Shop Girl
Amoeba Music, Upper Haight
Housed in a former bowling alley, Amoeba is considered one of the best indie music stores in the country. Its tens of thousands of new and used CDs, cassettes and records cover every genre you can think of — including jazz, pop, folk, classical, rock, rap, punk, hip-hop and R&B. Rare posters and videos can also be found here.
With two locations in the Bay Area (the original opened in Berkeley in 1990), Amoeba’s appeal goes beyond the massive selection of music. It’s not uncommon to hear DJs spinning in the background, and there are even free in-store performances by major recording artists. If you’re looking to update your personal music inventory, you can trade in your tired tunes for cash or store credit. Not sure what to do with that credit? Ask the very friendly and knowledgeable staff.
While you’re snaking through the check-out line, browse the deeply discounted music near the registers. You may be surprised by what a few bucks can get you.
Want another reason to love this place? A portion of Amoeba’s profits go to the Rainforest Action Network — music to any shopper’s ears.
TIP: Parking is available for Amoeba customers at the Kezar lot (entrance on Frederick and Stanyan). When you check out, be sure to get your parking ticket validated. It’s good for one hour of free parking.
Amoeba
1855 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 831-1200
