Black Dots

Great little independent music store in Buffalo.

They have a variety of new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs... There's a listening station for anything used and they were playing some great music in the store while we shopped

On Thursday Friday Saturday nights they open a bar in the back - definitely going to come back and give that a try. Fun vibe and great music choices

Very unique place. Awesome small venue for live music in the back. Classic vinyls available.

I love coming here, especially since they opened a bar in the back on Thurs/Fri/Sat. It's a friendly atmosphere, and the drinks are decently priced. I'm glad that this is in my neighborhood.

Also, LOL at Rick P. from North Tonawanda's review about the neighborhood. Afraid of black/brown people much?

I have never been to a record shop that has this many good things in the clearance bins alone. The overwhelming emphasis of the shop is vinyl, as it would be hard to keep a brick-and-mortar selling CD's these days, and the new selections are also good (it's punk- and indie-heavy, although I'm more into the tons of 60's soul, rock, and country that they also have). But seriously: I've left with mostly or totally unscathed copies of Kinks, Animals, Johnny Cash, Ike and Tina, and Ella Fitzgerald records for between one and five bucks any number of times. It's like someone scoured every thrift store in the world at the same time and sucked everything good into one shop.

I save money there by mostly going old, but now that they have an inexpensive bar (!) in the back of the new store, I'm sure my purchase judgment will get worse. There is also a nice and constantly rotating collection of used turntables and speakers, and I will likely let them put together some equipment for me when I'm ready to upgrade.
Some of the clerks are more outgoing than others, but everyone I have talked to has known a good deal about music and given me sound advice. They've been in three locations in four years now on Grant Street, so maybe they're outlaws fleeing justice and that's how it's so cheap? In any case, it's a great addition to a burgeoning food, drink, retail and arts scene in this eclectic West Side neighborhood. Parking is street only, there is a small cash discount, and get the Genny Cream Ale pounder and shot combo at the bar. It's win-win.

awesome stuff, went for record store day and i've been back a few times. well organized and the workers are always happy to help you find what you're looking for

This terrific, tidy little shop is a must-visit for any record collector who is living in or visiting Buffalo. They offer lots of great used vinyl and have friendly staff, but best of all are the prices. Unlike the stores ('record museums,' I call them) where rare vintage LPs are priced at $75+ and then put in the bins where they remain for decades since nobody but Bono can afford them, Black Dots automatically discounts their records if they've been in the bins for a certain amount of time. I expected to drop around $40 on the seven or eight LPs I found here, but with the discounted pricing I ended up paying just $27 instead. You get the feeling that these guys actually WANT regular people to buy records here--to take the music home and enjoy it.

I picked up several Dinah Washington LPs that were under $3 each, a Crown Heights Affair record I hadn't seen before, a rare gospel LP by The Raymond Rasberry Singers for just $4 and a few other things too. Automatically discounting the used records that have been on the shelves for over a year is smart, friendly, and fair. If I lived in Buffalo I would always start my record hunting here.

Decent selection on Punk and hardcore vinyl. Nice sized store. The only con is that the neighborhood is less than desirable. I would not recommend going here if you are not from the area or are not familiar with Buffalo. This is honestly the main reason for my rating. With the lack of parking; you'll have to find a spot on Grant or a side street. Can make the walk uncomfortable going to a from the location.

I had been to the old location years ago, so I was very happy to come to the new location. Brandon was super nice, and even told me about a Food Hall on Grant with all kinds of Indian, Ethiopian, Middle Eastern food. Must go next time. Black Dots is a true gem! Found some good 7"s for cheap

Great Record store and now in a bigger and brighter space. Had large, eclectic new arrivals section that spilled over onto two carefully stacked piles in the floor. Also plentiful and well organized used and new records in every genre. But here's why this is a top 10 record store nationwide: LPs priced to move (under Discogs), person working there was really helpful and friendly, and they have a nice turntable setup w headphones to listen to the condition. What more can I say? Oh yeah, slight discount if you pay cash and gave me a couple of mailers since I wanted to ship the records I bought. If I lived in Buffalo, I'd stop by once a week. If you're passing through like me, definitely go here first.

My first time in this spot was after I got jumped by a group of ruffneck children around the block. I stumbled in with a fractured jaw and a broken nose. The staff was super nice and politely used a push broom to move me out of the store and to the curb. I think the cashier peed on me while I was out but it's straight. But after I was released from the hospital I revisited this place at there new location. Great bar, awesome records and dvds, and good thicc vibes all over. Best place to find killer wax in Buffalo. Highly reccomended.