Down Home Music Store

This El Cerrito record store is a Bay Area mainstay, modestly adorned with wood-paneling, fluorescent lighting and vintage posters. It was opened in 1976 by Chris Strachwitz, the founder of Arhoolie Records, a label specializing in down-home blues, folk, Tejano music, Cajun music, zydeco and regional Mexican music. Those influences remain: You won’t find much in the way of new music here, but it’s the niche collection of 33s, 45s, and 78s that draw collectors. A small stage in back hosts blues, folk and bluegrass bands.