The big misconception about Funk Trunk is that they only deal in Funk, Soul and/or Rap. Not so. While hardcore Soul and Funk collectors should make it a regular stop, they also deal in Jazz, Rock, Comedy, Blues, International, and more. It’s not a huge store, and you won’t be tripping over records… Or won’t you? The 45 section is always well — stocked, with Owner, Quinn, focusing more on Soul and R’n’B 45s from the 60’s and 70’s, though you can still find the stray Rock ‘n’Roll, Proto Punk and Indie Rock singles. As noted elsewhere, the budget section is pretty interesting, but Funk Trunk also carries a good selection of new vinyl reissues and hard to find LPs from the 50’s to the present. The fact that there is a Funk Trunk in Rogers Park is cause to celebrate. Record stores in Rogers Park pretty much died the death around the time Kurt Cobain did. Funk Trunk brings back some of the vibe of the late, great Round Records, in that the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can almost always find yourself getting into an intelligent conversation about music, while having some laughs in the process. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the new year… which I hope will be a prosperous one for Quinn and Rogers Park’s first real record store in 20+ years.
Dan M.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
Great shop run by a great guy who knows his stuff. I love smaller shops like this that are actually curated. Filling a shop full of vinyl is not hard. Filling it with interesting awesome records is. Fair prices, great selection. Best shop on the north side if you’re into black music.
Ron H.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
Quinn the owner is top notch. His selection is on point and always works to get a record in stock. I can talk for hours with this guy about records. Glad to see a local spot in Rogers Park for records.
Michael K.
Place rating: 5 McCordsville, IN
Met the owners Quinn and his wife @ a recent South Bend record show convention where I was a vendor as well. Nice peoples! Quite sure their ‘digs’ has some nice stuff as well! Support ‘indie’ businesses esp record stores who do just that!!! I myself sell at shows and understand what goes into such an endeavor(profit over expenses) to keep it gping!!! Hope to see em at a convention in Indy or Louisville… Peace Out
Matt G.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
Stopped in here a few weeks ago after seeing a spot in the Reader about a new record shop opening. Funk Trunk delivered the goods! It’s a tiny shop, but chock full of affordable vinyl, specializing in funk, soul, disco, jazz, house, punk, and more. Great dollar bin, not the same old stuff and definitely no show tunes or classical. There was a turntable available to play selections, which was in use the whole time I was there. The owner was knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. Prices were extremely fair, and it was easy to load up on good stuff for cheap here. Overall a great experience and I hope to be back many times.