Guides
Best Analog Photo Booths in Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide for 2026
Chicago has over 40 analog photo booths in dive bars, music venues, and cocktail lounges across its neighborhoods. Here is where to find them.
·
<h2>Chicago's Analog Photo Booth Scene</h2><p>Chicago has one of the densest concentrations of analog photo booths in the United States, with over 40 verified machines spread across the city's distinct neighborhoods. Unlike cities where photo booths cluster in one commercial strip, Chicago's machines live in dive bars, cocktail lounges, music venues, and late-night spots — each with its own character.</p><h2>Logan Square</h2><p><strong>Lost Girls</strong> (2710 N Sawyer Ave) has a photo booth near the back bar. <strong>Cole's Bar</strong> on Milwaukee Ave is a true dive with a well-worn machine that prints character-rich strips.</p><h2>Wicker Park</h2><p><strong>Bar Deville</strong> (701 N Damen Ave) is a small cocktail bar with a booth that captures the room's energy. <strong>Rainbo Club</strong> (1150 N Damen Ave), open since 1935, has an institutional booth used by generations of Chicago artists.</p><h2>River North</h2><p><strong>Gilt Bar</strong> (230 W Kinzie St) is a basement cocktail bar. The darker wood interior photographs well in black and white.</p><h2>Lakeview and Roscoe Village</h2><p><strong>Sheffield's</strong> (3258 N Sheffield Ave) has been a Lakeview anchor for decades. <strong>Schubas</strong> (3159 N Southport Ave) is a music venue — arrive early on show nights for booth access. <strong>Village Tap</strong> (2055 W Roscoe St) is a relaxed neighborhood bar with a no-fuss machine.</p><h2>South Side</h2><p><strong>Skylark</strong> (2149 S Halsted St) in Bridgeport is a late-night bar where the booth operates until close.</p><h2>Tips</h2><ul><li>Bring cash — most Chicago analog booths take coins or small bills.</li><li>Go early: lines form at popular bars after 10pm on weekends.</li><li>Verify the machine is there before you go — check <a href="https://boothbeacon.org">Booth Beacon</a> for current listings.</li></ul><h2>More Chicago Booths</h2><p>The full directory of 40+ Chicago booths spans Pilsen, Hyde Park, Andersonville, and Rogers Park. Use the <a href="https://boothbeacon.org">map view</a> to find the nearest machine from wherever you are.</p>