The Bazaar

Austin, United States

4.1

Open now

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 512-448-1079
Website:
www.thebazaaraustin.com
Address:
1609 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX, 78741
Oltorf/East Riverside
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
380 ft1500 Riverside
590 ft1800 Lakeshore/Riverside
730 ft1701 Lakeshore/Riverside
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes

Today

Today 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Open now
Local time (Austin) 16:32 Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Description

Specialties

THE BAZAAR (boutique): nice clothing (dresses, tops, pants, leggings, jackets and skirts), classy and sexy lingerie (babydolls, corsets, teddy’s, panties, bras, garterbelts, club wear and exotic wear), high heel shoes, Mary Jane china shoes, mix-​n-​match swimsuits (including D and DD cups), jewelry, gloves, tiaras, sun hats, sunglasses, huge selection of hosiery (pantyhose, tights, stockings, leg warmers and thigh hi’s) and under clothing accessories (double sided tape, silicone enhancers, etc.).

THE BAZAAR bACKSTAGE (located right next door to the boutique): HUGE selection of fun and street wearable wigs ($ 19.75 to $ 59.50), everyday, theatrical and special effects makeup (Ben Nye, Mehron, Graftobian, Wolfe and Kryolan), student kits, beards and moustaches, quality womens and mens costumes, costume access., feather boas, masquerade masks, crenolins, ruffle pettipants, santa suits, Easter bunnys, ostrich and peacock feathers, great eyelashes, hats (top hats, derbies and fedoras)

History

Established in 1966.

Family-​owned and and family-​run since the beginning. Origionally opened on The Drag, right across the street from the University of Texas. Our second store opened in 1985 on E. Riverside Drive in Austin. Because of the changes on The Drag, we moved off of it in 1996 and opened our costume store right next to the boutique on Riverside Dr.

We are known for our friendly but not pushy customer service, willingness to help and knowledge of our products. We always have a wonderful selection of just about anything you could be looking for!

