Address: 1110 East 52nd Street
Website: www.carousellounge.net
Even though it’s been open since 1963, people all over Austin are still “discovering” the Carousel Lounge. It’s a place near and dear to me, since I bartend here. What I love about working at Carousel is that I get a good mix of regulars and newbies, I get to listen to a vast variety of live bands and it’s a come-as-you-are kind of place. People don’t generally come here to show off. It’s a casual, friendly, eclectic atmosphere…so you can leave your sparkly rhinestone jeans at home and save those for the Domain.
Outside and inside, you’ll find a circus-themed dive bar and music venue. Part of the experience here is peeping all of the stuff inside. There’s the full-size phone booth (which does work!), the funky carousel decoration behind the bar (which lights up but no longer rotates), the giant pink elephant on the stage, the vintage tabletop jukeboxes in our booths (which do not work but make great decor), plus all of the cool murals and artwork you could ever want and could never see anywhere else.
About the bar: we serve beer, wine, cider, prosecco, White Claws and setups for your own bottle of booze. That’s right – Carousel is one of 2 or 3 bars in Austin where you can bring your own bottle of liquor and purchase a setup of club soda, tonic, ginger ale, cranberry juice, Coke, Diet Coke or Sprite. So, bring your friends and your bottle and make your own party here. Notes: You can’t bring wine or beer. You can’t do shots. Additional N/A options include Topo Chico, Waterloo flavored water, RedBull and O’Doul’s. The beer list can change depending on supply or seasonality, but there are options for almost anyone’s taste. There are no taps – just bottles and cans. But you’ll find several local beers in stock at all times. Happy hour runs until 7pm, you can score $1 off domestic beers and all wines before then. You can order food for delivery to the Carousel Lounge if you’re hungry. If you just want a quick bag of chips, ask your bartender what they have in stock.
About the music: I highly recommend checking the website to see who’s playing. Look up the band’s social media to see what kind of music it is. You’ll see ear-crushing death metal bands on one night and two-steppin’ country the next. We have the occasional teenage band play an early show (they’re usually exceptionally good) or it could be a group of guys who’ve played garage rock together for 50 years. I’ve heard some of the best psych rock music in Austin here as well as some of the best shoegazey stuff. Some nights are for singer-songwriters, others are for covers. There’s a small dancefloor space, if you’re so inclined. One of the longest-running bellydancing troupes in Austin plays here once per month. Live music is usually available nightly from Wednesday through Saturday. The bar is closed Sunday-Tuesday.
Pro tip! Most newbies to the Carousel Lounge CANNOT find the ladies room. It’s located behind the stage, so walk toward the left side of the stage, then behind it, and you’ll find two doors with toilets behind them. The men’s room is located on the opposite side of the bar – near the phone booth.
The Carousel Lounge is owned by Nicki Mebane, the daughter of the couple who opened the place. Nicki has kept this Austin institution operating for a long time. She loves giving the stage as a chance for so many aspiring local musicians to perform. She treats her customers and staff like family.
For more photos of this venue, find + follow me at https://instagram.com/austinunderbelly
