In the age of Instagram, commemorating a night out at the bar requires multiple steps: Strike the right pose, choose the strongest image, select the best filter, add the wittiest-possible caption, and post for widespread consumption. Gone are the days of limited exposures and picking up prints at Walgreens. Yet for those who still appreciate the analog, there remains—tucked away in a handful of Atlanta bars—an anachronistic destination for print photography. Grab yourself a drink and head straight to the home of the original selfie: the photo booth.
Photo booths have come a long way since the 1920s, when the masses first started filing into them (and when it took an incomprehensible eight to 10 minutes for the booth to process eight photos). These days, most booths are digitized, offering both printed and texted photos, along with impressive lighting and image quality.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect at various booths around town:
Three Taverns Craft Brewery
These sharp and flattering three-photo strips deserve a permanent spot on your fridge. Located on the brewery’s second floor, this booth has a unique portrait orientation that allows your full upper body to stay in the shot—expanding your pose potential. Try the black-and-white option first to achieve that quintessential photo-booth look. 121 New Street, Decatur, 404-600-3355, $5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Hell at The Masquerade
Faces appear slightly elongated, but maybe the distortion is an intentional, Munch-inspired effect, given that this booth is 666-themed (stop by on your way to the underworld!). The red backdrop with black stars evokes the aesthetics of Spencer’s gift shop circa 1999. 50 Lower Alabama Street, 404-577-8178, $6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Smith’s Olde Bar
The four black-and-white shots produced by this booth pair nicely with Smith’s logo on the bottom of the strip and with the few stray stickers in the background. Consider this a memento that captures not just a moment in time but also the classic vibe of an Atlanta nightlife mainstay. 1578 Piedmont Avenue, 404-875-1522, $6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mary’s
This booth sets the mood as soon as you draw the curtain. Vintage shots of toned men plaster the booth’s side wall, providing ample inspiration for your photo shoot. Direct, measured lighting hits the golden backdrop perfectly to give you a Glamour Shots–style halo effect. 1287 Glenwood Avenue, 404-624-4411, $6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium
This booth reflects Church’s delightful sacrilege by offering a wooden confessional-box backdrop and optional choir robes. The prints could be sharper, but the clever theme encourages you to forgive that transgression. Plus, a PBR-drinking Jesus appears on-screen with the good news that “you looked dope.” 466 Edgewood Avenue, 404-522-8275, $6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Black Sheep Tavern + Oyster Room
Demanding attention as soon as you step inside Black Sheep, this prominently placed booth has a pink and blue–striped backdrop that channels the tavern’s youthful energy. While the aspect ratio appears a bit off on the prints, digital copies sent via text are well adjusted. 330 Edgewood Avenue, 470-355-3964, $6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Graveyard Tavern
The Graveyard’s booth delivers a classic black strip onto which exceptionally sharp photos are printed, allowing the images to shine with minimal distraction. Lighting is top-notch, but note that these are close-ups—maximum occupancy is definitely two. 1245 Glenwood Avenue, 404-622-8686, $5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ormsby’s
With webcam image-quality and no venue-specific backdrops, this booth initially disappoints. However, a bizarre novelty redeems the experience: Shell out $5, and your face will appear in New York’s Times Square, between Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! and Dave & Buster’s. Yes, you receive proof via email. 1170 Howell Mill Road, 404-968-2033, $3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Star Community Bar
Try to resist selecting one of the goofy themes (crazy hair, holidays, or face replacement). Adding any of those components significantly tightens the frame, effectively erasing the iconic Star Bar logo plastered behind you. Lighting and image quality are nothing special. That logo is the real star. 437 Moreland Avenue, 404-500-4942, $5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Punch Bowl Social
With a final product resembling a mediocre passport picture, Punch Bowl Social’s booth leaves something to be desired. And considering its Battery location, perhaps some Braves-themed options would be a welcome addition. 875 Battery Avenue, 470-443-1443, $5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This article appears in our September 2019 issue.
