Equipment Room
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I would say this is more of a chill date spot or ideal for a solo venture than a bar good for groups. The sound from the high fidelity sound system and the sound proofing make this bar ideal for listening to music than lively conversation. In fact your group might be asked to hush to maintain this vibe. The analog records and the crackling sound from the needle as it drops down on the record will definitely tickle your ear drums.The vibe varies depending on who is playing the records. Our night started with some punk and transitioned into jazz. I got the espresso martini which was shaken to have a perfect foam layer and the espresso was nice and strong. As for service I would say it's just ok. It took awhile to find a server and we could only stay a limited amount of time because of another reservation so we felt rushed.
One of the best spots for any occasion- I've been here for a large group buyout for my birthday (they have the perfect space for it), and one on one. They have fantastic bartenders and hosts that are always on point with service. Make sure to get a reservation early and request headphones to get the full experience! It's still great vibes if you're lucky enough to get in on a walk-in.
One of the best bars in Austin for an intimate couple or double date experience. Sound may not seem like a big deal, but the older I get the more I realize its importance. A bit hard to describe, but it's just acoustically pleasing to sit in here and have a cocktail. The environment seems to stimulate good conversation. Food is top notch (try the waffles and tuna tartare). Drinks are elevated, with a nice variety to go along with solid presentation.
4.5 Stars What a cool spot ! They serve up some very unique drinks and bites in a super - cool speakeasy setting. We got a reservation on a Wednesday evening for a 1 hour 45 minute slot. Everything is very expensive, but hey, that's expected of a speakeasy. We tried two cocktails, the Vitamin C and Brown Sugar ($20) - they were super boozy and well made. The Kobayashi Dog ($15) and Tuna Tartare ($18) were great - I like the Kobayashi Dog better.
It's a rainy night in Austin. My girlfriend is in town because my cousin and her fiancé are getting married in Austin. It's also the weekend of our one year anniversary. An hour ago it wasn't raining, but now it's pouring. A few months ago, I heard of a newer bar and experience called Equipment Room just right off of South Congress. Music means everything to me. Nothing can express emotions and instill a feeling in 3 minutes like a song can. I live for that. Equipment Room is inherently Japanese in concept. Existing in Japan for over 50 years, listening bars combine high fidelity audio equipment with impressively crafted cocktails and alcohol combining the passion of music in a space to gather with comfortable chairs and a beautiful atmosphere. The concept has expanded westward as all cool things inevitably do, but I would never think a spot would be successful in Austin like it would be in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and so on. As I back my car into a parking spot on South Congress, I grab the umbrella out of my trunk and walk my girlfriend and me to the entrance trying to not get ourselves soaked in the process. This is not the first time we have tried to go to Equipment Room. We tried to get a walk-in table just to see out of morbid curiosity and that was a failure. I booked her and me a table for this night and I was madly looking forward to it. As we got to the small entrance, we were introduced to the hostess who brought us from the stairs into the main underground space and to our seats on the couch in a large wraparound sofa with other parties sitting near us. The music is faint from the entrance, but once you walk through the main walkway, a wave of sound hits your eardrums. You're immediately engrossed into the music like walking into a concert hall or putting a fresh pair of headphones on for the first time. As we sat down, selections from Outkast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik were playing through the speakers. Our hostess introduced us to their "User Manual" (their menu) where it contained all the snacks and drinks you could get your grubby hands on. There's more than just drinks and food on the menu. The first page introduces the concept and gives a few house rules. The second page shows all the equipment this so-called room has, from the premium Klipsch speakers, their preamps and amplifiers as well as their turntables and mixers. It's a dream page for music nerds. I want a $15k speaker in my apartment, but those noise complaints would never end. Our waitress came by shortly to give us water and take our order. Their menu is quite expansive, but the main pages we were told to check out were their A-side drinks or the classics and their B-side drinks, which are more experimental. We had to go with experimental for starters because who knows when you'll get to try something similar again. I started with a Goca Dünya while my girlfriend ordered a Deceptacon. The Goca Dünya was a vodka based floral drink with pistachio foam and Amaro Nonino, an Italian herbal liqueur. The Deceptacon was a rum-based cacao drink with a touch of lime and mint. It took a little time for our drinks to come out, clearly, as they are quite intricate. I loved my drink, bluntly. The pistachio foam was a great balance to the herbal flavors at the bottom. My girlfriend and I continued to enjoy each other's company as the music continued. The space we were in was decorated with posters and memorabilia from legendary