In an age of all-digital-everything,
having a physical keepsake of your time spent somewhere is more meaningful than ever. Maybe that's why photo booth's continue to remain such an endearing feature in bars. While your memory of the previous night may understandably be blurry, having those four black and white strips from a photo booth is a permanent token of your good time. Here are some of the best bars in Austin with photo booths. Say cheese.
By Rory Jones
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1016 E 6th St.
People that frequent East 6th know and love Shangri-La. It's a dive-y, friendly joint with two pool tables, a huge outdoor patio, and a photo booth for drunken memories. It also happens to be the legendary place where Bill Murray inexplicably appeared and began bartending during SXSW years ago.
Honorable Mention: Head to The Lucky Duck nearby for another photo booth option.
6507 Circle S Rd.
If you find yourself way down south, nothing beats the vibes at Little Darlin. Boasting a hefty list of beers on tap, a VERY elevated menu of pub grub, and the biggest darn backyard you've ever seen, these folks have it all. Oh yeah, and there's a photo booth for you there too!
Honorable Mention: Since you're already south, how about a cocktail and a few pics in the photo booth at South Congress Hotel? Or snap a pic at the booth in St. Elmo (and play a round of duck pin bowling) at Pins Mechanical Co.
500 Comal St.
The White Horse is not what you'd call a "chill" bar, and we mean that as a compliment. It's a spot dominated by live music, lively (often loud) conversation, dancing, and pool. So when you're done eating popcorn and two-stepping, you can feel free to mosey on inside their resident photo booth.
Honorable Mention: Another great honky-tonk with a photo booth? Look no further than the always-fun Sagebrush.
611 Red River St.
As we mentioned previously in this piece, photo booths are a great way to keep a token of an otherwise hazily forgotten night. Nowhere in Austin is that more likely to happen than on Red River, where Barbs is located. In between Red Bull Vodkas and trips to the dance floor when Rihanna comes on, grab yourself a physical memory in the form of their photo booth.
Honorable Mention: Busty's Bar & Jukebox has one too!
1502 E 6th St.
If you're craving some live music or just a place to meet friends for "a drink," Hotel Vegas fits the bill nicely. The venue hosts the best of Austin’s local bands 7 nights a week and has a nice little photo booth next to the pool table room on the way outside.
Honorable Mention: There's no shortage of east side photo booths, but did you know about the one at Kinda Tropical?
1618 E 6th St
East 6th has changed a lot, but Liberty still stubbornly remains. And we are grateful. Next time you're sipping on a brew at this popular east side spot, maybe relaxing on their back patio, round up your crew and crowd into their photo booth for a keepsake or two.
Honorable Mention: While you're hopping around East 6th, stop by and take a photo at the booth at Latchkey too!
310B Colorado St
No doubt you're familiar with this spot by now. You've probably got your favorite room too. Are you a laser pit fan? Neon Grotto regular? Maybe we'll find you dancing on the rooftop? Or maybe you're downstairs munching on some tacos? Whatever your flavor, we know you'll also be capturing the evening with a souvenir at the photo booth.
Honorable Mention: Since you're in the Warehouse District, we can confirm The Courtyard has a photo booth too!
900 Red River
If you can't have a good time at Cheer Up Charlies, you simply don't know how to have a good time. It's a Red River staple, and for a myriad of good reasons. The bartenders are nice, the drinks are reasonably priced, and they book usually great, always interesting musical acts. Besides those aforementioned reasons, Cheer Up's also has a photo booth in the back to document your night.
Honorable Mention: Dirty 6th isn't exactly our favorite part of town, but we love The Jackalope, and yes, they have a photo booth!
602 E. 7th St
Local home of the heavy pour, Side Bar has a snazzy photo booth inside by the bar. They themselves invited customers on their Facebook page to "Come out and take some photos of your (forgettable?) memories at the Side Bar." We have a feeling plenty of people are going to take advantage.
Honorable Mention: Take a walk on the wild side of Cesar Chavez and stop by High Noon for a snap or two at their booth.
Did we miss your favorite bar with a photo booth?
Holler at us!
