I am interested in passing this page on to another genuine karaoke fan who wants to maintain it in a fair and impartial way. Contact me. NO DJs or people working for DJs please. Thanks!
Philly needs an up-to-date listing of currently active karaoke DJ nights and karaoke lounges run by someone who actually sings karaoke. So here it is.
If the listing has a
icon, you can click it to
explore the DJ's songbook. Pick out your songs in advance! Philly DJs, contact
me to be included in this service free of charge.
Not all venues have karaoke every week. Read the hours carefully. Call the venue to make sure there is karaoke tonight! The websites of bars are almost always out of date. This page is a much better bet, but calling is your best option.
Found an error? Please tell me. Thanks!
Karaoke DJ Nights
See below for lounges.
| Day | Venue | Location | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | McGillin's | 1310 Drury Lane (215) 735-5562 |
9pm-1:30am | DJ Joe H |
| Bob and Barbara's | 1509 South St (215) 545-4511 |
9pm-2am | DJ Sara Sherr Starts 10/3/10 |
|
| Locust Bar | 10th and Locust (215) 925-2191 |
7pm-midnight | DJ Lars Smoking |
|
| Marathon Grill | 10th & Walnut (215) 733-0311 | 9pm- | All Around Sound | |
| Ly Michael's | 101 N. 11th St (215) 922-2688 |
10pm-midnight | DJ Billy Wong | |
| The Abbaye | 637 N. 3rd St. (215) 627-6711 | 11pm-2am | ||
| Monday | Upstairs at the Khyber | 56 S. Second St (215) 238-5888 |
9:00pm-1:30am | |
| Tabu | 200 S 12th St (215) 964-9675 |
9:30p-1:30a | DJ Sara Sherr | |
| Smokey Joe's | 210 S. 40th St (215) 222-0770 |
11pm-2a | DJ Mike of Ryan Rhythm | |
| Tuesday | Trocadero Balcony Bar | 1003 Arch St. (215) 922-LIVE |
9pm-1:30am last Tues. of month | Full stage. Great for groups. Last Tuesdays only! Check site first. |
| 12 Steps Down | 831 Christian St. (215) 238-0379 |
9pm-2am | DJ Sara Sherr. Smoking |
|
| Marmont Steakhouse | 222 Market St. (215) 923-1100 |
9pm-1:30am | DJ Joe H. Starts 8/17/10 | |
| National Mechanics | 22 South 3rd St. (215) 701-4883 |
9pm-1:30am | DJ Nick | |
| My Blue Heaven | 2762 E Pacific Street | 9pm-? | Parks | |
| New Deck Tavern | 3408 Sansom St. (215) 386-4600 |
10pm-2am | DJ Mike of Ryan Rhythm | |
| Tavern On Camac | 243 S. Camac St. (215) 545-0900 |
10pm-2am | Penny Productions. Gay bar. | |
| Liberty Bar | 2204 Market St (215) 496-9797 |
8:30pm-close | All Around Sound | |
| Wednesday | South Philly Bar & Grill | 1235 East Passyunk Ave (215) 334-3300 |
9pm- | DJ Jerry Luv |
| Lyon's Den | 848 S 2nd St (215) 467-0100 |
9pm-1:30am | DJ Andre | |
| New Wave Cafe | 784 S 3rd St (215) 922-8484 |
10pm-1:30am | DJ Hannah | |
| Finnigan's Wake | 547 N 3rd St (215) 574-9317 |
9:30pm-1:30am | All Around Entertainment | |
| Barristers | 1823 Sansom St (215) 496-0786 |
9:30pm-1am | ||
| Oharas Fish House | 3900 Chestnut St (215) 349-9000 |
9pm-1:30am | ||
| McGillin's | 1310 Drury Lane (215) 735-5562 |
9pm-1:30am | DJ Joe H | |
| 5th St. Cafe | N 5th St & W Rockland St (215) 456-9324 |
9pm-1am | DJ Joey Hart | |
| Good Times 2 | 66th and Lansdowne | 8pm-11pm | All Around Sound | |
| Raven Lounge | 1718 Sansom St (215) 840-3577 |
5:45pm-9:45pm (early!) | Last Wed. ONLY | |
| Thursday | Doc Watson's | 216 S 11th St (215) 922-3427 |