artists coming through Austin and some general music decor like that purple album from that Prince guy. The DJ-curator that night was on a tear playing incredible soul music holding the bar hostage with a taste of funk. Jimmy Smith came next before transitioning to a few tracks from Bobbie Gentry. The last albums he pulled out were Steely Dan's Aja (a stone cold classic) and Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life (a top 10 album of all time). Not only was he playing classics like Isn't She Lovely, but he threw down some deeper cuts like Black Man and Contusion. Incredible. We both got another drink with my girlfriend getting their A-Side Espresso Martini while I got the Brown Sugar from their B-Sides. It was a seaweed and mushroom infused whiskey with a few more bells and whistles and it was super unique. Quite a bit of their menu is Japanese-inspired in homage to the originators of listening bars. This includes Japanese beer, sake, and Japanese-inspired food and beverages on their menu. Very cool. The worst part of the night came when our hour and 45 minute reservation came to a close. I could've stayed there for another 3 hours and never grown tired, but with how popular this space has become, they gotta kick you out at some point. This is an experience you have to have. It's worth it. I'll be strolling back in soon enough because there is nothing like this in Austin and it's truly a special space. RIYL: Actively listening to music.
Pro-tip: Plan to go for drinks and an appetizer/snack, a great start to a SoCo date night. Truly a fantastic and memorable experience. I feel honored to have experienced a Latin Gems evening with KUTX's Alex Marrero. Not only does he have a wealth of knowledge for Latin Music, he flows with the vibe of the room, inviting his audience to appreciate a legend of the legends. The room is indeed a music sanctuary -- every sound carefully preserved within the intimate walls of EQ. The equipment, truly exquisite. You will not hear a better sound in all of the city. Make sure to walk around, embrace the curvature of how sound bends in the room; get lost in your own world (it's okay to step away from being social) as you listen in through specialty headphones. The "A-side" drinks, a reference to the vinyl theme, are carefully curated by staff -- exotic ingredients, making it a concoction you will not be able to have anywhere else. Personally, I appreciated the herbacious Green Earrings (Carabuena Blanco, Desert Door Pollinator, sugar snap pea syrup, Giffard D'Espelette, lime, egg white, pandan, Yukari furikake, orange zest). Delicious! While the foods are pricey, and small portions, this is not just another "instagram" spot, where you're only paying for the experience. The guac and carnitas were tasty and complex in all the right ways, from taste to textures. Will be back, without a doubt.
Day 1 of 4 in Austin and we came here to celebrate my birthday! We were here in February and it is one of our favorite places! Love the vibes, the music and definitely the food! Highly recommend when you are in the area. - Carnitas Wontons with smoked heritage pork, avocado salsa verde, lime, onions $14 - Tuna Tartare with coconut leche de tigre, mango, cucumber, pork rinds, spiced peanuts $18 - Lobster Roll Steam Buns with yuzu kosho mayo, shiso, togarashi $26 - Crab Tostada with kimchi salsa, sesame, shiso $15 They gave us complimentary n/a bubbles which was super nice! Thanks for a wonderful celebration! Thank you Matt for the wonderful interactions. | September 25, 2025 |
Perfect for date night! If you're looking for a cool without being on the nose date spot or a place to take a visitor to town, this is the place to be. The drinks are so thoughtfully crafted that it feels like a journeyed experience. Highly recommended the Casio if you enjoy round drinks! Pro tip: see if you can get the booth with the jack plug in for a different experience.
we booked the reservation through Resy. No issues at the door and our table was available promptly at the start of our event . We came for the outkast, Aquemini listening party. We started with a couple signature drinks off of the menu the Mamacita, which was like a Paloma and the Rosa Parks, which tasted like liquor in a cup with a splash of grenadine. I also ordered something off of the menu which was their espresso martini. The Mamacita and the martini we're both great and I would order them again. 18$ each. We also had the crab tostadas which came in three bite-size pieces for $15 - flavor was great but super small serving . guac and chips which I think was also $15 was flavorfully but very runny more like a salsa then a guac & finally a order of the shishito peppers which was intresting and missing some acidity to really make them pop. We did think the experience would have a little more narration throughout the playlist, but we did get the experience of having someone who hosted a release party for this album in the room who shared a lot of great information with us at the end of the listening session. they really promote moving throughout the room during the listening experience to hear different tones and tunes depend depending on where you're sitting they also had headphones throughout the establishment which you could grab and listen to which I thought was pretty cool. I do feel like the sound system was really not that great and it could use a little more bass and volume. Our server was great, very attentive and provided great suggestions throughout our experience. Over all we enjoyed our time here but everything was quite pricy (duh right, look at the location?!) and again we expected more from the sound system over all.
