Equipment Room
Bar · Travis Heights
1101 Music Ln, Austin, TX 78704
Highlights
Audiophile haven w/ inventive cocktails & intimate vinyl setting
Audiophile haven w/ inventive cocktails & intimate vinyl setting
"For fantastic high-end cocktails in a cool indoor space soundtracked by hip music, head straight to this stylish bar tucked inside the Hotel Magdalena. The bar offers classic cocktails like an espresso martini along with its “b-side” version, like Bottom of the River with gin, nori amaro, black sesame aperitivo, macadamia liqueur, and coffee. The bar also offers snacks like shrimp chips or a kobayashi dog. Reserve online to ensure prime seating." - Darcie Duttweiler
"Fittingly located in the Music Lane development on South Congress, the vinyl listening and cocktail spot Equipment Room looks more like the living room of a very wealthy audiophile than a bar in the basement of Hotel Magdalena. It takes inspiration from mid-century Japanese listening bars, but instead of fully committing to the theme musically, you might hear bits of David Bowie and the Beach Boys mixed in with SZA and Janet Jackson. The drink menu is made up of a combination of classics and new creations—A-Sides and B-Sides, respectively—so whether you’re in the mood for Manhattans and boulevardiers, or a cocktail with sesame-washed sake, orgeat, and furikake dust, you’ll be able to find something great to pair with the okonomiyaki waffle, whipped guacamole, and other tasty snacks. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Pause Unmute" - Nicolai McCrary
"Located in the basement of Hotel Magdalena on South Congress, this extremely aesthetic vinyl listening room takes the music selection as seriously as its cocktails. There’s a menu of snacks like a cheese board with yuzu marmalade, carnitas wontons, and steamed lobster buns, along with creative cocktails like the Mutt with prosciutto-infused vodka. Twice a month, Equipment Room hosts Omakase Vinyl, where attendees listen to a significant album in its entirety, in silence, and then discuss it afterward (reservations are required)." - Erin Russell
"What’s fun about this cocktail/listening bar within the Hotel Magdalena is that it isn’t obvious that it’s part of the hotel. Instead, enter through a door near the entrance (look out for the red light), and inside, experience top-notch cocktails — like the Lady Marmalade (Cimarron Reposado, Père Magloire VSOP Calvados, Giffard Abricot Liqueur, peach, thyme, lemon, apricot marmalade, blue cheese, egg white, Peychaud’s) while enjoying a curated soundtrack of fun vinyls. There are also high-quality nonalcoholic drinks and snacks." - Taylor Tobin
"Mixologist Robert Bjorn Taylor developed the cocktail menu at the hi-fi bar within the Hotel Magdalena in Travis Heights, which includes a very thoughtful nonalcoholic section. The Multi-Love is made with Ritual gin, Lyre’s Rosso aperitif, Bonbuz Slowburn, Giffard aperitif, Tennyson Black Ginger, Pathfinder, blood orange, and orange oil; the Million Reasons uses Odd Bird Blanc de Blanc, Giffard Elderflower, strawberry balsamic shrub, lemon, and soda; and the Japanese-inspired Underdog combines Pear Cinnamon Amazake with Seedlip Spice 94, yuzu, shiso tincture, and blue lotus flower. There are indoor dine-in services." - Erin Russell
