Criminal Records (Vinyl and Comics) in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you love vinyl records, comic books, and pop culture, Criminal Records in Atlanta is one of the city’s most recognizable stops. Located in the heart of Little Five Points, it’s a long-standing hub for music lovers, collectors, and anyone who enjoys browsing shelves packed with comics, records, and quirky merch.

This guide walks through what Criminal Records offers, where it is, what to expect, and how to make the most of a visit if you live in Atlanta or are just in town for a day.

Where Is Criminal Records in Atlanta?

Criminal Records is in Little Five Points, one of Atlanta’s most walkable and eclectic neighborhoods.

• Neighborhood: Little Five Points (near Inman Park and Candler Park)
• General Area: East of Downtown and Midtown, off Moreland Avenue NE

Little Five Points is known for independent shops, street art, vintage clothing stores, and alternative culture, so Criminal Records fits right in. Many people combine a stop here with food, coffee, or bar-hopping in the area.

What Criminal Records Is Known For

Criminal Records is a hybrid shop:

• Record store (new and used vinyl, plus other formats)
• Comic shop (single issues, graphic novels, manga)
• Pop culture store (collectibles, toys, and more)

It’s especially popular among:

• Longtime Atlanta residents who have shopped there for years
• Music collectors hunting for vinyl or special releases
• Comic readers who prefer a local shop over online ordering
• Visitors who want a “local Atlanta” shopping experience rather than a chain store

The store often feels busy but browseable, with staff who are typically familiar with niche artists and comic series.

Vinyl and Music: What You’ll Find

Criminal Records is often one of the first places Atlantans mention when someone asks where to buy vinyl. The music side of the store usually includes:

Types of Music and Formats

• New vinyl releases from current artists across genres
• Classic albums and reissues (rock, soul, hip-hop, jazz, punk, and more)
• Used vinyl at varying price points, from bargain-bin finds to pricier rarities
• A selection of CDs and sometimes cassettes, depending on current stock

You can often find:

• Popular mainstream albums
• Indie and alternative artists
• Local and regional bands, especially those tied to Atlanta’s scene

Shopping Tips for Vinyl Lovers

• Check used sections first if you’re building a collection on a budget.
• If you’re searching for something specific, ask staff—they can usually point you to the right section quickly.
• Around Record Store Day and other special music events, expect larger crowds and limited-edition releases, so plan to go early if that’s important to you.

Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels

Beyond vinyl, Criminal Records is also well-known among comic readers in Atlanta.

What’s on the Shelves

You can usually expect:

• New comic issues from major publishers
• Graphic novels and trade paperbacks
• Indie and small-press titles
• Manga in popular series and some deeper cuts
• Collections and omnibuses for longer-running series

The store often organizes comics by:

• Publisher (e.g., big mainstream houses vs. independents)
• Series or character
• Format (single issues vs. collected volumes)

Pull Lists and Regular Readers

Many comic shops offer pull list or subscription services, where they hold new issues for you each week or month. If you live in Atlanta and read ongoing series, it’s worth:

• Asking in-store if they currently offer pull lists
• Confirming how often you need to pick up your books
• Clarifying payment and hold policies

This can be especially convenient for Atlanta locals who don’t want to miss key issues of ongoing series.

More Than Just Records and Comics

Part of the appeal of Criminal Records is that it doubles as a pop culture and gift shop. While inventory changes over time, you’re likely to see:

• Toys and collectibles (figures, blind boxes, character merch)
• Posters and prints
• Stickers, buttons, and patches
• Music- and comic-related merchandise

If you are looking for a gift for a music or comic fan in Atlanta, this is a good one-stop spot to browse.

What It Feels Like to Visit

Criminal Records has the feel of a classic, densely packed indie shop rather than a minimalist showroom.

You can expect:

• Rows of record bins for digging
• Wall displays featuring recommended or new releases
• Several aisles of comics and books
• A steady flow of locals, regulars, and curious visitors

The atmosphere is generally relaxed. Many people come to browse with no strict agenda, which makes it an easy stop even if you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for.

When to Go and How to Plan Your Visit

Store hours can change, so it’s always wise to check current hours before heading over, especially on holidays or event days. However, some general planning tips apply year-round in Atlanta.

Best Times to Visit

• Weekdays, mid-day: Usually less crowded and easier to browse at your own pace.
• Weekends: Livelier, with more foot traffic in Little Five Points; parking can be tighter.
• Special event days: Expect more people around Record Store Day, major comic release days, or neighborhood events.

Getting There and Parking in Little Five Points

Little Five Points is walkable once you’re there, but parking can be limited, especially on busy weekends.

• Expect a mix of street parking and small lots in the neighborhood.
• Pay attention to parking signs and meters to avoid tickets.
• Rideshare services are common options for visitors staying in Midtown, Downtown, or Inman Park.

How Criminal Records Fits Into Atlanta’s Shopping Scene

For someone exploring shopping in Atlanta, Criminal Records represents:

• A locally rooted alternative to big-box retailers
• A way to experience Atlanta’s creative and alternative culture
• A chance to support a longstanding independent business in the city

Other Atlanta neighborhoods—like Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta Village, and Midtown—also have independent bookstores, record shops, and niche stores. But Criminal Records in Little Five Points remains one of the more recognizable names, especially for people seeking both vinyl and comics in one spot.

Making the Most of a Visit to Criminal Records

Whether you’re a local or just in town for the weekend, a little planning can make your trip more enjoyable:

1. Set a budget before you start digging.
Vinyl and comics can add up quickly, especially with special editions or variants.

2. Bring a list—but stay open to discoveries.
If you’re hunting for particular albums or series, write them down. But part of the fun is finding something you didn’t know you wanted.

3. Combine it with a Little Five Points day.
Criminal Records is within walking distance of:

• Vintage clothing shops
• Cafes and bars
• Other specialty and novelty stores

4. Ask staff for recommendations.
If you like a certain band, genre, writer, or artist, staff can often point you to similar titles or local suggestions tied to Atlanta’s scene.

Quick Reference: Criminal Records at a Glance

If you’re in Atlanta and want to explore a record and comic shop that reflects the city’s independent spirit, Criminal Records in Little Five Points is one of the most recognizable spots to put on your list.