Austin it's all about music and this is honestly one of the coolest places I've ever been to. Reservations are definitely a must!! I loved the whole vibe. It's a very immersive experience I barely took any photos because they really encourage you to be present, listen to the music and just enjoy the moment and honestly, I loved that. The music sounds amazing but you can still talk comfortably. We ordered a few bites to share: the guacamole and the little lobster sandwiches both were really good and we ordered a few drinks that were also good. In general it's a pricey, but you're definitely paying for the experience. You can even go up to the bar and ask what they're playing and they will tell you the story behind it. They use vinyls and they even hand you headphones so you can listen closely. It's truly incredible. Service was also super cool and matched the vibe perfectly. Loved the whole experience and would totally go back
Great place to chill, vibe, and hangout. It's super cozy, the drinks are good, and the ambience is amazing.
if you haven't been to Omakase vinyl at the equipment room, you are missing out at the best way to admire an artist's full work. My boyfriend and I enjoyed a recent experience, listening to Amy Winehouse. The host told us a lot of interesting facts about the album and Amy in general. Wonderful selection of cocktails, including special cocktails just for the Omakase vinyl experience. All the bartenders are great, but we've had Nick the past two visits and he is an exceptional mixologist.
Hidden Gem The vibes here are always on point. I've never have had a bad time and always hear something new. Honor and Cody are the best servers too. We tried the chicken karrage, tuna ceviche, and lobster rolls and they were excellent. I don't drink so I can comment on their selection but everything looked good. Pro Tip: Make reservations at least a week in advance a request for headphones. Trust me. This place is slowly becoming popular. Great place for a date if you want to impress your date too. 10/10 Headphones
We booked a reservation, which you definitely need if you want to go here. We were amazed by the setup. Seriously such a cool experience! The inside was so fun with the sound of the vinyls playing and people chatting while enjoying their cocktails. We sat at the bar, and it was a blast talking with the bartenders about the different drinks. You can tell they put so much thought and work into every cocktail. I seriously cannot wait to come back. This is a must-try spot read more
What a vibe! Loved it here. I could probably stay here a whole shift lol Music-Perfect Temp-excellent place to escape the heat! Vibes-dark and moody, my fave. Comfortable seating and not too loud so you could have an easy conversation. The drinks were all great and so many options. Such a fantastic atmosphere and idea. Really loved the concept! read more
I would say this is more of a chill date spot or ideal for a solo venture than a bar good for groups. The sound from the high fidelity sound system and the sound proofing make this bar ideal for listening to music than lively conversation. In fact your group might be asked to hush to maintain this vibe. The analog records and the crackling sound from the needle as it drops down on the record will definitely tickle your ear drums.The vibe varies depending on who is playing the records. Our night started with some punk and transitioned into jazz. I got the espresso martini which was shaken to have a perfect foam layer and the espresso was nice and strong. As for service I would say it's just ok. It took awhile to find a server and we could only stay a limited amount of time because of another reservation so we felt rushed. read more
One of the best spots for any occasion- I've been here for a large group buyout for my birthday (they have the perfect space for it), and one on one. They have fantastic bartenders and hosts that are always on point with service. Make sure to get a reservation early and request headphones to get the full experience! It's still great vibes if you're lucky enough to get in on a walk-in. read more
4 months ago
One of the best bars in Austin for an intimate couple or double date experience. Sound may not seem like a big deal, but the older I get the more I realize its importance. A bit hard to describe, but it's just acoustically pleasing to sit in here and have a cocktail. The environment seems to stimulate good conversation. Food is top notch (try the waffles and tuna tartare). Drinks are elevated, with a nice variety to go along with solid presentation. read more
4.5 Stars What a cool spot ! They serve up some very unique drinks and bites in a super - cool speakeasy setting. We got a reservation on a Wednesday evening for a 1 hour 45 minute slot. Everything is very expensive, but hey, that's expected of a speakeasy. We tried two cocktails, the Vitamin C and Brown Sugar ($20) - they were super boozy and well made. The Kobayashi Dog ($15) and Tuna Tartare ($18) were great - I like the Kobayashi Dog better. read more
5 months ago
