Equipment Room

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.

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.

Super cool spot with an awesome vibe! The location itself is really unique, and the ambiance definitely adds to the experience. Pro tip: make sure to book early--the place fills up fast, and reservations are usually required if you want to guarantee a spot. We didn't book ahead and were lucky to snag a table the following day, but it's definitely one of those places where you'll want to plan in advance.As for the food, the Chicken Karaage was a standout. Honestly, I could've eaten a ton of it--it was crispy, juicy, and just the right amount of flavor. For the price, the portions were a bit on the smaller side. My drink was okay--not bad, but nothing I'd rave about.Also, they didn't tell us about this, but if you want a more private experince you can ask for some headphones to plug in. Really cool idea if you wanna chill out alone, or have a personal experience. Overall, I'd say it's a great place to check out for the vibe and the Karaage alone. Just be prepared for the prices and the need to reserve early. Worth the visit if you're in the area!

I loved the vibes at equipment room so much. It's a bit quiet because it's a listening room but perfect for a date night or nice drink out with friends. All the drinks I tried were amazing (specifically the red one, although I can't remember the name, it was so herb forward and perfectly balanced!) slightly pricey, but worth it. Come with a reservation for sure - it's a perfect end or start to the night on South Congress!

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!!

What an amazing spot! First off I love the lack of signage. You'll find this place by seeing the stained glass light and unmarked door. The hostess was a complete gem and added to the experience! Decor, music and the drinks were all a vibe and this place is a must!! All three of us got different drinks and they were all incredible. "Your hand in mine" was my favorite. You will not be disappointed

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.

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'

After looking for nearby bars during a recent Austin stay, the Equipment Room popped up as a well-reviewed spot. I decided to walk-in on a Friday evening but learned quickly that this is a popular bar and that it's better to make reservations in advance. Luckily, the next day I got notified about a late afternoon reservation that opened up!You can tell that the Equipment Room is well-curated and designed to create a certain vibe. From the music selection to the selective menu, it's engineered to provide a singular experience. I enjoyed both classic cocktails that I tried (the Vieux Carré and the Martinez), and the karaage was a tasty bar snack. I'm happy I got to check it out, and the Equipment Room is worth a visit!

Unfortunately, my experience at this bar was disappointing. The service was below expectations, and we were unexpectedly asked to cut our visit short without any clear explanation. While they did attempt to make amends with a coupon, it felt insufficient--only valid on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-7 PM and offering just $3 off wine. This response came across as more of a token gesture than a genuine effort to address the issue. I had hoped for a better resolution and overall. I was very excited to try this speakeasy, but will not be back.