Oh, alcohol and singing out loud in public – could any two activities go better together? With a little liquor to loosen the tongue, sharing a mic with a few good friends becomes one of the better ideas one can have before closing time. From board games to arcade games to drag shows, plenty of bars across Philly offer their patrons far more than overpriced pitchers and over-produced DJ sets. Yet when you’re in the mood to croon, there’s nothing better than a good, old fashioned karaoke bar to round out the night! Looking for a stage on which to showcase your vocals? Look no further – we’ve highlighted the top karaoke bars in Philadelphia!
Yakitori Boy (211 N 11th Street) – We couldn’t possibly kick off this list with any other venue. This Chinatown hotspot not only offers an upstairs bar with a karaoke machine, but boasts multiple private rooms that guests can reserve in which to throw their own exclusive parties. Yakitori Boy is also Philadelphia’s only authentic izakaya, a drinking establishment that serves Japanese tapas (“Japas”) and small bites to accompany the beverages. What this means is, it’s a karaoke bar first, but their extensive menu has everything from half sushi rolls to skewers of meat that can satisfy the most ferocious drunk munchies.
Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar (1200 E Passyunk Ave.) – South Philly plays host to a number of highly favored neighborhood dives, and Ray’s is a standout selection. This feel-good bar does karaoke every Friday night in their backroom beginning at 9 p.m. with a little help from South Philly mainstay DJ Lars. This classic joint has been around for over 70 years, so expect a wildly diverse, not to mention seemingly intimate, audience of fans and friends. There’s no cover charge (*cough* there’s also no ban on smoking indoors), so this setting is a goldmine for those Friday nights when you just need to let your hair down and belt one out.
National Mechanics (22 S 3rd Street) – This Old City fave is always super crowded and always a good time! Nat Mechanics takes a leaf out of Ray’s book, also scheduling weekly karaoke sessions at 9 p.m. with no cover charge. Bring your best friends out here on Tuesday evenings to make your work week a little more interesting! If you strike out, we guarantee there’ll be a fantastic selection of consolation brews at the bar.
Moriarty’s (1116 Walnut Street) – A solid,Irish pub is one drinking establishment that every group of friends can agree on. Moriarty’s is a definite favorite among Philadelphians, who return again and again for the friendly service, the bustling and highly decorated atmosphere, and of course, the wings. On top of all that, on Saturdays starting at 9 p.m., their second floor is transformed into a casual karaoke spot. A duet with a side of fries? Don’t mind if we do.
Franklin’s (3521 Bowman Street) – Out of Center City proper, Franklin’s is a reputable pub located in East Falls. This bar has plenty to offer, from their rotating craft beers to the misting fans on their outdoor deck and an ambitious number of weekly events on schedule. Following poker and wings on Mondays and quizzo on Tuesdays, Wednesday nights are dedicated to the art of karaoke. As you might have guessed, songs start at 9! Pluck up your courage with $3 Dos Equis cans and $4 Sailor Jerry Rum drinks and you could walk away the winner of a Dos Equis cooler.
Xi’an Cuisine (120 Chestnut Street) – For those who prefer to channel their inner diva or rockstar in a more private setting, Xi’an is the place to go. This beautiful establishment only opened in 2014, but is so elegant and revered, one would think it an Old City mainstay. The bar is on the ground floor, the second floor is dedicated exclusively to dining, and the third floor to singing! There are three large rooms there to accommodate private groups for an hourly fee. Our recommendation? Reserve space for a big group of friends ahead of time and come hungry for their infamous Chinese burger!
Where is your favorite place to perform in the city? Let us know your go-to spot and karaoke song or duet of choice in the comments!