9pm- | All Around Sound |
| Tabu | 200 S 12th St (215) 964-9675 |
9:30p-1:30a | DJ Sara Sherr | |
| Landmark Americana | 3333 Market St (215) 222-4500 |
9pm-2am | DJ Sara Sherr | |
| North Bar | 222 South St (215) 238-0299 |
9:30pm-1:30am | DJ KJ Alison | |
| Samba | 714 Girard Av 215 625-7900 | 8pm-1am | ||
| Sisters | 1320 Chancellor St (215) 735-0735 | 10pm-1am | DJ Suzi Nash. Lesbian bar | |
| Westy's | 15th & Callowhill (215) 563-6134 |
10pm-1:30am | ||
| Applebees | 215 S. 15th (215) 772-2790 |
9pm-mid. | DJ Joey Hart | |
| Isla Verde Cafe | 2725 N. American St. (215) 426-3600 |
9pm-2am | English and Latin | |
| Ly Michael's | 101 N. 11th St (215) 922-2688 |
10pm-midnight | DJ Billy Wong | |
| Reales Sports Bar | 7233 Frankford Ave 215-332-6374 |
9:30pm-1:30am | DJ Tom | |
| Friday | Ray's Happy Birthday Bar | 1200 E. Passyunk Ave (215) 365-1169 |
10pm-1:30am | DJ Lars Heavy smoking |
| Off the Clock Cafe | 5950 N. 2nd St (267) 968-2754 |
9pm-1am | DJ Joey Hart | |
| Luke's Bar | 2434 Cedar St (215) 634-2106 |
9pm-1:45am | DJ Joe H | |
| Saturday | Pure (Karaoke Blvd) | 1221 Saint James St (215) 735-5772 |
9:30pm-1:30am | DJ Natasha. Gay club. Cover for nonmembers. See web site. |
| Moriarty's | 1116 Walnut St. 2nd Floor (215) 627-7676 |
9pm-1:30am | DJ Bobby B smokefree |
|
| Adobe Cafe | 1919 E. Passyunk Ave | 9:30pm-2am | Starts 7/31/10 | |
| Luke's Bar | 2434 Cedar St (215) 634-2106 |
9pm-1:45am | DJ Joe H | |
| Westy's | 15th & Callowhill (215) 563-6134 |
10pm-1:30am | ||
| Downey's | 526 S. Front St. (215) 625-9500 |
11pm-1:30am | ||
| Blarney Stone | 3929 Sansom St (215) 222-5340 |
10pm-1:30am | Packed after midnight | |
| Elephant & Castle | 1800 Market St. | Sat. 10pm-1am | by Ryan Rhythm | |
| Happy Tap | 1301 E Susquehanna Ave 215 634-1123 |
9:30pm- | Lisa and Jay | |
| 2nd Place Tavern | Gaul St. and Clementine St. (215) 423-7878 |
2nd and 4th Sats. 9pm-1am+ | by y5kkaraoke | |
| Fishtown Tavern | Frankford St. and Thompson St. | 1st Sat. 10pm-1am+ | by y5kkaraoke heavy smoking |
|
| Prince Cafe | Princeton Av. and Vandike St. | 3rd Sat. 9pm-1am+ | by y5kkaraoke | |
| Leneghans Inn | 7412 Frankford Av. | 9pm-2am | keepemdancing | |
| Stevenson's Place | 4300 Comly St (215) 743-5561 |
10pm-2am | DJ Neil |
Karaoke Lounges
What is a karaoke lounge? A karaoke lounge is a facility
offering private karaoke rooms. There is no DJ, just a system you
set up yourself. The usual thing is to rent a room for the night
with a group of friends. This is common in Tokyo, New York and
other places but it's new to Philly.
| Venue | Location | Hours | Rates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakitori Boy / Japas | 211 N. 11th 215 923-8088 | 7 days 5p-2a | Lounge: $1/song Private: $30/6 - $70/20 per hr | Full- service Japanese restaurant downstairs Half price private rooms Sun-Thurs 5pm-9pm |
| New Harmony | 135 N 9th St (215) 627-4520 | 7 days 5p-10p | Private: $15/person flat rate includes dinner and karaoke | All-vegetarian menu. Dinner included. Reservations required Parties of 10-30 people |
Understanding the rates: $30/6 means $30 for a room that accommodates six people. That's an hourly rate. A "flat rate" covers the entire evening.
Philly Karaoke News
2011-01-24
No more karaoke at M.D. McGillicuddy's.