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21 reviews of The Bazaar

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
This place is pretty neat. I was looking at eyelashes and a sales person came over and spent several minutes explaining what the best plan would be to apply/​use fake lashes. I did not make a purchase but I would if I were in the market for eyelashes. Cool costumes and accessories!
Place rating: 5
Round Rock, TX
Awesome stores love the cosmetics store next door of the same name. Wonderful employees very knowledgeable and kind. Couldn’t ask for better service. Felt bad though. It was freezing outside today and I noted one employee was wearing 2 – 3 jackets! Poor things! I’m guessing the owner or manager made them have the door open? Whatever the case, warm up your lovely staff/​employees! I’m sure to return for my fixes no matter what. Wouldn’t mind a more extensive range with the cosmetics because that seems to be the jaw dropper when I run by and if people only knew of the products and their availability as I do I’m sure business within that product range would boom. It’s rare in these parts in my opinion. I’m sure it already must be booming, but give the people what they want! MORE! As always
Place rating: 5
Miami, FL
Prompt amazing service considering it’s the day before Halloween. Special shot out to Claudia, Gloria and Grant!
Looking forward to our yellow wigs, eye lashes and looking great tonight.
Place rating: 1
Austin, TX
Prices are outrageous. Save yourself a lot of money and go to Lucy In Disguise on South Congress, twice the size and the most helpful staff. I sent my husband to buy colored hair spray bottles and he bought 4 bottles at $ 8 each/​when he called me from the parking lot 1 min later to tell me I was aghast and told him to return as they are $ 3.99 at Lucy. He went inside 1 min later and they refused to return them citing their final sale policy. I dread to think how much everything else is way overpriced.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
I LOVE this place! They’re always friendly and willing to take the time to help you put an outfit/​costume together — without the attitude that other local costume shops give you (*ahem, Lucy’s).
They’re reasonably priced and I love that they’re a local, family owned business, in my neighborhood.
They have a wide variety of outfits, costumes and lingerie. Most of the costumes are on the smaller side but, if you look through the S/​M/​L sizes, you can usually find a plus sized treasure.
They also have a wonderful wig collection. I love wigs! And again, unlike Lucy’s, you can wear the prestyled wig off the mannequin home — if you’re nice.
I, myself, am an avid costume/​wig collector and would recommend this place to anyone who is new to the area or who is just getting into lingerie, roll play, Carnaval or Cosplay.
***As for that gay bashing rumor, listed in a 2013 review… Two of my best friends are gay. One of them, on his way to becoming a woman. They cater to EVERYONE here, regardless.
Best.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
As a former employee, I can tell you it’s as fun to work there as it is to shop there. The family who owns the Bazaar and the Bazaar Backstage are the friendliest folks around, I would go in just to say hi… and of course inevitably leaving with 2 or 3 treasures. They constantly rotate inventory and really pay attention to what the community asks for, also I must say Gay, Gail and the whole staff have great taste. And they don’t hike up any prices. If you shop during the busy season (Halloween is a rush!) you might be lucky enough to talk to Gay’s husband Sully, he’s a great storyteller and he even built the dressing rooms himself! The whole family works there during Halloween– it’s a much more fun experience than going to the pop up Halloween stores. Everyone here has a heart of gold and will help you find the greatest ensemble for any event (or just tuesday!)
Ask any employee what their current favorite item is, and they’ll show you something awesome tucked away in a corner you might have missed.
Love this place, it keeps the oddities of Austin alive :)
Place rating: 2
Austin, TX
Strike one– I walk in, make eye contact with an employee behind the counter and say «Hello», but she (likely a manager) does not reply back in any way. Strike two– granted, I was shopping for a specific look/​event, but there are only a few pieces on floor that fit the bill. Gratefully, the other employee on duty (young, glasses) was friendly, fast and sharp. Unfortunately, the initial impression and greeting (or lack thereof) would discourage me from visiting in the future.
Place rating: 5
San Antonio, TX
I’ve been to the Bazaar multiple times to find last-​minute make-​up and costume supplies for performances, Halloween, and photoshoots. I love their staff. I’ve gone to local cutesy makeup stores half dressed in my performance costumes and had their staff follow me around like I’m about to steal something, but when I walk into the Bazaar, they don’t flinch. They’ve act like they’ve seen it all, and that’s why I love them The staff is always friendly and gives me their honest opinion about how to achieve my ghost/​pin-​up/​circus clown/​etc. look and lets me try on the wigs & cosmetics I need until I get it right. Their prices are reasonable, so you need not even compare online & they often have great sale items!
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
Loved the clothes, jewelry, staff, prices. It was my first time there, but I will be back as much as I can. Any thoughts on opening a store nearer me in Lakeway?. Found the perfect outfit for my role in «The Oldest Profession «. Thanks to everyone who helped me pick it out & get fitted.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
Always great costumes, swimsuits and all the accessories a girl could want! Only down fall is return policy and sometimes staff can be aggressive to get u to buy something. I love their swimsuits and will always keep coming back for them! Sexy unique suits that not everyone else has.
Place rating: 4
Leander, TX
Love coming here. Cool, unique finds. The ladies provide a personal shopping experience & are so helpful. The prices are on the high side, but its handmade clothing & new (not a thrift store!), so its to be expected.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
Popped in today to see if they could help with a specific Halloween costume I’m trying to recreate that requires some intricate makeup. I wanted to get more theatrical-​style makeup as opposed to the low-​quality stuff they sell at the Halloween megastores. All I had to do was show them a picture and they were super knowledgable and helpful with what to get. I wasn’t in the market for a wig, but if you were, this would definitely be the place to go.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
