An Austin icon since 1963, the circus is in town all year round at the Carousel Lounge. It’s a colorful carnival-themed watering hole that’s a hit with the locals and visitors lucky enough to discover it. Elephant and lion tamer murals, plus an actual carousel behind the bar, form a backdrop for live performances.

It’s the only place around where circus-themed murals frame the bar and a very large pink elephant takes center stage. The Carousel boasts live music most nights of the week and plenty of room to scoot around the dance floor.

Go for the novelty, stay for the low-key company and local acts.

“In spite of (or maybe because of) its out-of-the-way location and bizarre circus theme — complete with elephant and lion-tamer murals and an actual carousel behind the bar — the Carousel Lounge is a highly popular local watering hole. You never know what will turn up onstage — this place has hosted everything from smaller musical acts to belly dancers.”
-Frommers

“Austin’s Carousel Lounge is in itself a timeless, arcane environment, which in filmmaker David Lynch’s better days was commonly referred to as “Twin Peaks-ish.” Dimly lit, with circus-themed decor that includes a giant pink elephant on the stage …”
-Ken Leick

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The Carousel Lounge

The Carousel Lounge

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