Hidden inside this cozy auto-inspired Davis Square cafe is one of the rarest photobooths on earth. The only one of its kind in the Boston area, Somerville’s Diesel Cafe features an old-school analog photobooth that is fully operational.
It’s so old, the only way to take photos is with a gold token, which you can redeem at the counter for $8.50. Each token redeems one black-and-white filmstrip, with four frames.
It takes approximately 5 minutes for the film to print, and about 20 minutes for the photos to fully develop! As soon as you insert the token into the slot, the camera starts snapping! Have your poses ready for lights, camera, action!
The rare photobooth, while a main attraction of the cafe, sits hidden in plain sight and easy to miss amongst the sea of pleasure within the cafe.
The walls are dressed in vintage autoshop artwork, and the vintage photobooth is nestled towards the back, between the restrooms and pool table. The expansive cafe offers ample seating, including plush red leather booths and free wifi, with a two-hour limit.
Diesel offers plenty of coffee, a delicious cardamom latte, and fresh pastries. If your sweet tooth kicks in, Diesel features an ice cream parlor using fresh, hand-made ice cream from their sister spot, Forge Baking Co. Flavors range from brown butter ginger to apple cider sorbet.
About Diesel Cafe
Diesel Cafeopened in 1999 and immediately became a Somerville staple. Guests love the cafe for its industrial vibe; the two garage door windows open up in the warmer months for a patio-like energy.
Diesel Cafe is just minutes from the Davis Square Red Line stop on the MBTA. Find it at 257 Elm Street, Somerville.