Cash beer bar, setups for bring-your-own boozers, old time circus motif and the craziest mash-up of live acts. What could be better? This place is raw, dirty and draws a mixed crowd--some rough, some trendy. The bands aren't always good and often mismatched, but I always have a great time. The atmosphere just works on so many levels. The crowd often changes with each act. Fans file in to watch their pick, changing the mood with their presence, matching the band's flavor. As the next band carries in their equipment and their fans shuffle in, the atmosphere begins to shift again. Those who stay behind can get swept up the transition, picking up the crowd's vibe. That's why I love this place. read more

Yeah... I was aprehensive at first, but I'm pretty sure I like this place. Alex M. said they have pinball, so I needed to check the place out. A Thursday night visit had some funky (local?) bands playing. The first act was a guy on guitar and a woman playing drums. Odd sounding and not quite my thing... So I worked my way over to the Pinball machine to get settled in. Pinball at this location (updated 10/27/07): - No Good Gofers (Williams 1997) http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=4338 Machine plays well. During my pinball games, the bands switched and a group called Attic Ted came on - Extremely weird stuff - just up my alley! Woman on Cello + guy at Hammond Organ + guy with effects boxes + Crazy Masks (think - dia de los muertos) + blind guy dancing like no one's watching = Excellent Fun! More visits are in order. read more

This Bar is awesome. Where else can you go and drop your bottle of Makers on the bar and drink till you hearts content. If you like dive bars then the Carousel is worth a visit. All domestic beers are $2.00 till 7. They open at 2:30 for those of you who like to get an early start. read more

Carousel Lounge - Crazy Decorations - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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King of Austin dive bars. Speaking as a musician, the venue's vibe is top notch. Rough that you've gotta bring your own crowd (it certainly isn't a late-night hotspot), but you also get to bring your own liquor. I dig it. read more

I can say I have only been once, but those before me inspired me to write a review. I went to see a rockabilly band, whose name I can't recall, a billion years ago. It was completely seedy and with sterile, hospital floors, and I had the best time. If you take the pretension from a bar, you take the pretension from the people. All that leaves is a medium for a good time. The beers were cheap, and I danced all night with people I didn't know and would never meet again. At least give it a one-shot deal. You only live once; mark it off the list. read more

When you're on the feeder road, look for the giant liquor store and then take a right. That nice, long, low-slung structure on the left is going to be your new favorite dive bar. Stella the cocktail waitress is indeed an amazing woman. Get a lone star from her or a set-up (for that liquor from next door). Smoking is out front, with everyone else standing by the door. But hey, gander up at that fancy font on the signage. Music can be kinda loud on country rock nights, so don't come here expecting to chitchat with your table. But with a friendly date who doesn't mind a little dirt and whispering, the Carousel is magical. read more

Tried this place for the first time last night. Its quite close to where I live, and I've been meaning to try it for a while after first seeing it on Yelp. Its a great bar, the bartender was friendly, and while it wasn't busy when we were there, it seemed like a nice crowd. One interesting thing about it is that its a "set-up" bar. This means that bring your own liquor, and then pay $2 for a mixer. It works out very cheap, and there is a liquor store right next door. The whole thing worked surprisingly well. There was also a band ("The Generals" I think?) and they were great. In particular the music was not so loud that it killed all conversation. Its cash-only, which normally I don't like, but they have a cash machine, and the drinks as so cheap that its worth not being able to pay by credit card. read more

Cash only, but there's a liquor store right around the corner if that be your flavor. Nice selection of beer (cans and bottles) and they do set-ups for the liquor you bring in. Good place to watch bands, but parking is kind of sketchy -- the spots out front are well-lit and fill up quickly (sometimes double-deep), but street parking is either non-existent or very spotty and not lit at all. Show up before live bands start and you'll see who I assume are regulars -- they seem to be there whenever I'm there, which is every couple months or so. They'll sing along to the jukebox, almost karaoke-style. Bathrooms could be better, but this IS a dive bar so credit to them for living up to expectations. Most of the patrons seem to be with the bands I've gone to see, and once all the bands leave the stage, the bar pretty much empties. Not sure how they make their money. But I still come back every few months, and have a pretty good time of it. Clientele is usually older and working class, but when bands play you get a mix of hipster, rockabilly, punk. read more

