Equipment Room: A Jazz Kissaten in Austin

In the basement of the Hotel Magdalena, hidden away on Music Lane, is a unique bar: Equipment Room. A stylish, Japanese-inspired cocktail lounge, it offers a transportive experience with a focus on vinyl sound. With mid-century wood-paneled design, the bar channels the jazz kissaten of 20th-century Japan.

"It’s easy to forget your hushed surroundings as all this plays out and let an audible gasp escape."
— Elazar Sontag, Bon Appétit

The cocktail menu impresses with classics like Vieux Carre and originals such as the Texas Sun. The real draw is the audio experience: enter to the sounds of John Coltrane or Willie Nelson, and listen as conversation hums around you. For a unique twist, grab noise-canceling headphones and tune into the music directly while snacking on chicken karaage.

For an intimate experience, try the "omakase vinyl sessions," a collaboration with Breakaway Records, where an entire album plays alongside themed cocktails and conversation.

Recently named one of America's Best New Bars by Bon Appétit, Equipment Room offers a secretive, elegant escape. Reserve your seat via Resy to step into this hidden world of jazz and cocktails.