In the local retail landscape, there’s a lot of same-old, same-old. Even some of the boutique spots tend to stock similar merchandise, which can leave you at a loss when you’re looking for something truly unique. You might have to look off the beaten path just a little bit, but there are plenty of weird shops in Dallas where you can find the perfect tchotchke or bizarre outfit for any weird-ass occasion.

Should you find yourself in need of a taxidermied squirrel, explicit cross-stitches or a 1970s rockabilly record, head to any one of these eight shops. They’re Dallas at its bizarre finest, and you should check out every single one.

Voodoo Chile

If you haven’t made it to this Lower Greenville gem, get there post-haste. Owner “Jimi Hendrix” (real name unconfirmed) has curated what is easily the most bizarre collection of art, antiques and oddities that will satisfy even the most morbid of curiosities. Maybe your thing is art made from dismembered mannequins, or perhaps you need a new “tobacco pipe.” The vinyl selection here is also surprisingly well-curated, so be sure to dig through those crates before you head out.

Bill’s Records

It isn’t usual that a record store is just a bunch of uncategorized shelves, but therein lies the charms of Bill’s Records. This Cedars district shop is full of amazing vinyl finds, but you’re going to have to dig for them. Up front near the register, peruse a box of new arrivals and selections chosen by the man himself. You’d be amazed at what you’ll find there — probably your new favorite record, even if it is a bizarre collection of surf-tunes from the 1950s.

B4 Vintage

Maybe you need a replacement Daniel LaRusso toy for your full-scale reenactments of The Karate Kid, or perhaps you’re more into 1970s Burger King glasses with Star Wars heroes. Whatever your specific kind of nerdery, you’ll find every collectible imaginable to satisfy your collecting needs. The best finds, though, are the strange nostalgic bits from your childhood, like a fully intact Polly Pocket, or a couple of Rainbow Brite dolls.

Dolly Python

It goes without saying that Dolly Python, a shop that Karl Lagerfeld, Lady Gaga and Poppy Delevingne can’t miss on their trips to Dallas, is also a super fucking weird place. In addition to the snarky cross-stitches and taxidermied animals, you can also find ridiculous 1970s apparel, the perfect pair of cowboy boots, or maybe a couple of kitchen canisters shaped like mushrooms. Either way, you’ll never see anything you buy there in another person’s house.

Froggie’s 5 & 10

Yeah, this place is technically a toy store, and it’s one of the best in Dallas. But grown-ups at all maturity levels can appreciate cool, weird, and nostalgic toys especially with a selection like they’ve got at Froggie’s. This shop, originally founded 40 years ago in the back of a Volkswagen Beetle, even has drones, but who could resist whole-hand finger puppets and brainy board games? Put simply, your inner child is going to freak the hell out upon entering the door here.

Premiere Video

The video shop is the most endangered of species, and yet, Premiere Video on Mockingbird endures. Maybe it’s because this shop stocks the most comprehensive and random selection of films from all genres and countries, or maybe it’s just because old video-loving stalwarts love digging through the racks and renting movies that don’t come from a machine. If you need an obscure title, this is the place to look. Stop giving Amazon and Netflix your cash and support this weird local business.

Keith’s Comics

Comic book stores are sort of inherently weird, that’s a given. But Keith’s Comics is a nerd’s fantasy land with plenty of indie and underground quirks. In addition to the comics written and illustrated by locals, you’ll find all the nostalgic toys, Funko Pop dolls, and other assorted toys that will keep your nerd cred in check. Don’t forget to browse the racks of indie titles — there are comics here that you just won’t find anywhere else.

M’Antiques

This place bills itself as a “manly” antique shop, but we’re pretty sure that if you show up with a vagina, they won’t stop you from coming in. You won’t find all the lace doilies and pretty floral prints here, but the junk is top-notch and fairly priced. It’s like an episode of American Pickers all in one relatively small space, and they’ve already dug through all the worthless crap for you. Here, you can find just about everything you need to make your place look like a slightly grungy Wes Anderson film.

