Equipment Room — Restaurant in Austin

Tldr: This is a place for your ears and eyes. Sound quality is clutch, but food is boring so don’t come hungry. Drinks are interesting and well executed, though some are overly complicated.

Got a table at the back wall where we were able to listen to the music on Sivga SV021/Robin headphones. Sound quality was crisp and well balanced. I liked how I could take the headphones on and off and the sound quality remained consistent. Since it was a weeknight, it wasn’t as crowded and noisy. Also a fun spot for people watching.

The decor exuded elegance, comfort, and tastefulness, creating an ambiance akin to lounging in a millionaire’s living room with a penchant for Japanese design.

Staff were fairly attentive with refilling our water and checking in with us. Our server forgot our sundae and to be honest, she was doing us a favour and I wish I’d just let that one go.

Food was appallingly beige in flavour. Had the chicken karaage and sundae. Maybe I’m being harsh to judge them based on two items, but it’s not worth the price to give them another chance (food wise).

Plenty of reviews and even our server recommended the karaage. First off, they used white meat. They did their research on the sound equipment, but not on the food. Could’ve done something more elevated with the dip, but it was just plain kewpie mayo. Could’ve added togarashi, or wasabi salt, heck siracha would’ve been better than just plain mayo with plain chicken tenders that made you wish you were eating mcnuggets instead.

Couldn’t taste the miso caramel in the sundae and they used whipped cream from a can. I’ve had better maraschino cherries at Hoopers in Kingsland than what they served us. The use of sprinkles was just embarrassing. It’s like presenting your kid’s macaroni craft project at an art gallery.

I’ve had elevated dessert with a nostalgic twist (shoutout to Uchiko’s milk & cereal and their use of Captain Crunch) and this is one of those instances where you’re a little ashamed and grossed out by what you used to like. I can’t believe this was the only food/drink shot I took. It’s pretty much all whipped cream. I genuinely don’t remember the ice cream. Forgettable, regrettable.

Cocktails were interesting and presentation was on point. Wish I took a photo as this was prettier than it tasted. Had the What is Hip? and Luck be a Lady. Would not get either drinks again. Was curious how those flavour choices paired with one another. I think this is a case of being complicated for the sake of appearing high brow. However, I would try their other cocktails because just like the music, you’re not always gonna get something you like, but it’s fun to try something new. The execution was good, just wasn’t crazy about the overall flavour combos.

Spent about $84 after tip for two drinks and two dishes.

Would I come back again? Of course. The sound system is exquisite and the ambiance is refined. The bathroom is also nice and clean. Would love to check out their omakase music event.

Just don’t come here hungry. Try an interesting cocktail. Listen to a curated music session. Appreciate the details in the decor and the people this place will attract. It’s a fun experience for the eyes and ears.

No parking near the area. Need to find a side street to park and will probably have to walk a couple of blocks. Underground parking nearby is stupid...

My partner and I had been wanting to try this place for awhile and finally made it after seeing the Bon Apetit article. We didn’t make a reservation and they were able to get us in as a walk-in, but where they sat us was so incredibly awkward. We were put in a secluded area away from the rest of the entire bar on a U-shaped couch that went along the walls and sections of the couch were divided with a short table to seat 2 people. There were five tables total. When we were sat, there was an older couple making out in the corner, another couple sitting across from them on the other side of the couch. About 10 minutes later another couple was sat and they started making out about two feet from us. And then, yes, ANOTHER couple was sat two feet to the other side of us and they also were getting physical.

We were all in this small secluded section of the bar and it felt like the make out room of a high school dance. When not making out the couples would stare across at other couples and made the whole vibe feel so incredibly strange. I’m sure if we had sat at the bar or actually outside of this awkward AF nook it would’ve been better but within seconds of sitting we felt uncomfortable and were anxious to get alcohol in us to not feel so uncomfortable. Two couples that were sat after us did what we should’ve done and ordered one drink then immediately paid and left.

On top of all this, it took at least 30 minutes to get our first drink and it wasn’t even that busy. The food came out quickly but drinks didn’t come for awhile. A couple that was sat way after us got their drinks before we did which was disappointing. The drinks were fine. Nothing to really rave about. I’ve certainly had better. The food was actually pretty good, only had the lobster rolls.

Bon Apetit named this one of 11 best new bars in the entire country and this experience made me question if the author was paid to say this. I’m willing to give it another try with reservations so we don’t get put in the speed dating sex whatever it was area, but not in any hurry to do that. Overall, immensely disappointing for two audiophiles looking for a good experience listening to music with pleasant vibes.

One last note: The bar is WAY smaller than depicted in photos. We were expecting a much larger place with different sections for listening on headphones and a lot...

I'd like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Amanda, whose exceptional efforts truly transformed our time at the Equipment Room into an unforgettable and cherished experience.

Nestled within a city that reverberates with a deep appreciation for music, The Equipment Room stands as a veritable sanctuary for the discerning music lover. As you descend the stairs, the clamor of Music Lane and Soco fades into the distance, and you're enveloped in an oasis of musical immersion.

Immerse yourself in the symphony of sound crafted by the meticulously positioned Klipsch speakers and expertly tuned McIntosh receivers that grace every corner of the space. The result is an auditory experience that transcends expectations, with each note and melody caressing your senses in an exquisite dance.

Guided by the deft hands of the Music Selectors—akin to maestros of aural exploration—the night's journey unfurls with an entrancing overture of Jazz before embarking on unpredictable sonic adventures. Curated by none other than the renowned Breakaway Records, the music collection boasts a local flavor, further enriching the musical narrative spun by the skilled Selectors who man the helm.

For those who seek an even deeper connection with the melodies, select tables are thoughtfully adorned with headphones, inviting you to lose yourself completely within the intricate tapestry of sound. And as the music flows, the cocktail and mocktail menus offer creative libations that complement the harmonies resonating in the air. To satisfy your palate, they also present a selection of delectable light bites.

In the realm of intimate ambiance, The Equipment Room reigns supreme—its cozy and romantic aura setting the stage for memorable moments. However, booking a reservation is essential if you wish to secure a coveted listening slot. A true gem that has recently graced the city's landscape, ensure you don't overlook the opportunity to bask in the allure of The...