It's a rainy night in Austin. My girlfriend is in town because my cousin and her fiancé are getting married in Austin. It's also the weekend of our one year anniversary. An hour ago it wasn't raining, but now it's pouring. A few months ago, I heard of a newer bar and experience called Equipment Room just right off of South Congress. Music means everything to me. Nothing can express emotions and instill a feeling in 3 minutes like a song can. I live for that. Equipment Room is inherently Japanese in concept. Existing in Japan for over 50 years, listening bars combine high fidelity audio equipment with impressively crafted cocktails and alcohol combining the passion of music in a space to gather with comfortable chairs and a beautiful atmosphere. The concept has expanded westward as all cool things inevitably do, but I would never think a spot would be successful in Austin like it would be in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and so on. As I back my car into a parking spot on South Congress, I grab the umbrella out of my trunk and walk my girlfriend and me to the entrance trying to not get ourselves soaked in the process. This is not the first time we have tried to go to Equipment Room. We tried to get a walk-in table just to see out of morbid curiosity and that was a failure. I booked her and me a table for this night and I was madly looking forward to it. As we got to the small entrance, we were introduced to the hostess who brought us from the stairs into the main underground space and to our seats on the couch in a large wraparound sofa with other parties sitting near us. The music is faint from the entrance, but once you walk through the main walkway, a wave of sound hits your eardrums. You're immediately engrossed into the music like walking into a concert hall or putting a fresh pair of headphones on for the first time. As we sat down, selections from Outkast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik were playing through the speakers. Our hostess introduced us to their "User Manual" (their menu) where it contained all the snacks and drinks you could get your grubby hands on. There's more than just drinks and food on the menu. The first page introduces the concept and gives a few house rules. The second page shows all the equipment this so-called room has, from the premium Klipsch speakers, their preamps and amplifiers as well as their turntables and mixers. It's a dream page for music nerds. I want a $15k speaker in my apartment, but those noise complaints would never end. Our waitress came by shortly to give us water and take our order. Their menu is quite expansive, but the main pages we were told to check out were their A-side drinks or the classics and their B-side drinks, which are more experimental. We had to go with experimental for starters because who knows when you'll get to try something similar again. I started with a Goca Dünya while my girlfriend ordered a Deceptacon. The Goca Dünya was a vodka based floral drink with pistachio foam and Amaro Nonino, an Italian herbal liqueur. The Deceptacon was a rum-based cacao drink with a touch of lime and mint. It took a little time for our drinks to come out, clearly, as they are quite intricate. I loved my drink, bluntly. The pistachio foam was a great balance to the herbal flavors at the bottom. My girlfriend and I continued to enjoy each other's company as the music continued. The space we were in was decorated with posters and memorabilia from legendary artists coming through Austin and some general music decor like that purple album from that Prince guy. The DJ-curator that night was on a tear playing incredible soul music holding the bar hostage with a taste of funk. Jimmy Smith came next before transitioning to a few tracks from Bobbie Gentry. The last albums he pulled out were Steely Dan's Aja (a stone cold classic) and Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life (a top 10 album of all time). Not only was he playing classics like Isn't She Lovely, but he threw down some deeper cuts like Black Man and Contusion. Incredible. We both got another drink with my girlfriend getting their A-Side Espresso Martini while I got the Brown Sugar from their B-Sides. It was a seaweed and mushroom infused whiskey with a few more bells and whistles and it was super unique. Quite a bit of their menu is Japanese-inspired in homage to the originators of listening bars. This includes Japanese beer, sake, and Japanese-inspired food and beverages on their menu. Very cool. The worst part of the night came when our hour and 45 minute reservation came to a close. I could've stayed there for another 3 hours and never grown tired, but with how popular this space has become, they gotta kick you out at some point. This is an experience you have to have. It's worth it. I'll be strolling back in soon enough because there is nothing like this in Austin and it's truly a special space. RIYL: Actively listening to music. read more
