It sometimes seems like an impossible task to keep track of every single record store in Portland, Oregon. As soon as I think I’ve got a good grasp on all the big players in town, a shop like Mint Gallery Records opens up. It’s gotten to the point that when I am walking down a busy street in Portland that doesn’t have a record store, it’s actually quite surprising. Such was the case for the bustling Mississippi Avenue in Northeast Portland. Before Mint Gallery Records hit the scene, people were actually expected to walk, shop, eat, and drink on a street that didn’t have a single record store. Scary, I know, but luckily this oversight has been corrected.
What To Expect
Mint Gallery Records is smack in the middle of one of the best hang out spots in Portland. Mississippi is one of the busiest streets in city; extremely walkable and loaded with cool restaurants, bars, vintage shops, and music venues, the Boise neighborhood was already a great place to hang out after work.
Anticipate plenty of lookie-loos here compared to some other record stores in Portland, but don’t worry, the selection here isn’t catered to out-of-towners looking for gifts for their teenage daughter. No matter what they say size does matter, and Mint Gallery sits in the middle of the pack compared to other stores around Portland. If you really want to be thorough, it’s easy to spend over an hour here, but the shop can be sufficiently tackled in 30 minutes if you go in with a general idea of what you’re looking for.
The store is very new and it seems like plenty of events are going to be happening here over the summer and hopefully long after. The day I was visiting had a live DJ and the store features a rotating art exhibit.
Price and Selection at Mint Gallery Records
The selection at Mint Gallery leans pretty traditional compared to other record stores. The majority of the selection consists of Rock and Pop records from the 1970s through the 2000s. There are a good number of more recent and modern records available, but the bulk of what’s in the bins are older used records. In terms of quality, the records here are a step or two above your typical thrift store. If you are someone who enjoys flipping through bins of wacky records in the $1-5 range, there are better stores in Portland for this kind of shopping.
With that being said, there are plenty of bargains to be had, so be sure to spend your time flipping through the bins.
I found most of the records here to be on the low end in terms of pricing. There wasn’t a ton of high-end records in the $50+ range, but there were some very nice records available for the financially able collectors amongst us.
My Thoughts on Mint Gallery Records
Although there is the incredible Mississippi Records just a ways up the street, it was high time that Mississippi Avenue’s main drag got a record store of its very own. This is a very walkable neighborhood, and this shop is best enjoyed on a whim if you are in the area. If I had to categorize it, I would put it in that neighborhood record store category, similar to Specks Records and Tapes. Not the type of place that is quite worthy of a pilgrimage, but well worth the stop if you are close by.
I was able to grab a fantastic Long Ryders live album, a band that has emerged as as surprise front runner during my recent dive into the Paisley Underground music scene. I also grabbed a Roy Orbison hits record for $5 because I shockingly didn’t have any Orbison in my collection, and it seemed like a no-brainer. Headed out the door with two great records for less than $20.
Records Purchased
The Original Sound – Roy Orbison
10-5-60 – The Long Ryders
Address
3912 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227