2011-01-21
Karaoke is spinning up at Luke's Bar in Fishtown, courtesy DJ Joe H!
2011-01-04
Sara Sherr is now hosting karaoke at Tabu on Thursdays, as well as Mondays.
2010-12-17
No more karaoke at O'Shea's or McGillin's on Fridays.
Folks, I don't go out singing very often these days, so please do send me updates if you discover a listing is out of date.
2010-09-19
Saturday-oke with DJ Bobby B is back in season at Moriarty's.
2010-09-17
Take off your black armbands kids— Sara Sherr Sunday-oke is back, this time at Bob and Barbara's, not a bad hike from its former location at the POPE. I'm down with it. Starts 10/3.
Friday Happy Hour karaoke is in effect at Oh Shea's PUb. 5pm-8pm on Fridays. This just might be your after-work meltdown of choice.
2010-09-08
AUGH! This Sunday is the last night for DJ Sara Sherr at the POPE in South Philly! I will be wearing a black armband this week.
On the bright side, she's starting up Thursday nights at Landmark Americana in West Philly.
2010-08-21
No more karaoke at Tritone.
2010-08-03
BEHOLD! Karaoke hath come to the Marmont Steakhouse on Market Street, Tuesday nights with DJ Joe H! Forsooth and all that. Starts 8/17/2010. Joe is also holding forth at JD McGillicuddy's on North 7th Street on Thursdays, starting 8/12.
2010-07-17
Karaoke is starting up on Saturday nights at the Adobe Cafe (Passyunk Ave location in South Philly).
2010-07-01
The unstoppable Sara Sherr will be hosting karaoke regularly Sunday nights at Pub On Passyunk East (aka POPE) starting July 11th.
2010-06-30
DJ Sara Sherr is bringing it Monday nights at Tabu, 200 South 12th Street. Karaoke continues Mondays at the Khyber under new management.
2010-06-20
North Bar at 222 South Street is alive with the sound of karaoke on Thursday nights.
2010-06-19
Wednesday night Karaoke at Lyon's Den, 848 south 2nd! Queen Village now has karaoke. This is of the good.
2010-06-04
One night only: DJ Sara Sherr at the Pope this Sunday 6/7 as part of Philly Beer Week! Beer courtesy of Bell's Brewery. Come on out to Pub On Passyunk East at Passyunk and Dickinson. With your support it might become a regular thing. 9pm-2am, 21+.
2010-05-29
No more karaoke at Raw Dawgs.
2010-02-27
All hail the onslaught of DJ Sara Sherr at PYT, in the Piazza at 1050 N Hancock St way up nolibs way.
2010-01-29
Karaoke returns to 12 Steps Down on Tuesdays, this time with DJ Sara "Karaoke that Doesn't SUCK" Sherr at the helm. Most excellent. Starts Feb. 9th, 2010.
2010-01-06
Behold: Monday night karaoke with DJ Joe H at Tritone, 1508 South St. And yet more: Thursday night karaoke at Raw Dawgs, 2nd and Morris Streets, South Philly.
2009-11-30
National Mechanics karaoke is back. They are auditioning various DJs in their Tuesday night slot. DJ Sara Sherr is spinning on Dec. 8th.
2009-11-26
No more karaoke at National Mechanics on Tuesdays.
2009-11-20
Karaoke (and live music) at Tavern 17 is extinct, alas.
2009-07-03
K. tells me that Karaoke Obscura is no more. Alas.
2009-05-07
All hail the triumphant return of Joe H to Tavern 17!
2009-04-19
No more karaoke at Tavern 17.
2009-04-07
Veronica points out there is karaoke every Saturday night at Stevensons Place in the Northeast.
2009-04-02
Karaoke at Good Times 2 on Wednesdays. Also, O'Hara's Fish House is no more. Thanks to John.
2009-03-28
John tells me that the mikes are live at Liberty Bar on Tuesday nights.
Also a big thank you to John for informing me that karaoke is no longer offered at the Aramingo Ave Applebees, Cheers To You, Coley's and Nicholas Tavern. I can't visit every karaoke bar regularly (much as I'd like to), so please take advantage of the venue phone numbers in this directory before walking all over town getting frustrated! And if you come across a listing that is out of date... tell me and help out the next guy. Thanks!
2009-03-12
I'm in the karaoke contest at SxSW Interactive! Thank you so much to everyone who voted.
