My dive bar expectations were high, and to my surprise, they were exceeded. This place is a gem and I would be there more if I lived a little closer. The dim lighting, vibrant colors and eclectic decor fill this circus themed lounge. Coming through the door, you run into the bar and to your left there are booths and small tables leading to a stage. That night, the stage welcomed Arabic style belly dancers and music, making this place 5 stars for me. the staff was super laid back and the customers all seemed like regulars. Felt like I went back in time and landed in a small town speakeasy.

Totally enjoyed the vibe of this lounge! My girls and my friend Deep South Texas joined in to enjoy Jane and too Blue Band to help celebrate Jane’s Bday! Loved the friendly service and the live band! This 1970’s carousel themed place was so much fun to look at! That iconic pink elephant and greeting giraffe and vintage carousel were my. I even loved the old fashioned phone booth. We posed snd took so many ! What fun we had. I danced and met new friends. So proud of Jane and Roland and the Too Blue Band! Best Evening Ever! ❤️

Wow - what a place! I had wanted to check out Carousel because I heard about the decor. Then a holiday show popped up featuring one of my favorite Austin bands, so I just had to go. We drank soda that night and the glasses were nice and big. I can't really describe the crowd because it was so mixed, but everyone was super friendly. And seeing a show there was a huge treat - what an intimate little venue. Will definitely be back.

A cozy, out of the way bar from 1963 with a circus theme, including a pink elephant behind the stage, a carousel behind the bar, and murals of circus animals, acrobats, and clowns. A great place to see an obscure local live music act, which is why I came for the first time. Definite David Lynch vibe. Lots of people talk about keeping Austin weird, but the Carousel Lounge is really doing something about it.

A neighborhood staple since 1963!!! For ALl AGESThis is truly Old Austin!!! And old school in that it still only sells beer, wine & set ups!!! You can still take in your own liquor. (Bottled liquor only ;-) Before it was behind Oat Willie's, Oat Willie's was Chris' Liquor for decades. Open Weds Thurs Friday 3:30 until midnite. Saturdays until 1AM!!! Great live music too!!!

Classic neighborhood beer bar with great staff and friendly regulars. Evenings give way to one of the most eclectic live music programs in the city...seasoned vets trying out new projects, landmark austin bands from the past doing reunion gigs, a welcoming stage for folks looking to hone their art and craft. Across genres. Across generations. No place like it in austin.

They don't serve food. This place has been here for 60 yes on 7/7 so it was awesome to be there after it's birthday. Slow and soft, but a great place to grab a drink. Sooo historic. I took so many circus pics and the have a working phone booth. Go figure.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Depending on what you are looking for, what mood you are in, and who is playing that night, this place is great. It is a staple in Austin and I have attended so many great shows of new players in Austin. It is a neat neighborhood bar; however, if you are looking for cocktails you are at the wrong place - you can byol though.

AWESOME. This is an old-style, started in the 60s? lounge / music venue. Very eclectic local-Austin vibe, feel. They have these neat (non-functional) per booth jukeboxes, neat-o! They have beer/wine in bottles/cans, but it's BYO liquor and they request you purchase mixers/glass from them, inexpensive. Like $2-3 + tip.

This venue is small and cute. You can bring your own hard liquor and buy setups for it or buy beer there. They have plenty of seating and the bartender is great. The bands are always phenomenal and you dont have to fight for parking like most music venues. This place is worth the trip. Try a new band!

Was in the area and searched for near by bars. This one came up! I had to go see for myself. All its marked up to be. Bartender was super cool, owner came in too. I appreciate they let people play music who are trying to get going. (Good thing there's alcohol to get through some of it ) …

This is one of the most amazing and historic music venues in austin. The highway has made it a little hard to get to so there are fewer visitors but it always was a magical evening every time I've been there.
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

One of the last Bastions of Austin. The owner will not sell out to the corporate bar conglomerates and I am damn glad she won’t! Great happy hour at $2 beers and $3 rest of night. A classic Austin dive bar that was the Austin before Californiacation. Not to be missed!

Friendly staff in a fun and flexible space. If you're looking for authenticity in your Austin experience, this is a can't miss - I went to the restroom and saw 3 stickers for friends' bands that weren't playing that night. Get a Shiner and tip whoever's on stage.

Circus themed bar with live music and byob, the Carousel Lounge is a sick visit, but not the place to stay all night. The drinks are moderately priced. On a Tuesday night, a Truly hard seltzer was $4. Not terrible, not amazing. Very unique spot though!

