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Charlotte Observer
Top 15 karaoke spots in the Charlotte area — sing your heart out every night of the week
By Samantha Husted,
10 days ago
When it comes to karaoke, you don’t have to be a good singer — case in point right here. Personally, I love the unhinged, off-key performances you see from disgruntled office workers, overworked restaurant industry folk and people who very clearly need to let loose. The secret to a great karaoke performance is not pitch-perfect vocals, it’s committing to the bit — and sometimes a little liquid courage helps, too.
Across Charlotte, there are a ton of great karaoke spots. Whether you’re looking for a private room, a big stage to perform on or something a little more divey, we got you covered.
So warm up your vocal cords, have a drink or two if that’s your thing, and sing your heart out — we won’t judge. And, if you happen to run into me at one of these bars singing off-key to Gwen Stefani, no, you didn’t!
Here are 15 go-to spots for karaoke in Charlotte for every night of the week:
Bar Argon is an LGBTQ+ video lounge and dance bar that invites patrons to have fun without fear of judgment. Every Thursday, Argon hosts its beloved karaoke night, where you can sing your favorite pop hits and power ballads. Check out Argon’s Instagram for a full schedule of events and drink specials.
Ever dreamed of being the cool lead singer of a rock ‘n’ roll band? At Bradshaw Social House, a neighborhood bar near Ballantyne, you can live out your rock star fantasies by singing karaoke with a live band backing you up. While there, definitely grab a bite to eat. Bradshaw’s has a powerful menu with bar food bites you won’t want to miss.
Dish has been a fixture in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood since 2002, easily recognizable by its iconic bright yellow exterior. Recently, it introduced its very own karaoke night. Now on Sundays, you can swing by, grab some grub off of Dish’s late night menu , and sing your heart out. Dish also offers a Sunday drink special of $4 well liquors and a $6 Tito’s vodka.
Dish, a Plaza Midwood staple, has recently introduced its own karaoke night on Sunday nights. Samantha Husted/CharlotteFive
Hattie’s is well-known in Charlotte for its LGBTQ+ friendly events, diverse selection of craft beer, surprisingly large outdoor patio (perfect for cool evenings), and, of course, its Thursday night karaoke. The bar also has some vintage video games like N64 and Sega Genesis you can hop on between performances.
Walking down into Jeff’s Bucket Shop feels like descending into another realm — the dive bar karaoke universe, if you will. Its small stage is framed by a disco ball, string lights and an electric fireplace — details that perfectly compliment the bar’s divey atmosphere. Jeff’s uses an app called KaraFun, allowing guests to choose from thousands of songs to perform. At Jeff’s, the options are endless.
Lucky Lou’s Tavern is a family-owned neighborhood bar that hosts karaoke three nights a week: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. What sets this karaoke spot apart from the rest? A huge projector that displays the song lyrics. Leave your readers at home — you won’t need them at Lucky Lou’s. Check out Lucky Lou’s drink specials here.
NoDa 101 has long been a NoDa neighborhood staple. The lively karaoke bar is open seven nights a week and always guarantees a good time. What I love most about NoDa 101, is that you don’t have to perform on the stage. Once you pick up the microphone from the KJ (karaoke jockey) you can go right back to your seat at the bar. With TVs mounted strategically all over the room, you can comfortably sing from a variety of spots. But, if you want to take center stage, by all means, do so. It’s more fun that way.
Stop by any night of the week for karaoke at NoDa 101. Samantha Husted /CharlotteFive
Petra’s is best described as an eclectic bar, music venue and an art gallery, all in one. Located in Plaza Midwood, just doors down from the iconic Diamond Diner , its Wednesday karaoke has long been a beloved tradition amongst Charlotteans — and for good reason, it’s really fun! After singing, definitely take a moment to peruse the local art.
Petra’s is an art gallery, music venue and bar all in one. Its iconic karaoke night takes place on Wednesday evenings. It’s mural outside was done by multidisciplinary artist HNin Nie. Samantha Husted/ CharlotteFive
At The Rose Honky Tonk you’ll find a taste of Nashville, right in the heart of South End. The country music bar is best known for its live music, line dancing, and of course, karaoke every Wednesday. While it may be a country music bar, you don’t have to stick to country tunes. Sing whatever song you have in your heart. You can also expect half priced well drinks all night long.
The sign outside of Saeed’s Bar and Grill — a dive a few blocks away from the shores of Lake Norman — promises “karaoke” and “good times,” and, coincidentally, that’s literally all I’m here for. With karaoke every night, pool tables, ping pong and even a sand volleyball court, Saeed’s is truly a smorgasbord of fun.
The Scorpio, aka Charlotte’s oldest LGBT+ nightclub, has recently relocated — but don’t worry, its Wednesday night karaoke is still alive and well, and it’s better than ever. Hosted by DJ Quelle, karaoke night now consists of belting out your favorite songs on the rooftop of the RSVP complex, where Scorpio has found its new home.
Every opportunity I get to talk about my trip to Seoul, South Korea, I take it. Sue me. In Seoul, they have karaoke bars called “noraebang,” and they are incredibly fun. Essentially, it’s a private karaoke room you rent for a few hours with friends, coworkers or by yourself. There’s beer flowing, endless singing — it’s awesome.
But, did you know that we have what is essentially noraebang in Charlotte? At Seoul Food Meat Company, you can rent different themed rooms for you and some friends to sing, drink and be merry. Personally, I’m a fan of the pink k-pop themed room, but Seoul also offers a rockstar room, a hip-hop room and a country room. At its location in the Urban District Market , Seoul has another set of five karaoke rooms themed by color: pink, green, purple, blue, and gold.
Every Sunday, since what feels like the dawn of time, Snug Harbor — a nautical-themed music venue in Plaza Midwood — has hosted its iconic karaoke night, “Bone Snugs N Harmony.” With two stages to perform on, karaoke at Snug is no joke. If you want to sing, come early or be prepared to wait.
Snug Harbor has recently added a new karaoke night to its schedule. Now, every Thursday, you can sing after the show until the evening has wrapped up.
On karaoke nights, Snug Harbor always has two stages running — one inside and one outside. Choose your own adventure. Samantha Husted /CharlotteFive
Nestled behind an apartment complex just off of North Davidson, you’ll find Starlight on 22nd — a cultural and social venue that’s one of NoDa’s best kept secrets. Start your week off right with karaoke, hosted by Miss Lori every Monday.
Tucked behind an apartment building just off of North Davidson, is Starlight on 22nd, one of NoDa’s best kept secrets. Karaoke is every Monday. Samantha Husted/CharlotteFive
Tommy’s Pub is a beloved neighborhood bar with a long history here in Charlotte. Its karaoke night is just one of the many unique musical events the pub hosts throughout the week. After impressing the crowd with your performance prowess, you can hang out at the bar or enjoy Tommy’s inviting patio.
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