Our Story
Music runs through the DNA of Rotterdam. It’s the city of gabbers, the Kralingse Bos Festival and Jules Deelder — of Tramhaus, Winne, and Paul Elstak. Plaatboef belongs to Rotterdam.
Plaatboef was founded in 1981 on Maretakstraat in the South of Rotterdam. A few years later, the shop moved to the Nieuwe Binnenweg, placing itself more in the heart of the city. Back then, this street was known as the most popular — and also the roughest — music street in the Netherlands, packed with record stores side by side.
From the very beginning, Plaatboef has stood for expertise, customer friendliness, and a deep passion for music. Everyone is seen and heard. We offer fair prices and a wide selection, with something for every music lover — whether your budget is big or small.
Thanks to the success of the first store, branches followed in The Hague and Utrecht. Times changed: CDs gave way to downloads, and later to streaming. But in a fast-moving world, the love for vinyl (and CDs) has thankfully made a strong comeback.
Over the years, many artists have performed at Plaatboef Rotterdam.
 Among them are Q65, Tramhaus, Spinvis, Jean Macrooy, De Likt, Froukje, John Coffey, Rats on Rafts, Elephant, De Likt and DeWolff, who played sets between the record shelves or right outside the shop.
In 2024, Plaatboef Utrecht made a fresh start. Since 1984, the store has been a familiar sight on the iconic Oudegracht — and today it’s also the go-to spot for DJs in Utrecht. Regular in-store sessions feature local DJs and selectors paying tribute to the black gold. Collaborations have included events with Stranded FM and Birdcage Radio.
A record store is more than just a shop; it’s a creative hub where people’s stories, love for music, and city life come together.