Donn's Depot retains its caboose bathroom after five decades

The women's restroom at Donn's Depot in Austin remains a distinctive fixture of the bar, featuring red and white striped walls, a crimson carpet, and tinsel garlands stapled to the ceiling. The space functions as a social area for patrons, with customers frequently using it to escape the crowded main bar. According to staff, the room has served as a place for breakups and celebrations, with drinks delivered directly to the lounge area.

The unique character of the restroom stems from its origins as a train caboose. The building that houses Donn's Depot was originally a train depot located in McNeil, about 20 miles north of its current site. In the 1970s, civil engineer Bob Ogden purchased the condemned structure for $300. He reportedly paid $2,000 to transport the building to West Lynn and Fifth streets, where it was reassembled and opened as the McNeil Depot Saloon.

Ogden later acquired old train cars to expand the venue. One of these cars was a caboose, which was converted into the women's restroom. Sinks were installed, and the interior was divided to create a lounge space. The caboose also contained a central pole, originally used by the train crew to access an upper deck for monitoring tracks. Over time, this pole gained a local reputation as a stripper pole, a detail that became part of the bar's folklore.

Lisa Gargas, a longtime employee, described the space as living, functional, and historical art. She noted that the fact the room used to travel on tracks contributes to its status. Matt Adelman, the bar's manager and son of the current namesake, explained that the space invites patrons to linger. He stated that unlike many dive bars, the environment encourages guests to stay and socialize.

The restroom has remained largely unchanged since its installation. Donn Adelman, who plays piano at the venue most Friday nights, recalled a specific instruction from Bob Ogden. Ogden told him not to move a cobweb, citing the principle that if something is not broken, it should not be broken. This philosophy of preservation has kept the original equipment and decor intact for fifty years.

Donn Adelman was hired to play piano when the bar opened in September 1972. He and his wife, Arlene, took over ownership six years later and renamed the establishment Donn's Depot. The bar continues to operate with the same layout and atmosphere it had upon its opening. Customers visit for the live music, which is performed six nights a week, and for the experience of the historic restroom.

The bar's longevity is attributed to its consistent identity. The building's history as a rail depot and the specific preservation of the caboose restroom create a unique environment that owners and staff believe cannot be replicated. The space remains a central part of the customer experience, serving both practical and social functions within the venue.