Pro-tip: Plan to go for drinks and an appetizer/snack, a great start to a SoCo date night. Truly a fantastic and memorable experience. I feel honored to have experienced a Latin Gems evening with KUTX's Alex Marrero. Not only does he have a wealth of knowledge for Latin Music, he flows with the vibe of the room, inviting his audience to appreciate a legend of the legends. The room is indeed a music sanctuary -- every sound carefully preserved within the intimate walls of EQ. The equipment, truly exquisite. You will not hear a better sound in all of the city. Make sure to walk around, embrace the curvature of how sound bends in the room; get lost in your own world (it's okay to step away from being social) as you listen in through specialty headphones. The "A-side" drinks, a reference to the vinyl theme, are carefully curated by staff -- exotic ingredients, making it a concoction you will not be able to have anywhere else. Personally, I appreciated the herbacious Green Earrings (Carabuena Blanco, Desert Door Pollinator, sugar snap pea syrup, Giffard D'Espelette, lime, egg white, pandan, Yukari furikake, orange zest). Delicious! While the foods are pricey, and small portions, this is not just another "instagram" spot, where you're only paying for the experience. The guac and carnitas were tasty and complex in all the right ways, from taste to textures. Will be back, without a doubt. read more
20 days ago
Day 1 of 4 in Austin and we came here to celebrate my birthday! We were here in February and it is one of our favorite places! Love the vibes, the music and definitely the food! Highly recommend when you are in the area. - Carnitas Wontons with smoked heritage pork, avocado salsa verde, lime, onions $14 - Tuna Tartare with coconut leche de tigre, mango, cucumber, pork rinds, spiced peanuts $18 - Lobster Roll Steam Buns with yuzu kosho mayo, shiso, togarashi $26 - Crab Tostada with kimchi salsa, sesame, shiso $15 They gave us complimentary n/a bubbles which was super nice! Thanks for a wonderful celebration! Thank you Matt for the wonderful interactions. | September 25, 2025 | read more
Perfect for date night! If you're looking for a cool without being on the nose date spot or a place to take a visitor to town, this is the place to be. The drinks are so thoughtfully crafted that it feels like a journeyed experience. Highly recommended the Casio if you enjoy round drinks! Pro tip: see if you can get the booth with the jack plug in for a different experience. read more
1 year ago
we booked the reservation through Resy. No issues at the door and our table was available promptly at the start of our event . We came for the outkast, Aquemini listening party. We started with a couple signature drinks off of the menu the Mamacita, which was like a Paloma and the Rosa Parks, which tasted like liquor in a cup with a splash of grenadine. I also ordered something off of the menu which was their espresso martini. The Mamacita and the martini we're both great and I would order them again. 18$ each. We also had the crab tostadas which came in three bite-size pieces for $15 - flavor was great but super small serving . guac and chips which I think was also $15 was flavorfully but very runny more like a salsa then a guac & finally a order of the shishito peppers which was intresting and missing some acidity to really make them pop. We did think the experience would have a little more narration throughout the playlist, but we did get the experience of having someone who hosted a release party for this album in the room who shared a lot of great information with us at the end of the listening session. they really promote moving throughout the room during the listening experience to hear different tones and tunes depend depending on where you're sitting they also had headphones throughout the establishment which you could grab and listen to which I thought was pretty cool. I do feel like the sound system was really not that great and it could use a little more bass and volume. Our server was great, very attentive and provided great suggestions throughout our experience. Over all we enjoyed our time here but everything was quite pricy (duh right, look at the location?!) and again we expected more from the sound system over all. read more
10 months ago
Austin it's all about music and this is honestly one of the coolest places I've ever been to. Reservations are definitely a must!! I loved the whole vibe. It's a very immersive experience I barely took any photos because they really encourage you to be present, listen to the music and just enjoy the moment and honestly, I loved that. The music sounds amazing but you can still talk comfortably. We ordered a few bites to share: the guacamole and the little lobster sandwiches both were really good and we ordered a few drinks that were also good. In general it's a pricey, but you're definitely paying for the experience. You can even go up to the bar and ask what they're playing and they will tell you the story behind it. They use vinyls and they even hand you headphones so you can listen closely. It's truly incredible. Service was also super cool and matched the vibe perfectly. Loved the whole experience and would totally go back read more
6 months ago
Great place to chill, vibe, and hangout. It's super cozy, the drinks are good, and the ambience is amazing. read more
