This place was very vibey! Had no idea where the entrance was, which actually made it fun to look for. Did think, as a matter of subjectivity, that the music selection was a bit basic, and there could have been more experimental pieces, but it didn't detract from the experience. Drinks were tasty and creative :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristen G.
The service, cocktails and ambiance were so cool. Be sure to request a table with headphones to truly enjoy their vintage vibe.
Justin N/A
The digs are neat and drinks decent enough, but as others have pointed out, a low key social environment conducive for enjoying the music is missing. I’d guess a couple people may have cared about the tunes and everyone else was there to gab loudly nonstop like they would anywhere else. On top of that, the staff are uptight and weird about the arrival process. Eveb with a reso, I was curtly directed to go into hall and wait. So they need a better system for that. Our seating was awkwardly arranged and you’re kicked out after a couple hours. I’ll make my own drinks and enjoy my own hifi at home. Thanks.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 3
Edward Morgan
We have been here multiple times since it opened and service seems to be declining drastically.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Quin Whiddon
I frequent the SoCo area often and I have dined at Summer House on numerous occasions and had not even known about this place until I saw it on IG. Although I am not a huge SM fan, I do love IG as it allows you to discover cool places like Equipment Room.I made reservations 2-3 months in advance as we were celebrating my birthday. After a fantastic dinner at Guest House, Equipment Room was a very nice, chill spot to end the evening. Our party was a group of 12 people and due to the size we were able to occupy the large semi-private room. The music was crisp, clear and the ambiance made you feel as if you were in someone's private recording studio. It was such a lovely spot and unlike any other speakeasy in ATX. I truly do not enjoy going out clubbing so I love the discovering hidden gems like ER and having the ability to truly enjoy your company without hollering.On this visit, I just enjoyed a glass of wine, but I plan on returning to enjoy some of their craft cocktails and more of their classic tunes.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Rose Ann Preyer
First time here. Came for their Omakase Vinly event. Definitely recommend! Such a warm and welcoming vibe as soon as you step in.Can’t go wrong with any of their cocktails., but I recommend the Cigarettes and Coffee. Got the chicken karaage, shishito peppers, and chile lime peanuts. Perfect for snacking and listening.Definitely move around the space to take in the sounds. The staff is top notch and everyone we met was so friendly and happy to share their knowledge.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charles Peralez III
"We have discovered a new favorite bar in Austin with a great atmosphere that emphasizes music listening. You can also have a quiet conversation with your group. It is highly recommended for date night or entertaining some friends. The bar serves great cocktails and snacks. However, please be mindful of the listening atmosphere and avoid being loud. Thank you! ✌?"Parking: I saw a parking garage but we used the valet in front of the hotel.Wheelchair accessibility: The entrance had stairs leading down to the bar. I'm not sure if there is an alternate entrance for wheelchairs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheese Charcuterie Board
Karolina Schvartz
In my opinion the best spot right now in Austin for a drink. Cocktails are phenomenal and in terms of design everything is just perfect .
I frequent the SoCo area often and I have dined at Summer House on numerous occasions and had not even known about this place until I saw it on IG. Although I am not a huge SM fan, I do love IG as it allows you to discover cool places like Equipment Room. I made reservations 2-3 months in advance as we were celebrating my birthday. After a fantastic dinner at Guest House, Equipment Room was a very nice, chill spot to end the evening. Our party was a group of 12 people and due to the size we were able to occupy the large semi-private room. The music was crisp, clear and the ambiance made you feel as if you were in someone's private recording studio. It was such a lovely spot and unlike any other speakeasy in ATX. I truly do not enjoy going out clubbing so I love the discovering hidden gems like ER and having the ability to truly enjoy your company without hollering. On this visit, I just enjoyed a glass of wine, but I plan on returning to enjoy some of their craft cocktails and more of their classic tunes.
