Discovering Hidden Gems: The Top 5 Antique Stores in Austin, Texas

Hello, all you treasure seekers, history buffs, and vintage aficionados! If you thought Austin was only about live music, eccentric festivals, and scrumptious food, then get ready for a delightful detour. Today we are about to embark on a journey of discovery, digging through eclectic trinkets of history and lovingly preserved relics from the past. Welcome to our local’s guide to the top 5 antique stores in Austin, where each artifact houses a piece of the past waiting to be uncovered.

1. Uncommon Objects: Where Every Artifact Tells a Story

Uncommon Objects is aptly named. It is far from your typical antique store. Think of it as less of a shop and more of your ticket to an unforgettable adventure in the annals of time. Since its launch in 1991, this South Austin staple has been drawing antique enthusiasts with its unique and wide-ranging selection of past treasures. Every curated item has a story to tell, attracting individuals looking for that perfect piece of history.

The layout of Uncommon Objects is an ideal blend of a museum and a curiosity shop. Every corner of the store represents a different era, a different place, and a different story. For the adventurous and the curious, this place truly embodies the quintessential Austin motto of “Keep Austin Weird.”

Unique Finds at Uncommon Objects:

• An unmatched collection of vintage taxidermy. From peacocks to squirrels and everything in between, these create a truly fascinating backdrop to your antique hunting experience.
• Antique furniture that whispers of bygone eras, each piece a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and historic value.
• Heirloom Jewelry, full of mystery and charm, from Victorian brooches to 1920s lockets.
• A treasure trove of fascinating ephemera. A diverse collection of vintage postcards, rare photographs, and forgotten letters that will deeply satisfy the inquisitive mind.

2. Room Service Vintage: Reliving the Classics

Since 1981, Room Service has been the ultimate stop for those who crave the golden years of mid-20th-century Americana. Located in the quaint yet bustling neighborhood of North Loop, this store is packed to the rafters with nostalgia-inducing keepsakes from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Near every corner of Room Service, you’ll find yourself eyeing objects that feel like a snapshot from a past life. The sheer array of retro items available here is what gives Room Service its unique charm. It’s like stepping into a time machine transporting you back to mid-century America.

Crowd Favorites at Room Service:

• A dizzying selection of retro furniture that ranges from quirky turquoise leisure chairs reminiscent of a 50s living room, to mid-century elm wood bed frames.
• A clothing rack chock full of vintage clothing. Everything from embroidered denim jackets, flared trousers, sequined dresses and pillbox hats can be found here.
• Classic albums on vinyl. Iconic records from The Beatles, Ray Charles, Elvis, and more are all waiting to be rediscovered.
• Eye-catching vintage decor items, such as atomic age lamps, retro wall art, psychedelic poster prints, oil lanterns, and Victorian bird cages.

3. Antique Marketplace: Finding Treasures Within Treasures

Antique Marketplace can be best described as a treasure chest waiting to be explored. Established in the early 1970s, this 5,000 square foot store nestled on Burnet Road is home to a vast array of vendors dealing in antiques and vintage items. This store represents a broad spectrum of the past, with a tantalizing assortment of objects to catch your eye and delight your senses.

Rare Discoveries at Antique Marketplace:

• Authentic vintage jewelry. From Art Deco rings to Georgian era brooches, these trinkets promise to transport you back in time.
• Hand-crafted antiquarian furniture. Specially sourced items from mahogany bookcases to intricately carved footstools make it a perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind piece for your home.
• Antique French farmhouse decor. We’re talking authentic breadboards, grain sacks, and armoires right from La Belle Époque!
• A wide selection of vinyl records from various eras. Whether you’re into classic rock or vintage jazz, your ears are in for a treat!

4. Top Drawer Thrift: Where Every Purchase Gives Back

Since its opening in 1993, Top Drawer Thrift has enriched Austin’s antique scene with a twist. This store is intrinsically tied to Austin’s community spirit as all of its revenue provides for those living with HIV and AIDS through Project Transitions. At Top Drawer Thrift, each purchase not only caters to your love for antiques but also contributes to the well-being of the community.

Mind-blowing Items at Top Drawer Thrift:

• A fantastic range of retro clothes and accessories dating back to the 80s, 70s, 60s, and beyond!
• An assortment of mid-century modern furniture that oozes charm and style.
• An extensive range of books, including rare first editions and out-of-print titles that will make any bibliophile’s heart flutter.
• An intriguing selection of old-school gadgets and electronics like record players and tube radios.

5. The Austin Antique Mall: A Journey of a Thousand Steps

Austin Antique Mall is an antique megastore that has stood as a testament to Austin’s love for the past for over three decades. With 30,000 square feet of space housing over 100 dealers, this is the largest antique shop in Central Texas.

Epic Collections at Austin Antique Mall:

• An illustrious selection of antique silverware and china that would embellish any dining table.
• Extensive collections of vintage clothing and military artifacts promising to take you back to specific periods in history.
• Unearth childhood memories with classic comics and toys ranging from the golden age to the modern classics.
• An alluring array of antique clocks and pocket watches ticking away the moments of the past.

So there you have it, the top 5 antique stores in Austin! Each store is unique, presenting you with a multitude of discoveries and stories from the days gone by, waiting to be uncovered. Be ready for the unexpected, but most importantly, be ready to find pieces of history that you’d want to own and cherish.

Each antique comes not only with its inherent beauty, but also tales echoing through time. By shopping locally and supporting our city’s vintage and antique market, we help ensure those stories will continue to resonate from one generation to the next.

Whether you’re a dedicated antique enthusiast or an amateur nostalgist, anticipate treasures and hidden gems in your exploration of these stores—yes, the past is available for purchase, and it’s right here in Austin.

So, are you ready for the hunt? These stores are waiting to reveal their treasures. Uncover that unique piece that will spark a conversation, inspire nostalgia, or complete the perfect corner of your home.

Happy antiquing, Austin!