Best Chicago Karaoke Spots
Finally the warmth of summer has arrived! Warm temperatures and sunny skies have boosted the energy of Chicagoans who are ready to sip, savor and sing their nights away. What better way to spend a hot summer night than karaoking with friends? Belting Jay-Z's "99 Problems" with a bunch of people you don't know? Yes please! Check out the city's top-rated karaoke bars.
Blue Frog Bar & Grill
676 N LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 943-8900
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2am
Sun 11am-8pm
Sat 6pm-3am
www.bluefrogbarandgrill.com
This gem is the absolute definition of a dive bar. Blue Frog offers a relaxed, fun atmosphere, along with karaoke, a full menu of items to munch on, and a shelf stocked with board games. And even better, Blue Frog offers impressively cheap brewskies. With select bottles as little as $2.50, it's a great find for the area! Other highlights: bingo night on Mondays and the kitchen's signature "Straight From Hell Kick Ass Chili."
Sakura Karaoke Lounge
234 W Cermak Rd
Chicago IL 60616
(312) 326-9168
Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 6 pm - 2 am
Thu 9 pm - 2 am
www.sakurakaraokelounge.com
Newly remodeled Sakura Karaoke Lounge, just steps from the Chinatown red line stop, has a very modern, club-like feel. A great place to rent a private room and sing your heart out! Sakura's martinis are delicious and a steal for $8. While its selection of songs isn't as extensive as other karaoke bars in the city, the Sakura experience is well worth the trip. But be warned: there is an alcohol minimum for private rooms.
Trader Todd's
3216 N Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-3250
Hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–2am
Sat 5pm–3am
Sun 9am–2am
www.tradertodd.com
Trader Todd's is one of Chicago's best known karaoke bars, and it lives up to its reputation. The tiki bar, conveniently located just off the Belmont red line stop, offers daily drink deals under $6. A beer garden in the back offers a retreat from the tunes and hot, rocking bodies when you need it. Insider tip: DJ will take bribes.
Lincoln Karaoke
5526 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 895-2299
Hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 6 pm-2 am
Sat 6 pm-3 am
www.lincolnkaraoke.com
Lincoln Karaoke is for the big dogs – the real-time karaoke goers. With private rooms for parties up to 30 people, the bar is equipped with flat-screen TVs, plush sofas, wireless microphones, and a full menu. Keep the spot in mind for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday bashes, or just a fun Saturday night! Hourly rates range from $30-45.
Friar Tuck
3010 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-5101
Hours: Mon-Fri 2 pm - 2 am / Sat 2 pm - 3 am / Sun 11 am - 2 am
Friar Tuck's Facebook
Friar Tuck, located in east Lakeview near Belmont and Broadway, is a well-kept secret of Chicago. This self-proclaimed "old fashioned Cheers-style pub where everybody knows your name... or at least tries to" has a great energy. The booze prices are certainly affordable with $5 mini pitchers and mixed drinks under $6. The best part about Friar Tuck? You can actually get a chance to sing! So break out your list of must-sing songs and start greasing up those pipes!
Honorable Mentions
Alice's Lounge
3556 W. Belmont Ave
In Avondale and open till 4 am! They do Karaoke Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check them out on yelp.com!
Hamburger Mary's
5400 N Clark Street
They do Karaoke every Wednesday in their "attic." Check them out at www.hamburgermarys.com.
