Karaoke in Lakeview and points north (Lincoln, Hamburg: neighborhood, school, live in)

[squishy506]

I'm looking for a fun place for karaoke in Lakeview or north of it along the Brown or Red. I used to go to Trader Todd's all the time, but now that my friends and I are all in our 30s, the frat boys at Trader Todd's (not to mention the lack of elbow room) leave much to be desired.

We like going out on Friday and Saturday nights, but I've only heard of karaoke for the older crowd on weeknights, like Maryoke at Mary's Attic/Hamburger Mary's. Is there a hidden gem or new karaoke spot not yet discovered that might be a match?

[marothisu]

Trader Todd's is one of the worst bars on the planet.

Anyway, do you want private karaoke or ones with public space? There is a place called Lincoln Karaoke which is a more Korean place. It's north of the Brown line so not directly on it, but it gets you closer.

[SCCP]

If you are interested in a close (both in terms of location and environment/demographics) substitute for Trader Todd's, but with more elbow room, check out Blokes & Birds two blocks away on Clark, downstairs, Friday and Saturday only. I'm not very familiar with karaoke places on the North (non-NW) Side, so I can't come up with a good 30+ crowd spot.

[Jorge Bueno]

I'm not a Karaoke enthusiast, but if I were you I would check out Lincoln Karaoke with your friends, it's a Korean Karaoke joint. This place is fun with a big group of friends, the drinks are cheap, and you get a private mirrored room with projectors and special lighting/lazer effects, and a couple microphones. Not good for mingling with strangers, but it eliminates the "frat boy" factor by 100% and if you bring shy friends they are much more likely to try singing. There are actually a lot of private room Korean karaoke style places around the city, especially in the Korean and Chinese areas.

Of course you may be looking for a much more social atmosphere. It seem like there are bars all over the city that have a karaoke night. Blue Frog is a popular dive bar on Huron and Lasalle that is easy to get to from anywhere via the el or bus. I wouldn't describe Blue Frog as fratty at all, maybe more hipster or something.

[deefeste]

Dear god, whyyyyyyyy?

[flamadiddle]

Originally Posted by deefeste

Dear god, whyyyyyyyy?

Different strokes for different folks. Lighten up Francis!

[squishy506]

Thanks, I'll look into these.

[DoubleMakers]

Jorge gave you the best advice. Lincoln Karaoke is where you want to go. It's definitely not a walk-in establishment, more of a place a large group will book a private room several days/weeks in advance.

[squishy506]

So, if I can't walk in and have a karaoke night, there's no karaoke?

[eating while walking]

If you're looking for something a bit more low-key, take the 77 bus west to Alice's Lounge at Belmont and Central Park. The place starts filling up around 10 on Friday and Saturday night, and Karaoke begins at 1030. The crowd is a lot more relaxed and less aggressive than at a typical Lakeview gathering of the douche bags. It's funny because the karaoke crowd is total hipster, but there's always a row of old school neighborhood guys watching a game at the bar. Come here if you enjoy drunken (but not obnoxious) hipsters belting out classic 80s-90s pop songs.

As an aside, where are all these White kids in Alice's coming from? I am mystified cause they sure don't live in the surrounding neighborhood which is like 80% Mexican and 20% middle aged Polish people.