Gilt Bar provides authentic black-and-white photochemical photo booth sessions in Chicago, Illinois, United States, preserving classic analog darkroom chemistry. Hidden in the basement speakeasy down a staircase; captures black-and-white shots; takes card and cash; note that it does not have a countdown timer. Mentioned on Reddit as having an analog/film booth.
Opening hours for Gilt Bar: Monday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM. Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM. Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM. Thursday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM. Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM. Saturday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM. Sunday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM.
Gilt Bar
OperationalChicago
Gilt Bar is listed as operational in Chicago, Illinois, United States at Gilt Bar. Black and white strips, Under $5 per strip, cash only.
Location & directions
230 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, Illinois, United States
41.88928, -87.63511
Telemetry
- Cost
- Under $5per strip
- Format
- B&WAnalog
- Hours today
- 4:00 – 10:30 PMopen now
- Payment
- Cash Only
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Tariff
| Photo strip | Under $5 |
|---|---|
| Payment | Cash Only |
| Format | B&W |
Listed price · confirm at the machine
Knowledge base
Frequently asked questions about Gilt Bar
Is the photo booth at Gilt Bar still working?
Yes, as far as we know. We last checked on May 18, 2026. If you turn up and it's out of order, tap "Report an issue" on this page so the next person doesn't waste a trip.
How much is a strip at Gilt Bar, and can I pay by card?
Under $5 for a strip. Cash only — bring coins or small notes.
Is Gilt Bar a real film photo booth or a digital one?
Real film. Prints are black-and-white, developed with real chemistry inside the machine, so expect to wait a few minutes for the strip to drop.
Do I need to book, or can I just walk up to Gilt Bar?
Just walk up. It's a coin-op booth, not a hire service — no booking, no attendant. If the venue is open, the booth is on.
How many photos do you get at Gilt Bar, and how long does it take?
One strip of four shots in black and white for Under $5. The machine takes the four in quick succession, then develops the strip on the spot — usually three to five minutes before it drops into the slot.
What time can I use the booth at Gilt Bar?
4:00 – 10:30 PM Mon–Sun, 4:00 – 11:00 PM Fri and Sat. The booth is inside the venue, so those are the hours that matter.
How do I get to Gilt Bar?
It's at 230 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, Illinois in River North. Use the map above for transit, walking or driving directions from wherever you are.
Can I get into Gilt Bar with a wheelchair or a pram?
We haven't checked access at this venue. Classic booths have a fixed bench and a curtain, so the booth itself is a tight fit; the venue's own access is the thing to ask them about.
What if the booth at Gilt Bar is out of order when I get there?
It happens — these machines are decades old. Scroll to "Nearest booths" in Chicago for the closest alternative, and tap "Report an issue" so we can flag it for everyone else.
When was Gilt Bar last checked?
May 18, 2026, by us. If you've been more recently, mark it visited on this page — that's how we keep listings honest.
About
Hidden in the basement speakeasy down a staircase; captures black-and-white shots; takes card and cash; note that it does not have a countdown timer. Mentioned on Reddit as having an analog/film booth.
Hours
Monday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM
Verification
- Status
- Operational
- Last checked
- May 18, 2026
- Source
- Time Out Chicago
- Classification
- Analog
- Listing updated
- May 18, 2026
- Photo signals
- 1