We celebrated our anniversary with dinner and craft cocktails and it was one of the best date nights we've had in a while. We would typically order a bottle of wine with dinner, but something struck me to suggest stopping at a (new to both of us) cocktail bar after seeing what stood on our Yelp. My trusted Elites did not steer me wrong. The name doesn't give away the theme, but the name carries a bit of mystique and a nondescript entrance at the bottom of Hotel Magdalena. I didn't even realize those buildings were back behind the ones directly on Congress. Your best bet is to make a reservation. They make sure to hold you to your reservation and give you a window for departure, which was perfect for a "school night." We sat at the bar and the hostess introduced us to our servers, who worked as a team. They were both friendly, knowledgeable on their menu and willing to work with you if nothing tickled your fancy. Cool menu with classics and modern twists. I LOVE a good classic penicillin and this one did not disappoint. You get two pics of it cuz I couldn't decide which I liked more. We also ordered a cookie. It was a little too crispy for my liking, but the taste was pretty good. I saw some others saying the cocktails were overpriced, but that's Austin for 'ya, so I wasn't surprised. I would definitely go back and recommend that you check it out for yourself!
Robert A.
New "speakeasy" that has a decent ambiance. I personally think the drinks are overpriced but it's Austin . I was seated in a small room with several other groups. The days the other seats in the big room were taken but very free were occupied. Worth checking out but only once for me
Alexandria Good
All around a great spot to grab a drink and enjoy some vinyl!The drinks were unique, dynamic, and thoughtfully crafted— especially their gin cocktails. The music was definitely the main character, balanced for listening and not too loud so you can enjoy your company. The charcuterie board, Shishito peppers, jumbo crab toast, and Midnight Munchie cookies were all incredible!Ironically, the servers didn’t know much about the equipment itself. Even the designated sound person at the bar said to just check Instagram to see what type of La Scala they have. They’re the La Scala AL5 if you’re interested. The Heresy IVs also sound really well-rounded in the space, but I’d be super interested in a 2 channel night where the La Scalas can really be the star!Unique and a fun spot to check out, definitely make a reservation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Cody Basch
We really enjoyed our drinks at Equipment room before a show at the Moody Theater. The vinyl collection and sound system are top notch. The homemade ginger tincture made for an elevated high ball. The espresso martini was also a favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Marcos Machado
Nice and sophisticated atmosphere with noir lighting and correct sound volume. Awesome drinks to be appreciated on comfortable couches. The place works only with reservations in advance. So don't walk in.
This place was very vibey! Had no idea where the entrance was, which actually made it fun to look for. Did think, as a matter of subjectivity, that the music selection was a bit basic, and there could have been more experimental pieces, but it didn't detract from the experience. Drinks were tasty and creative :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service, cocktails and ambiance were so cool. Be sure to request a table with headphones to truly enjoy their vintage vibe.
The digs are neat and drinks decent enough, but as others have pointed out, a low key social environment conducive for enjoying the music is missing. I’d guess a couple people may have cared about the tunes and everyone else was there to gab loudly nonstop like they would anywhere else. On top of that, the staff are uptight and weird about the arrival process. Eveb with a reso, I was curtly directed to go into hall and wait. So they need a better system for that. Our seating was awkwardly arranged and you’re kicked out after a couple hours. I’ll make my own drinks and enjoy my own hifi at home. Thanks.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 3
We have been here multiple times since it opened and service seems to be declining drastically.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
I frequent the SoCo area often and I have dined at Summer House on numerous occasions and had not even known about this place until I saw it on IG. Although I am not a huge SM fan, I do love IG as it allows you to discover cool places like Equipment Room.I made reservations 2-3 months in advance as we were celebrating my birthday. After a fantastic dinner at Guest House, Equipment Room was a very nice, chill spot to end the evening. Our party was a group of 12 people and due to the size we were able to occupy the large semi-private room. The music was crisp, clear and the ambiance made you feel as if you were in someone's private recording studio. It was such a lovely spot and unlike any other speakeasy in ATX. I truly do not enjoy going out clubbing so I love the discovering hidden gems like ER and having the ability to truly enjoy your company without hollering.On this visit, I just enjoyed a glass of wine, but I plan on returning to enjoy some of their craft cocktails and more of their classic tunes.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
