The bar is inspired by Japanese kissas—small cafes dedicated to listening to music. Equipment Room has a collection of about 1,200 records, many of them inspired by Texas artists and other sounds from the ‘60s and ‘80s. Customers will not be allowed to request songs as the bar plays full or, at minimum, half records.
The listening bar serves a two-sided cocktail menu that symbolizes a vinyl record, with popular classics, such as the Oaxacan Old Fashioned on the “A” side and their variations on the "B" side. The bar also serves beer, wine, some nonalcoholic options and “playful” snacks, such as a Japanese take on Buc-ee’s beaver nuggets.
Equipment Room does accept walk-ins; however, reservations are recommended. Guests can also book a private room with a special sound system for up to 10 people.
Equipment Room is led by a group of locals, including James Moody—the man behind the bar and live music venue Mohawk; Josh LaRue and Gabe Vaughn of Breakaway Records; and Amar Lalvani, the executive chair of Bunkhouse—the property management company behind Hotel Magdalena, Austin Motel and other ventures.
Equipment Room is located at 1101 Music Lane, Austin. www.equipmentroom.com
