them – is located right off Dupont Circle. Not only is their inventory great, and atmosphere super-welcoming: Fantom’s knowledgeable and friendly staff are also happy to answer your questions with a smile, no matter how offbeat. While you can stock up on graphic novels and standard superhero fare here, don’t forget to ask for some of the more obscure titles they have in stock – you might just be pleasantly surprised.
Big Planet Comics	1520 U St NW	Born from the passion of lifelong comic book enthusiast Joel Pollack, Big Planet Comics’ appeal lies in its love for all things industry-related. While other stores might strictly sell items like games and action figures, this spot keeps things pure by offering a sizable collection of comics and graphic novels (as well as fun and funky accessories) to browse through for the beginner to the advanced reader. Fantasy, manga, sci-fi, superhero… all the big genres are represented. As a result, you can easily find yourself popping by on a whim and walking out with a bagful of books – not that we’re complaining.
Songbyrd Cafe	2477 18th St NW	A great spot to hang out and get your groove on in Adams Morgan, Songbyrd presents an ideal blend of record shop, concert venue, and restaurant/bar. If you just want to relax with a cup of a coffee or a bite to eat (we recommend trying the byrd dogs), stay upstairs. But if you’re in the mood for some kickin’ live music, try venturing into the venue’s popular basement area. Songbyrd also packs an awesome selection of vinyl records, CDs and cassette tapes to peruse, and – if you’re feeling particularly bold – there’s even a recording booth you can jump into to put your own voice on wax right then and there.
Labyrinth Games & Puzzles	645 Pennsylvania Ave SE	If you’re an enthusiastic gamer looking for a fun spot to spend an evening out, you’ll find that Labyrinth Games & Puzzles – home to myriad tabletop and board game diversions – is worth rolling the dice on. From chess to Magic the Gathering or a variety of childhood classics, it’s a welcome refuge that you can retreat to when you’re looking for a fun and low-key evening. Visitors can expect a variety of titles and puzzles for all ages as well as regular game nights where one and all can compete for bragging rights.
Kramerbooks + Afterwords Cafe	1517 Connecticut Ave NW	In this day and age, bookstore cafes are a dime a dozen – but few pack the atmospheric charm of Kramerbooks and Afterwords Café, a staple of the Dupont Circle area and local indie scene. A gold standard in the neighborhood, it offers a wide selection of books to choose from, an open and inviting space in which to enjoy them, and aisles crowded with chatty passersby virtually any time of day or evening. As for the food? Not bad either. Breeze by when you need to unwind after a long day, are in the mood for one of the venue’s many recurring events, or remind yourself what it’s like to take a walk among the racks.
Smash Records	2314 18th St NW	If you’re into the punk or rock and roll scene, Smash is the place to visit if you want to beef up your catalogue of bona fide indie underground hits and pick up a vintage record or two. Think the Ramones and The Clash with some Cheap Trick and Slick Rick thrown in for good measure. Visitors will also enjoy flipping through other vintage items like games and VHS tapes if they’re looking for a blast from the past. Retro is the name of the game here, and – considering the shop opened in 1984 in Georgetown and stocks an array of fun fashion items to go with the music too – and you can bet this neighborhood favorite delivers.
Red Onion Records	1628 U St NW	When it comes to buying, selling, and trading records, it doesn’t get more authentic than Red Onion. Between the shop’s knowledgeable staff (especially the owner) and awesome vintage vinyl collection, a true music lover could get lost in here for hours. As unpretentious as they come, the store may not look like much at first glance, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s like walking down into a bookstore’s dingy basement and discovering a real gem lost amidst the hustle and bustle of the city around it – only this gem rocks hard and then some.
Som Records	1843 14th St NW	When you first walk down into this dimly-lit record shop, you’re struck by the sight of hundreds of old vinyl records pinned all over the ceiling and walls. But that shock only lasts a moment when you realize the collection of vinyl items being offered for sale is the real find here. On the hunt for Go-Go, Electronica, Hip-Hop, Rock, Funk, Soul, Blues, or Punk? Whatever genre you’re seeking, rest assured you’ll find plenty of options here, including a solid international selection. Look closely, and you may even find a listening station that offers you the opportunity to road test tunes before buying them.
Alliance Comics	8317 Fenton St – Silver Spring, MD	Walk around this Silver Spring, MD favorite and you’ll quickly be struck by its setting: It almost feels like you’ve walked into a warehouse – apropos for a shop that sells stories of hidden identities and secret hideouts. And the vast array of titles on offer at Alliance brings people from miles around to this unique little comic den. Swing by, and don’t be surprised if you quickly find yourself joining the ranks of its regulars.
The Compleat Strategist	103 E Broad St Falls Church, VA	Located about 20 minutes outside of DC in Falls Church, VA, Compleat Strategist is a gaming store for diehard enthusiasts – and the place to be if you’re into Warhammer, Magic: The Gathering, or an array of popular RPGs. From board games to card games and tabletop battles, you’ll find most popular series well represented on game night here. Want to get your geek on? Put it on your list – you won’t regret it.

 

CHEAT SHEET

Yelp – Best Comic Book Shops in Washington DC

Culture Trip – Best Record Stores in DC

Washington.org – 7 DC Record Shops That’ll Satisfy Your Vinyl Fix

Tags: Culture, Top 10 Guides Categories: Culture, Top 10 Guides