Hill & Dale

This is an updated review as of 30 Jan 2016.
I am always impressed about not only the physical appearance of the store (its cleanliness and minimalist design) but most important the knowledge and friendliness of the owner and staff. They make it fun to shop there and will always point you in the right direction if you are in need of fresh vibes.
This continues to be my go-​to record store in DC.

This is a correction, if necessary, of an apparently mistaken review from me. Hill and Dale was extremely helpful during my phone experience of ordering a gift card for my grandson, and the website is beautiful. My only comment was that it would be great if it could offer gift cards on the internet.
Martha M. Waters

Great shop. Good selection, but not overwhelming. I live 2 blocks from CD Cellar in Arlington, and while they have a much bigger used/​value section, Hill & Dale definitely has more new releases. I like the fact that it’s tucked away in the Foundry and not right on M Street.

Randomly stumbled upon this hidden gem. You can either enter on M St through the lit pathway next to Dawn Price Baby OR through the Canal Square entrance on 31^st St NW across from Paper Moon (which I think is the easier way). The shop is very clean, a lot of open space, with a good selection of posters and art on the wall. It looks like a boutique record shop but the records are very much fair priced.
They have a pretty impressive large selection of new vinyls, covering most genres pretty evenly. They even have some rare electronic and metal finds. The owner (I think?) is very knowledgeable about Jazz and stocks some great classic reissued LPs (those are not cheap though). Do note that everything is organized alphabetically — so either come with a list or be prepared to be in there awhile :)

I was skeptical when I first read about Hill and Dale, figuring the Georgetown location and the new-​vinyl-​only policy would mean a a stiff, premium-​priced boutique. I was wrong. This is a really warm and inviting place with friendly, knowledgable employees and a wonderful selection of LPs and singles. Prices were typical for new vinyl — I paid $ 17 for a new LP originally released a few years ago, with a download code inside the sleeve, and most of the brand-​new LPs appeared to be priced in the low 20s. The quality of the inventory was impressive. I loved the art and concert photographs on the walls and the music pouring out of the speakers. I’ll be back!

Every time I come in to Hill and Dale, I am always greeted by a fantastic selection of records and by the great staff they have there. Attention to detail is something that anyone should be able to notice when they come to this record store, as everything seems to be pristine and intentional. I will always go to Hill and Dale first for my vinyl needs

So I go in at 4pm the day after July 4^th. Not a soul in the store, or in the area, for that matter — except the owner. I stroll around and start flipping records in front of him. Not a word.
I flip some more and note some of the classic records to my wife. Head for the door — still not a word — and exit.
Don’t get me wrong. As a seasoned vinyl head, I usually like to peruse in peace. But a simple greeting shouldn’t be hard to give, especially when your store is dead and I’m seeing 30 dollar Saturday Night Fever soundtracks and Joan Baez records that I regularly flip past for $ 1 at any thrift store. I couldn’t care less about the 180 gram marketing mumbo jumbo. Nothing holds a candle to the first pressing of practically any release.
Only positive is that it was a pretty setup. I give it a year at most before this place closes. Save your money for Red Onion or Som.

Visited here with my husband, who was psyched to check out a selection of vinyl. I loved it – the vibe, the organization, the overall ambiance, the amazing photographs on the walls. It was just as entertaining for me – someone who is not the vinyl expert! — to walk around and admire the shop. Very cool place!

This is exactly the kind of record store DC needed. All new stuff, a lot of indie bands, really well laid out, beautiful space. I plan on stopping in a few times a year.

A really excellent record store. It’s got an eclectic collection. Lots of jazz, «major» alternative, and a pretty thorough survey of essential rock/​pop recordings from the 60s through present day. The owner, Rob, is a very cool guy. We probably spoke for about 45 minutes AFTER I had already bought a couple LPs. Will be back for sure.

fantastic little shop — full of treasures! clearly a labor of love — well chosen selection with lots of surprises in every bin. it was especially cool that i was able to have my purchases shipped home since i was visiting from out of town. can’t wait to visit again!

Came in here today and loved it! Great selection of new pressings and reissues, including audiophile pressings (MFSL and ORG!!). Really friendly staff and great feel. Going to a record store in Georgetown, I expected a hefty mark up, but everything was comparable to Amazon and other Internet LP stores.
The photos and posters are great as well, including some nice vintage NOLA jazz fest posters. I look forward to coming back on a regular basis!