Apr 18, 2025

Long in the Tooth Record Store Philadelphia

High fidelity

""Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity..."

One of my favorite films is Stephen Frear’s film adaption (2000) of Nick Hornby’s novel High Fidelity (1995) where he swaps out the London setting for Chicago. John Cusack is spot on as Rob, the owner of a struggling record store who ponders his romantic failings through music lists.

As with many of Hornby’s stories, it’s the banter and friendships and romantic struggles and joys which draw the reader/viewer in. In this case the setting of a record store is perfect for mates and customers who argue over music lists, pop culture, and the aesthetics of tastes. Part of the appeal is the taking of time to value and discuss such things; of hanging out, grazing, giving and offering advice and leaving with a new CD or record (or two). I can’t enter a record shop without thinking about the film (and maybe wishing I had a part-time job in one).

Long in the Tooth Record Store, a family-owned business tucked into an eclectic block of Sansom St., is the perfect place for a Sunday afternoon browse. I like to listen to conversations, check out the staff picks, and pick up the albums to check out the art. On a recent visit, I noticed they had a few PJ Harvey outtake CDs and an REM I don't have and made a mental note to go back. It’s a decent-sized space and they have a fantastic collection of records, CDs and books. My daughter recently got a record player and loves going there.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

About this spot

2027 Sansom St

R.E.M. CD:

USD

19.99

+1

2155691994

Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Philadelphia guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia

The Percy Street Project

An electric light mural

"The Percy Street Project" is a public art installation in Philadelphia planned to span the entire 1300 block. Come at night to see 'The Electric Street'.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Nunu

Creative Asian fusion food and cocktails

"Nunu" is an Asian fusion bar/restaurant in Philadelphia. I love it best on a cold day when I'm craving a cocktail and warm snacks. Perfect for dates!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion

FUN

My favorite thing about the "Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion" by far is that it's very community-focused: I was toured by a local 4th grader!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Vault & Vine

Cafe, greenhouse, handmade gifts

"Vault & Vine" in Philadelphia is a cafe inside a greenhouse. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. I come here almost every weekend with my pug...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Suraya

Exquisite Levant-inspired dining & market

"Suraya" just might be the best restaurant in Philadelphia right now. If you love the flavors of the Levant, that you're going to love it, too...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Pop-up summer park

"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup

Food trucks

The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Interstate Draft House

New American/Southern

"Interstate Draft House" is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar. I highly recommend ordering the Fishtown Tea cocktail there, similar to a Long Island Ice Tea.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Lloyd

Whiskey, cocktails, & fine fare

"Lloyd" Philadelphia is my bar of choice when I need a stiff scotch (80+ types) or a finely crafted cocktail. The style definitely makes me feel at home.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Tuna Bar

Japanese raw bar in Old City

Tuna Bar near the Ben Franklin Bridge is my go-to raw bar in the Old City in Philadelphia for exciting sushi rolls and Japanese-style appetizers!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 25, 2025

Abstract Mural Callowhill

Artist Tim McFarlane

Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 18, 2025

Bio Pond U. Penn

Urban oasis in West Philly

The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 17, 2025

Heading to Philadelphia?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Philadelphia?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

156 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Philadelphia

Our team loves Philadelphia

Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7307
Filters