The Carousel Lounge was, just as was warned in the reviews, a setting right off the screen of a David Lynch film. I'm still fairly new to Austin, so this was my first time at Carousel. Went on week night, for Elvis' birthday and he came ready to rock with not a back up band, but a karaoke machine. How appropriate it was, though, considering the surroundings. The bar itself brought us to a street where, later, my friend would me rush to the car because we were most likely being targeted by predators of some sort (neighborhood ain't great). Anyway, once inside, you immediately see the three foot tall, working carousel behind the circle-shaped bar, vintage jukeboxes at each red-vinyl seated booth, and an old-timey telephone booth. Order your beer --but no liquor (note: there's the option of bringing your own liquor in, and they will give you bar service of glasses with ice! Something to remember for the future!). The inside walls are painted in the same drunk-dumbo-carnival-style. Then, allow your eyes to follow the vintage video games and in this case, Elvis, and you will see, holding up the back wall, a life-sized, droopy-eyed (baby?) elephant looking back at you, with a small smile on his face. It's almost as if the li'l guy is speaking to you, telepathically, "join us, stay and live at the crazy circus bar with us... stay...here...forever" and for a second you want to...The creepy is real, but endearing... the way i hate pink elephants but love to drink. My friend and I shared a few drinks each on this evening. Were we let down? At first. But, as it grew on me, the musky, detergent-incense smell went away, Elvis began to sound a little better, and pretty soon we were making plans to come back. read more

Three stars, alone, for the decor. What other bar has a dilapidated, David Lynch-esque, carnival feel to it? Where else could you be sober and still see a pink elephant? Where else can you see Canadian Stella, likely into her 70s, wear a garter and mini skirt and shake her ass? The beer is expensive, though, and they charge a dollar for tap water. Criminal! read more

The other reviews are accurate: This place is Austin-weird, in all the best ways, and that's getting harder to find these days! They do have a tiny parking lot in front, but finding street parking was easy, and drink set-ups (rocks glass with ice + small soft drink) costs $3.50. Whether that's a great value or a rip-off depends entirely on your perspective: it's pricey for a soft drink, but way cheaper than buying cocktails in a regular bar! And they DO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS, now, which is convenient! Bonus points for having a working phone booth inside... so retro! If you get a chance to see Luna Tart perform there, don't miss it! Her quirky ukulele cabaret is not to be missed! read more

Low Down. Edgy. Good cold beer. Bring and pour your own liquor. Lots of live music these days. Don't forget to set your car alarm. Bring your band and the gang for a great time. read more

What a creepy place....in a good way if that's possible! lol It is a total dive bar and not one I would go into by myself. But I came down from Houston to see a band called The Kissing Club (Jake Miller who is amazing on guitar btw) and his friend Shawn Fernando (local ATX boy who just sings his soul out for you) play and was so glad I did! We did get the "who are you stare" as we walked in but everyone was pretty nice although not overly friendly. But that's ok we came to see Jake and Shawn not hang out... :) The sound system was pretty good; they were missing some equipment that I guess was supposed to be there but being the great musicians they are the guys still played a brilliant set. There wasn't a cover charge, and the bartender told us it was a one drink minimum; not a problem! We all just drank soda as most of us were driving and they were $3.00. That's a total bargain, even if the soda was flat and weak!! But, it's a bar not a fast food restaurant so I'm not complaining! ;-) All in all it was a great place to see a small, intimate show, and I would go back for sure....just not by myself! lol read more

Fun event on December 21st. check out events.

