West Side, Buffalo · Buffalo
Black Dots
Records, tapes and CDs at Grant and Potomac, with a bar that gives the West Side stop room to run into the evening.
Why it is worth visiting
Black Dots makes sense when your want list runs from punk and hardcore to jazz, soul or something harder to file. The Grant Street shop combines records with a full bar, so browsing can be the start of the visit rather than the whole plan.
What you will find
New and used vinyl, CDs and cassettes, alongside music shirts, video formats and stereo equipment. The buying list gives a fair indication of its range: metal, indie, hip-hop, electronic music and experimental releases all have a place.
Genre strengths: Punk, Hardcore, Metal, Indie, Jazz, Soul, Funk, Hip-Hop, Electronic
Buying and selling
The shop buys records during opening hours and considers house calls for large collections. Call first about CDs or DVDs. Large drop-offs may take longer than one visit; it does not buy used stereo gear or offer repairs.
Getting there
368 Grant Street, at Potomac Avenue, on Buffalo’s West Side. This is a separate stop from the Elmwood Village shops.
Local tips
Check the record-shop hours separately from the bar’s. A late drink is not a promise that the bins will still be open.
Keep the music going
More music. More stories. A longer tour.
Field Notes
What Was Your First CD?
People forget plenty of purchases. Their first CD apparently isn’t one of them.
Read the articleCouchLot Apparel
About this guide
CouchLot researches store information using official sources, local reporting and collector communities. This is an independent guide to a third-party shop. Inventory and policies change. Check the shop's official source before making a special trip.
Last verified 2026-10-27.