if you haven't been to Omakase vinyl at the equipment room, you are missing out at the best way to admire an artist's full work. My boyfriend and I enjoyed a recent experience, listening to Amy Winehouse. The host told us a lot of interesting facts about the album and Amy in general. Wonderful selection of cocktails, including special cocktails just for the Omakase vinyl experience. All the bartenders are great, but we've had Nick the past two visits and he is an exceptional mixologist. read more
Hidden Gem The vibes here are always on point. I've never have had a bad time and always hear something new. Honor and Cody are the best servers too. We tried the chicken karrage, tuna ceviche, and lobster rolls and they were excellent. I don't drink so I can comment on their selection but everything looked good. Pro Tip: Make reservations at least a week in advance a request for headphones. Trust me. This place is slowly becoming popular. Great place for a date if you want to impress your date too. 10/10 Headphones read more
5 months ago
Loved this place so much..!!! If you want to go somewhere to just lounge with low lighting and have some delicious drinks with great music in the background , this is place is it! They play no digital music and their speakers are installed throughout the whole building. The sound is great! The menu was so cute and on theme. The furniture and decor is mid century modern. I went here for my birthday and they gave my table a round of Sake shots, which was nice! My table ordered drinks: the Brown Sugar, Goca Dünya, Suffer No Fool (non alcoholic), Vitamin C. They were all delicious and they did not skimp on the alcohol! It was well balanced! I seriously recommend the Goca Dünya--that pistachio foam was addictive! For food, we got the Cheese board to have something to pick on and we demolished it, haha. It came with marmalade and crackers. The cheeses were great, along with the dried fruits and nuts. The cheese selections seem to rotate every other season, which is cool. read more
8 months ago
Very cool spot. Good drinks, good service and good vibes. Some places you just have to visit. When we're back in town, we'll definitely be back. read more
This is a beautiful speakeasy right underneath the Summer House on Music Lane restaurant. You'll see the EQ sign above a black door, right by the little road parallel to South Congress. I was able to show up around 7pm on a Tuesday and get in, but like other reviews say, it can get pretty packed on weekend nights. The sound system is as good as everyone makes it sound. I even tried the headphones and the sound was so textured and scratchy I loved it. I got the Lady Marmalade which was pretty strong and funky due to the bleu cheese. It wasn't my favorite drink ever, but if you have a refined taste, you would like it. I would definitely try a non-alcoholic drink the next time, since apparently they're just as deluxe. I also got the whipped guac with wontons and the wontons are amazing. I asked for a second order of them and munched through them. read more
Want a chill spot with great vibes where they spin real vinyl? Esthetic for this place is cozy, chill and intimate. Decor is a music lovers dream. The drinks were tasty full of flavor. It's a great spot for date night if you hate crowded bars and want a more grown up place to chill and enjoy yourself check out my pics and do yourself a favor go there best thing is your only there for a few hours so you can hit the town after a chill start to your night . read more
4 months ago
I visited The Equipment Room tonight to celebrate my wife's birthday, and unfortunately our experience at the entrance was disappointing. When we walked in, the hostess asked us to return to the first room because she was not at the seating area. She then told us there was no available seating, which was surprising since I had just been inside and saw multiple open seats, including two that had just been vacated. The hostess--her name sounded like Constanza--explained that the room was full because of Memorial Day weekend. When I said we didn't mind waiting since it was only midnight, she then stated they would be closing soon at 1 a.m., even though the posted closing time is 2 a.m. These explanations contradicted each other, and her tone came across as dismissive. She avoided eye contact, offered no real assistance, and ultimately suggested we check for seats ourselves, which felt unwelcoming and unprofessional. For a venue with such a strong reputation, especially on a special occasion, the interaction fell far below expectations. I hope the team can ensure more consistent and courteous service at the host stand moving forward. read more