Fun, funky, circus atmosphere. Drinks are fairly priced. I was going to see a friend's rock band and there was a belly dance show prior to the bands. Absolutely worth going to if you want to try something different that will make you want to come back.

If David Lynch was from Austin, this is where he would hang out for sure. It's a circus themed dive-bar that has legendary status in town and you're always sure to see a wild band at. Kinda essential to have gone here at least once. Just sayin'

How have I lived in Austin my whole life and not been here until recently! This place is a gem of old Austin and has been around since the 60s. Super dope dive bar vibes with cheap drinks and good local bands. Hope it’s around another 60 years!

This dive bar is a classic not to be missed! Incredibly kind and welcoming bartender. Tough to beat $2 beers over happy hour from 3:30-7:00. You’re actually allowed to bring your own liquor here and they’ll provide you with the mixers.

I didn't really know what to expect when I walked into the circus themed dive bar last night. Adorning the stage was a massive blue elephant sculpture jutting out of the wall. One of the singers last night remarked that the lounge

Drinks are cheap, the staff is super nice, and the locals are all really friendly. There is almost always some live music playing and the sound throughout the venue is usually well balanced. I will definitely be going back!

This dive bar has a nice carousel/clown theme....They do allow you to BYOB as I saw a few people with hard alcohol sitting on top of their table. The stage area is right near seating. An interesting dive bar to check out

Workers are awesome here and very helpful. Live music was great as well. If your looking for that hole in the wall atmosphere without the grime dirty feel of a hole in the wall bar...this is your spot. …

This is a really great hole in the wall. The walls are decorated with a circus theme, including the big pink elephant on the wall behind the house band. The music is good, and there was a pretty diverse crowd.

60 year old bar with a great underground stage for local performers. Definitely worth a stop by. They sell beer, but you can bring in your own liquor.
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Great little dive bar. Saw 3 Eye Raven there. Awesome show! The atmosphere is super cool and laid back. I never felt sketched out. Drinks were reasonable and staff was friendly. Would definitely go back.

This place is WILD huge thanks to Heather for taking good care of us. We came up from San Antonio with a friend visiting from New Jersey and Houston. Great atmosphere, nice random live band. Big fan.

Live music daily, cheap local beer, and BYOLiquor. What more do you want from a bar? Ambiance?? There's a giant pink elephant and creepy, wonderful clown murals too so they got you there too.

This is my new hangout. For the best selection of live music around, Carousel Lounge is the place to be. Friendly staff and a big pink elephant make this a very happening joint. Enjoy.

Man, the vibe here is incredible. We saw an absolutely terrific band and thoroughly enjoyed the whimsical Decor and the chill, laid-back vibe. I plan to come back over and over again.

A true - still standing Austin relic. Love catching music at Carousel Lounge and even loved performing their. Huge shoutout to Clutch for keeping that place together, he’s the man!

The staff here, especially the long haired guy working the bar, are unprofessional and dirty. Place needs to be cleaned.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

This place has atmosphere! Cool air conditioning, and great service. Highly recommended!
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

We have visited twice now and love that this place supports our young up and coming artists with a awesome place to rock out. Highly recommend showing them some love.

Cool club with an amazing decor inside! The staff are very friendly. They sell beer and wine, but you can bring your spirits if you like. Highly recommended!

One of Austin's older bars, open in 1963. Great local live music every night and a good bar to break in a new band. Beer and wine only but they do set ups

Great space for chilling and live music. Booths and tables. Fun decor. Huge bar area. It's a little bit like dive bar meets 50s diner under a circus tent.

BYOB. $5 setup. Kind of strange music. The guy behind the counter looked like Chad from Clarence and said he wasn't a bartender. More

This place is dirty and the staff are unprofessional. Would not recommend.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

What a weird place, but in a good way though. Only beer and wine. Mostly oldies place but they have some good live music.

Awesome, quirky, unique, strange place but with great vibes and service. Awesome prices. Live music. 100% would go back!!

Cool place, definitely got a hole in the wall, dive bar feeling. Worth a stop fir a quick drink. Live music, cool decor.

Love the Carousel! Have seen several bands there. My nephews band played there and had a great experience!

Eclectic to say the least but a good change from downtown. This place keeps Austin weird

One of Austin’s oldest dive bars that host Austin’s longest running Bellydance review!

Vintage, eclectic, weird, simple, home to cheap happy hour prices and live music!

Nice and unique little bar!!!
Price per person
$10–20…
More

Dive bar with varied and sometimes unusual entertainment.

My dad's favorite hangout. Always enjoy visiting here.

Love the decor. Needs booze!