Whether your project demands raw grit, retro allure, or authentic Texas eccentricity, you’ll find the perfect backdrop in the historic venues located on the property of The Devil’s Backbone Tavern. From our prohibition-era bar, to our authentic 1940s Texas dance hall , to “The Velvet Pearl” 1930’s cottage, to our meticulously restored 1940s Sinclair Station, we can guarantee our spaces have a little bit of it all.
Ready for your next iconic shoot? Read more about our spaces and browse the galleries below to see more about the individual spaces. Hit us up via the contact form at the bottom of the page to arrange your exclusive scouting tour and frame your next iconic project against our one-of-a-kind backdrops.
The Devil’s Backbone Tavern
Welcome to Texas’ oldest dive bar. Since 1937, The Devil’s Backbone Tavern has been a continuous witness to tales untold, retaining its rugged charm and timeless authenticity. The structure originally served as an 1800’s stagecoach stop, along with a holding jail that you can still peer in to this day. The inside of the bar bears the marks of the many patrons who have crossed its path throughout the years, from names carved in tables and scribbled on dollar bills stapled to the ceiling, to the ashes sprinkled in the floor boards from the old cowboys who called this place home.
The Dance Hall
True Texas dance halls are an endangered species, and we’re proud to be home of one of the few. As The Texas Dance Hall Preservation Organization puts it, “Texas dance halls are about family, history, romance, and a way of life.” We kept all of those things in mind during our restoration of this historic space in 2018. Originally built in the 1940’s, you’ll find that our dance hall boasts all of it’s vintage charm, with just the right amount of Backbone flavor.
The Sinclair Gas Station
To the right of our Tavern, you’ll find our authentic 1940’s Sinclair gas station. Outside, a pink cadillac bedecked with steer horns marks its territory and an illuminated sign welcomes you to the “Chuck Wagon Drive Inn”. Inside, you’ll find three rooms, three bars, velvet paintings, a working vintage jukebox, and a bathroom reminiscent of “Sling Blade.” You can also find one of the original countertops from Threadgill’s in Austin, and rumor has it that Janis herself sat there.
The Velvet Pearl Cottage
Tucked up on a small hill behind the dance hall, you’ll find The Velvet Pearl. Built in 1935, this three-bedroom, 1 bath cottage retains all of its original charm. Inside, you can find wood-paneled walls and retro furnishings, ready for you to film as-is or easily transform for any set.
The Courtyard + BBQ Shack
Behind our Tavern and gas station, you’ll find a tree-covered courtyard and an old-school barbecue shack, placed next to a beautiful overlook of the Texas hill country.
Exterior
More Good Times at The Backbone