Take a stroll down Music Lane slightly away from South Congress to reach an elegant speak easy with a rad vinyl music selection played through their audio setup of custom Klipsch speakers of La Scalia Heritage, Heresy Heritage IV, and R-121 Subwoofers, or though their SIVGA SV021 Robin Classic headphones of which they have at least 6 pairs--though you can only hookup in 3 parts of the room: 1) the left side of the bar, 2) the seating area next to the bookcase, and 3) the seating area next the wall that is to the right of the bathroom hallway. When you first approach the plain and minimal entrance and open it, there will be someone there to greet you, lead you down some steps through a dimly lit corridor, pulling aside a curtain and revealing a very charming, dimly lit space. On Saturdays, they open at 2pm; reservations (at the time of this writing) are made through Resy, where you can reserve a seat at the bar or at a "table"--really more like a low coffee table, where you'll sit on cushioned couches or chairs. Sitting at the bar on a Saturday afternoon, the bartender will be friendly and explain the menu to first-timers. Yet, as the sole bartender working the bar, she'll inadvertently look quite busy by the time you leave and the place starts was filling up. Searching for a good non-alcoholic cocktail bar can be challenging at times. The Equipment Room offerings change from time to time; their non-alcoholic options seem to have shrank over time. Currently, 3 non-alcoholic cocktails + 1 low-alcoholic option which can be made non-alcoholic are offered. Previous versions of their menu appear to offer a larger set of options. Quite eager to try some, we ordered a total of 3 NA drinks and while they were more on the interesting side and tasted quite fine, it is a rarity to see a NA beverage executed with as many compelling dimensions as the Protea from Julia Momose of Kumiko or the simple yet very well executed Coconut Woman from Virtue Restaurant. The NA drinks here could be refined more. Technocumbia -- Best Day Brewing Electro-Lime NA Cerveza, grapefruit cordial, lime, shot of Ginger Bonbuzz Slowburn. This one is essentially beer, with a ginger shot on the side. It's fizzy, smells (but doesn't taste) like piss, and has a nice bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit juice (or is it the beer?). The description claims to be spicy, but this is not capsaicin spice. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to put the shot in the drink or not, so I alternated sips between each. The shot flavor was segmented into layers for some reason. The top layers were extremely bitter and gave off ginger shot vibes. The bottom layers were gingery and sweet. Excess beer accompanied the drink in the original can. I was not ecstatic about this drink due to the urine smell it gave off (I'm not a beer drinker, and none of the other 5 beers I've had before had any urine smell), and the topside bitterness to the ginger shot was akin to asking a small child to have a nice big bite of bitter melon for the first time, or continuing to eat the grilled sambal striped bass from Siti (where the burnt charred skin edges imparted a terrible bitterness to the fish)--I'm all for bitter flavors, but the bitter topside is what I classify into a negative bitterness experience. Would not order again. Trees and Flowers -- Gunpowder Green Tea Ritual NA Gin, Lyre's Triple Sec, aquafaba, sakura syrup, Bonbuzz Slowburn, NA absinthe. This one was floral, slightly sweet and slightly sour. Good smells and surprisingly a good amount of texture to a drink. The foam almost has a gel-like consistency. Would order again. XS (made NA) -- Lustau Fino Sherry, Giffard NA Pineapple Liqueur, passionfruit, lime, blue spirulina, mirin, dragonfruit syrup, Liquid Rizz. The sourness from the passionfruit is tempered down with sweetness. Garnished with a thin slice of dragon fruit. Also, it's blue from the spirulina. Could order again. Chicken Karaage -- I'd order this again; it had a good combination of textures. The chicken is served with thick wooden skewers, pickled garlic, herbs, and a small vessel of kewpie mayo. I would reorder this. Okonomiyaki Waffles -- I was envisioning Okonomiyaki toppings on a waffle. So, yes, that's what it is, though, the three mini waffles were a bit greasy (seemed fried?) and each overall bite was a bit salty. I would skip this next time. Kobayashi Dog -- I liked the smoked sausage; it was less salty than your standard hotdog. It came in a pretzel bun, and apparently had tomato slices alongside it (which I failed to notice while eating). Equipment Room is here for the music and the intimate atmosphere. Food and beverages not tried this time around can be attempted in the future. Additionally, there will be opportunities to visit again when their menu updates. read more
3 months ago
The sound system was something to behold. Like you're in front of an orchestra without needing earplugs, this place was sonic butter. The balance of flavors and textures in the whipped guac was near perfection, and my "bottom of the river" cocktail was extraordinarily refined. read more
Equipment Room might not just be my favorite bar in Austin, but my favorite place, period. This beautifully designed lounge serves artistically crafted drinks and makes you feel like you've stepped into a groovy portal to another city and another time. The music is unmatched, both in sound quality and selection. The DJs are master curators, playing a mix that's both crowd pleasing and allows for new discovery. For lack of a better phrase, the vibes are immaculate. And just as incredible as the music selection are the drinks. We've been here four times and have tried over half the cocktails on the menu, and every single one is expertly concocted with unique and delicious flavors. The bartenders are artists here and we love sitting at the bar and watching them work their craft. (Shout out to bartender Kendall for always suggesting the best ones for us to try) This is a truly incredible spot and we will be back many, many times. read more