First time here. Came for their Omakase Vinly event. Definitely recommend! Such a warm and welcoming vibe as soon as you step in.Can’t go wrong with any of their cocktails., but I recommend the Cigarettes and Coffee. Got the chicken karaage, shishito peppers, and chile lime peanuts. Perfect for snacking and listening.Definitely move around the space to take in the sounds. The staff is top notch and everyone we met was so friendly and happy to share their knowledge.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
"We have discovered a new favorite bar in Austin with a great atmosphere that emphasizes music listening. You can also have a quiet conversation with your group. It is highly recommended for date night or entertaining some friends. The bar serves great cocktails and snacks. However, please be mindful of the listening atmosphere and avoid being loud. Thank you! ✌?"Parking: I saw a parking garage but we used the valet in front of the hotel.Wheelchair accessibility: The entrance had stairs leading down to the bar. I'm not sure if there is an alternate entrance for wheelchairs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheese Charcuterie Board
In my opinion the best spot right now in Austin for a drink. Cocktails are phenomenal and in terms of design everything is just perfect .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
beautiful place, lovely chill atmosphere and amazing cocktails (I'm Ashley's biggest fan)
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I frequent the SoCo area often and I have dined at Summer House on numerous occasions and had not even known about this place until I saw it on IG. Although I am not a huge SM fan, I do love IG as it allows you to discover cool places like Equipment Room. I made reservations 2-3 months in advance as we were celebrating my birthday. After a fantastic dinner at Guest House, Equipment Room was a very nice, chill spot to end the evening. Our party was a group of 12 people and due to the size we were able to occupy the large semi-private room. The music was crisp, clear and the ambiance made you feel as if you were in someone's private recording studio. It was such a lovely spot and unlike any other speakeasy in ATX. I truly do not enjoy going out clubbing so I love the discovering hidden gems like ER and having the ability to truly enjoy your company without hollering. On this visit, I just enjoyed a glass of wine, but I plan on returning to enjoy some of their craft cocktails and more of their classic tunes.
Restaurantji Recommends
We celebrated our anniversary with dinner and craft cocktails and it was one of the best date nights we've had in a while. We would typically order a bottle of wine with dinner, but something struck me to suggest stopping at a (new to both of us) cocktail bar after seeing what stood on our Yelp. My trusted Elites did not steer me wrong. The name doesn't give away the theme, but the name carries a bit of mystique and a nondescript entrance at the bottom of Hotel Magdalena. I didn't even realize those buildings were back behind the ones directly on Congress. Your best bet is to make a reservation. They make sure to hold you to your reservation and give you a window for departure, which was perfect for a "school night." We sat at the bar and the hostess introduced us to our servers, who worked as a team. They were both friendly, knowledgeable on their menu and willing to work with you if nothing tickled your fancy. Cool menu with classics and modern twists. I LOVE a good classic penicillin and this one did not disappoint. You get two pics of it cuz I couldn't decide which I liked more. We also ordered a cookie. It was a little too crispy for my liking, but the taste was pretty good. I saw some others saying the cocktails were overpriced, but that's Austin for 'ya, so I wasn't surprised. I would definitely go back and recommend that you check it out for yourself!
New "speakeasy" that has a decent ambiance. I personally think the drinks are overpriced but it's Austin . I was seated in a small room with several other groups. The days the other seats in the big room were taken but very free were occupied. Worth checking out but only once for me
All around a great spot to grab a drink and enjoy some vinyl!The drinks were unique, dynamic, and thoughtfully crafted— especially their gin cocktails. The music was definitely the main character, balanced for listening and not too loud so you can enjoy your company. The charcuterie board, Shishito peppers, jumbo crab toast, and Midnight Munchie cookies were all incredible!Ironically, the servers didn’t know much about the equipment itself. Even the designated sound person at the bar said to just check Instagram to see what type of La Scala they have. They’re the La Scala AL5 if you’re interested. The Heresy IVs also sound really well-rounded in the space, but I’d be super interested in a 2 channel night where the La Scalas can really be the star!Unique and a fun spot to check out, definitely make a reservation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
We really enjoyed our drinks at Equipment room before a show at the Moody Theater. The vinyl collection and sound system are top notch. The homemade ginger tincture made for an elevated high ball. The espresso martini was also a favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Nice and sophisticated atmosphere with noir lighting and correct sound volume. Awesome drinks to be appreciated on comfortable couches. The place works only with reservations in advance. So don't walk in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5