Old Austin Dive Bar. A lot of things are broken. Has a ton of charm. We came here to see a friend's band and we arrived early to hear some of the other acts. We heard a folk/country band with a stand up bass. A punk band with a ton of energy. And a band that I could only say bordered on a Satanic Death Metal band. The bartender was sweet. The crowd was interesting. The best part about it? This seems like a normal night at the Carousel Lounge. read more

I came here to see a friend's band play. BYOBooze. They have a beer garden license (or something) so you are free to step outside in the parking lot with your beer and mingle or smoke. The decorations are pretty boss, and the atmosphere is comfortable. I remember the beer being pretty cheap. I need to go back! read more

This bar is my favorite clown bar. You'll find a cast of characters that look like extras from old Clint Eastwood movies of the late 70's (not the spaghetti westerns, but his monkey movies). You'll find a paper mache elephant and clowns and other assorted weirdness painted on the walls. There are generally friendly people working at the bar. It's a fun place to go see and hear people making music. The bands aren't always good, but occasionally, the management will give a band I'm playing in a gig, for which I am grateful. They don't take credit or debit cards, which is a bit of a bummer in this day and age, but thems the breaks, I guess. read more

i had high hopes for this dive bar but was really let down. Slow slow service and all they're doing is opening a beer, they don't mix drinks. You have to walk through the band to get to the bathroom. The people who work there were very rude. And my friend who played said he had a terrible experience working with them (unorganized, no pay for the bands) and would never play there again. There are way better dive bars in austin, don't waste your time read more

the regulars are crazy. but hey, when you cant beat 'em join right? everyone becomes like family and its just a great place to chill out when you dont want to deal with the usual downtown BS. Bring your own bottle and start pouring! read more

Great place great service at a place made for a great time. Make no mistake - if you walk into this establishment and think it's a dump - leave immediately and go to any nearby national chain like an Appleby's and drink your Miller Lite in peace. If you think it's cool - your absolutely right. Sit back and enjoy the show. Drink an extra one for me please.... read more

Hit or miss as far as the music here. Can get crowded....bathroom could use a facelift. Bottled beer or bring your own liquor....the liquor mixers are flat and overpriced. Te interior decor is pretty cool....it's carousel oriented. Worth a visit. read more

Amazing place to play. Amazing, divey spot to drink with a gigantic pink elephant. Amazing management. Did I mention this bar is amazing?

so we go to the carousel and start to walk in when we were told it was 6 bucks each. neither one of us were down because we only wanted to have a drink and leave. upon turning heal, the door lady cut us a half price deal and we settled. beer and wine only behind the bar, but i was told if i happened to have some gin in my car, i could bring it in. who keeps gin in their car!? and what kind of bar is bring your own liquor!? apparently a lot of texas bars. weird, but i would totally be behind denver allowing this to happen. think of the money that could be saved! anyway, on to the bar itself. weird. like the feeling you get when you watched the movie u turn. or any other lynch movies for that matter. circus themed, little juke boxes at the front tables, huge elephants and giraffes, and a really weird band playing in the dark and wearing jumpsuits with black light glowing stars. i'm sure i would have appreciated the carousel much much more had i known the byol rule and had a few before i showed up. read more

Mmmmmm... divey. They do live music, cheap beer, setups for your flask (or bottle), and they have a pretty sweet pinball machine. It can be kinda loud, but is definitely a good time if you like people watching and listening in on other peoples' conversations. If this is the case, definitely consider standing outside with your beverage for a little 'fresh air' even if you're not a smoker. read more

I spent every Friday here for about 2 years. The beer is decently priced, the folks who work here are great, and it's a good place to hang out with friends. I miss Stella, and yes, the bands are sometimes odd, and you do have to walk through the band to get to the little girls room, but it's all good. The other regulars are friendly, and you can buy liquor next door and setups in here. Word of advice, try not to park nearby, since my Honda's trunk badge got pried off and stolen while I was there. read more