A few days ago, I bought a dark green Esther Williams bathing suit here. They were so helpful! I hadn’t been swimsuit shopping in more than 10 years, and this is the first (and last) place I stopped. While the suit was pricey, I know it will hold up. I really appreciated their suggestions, and their asking me if I wanted a second opinion, especially since I’m rather modest. I couldn’t believe how easy shopping for a suit was – I hate shopping! But it was a great experience.
Also: If you guys get the same suit in the peacock pattern, or the solar system pattern, I’ll definitely be back! I’ve liked you on Facebook now. :)
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
I love this place! I go there for the makeup mostly and from what I’ve found, it really has the best selection for drag queens, artists, and theater people. It has a great selection of makeup and wigs at reasonable prices, and the staff is very good at helping you consider the different options for the effect you are trying to achieve.
The costume selection is pretty standard, obviously they don’t have the same amount as Lucy in Disguise, but they have a lot of stripper oriented stuff as well as standard halloween costume stuff. Tons of tights, suspenders, sparkles of all kinds, and costume jewelry.
Place rating: 1
Georgetown, TX
I went to this store with a good friend of mine. and he is gay. The more feminine type. and we were went here because we were told there a friendly store. boy we where wrong. the Employees are Grate. the owner is a different story. This was a short older woman. my friend was looking around and she came up to me and started to help me find something.
We started to talk about random stuff. and my friend did something to get her eye. Then the 1st thing she said was. «People like that disgust me» and that she thinks its disgusting when men dress like a woman.
I know this was the owner because i asked a employe if she was.
I would never come here again and i am going to recommend staying away if you are the same as me and my friend.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
Oh
My
GATO!
I forgot how awesome this place was! Went in looking for some eyelashes and came out with $ 40 worth of stuff!!!
One of my favorite things to do as an artist is MAKEUP!!! Imagine the «Beggin Strips» dog voice saying, «makeupmakeupmakeupmakeupMAKEUUUUUP!!!»
All the lashes, all the costumes, all the 6 inch heels, all the wigs you can possibly think of you will find here! The wigs are a bit pricier than I expected. Fashion Outlet has similar ones under $ 30. I’m extreme-​making-​over a friend of mine so I’ve been in search of some gear. I think I may have found my one-​stop-​shop. They also have theater-​style makeup pods at around $ 28.
Place rating: 4
Austin, TX
The Bazaar has been around for a long time — I remember when it was on the Drag and I would walk through the store past a display of lingerie and out the back door on my way to Whole Earth or Inner Sanctum records. Quite a rush for an 18 year guy. Now the Bazaar is on E. Riverside in two buildings but still stocks the same array of costumes, wigs, and other stuff. It’s a good place to Keep Austin Weird.
I went to the Bazaar this year to get prepared for a Halloween party. The parking lot was packed but I found (improvised) a parking spot with out too much of a hassle. I picked up a wig, a hat, some make up (big, nasty Pirate wound) and a few other items. The staff was happy to answer questions and seemed to have fun even though there was quite a crowd. Have to say I must find time to visit the Bazaar on a more regular basis. Good place!
Place rating: 3
Austin, TX
Meh. A little over rated. They do have a nice selection/​array of options. Prices are extremely reasonable, as far as I could tell. There certainly didn’t seem to be anything that was unreasonable. The store is definitely small and packed full. I did get my halloween costume here. I guess the only really big negative would be the kinda creepy old man that just stood around asking the most random, probing questions… not sure if he works there or is a co-​owner or what, but it was a little weird.
Just as a forwarning, they have a NO REFUND/​RETURN/​EXCHANGE policy. Period.
Place rating: 5
Elgin, TX
Need a sexy costume for the Zombie Ball? This is the place! It is actually 2 stores with a parking lot in between, but if you find something at one store and want to match it with something at the other store, they will walk you back and forth until you have everything you need.
I tried on a corset for the first time ever and I wore it out of the store. I swore I would never be able to get it in, but once I did I swore I would never take it off! Hello tiny waist! Everyone at the store was very helpful and pleasant. I also found a sexy ragdoll costume and they helped me with all of the accessories. I spent quite a bit of money, but really, isn’t it all worth it to be a sexy beast?
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
I didn’t find The Bazaar until yesterday and that breaks my heart that I’ve been going other places.
Some of the reviews mention high prices — I’m not sure how much shopping those people are doing for high quality makeup prices or else are buying things from actual brick and mortar stores. Not only were the prices right on with the standard going rate, but the ability to play with anything you want in the store packs quite a lot of value onto it.
I’ve been to a lot of costume/​makeup stores for theatrical and film makeup across the country and this may be the friendliest I’ve ever encountered. The people working were chatty and knowledgeable.
It was really all I could do to not want to hang out there all day.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
I love the Bazaar, just purchased a new mustache and side burns!
Where else can a girl find, crazy dresses, beautifully done corsets, platform shoes, stockings, wigs, quality stage, theatre, film makeup and a mustache? This is all jam packed under two tiny roofs.
The sales staff are great, they know the products and are extremely helpful (ask for Gloria, she rocks!).
The Bazaar is the only place in Austin where you can buy Ben Nye and Kryolan stage/​theatre makeup.
The down side to this place is the price, and the price and oh yeah here it comes folks, the price.
Much better deals can be found online but if you are like most people who wait to the last minute, go here, chances are they have it.