This iconic establishment is a vintage wonderland! A 3,500 square foot space packed top to bottom and front to back with something for everyone – those who loves tchotchkes and home furnishings from a bygone era.
History of Room Service Vintage
Part of what makes Room Service Vintage so charming is the building itself. In the 50’s this cinderblock and glass structure was home to a pharmacy and soda fountain in which you can still see some of the shelving and fixtures from that time. Born in 1981 and located in what was considered the north end of Austin, Room Service has seen a lot of changes. Celebrating 35 years in the same location, it’s an anchor in an ever-changing bustling retail and restaurant district known as the North Loop IBIZ District and is now considered central Austin. The North Loop IBIZ District is the last bastion of fully locally owned and operated businesses.
What’s in Stock
Room Service’s main focus is providing a massive selection of 50s-70s furniture, but there is an equal amount of lighting, clothing, jewelry, toys/novelties, records, art, art glass, pottery, books, magazines, glassware, kitchenware, barware and probably some crazy item from your childhood that you didn’t even know you needed back in your life.
Multiple Dealers
Although Room Service looks like it is one cohesive collection of vendors, it is actually the communal effort of seven amazing vendors whose sole job is to bring the best vintage wares from around Texas and the U.S. to you. Each vendor has his/her own take on what makes vintage shopping fun, but they all agree on keeping it affordable and plentiful by restocking every day.
Shopping at Room Service
Fortunately/unfortunately for their customers, Room Service sells items extremely fast, so you need to keep on top of their website and social media (see links below). They do not ship or sell items over the phone without you seeing them first, but you can call the store and put an item[s] on a two-hour hold to prevent another customer from snatching up your coveted treasure.
Selling to Room Service
Although Room Service sells a variety of items, they only buy furniture from the 50s through the 70s. Send photos of your item[s] to photos@roomservicevintage.com with your pricing information and detailed description. They do not purchase items every day, so if you would like to bring furniture by the store for them to look at, you must call ahead at 512-451-1057.
Accolades & More
Room Service has been so beloved by Austinites that they have won Best Vintage/Home Furnishings in the Austin Chronicle’s Reader Poll for 15 years in a row. So whether you are shopping for a piece of nostalgia or just want a well-made piece of furniture that has already lasted 50+/- years, set aside an hour or two to explore this Austin staple. Pro tip: Don’t forget to ask for the key to the bunny bathroom before you leave.
