A new vinyl listening bar for Austin’s audiophiles called Equipment Room opened in the basement of Hotel Magdelena on March 3.
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.