7 months ago
Equipment Room is a total vibe! Had the most lovely Thursday evening with a friend. The music was fantastic, the service excellent, the cocktails hand crafted with great care and attention to detail. The menus are attractive and interesting; they read like an amazing playlist. When it was time to depart I accidentally left my jacket. One of the team members ran at least a block to return it. Such is the care and attention to hospitality you receive at 1101 Music Lane! Adore this place! read more
1 year ago
This place is a hidden gem located off the bustling street of South Congress. I was able to get a seat at the bar. Walking in, the space felt very relaxing. The dim lighting & the music were perfect! The sound quality is so smooth. The bartenders were friendly & knowledgeable. The drinks are a bit pricey, but average for most of Austin, but they are def worth it. You are paying for an experience and they are def living up to it. The story behind the space in the menu is really cool. I would recommend to add this to your list of spaces to see! read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Went back to equipment room for another date not too long ago; still has excellent vibes and excellent service! I had both an alcoholic drink and a nonalcoholic drink, the Ex Factor which was pretty good! The alcoholic drink didn't have a name, I asked the bartender about the "Did I shave my legs for this" which is the drink I had last time about a year ago, but they said it's been off menu for quite a while and offered to make something similar. The drinks I had were both great, the off menu one was my fav for sure! Drinks are still a bit pricey @$15 per nonalcoholic drink and $18 per alcoholic one, but you're very much paying for vibe as well as the drink. Overall still dig this place, would come again for sure :) read more
2 years ago
Absolutely incredible ambiance and bar!! Make sure you get headphones for the best listening experience. We loved how varied the music was, and the cocktails and food were both so nice. We got the lobster steam rolls, and the chicken karaage. read more
2 years ago
This place is a whole vibe!! We came Saturday night without a reservation and were able to get one around 11 after checking in with the host around 9:30 so we just hung around south Congress for a bit. Definitely make a reservation - it's worth it!! The inside is beautiful - so well decorated!! Truly a different environment entirely - the music is great! The drinks are amazing! So many choices too! Service was quick as well! I ordered the nice dreams - mezcal, guava and yuzu flavors - INCREDIBLE! So delicious and the little butterfly on the glass is so dang cute. I think they also have headphones on certain tables to listen to other music. They do also have small bar food / snack items on the menu! We will definitely return - loved this place!! read more
2 years ago
Great vibes and even better drinks! My husband and I decided to walk in on a Thursday night and were able to snag a table in the back room. You do need a reservation in order to secure a table! We got lucky that night. The bar feature low lighting, comfy couches, modern tables, and a vinyl record always playing in the back. The music is fantastic! We opted for two drinks. They also have different snacks like nuts, karaage and a cheese board. Lost in Kyoto was yummy! If you're looking for something light and creamy - this is the drink. Coffee and cigarettes had a cute presentation and was definitely a stronger drink. Highly recommend for a pre dinner drink or just to listen to incredible music. read more
My favorite cocktail bar in Austin. This place provides a chill and low key ambiance, lights are warm and diffused, the music and people's volume are perfect. The cocktails are one of the most unique and interesting components I have come across. They have great depths and nuances of flavors. Some of them are very fragrant too. I like the Alone Kyoto better than Luck Be a Lady but also I am not a big drinker and the former is quite light. My partner especially loves the Penicilin and also La Iguana. Reservations are highly recommended cause this place is mostly booked, especially on Friday nights. The time limit is 1.5 hour which we wish it was longer but the space was small so they probably want a rotation of new guests. Overall great place - such a gem' read more
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1101 Music Ln
Austin, TX 78704
78704 (South Austin)
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(512) 520-5890
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http://equipmentroom.com
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