Irving Park · Chicago
Bob's Blues & Jazz Mart
Bob's current Irving Park shop keeps jazz and blues central across LPs, CDs, 45s and 78s, with used stock sold in person.
Why it is worth visiting
Bob's Blues & Jazz Mart carries forward Bob Koester's record-shop world at the current Irving Park Road address. It should not be confused with the closed Jazz Record Mart on East Illinois, whose old pages still circulate online. Jazz and blues are the main reasons to visit, with LPs and CDs joined by 45s and 78s and a wider selection that reaches into gospel, R&B, folk and other genres. The distinction between new and used stock is practical: new items can be sold online, while used material is reserved for the physical shop. Current 2026 posts include a programme connected to Koester's film collection, confirming an active connection to the history rather than merely a commemorative name. Make time for the in-store used browse.
What you will find
New and used jazz and blues on LP and CD, plus 45s and 78s, with gospel, R&B and other recordings. Used stock is sold in the shop rather than online.
Genre strengths: Jazz, Blues, Soul, International, Classical, Soundtracks
Getting there
3419 West Irving Park Road. This is Bob's current shop, not the former Jazz Record Mart at 27 East Illinois.
Local tips
Do not use the web catalogue to rule out a used record here. Check the current official Facebook page for events and visiting updates, making sure it belongs to Bob's present shop.
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 2026-09-08.