I feel like an ad for this place would read: COME ONE, COME ALL TO THE WEIRDEST SHOW ON EARTH, ER...AUSTIN! So yeah, it's a dive bar. It comes with all the standard divey components: cash only, cheap beer, bad parking, slightly dingy decor, live music. A few distinguishing characteristics: Well, obviously the decor. A friend of ours had really talked up its "weirdness" so I was expecting something along the lines of Insane Clown Posse, but it's nothing that creepy. :) Good selection of beers for the price. Cheap set ups for your byol. Good bartender: he was pretty quiet, but nice and not ironically judgmental of our non-hipsterness; just doing his job and minding his business. We got there fairly early, so there was no haze of smoke outside the door, but I could see that becoming a problem later in the evening. The band this particular night was country western, and lots of people were dancing. The sound wasn't great: it seemed like they had the lead singer's mic too loud, but there was of room on the dance floor, which is more than I can say for certain other legendary dive bars around these parts. The game was on, which we appreciated. Yeah, it's dingy, but behind the bar looked clean, and that's what counts in my book (for the record I didn't visit the facilities so I can't speak to that). Their web site has a calendar of shows which should be helpful in the future - I appreciate knowing what to expect at a bar. I probably wouldn't have been as impressed with this place if there had been a ska band playing that night. Dive bars are my favorite, but if that's not your scene...chances are you won't really like this place. read more

Carousel Lounge is the ultimate dive bar! Walking in the door is more like entering portal to a WEIRD WEIRD alternate universe. The place is decked out in timeless circus themed decor and pink elephants! Snuggle up with your sweetie in one of the little red booths, or enjoy some music with your friends in a table closer to the stage. The Carousel is a "set-up" bar, so you can bring your own liquor and they will sell you the mixer & ice. The staff is friendly and waiting to welcome you to the party. I love this place! read more

I am new to set up bars and Carousel is one of my favs. I guess I am a new regular since I am there the first Friday of every month. A comfortable dive bar, with friendly regulars of all types. Conversation comes easy, music is fantastic, liquor store next door if you run low, and a dance floor to boot. This place is as "real" as it gets. Goodbye yuppies, hello neighbors. read more

down and dirty bring your own booze. pink elephants and circus paintings. this is right by my old college apartment. god bless E. 52nd st. they sell u the setup for $2. (that's the glass, ice, and mixer for all you yankees.) why did I ever leave TX?? read more

Funny, funky place in an older neighborhood with bizarre circus decor. But the neighbors were very friendly and didn't hassle us for parking in spaces intended for another business when we went to hear a friend's band play. The beer is cheap even if the service is a little slow. But what can you expect when you have one girl tending the entire bar while 100 customers invade the place early on a Friday? And at least she did so with a smile and said please and thank you and apologized for the wait. They have several of the mainstream American beers, some Mexican ones and two microbrews-one from Texas and one from Louisiana. I was glad I knew this ahead of time so I wouldn't be disappointed that I couldn't get an IPA or Stout. The decor is standard "dive bar." It smells funky when you walk in, but you get used to it after a few beers. :) The sound system is plenty loud and the regulars didn't seem to mind us invading their space for a few hours. The "manager" came in right before our group left and I would say he's not the friendliest person in the world, but who goes to a dive for good service, right? If I had been going here to actually have a night out (I wouldn't have because I always go to the Whip In,) then I would have been disappointed. But thanks to Yelp, I knew what to expect when we went to hear our friend's band play, so I'll give them 3 stars. If you drink too much beer and need to go to the little girl's room, plan to walk through the band or have someone stand watch while you use the guy's bathroom. Just a warning. :) read more

Carousel Lounge - Changing bands - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

