Criminal Records in Little Five Points: Atlanta’s Iconic Vinyl & Culture Hub

If you’re into vinyl, comics, or Atlanta’s alternative culture, Criminal Records in Little Five Points is one of those places you simply need to know. It’s more than a record store – it’s a neighborhood landmark that anchors the East Atlanta and Little Five Points music scene.

Below is a practical guide to what Criminal Records is, where it is, what it’s like, and how to make the most of a visit.

What Is Criminal Records?

Criminal Records is an independent vinyl and music shop with a strong focus on:

• New and used vinyl records
• CDs and cassettes
• Comics and graphic novels
• Zines and local art
• Band merch, turntable accessories, and pop culture items

It’s known around Atlanta as:

• A go-to spot for vinyl collectors
• A hub for local and touring artists doing in-store performances and signings
• A Little Five Points staple that reflects the neighborhood’s eclectic, artsy vibe

You’ll see people from all over Atlanta here: longtime collectors, students, DJs, parents with kids, and visitors who want to experience the city’s indie side.

Where Criminal Records Fits in East Atlanta & Little Five Points

Little Five Points (often “L5P”) sits just northeast of downtown and is closely connected with East Atlanta’s music and nightlife scene. Criminal Records is right in the center of that.

Location & Neighborhood Context

• Neighborhood: Little Five Points, close to Inman Park, Candler Park, and East Atlanta
• Nearby landmarks: Variety Playhouse, the Vortex, Junkman’s Daughter, and multiple local bars, coffee shops, and thrift/vintage stores

Visiting Criminal Records is rarely a “quick in-and-out” errand. It’s the kind of place you build into a half-day in Little Five Points:

• Grab coffee or food at a nearby spot
• Browse records and comics at Criminal Records
• Walk around and explore street art, vintage shops, and bars
• Catch an evening show at a nearby venue

For anyone trying to understand how East Atlanta and Little Five Points “feel”, this shop gives you a very clear snapshot of the neighborhood’s creative energy.

What You’ll Find Inside Criminal Records

The store is laid out in a way that encourages wandering. If you’re new to vinyl or comics, you can still navigate easily, but there’s also enough depth to keep serious collectors happy.

Vinyl & Music Selection

Criminal Records is especially known for:

• New vinyl pressings – current releases, indie bands, and reissues
• Used vinyl – a rotating selection of classics, cult favorites, and budget finds
• Local and regional artists – Atlanta bands and Southeast labels are typically well represented

You can expect sections for:

• Rock, punk, metal, indie
• Hip-hop and R&B (with a strong Atlanta presence)
• Jazz and blues
• Soul, funk, and classic R&B
• Electronic and experimental
• Soundtracks and special editions

Many Atlantans use Criminal Records as a first stop for new album releases, especially when artists are doing signings or special editions tied to the shop.

Comics, Zines, and Pop Culture

On top of vinyl, the store has a comic shop-level selection:

• Single-issue comics and weekly releases
• Trade paperbacks and graphic novels
• Manga and indie comics
• Zines, art books, and small-press titles

There are also:

• Stickers, pins, patches
• Posters and prints
• Toys and collectibles linked to comics, games, and music

If you’re an Atlanta local, this makes Criminal Records a convenient place to combine your weekly comic pick-up with a quick crate-dig for vinyl.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like to Visit

The vibe inside Criminal Records matches the neighborhood:

• Casual and welcoming: Browsing is encouraged; no pressure to buy quickly.
• Music-forward: Records playing over the speakers, often something you can find on the shelves.
• Mix of locals and visitors: Regulars from nearby neighborhoods plus out-of-towners checking out Little Five Points.

Staff are typically:

• Knowledgeable about different genres – especially punk, indie, hip-hop, and local music
• Comfortable recommending records, helping you find specific pressings, or suggesting a starting point if you’re new to vinyl

If you’re visiting Atlanta, Criminal Records is an easy way to feel plugged into the local creative and music scene in just one stop.

Events, In-Stores, and Local Music Connections

Criminal Records has a long history of supporting Atlanta’s live and local music ecosystem.

Common types of events:

• In-store performances and signings by touring and local artists
• Release-day events for big albums
• Special drops and celebrations around events like Record Store Day

Many Atlanta music fans check in with Criminal Records when:

• Their favorite band is touring through venues like Variety Playhouse, The Earl, Masquerade, or Terminal West
• They’re looking for local artists on vinyl or want recommendations on who’s playing around town

If you live in the city, keeping this shop on your radar can help you catch intimate performances you might not hear about just from venue calendars.

Practical Info: Getting There and Planning Your Visit

Getting to Little Five Points

Criminal Records is centrally located within Little Five Points, making it easy to fold into a neighborhood outing.

Driving & Parking:

• Street parking around Little Five Points can be limited, especially nights and weekends.
• There are paid lots in and around the retail area.
• Allow extra time for parking if you’re coming from farther out in the metro area.

MARTA & Alternative Transportation:

• The Inman Park/Reynoldstown MARTA station (on the Blue/Green line) is within walking distance, though it’s a moderate walk.
• Rideshare is common for Atlanta residents, especially if you plan to visit bars, venues, or restaurants before or after shopping.
• The area is relatively bike-friendly compared to many other parts of Atlanta, and you’ll often see cyclists locking up near the main strip.

When to Go

Criminal Records usually keeps daytime to early evening hours, with busier periods:

• Weekends, especially Saturday afternoons
• Days tied to shows, festivals, or Record Store Day-type events
• Weekday afternoons when locals stop by after work or school

If you want:

• Maximum selection and energy: Aim for weekend afternoons.
• Quieter browsing: Try earlier in the day on weekdays.

Tips for Vinyl Shoppers in Atlanta Using Criminal Records

Whether you’re a longtime collector or just starting, a few practical tips help you get more out of the shop.

For Beginners

• Start with familiar artists: Look for albums you already love; it makes your first records feel more rewarding.
• Ask for help: Staff can point you to good entry-level pressings, budget finds, or must-hear Atlanta artists.
• Check condition and format: If you’re new, confirm you’re buying the format you want (vinyl vs. CD vs. cassette) and note whether a record is new or used.

For Serious Collectors

• Hit the used bins first: They rotate frequently, and Atlanta collectors know this is where some of the best finds appear.
• Keep a running list: If you’re hunting for specific pressings or artists, having a list makes it easier to ask staff or quickly scan sections.
• Combine record runs with show nights: Since Little Five Points and East Atlanta have several live venues, many locals plan a pre-show stop at Criminal Records.

Quick-Glance Guide to Criminal Records in Atlanta

Here’s a simple summary to help you decide how it fits into your plans:

How Criminal Records Fits into Exploring East Atlanta & Little Five Points

If you’re planning a day in this part of the city, Criminal Records works well as:

• A starting point before checking out more of Little Five Points
• A midday anchor stop between lunch and a show
• A destination if you’re specifically into vinyl, comics, or discovering local Atlanta music

For residents, it often becomes:

• A regular stop for new releases and comics
• A meeting point before going to nearby bars or venues
• A way to stay connected to what’s happening musically and culturally in this part of town

For visitors, it offers a clear, accessible glimpse of what makes East Atlanta and Little Five Points different from other areas like Midtown, Buckhead, or downtown—more independent, more alternative, and very rooted in music and art.

If you want to experience Atlanta beyond its big arenas and malls, budgeting time for Criminal Records and a walk around Little Five Points is one of the most direct ways to do it.