Equipment Room

Equipment Room is a subterranean vinyl bar tucked beneath the Hotel Magdalena on Music Lane in Austin, built inside what was literally the property's old equipment room. The intimate basement space centers on a serious vintage hi-fi system and a deep record collection, drawing on Japan's jazz kissa listening bar tradition filtered through a South Austin sensibility, with low lighting and a relaxed pace setting the tone. The drink menu is split into A Sides and B Sides, running from classic cocktails like Manhattans and boulevardiers to more inventive pours built around ingredients such as sesame washed sake, alongside snacks like an okonomiyaki waffle and whipped guacamole. It is a reservation friendly stop for riders looking for a quieter, music focused break in the South Congress area rather than a loud sports bar scene.