If you're into sterile, meat-market warehouse district bars, this place is so not for you. I've been going here since the mid-90's, and I consider it in my permanent roster of favorite dive bars in Austin. Pluses: away from downtown, great kitschy 60's circus decor (please, if you don't get kitsch, don't come!), nice barstaff, super cold beers, wide variety of entertainment, and an otherworldly feel. Minuses: kinda sketchy neighborhood. I have fond memories of Jay, the blind organist with his wobbly voice singing old standards, and Stella, our recently departed sparkly hostess with the most amazing outfits, Best looking septagenarian (sp?!) I've ever seen with an attitude to match her flaming red hair. I've played shows here oodles of times, and the staff is super sweet. If bands play at night, they are allowed to have their own doorperson and charge what they want, which is why you may go there and have to pay a $6 cover, perish the thought. (come on! austin musicians are NOT rolling in dough, people!) I hope this place is around for a lot longer, but when I read people's comments like it needs a fresh coat of paint, I worry. That's like painting over the Sistine chapel. Well, maybe not that dramatic, but hey, it's from the 60's--it's great creepy art and inspires strong reactions. I love it. read more

A beautifully furnished bar with interior and exterior murals on the walls. It is a seedy dive bar which turned hipster and then returned to dive bar status and comes up for air here and there. Good place to see and intimate performance, cocktails wine and beer make this residential area bar attractive. read more

Wish you could have less than a single star. 20 minutes at the bar waiting for a set up and gave up and went elsewhere. Felt like we where crashing a private party. The liquor store next door is closed now so unless you like beer and wine need to plan ahead. Maybe even call in your drink order. read more

Any bar painted to resemble a trippy circus sideshow and allowing byo alcohol (not beer as they serve beer and wine only) deserves 4 stars by me. The live music ranges from good to bad which is the only real turn-off at this cozy bar. read more

Carousel is a great place to unwind after work. The wait staff is attentive and enjoyable to connect with. Drinks are cheap and set ups are allowed. Would have given them a 5 but sometimes there is bad music or super loud regulars (some but not all-many will even buy you a beer!) Will continue to go as long as it is around! read more

Carousel Lounge is a little different for me but a fun place none the less. The circus motif throws me since I'm not much for the circus or fairs. Very mixed crowd with old and young. Just stop by and give it a try. It is bring your own liquor so plan ahead or plan on drinking beer. read more

I do not like the clown paintings on the side of this place, but this is an alright little squeeze. Historical, dark, charming --- it's one of those old vestiges of mid 20th century America that encourages you to abuse the sauce. Hell, bring your own bottle of booze (they'll sell you nothing but beer or vino), buy a cup of ice for two bucks, everybody wins. The mens room has ancient "prophylactic machines" --- rusty, unafraid, and most likely 50 years old. Carousel's jive too. They let a bunch of bands I'm friends with and a part of play for free Tuesday. And because I played, the bartender gave me 3 free beers! That's class. I wish this place was a little bigger and also didn't close at midnite, but other than that it sails. Also, unlike the Poodle Dog Lounge (old place up North Burnet that shares Carousel's BYObooze penchant), Carousel Lounge doesn't weird the shit out me. Poodle Dog's too weird and old manish. Oxygen tanks and race cars on TV. read more

Carousel Lounge - Clowns - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Not a bad spot... ghetto surroundings so make sure to lock up your car and hold your pepper spray tight. But they have cheap beer and mixers for you to BYOL. You just can't beat a place that lets you bring your own booze! read more

One of Austin's last remaining, legit locally-owned dive bars. The aesthetic of this place can't be beat, and I've gotten to enjoy it for years from two persepectives: professional musician and audience-goer. If you want to catch acts you'll never here of otherwise, come on out. If live music isn't your priority, come for the "bring-your-own-bottle" policy. If you just want to hang out and drink in a chill place, come for that. If you want to dance your butt off (with or without a partner--no one's judging here), you can do that too. You might even find yourself dancing to music unlike anything you've heard in your life. Electro-clash, trip-hop, punk, and neofolk? Yes, please! If you love diversity and a good vintage carney vibe, you will love Carousel. Interesting historical fact: most of the memorabilia inside comes from two families, the owners and the Perks family, each of which go back at least 5 generations in the circus arts business. If you don't love Carousel on your first visit, don't fret--your second visit could be totally different. read more

Great spot for live music! It's funky, bright, and alternative. $3.50 for a set up. Very friendly staff.