Karaoke nights at Sports on Penrose and Quattro seem to be gone. Thanks to Brian.
2009-03-07
Off the Clock Cafe is karaokefied on Friday nights. Thanks to DJ Joey Hart.
2009-02-18
Tavern 17 is now a weekly venue. Thanks to Joe for the news.
2009-02-11
The New Wave Cafe in Queen Village now features DJ Hannah on Wednesday nights from 10pm. Thanks to Hannah's partner in crime DJ Sara Sherr for the tip.
2009-01-30
New Harmony now offers a downstairs banquet room for karaoke dinner parties of 10-30 people. The $15 flat rate includes dinner; it's a good deal! Reservations are required.
2009-01-15
DJ Joe H is bringing the karaoke love to Tavern 17 in the Warwick Hotel. Alternating Saturday nights from January 24th.
2009-01-05
Sing both English and Latin (Spanish rock, salsa, etc.) karaoke at Isla Verde on Thursdays. Thanks to Emily for the tip.
2009-01-04
Karaoke is underway at the Happy Tap in Fishtown, and also at My Blue Heaven. Thanks to Jeanne.
2008-12-05
Ken tells me that karaoke has kicked into high gear at the South Philly Bar & Grill, hosted by DJ Jerry Luv on Wednesdays and by DJ Lars on Saturdays.
2008-10-13
John tells us that karaoke nights have started up at the Marathon Grill and at Doc Watson's, courtesy of All Around Sound Entertainment.
2008-09-13
Chris tells me that karaoke at Moriarty's will return from summer break next Saturday, the 20th of September.
2008-07-17
Mike D of keepemdancing is DJing at Leneghans in the Northeast on Saturday nights.
2008-07-13
All Around Sound has launched a karaoke night at the Sportz Page Bar & Grill on Tuesdays.
2008-07-10
DJ Joey Hart will be spinning karaoke at the Aramingo Ave. Applebees on Saturday nights beginning July 19th. Joey also spins at the 215 S. 15th St. Applebees in Center City on Thursdays.
2008-07-03
Ly Michael's is in full-on karaoke mode Thursday through Sunday, from 10pm to midnight (10pm-2am Friday and Saturday).
2008-06-29
The Raven Lounge holds a "Karaoke Samurai" smackdown on the last Wednesday of every month. Thanks to seestagirl for the info.
2008-06-26
Tavern on Camac hosts karaoke on Tuesday nights. TOC is a gay and lesbian bar located at 243 S. Camac St. Thanks to Michelle of Penny Productions for the tip.
2008-05-25
Barristers rocks the mike on Wednesdays at 9:30pm. Thanks to chrissmari.
Although I haven't heard anything official, I haven't seen any sign of karaoke at Cebu in a long time, so I've taken that listing down. If you know different, be sure to squawk.
2008-02-24
Ryan Rhythm now offers karaoke every Saturday at Elephant & Castle at 18th and Market. Thanks to Melissa for the news.
2008-02-21
DJ Lars is now spinning karaoke at Smokey Joe's on Mondays and at the New Deck Tavern on Tuesdays, in addition to his usual Fridays at Ray's and Sundays at Locust Bar. The New Deck no longer has karaoke on Fridays.
The Philly Roller Girls are throwing a karaoke fundraiser party at Skinners, Tuesday, February 26th at 8pm. Skinners is between 2nd and 3rd on Market. Featuring DJ Lars. "Awesome prizes for cool stuff."
2008-01-12
Philly finally has karaoke lounges, also known as private booth karaoke, thanks to Yakitori Boy. This is a very awesome development. Thanks to devotdsatellite for the news. Gotta check it out ASAP.
2008-01-10
Cebu's "industry karaoke" has moved to Wednesday nights. Which means I might drop in for just one song after dancing my feet sore at Brasils sometime. Hmm.
2008-01-07
Jill points out that Pure has had Saturday night karaoke for ages. Pure is a gay club, with a cover for nonmembers. See their web site for details (I rarely recommend club web sites because they are rarely accurate, but this one is good).
2008-01-06
Karaoke at Kildares stopped in July, according to B.W., who walked 20 blocks tonight only to find this out. Ouch! Poor fella... people, please call the venue first! That's why I include phone numbers. And if you find an error, please do contact me. Thanks.
2007-12-10
I gather DJ Sara Sherr is no longer at Sals on Sundays. She's still going strong at the Khyber though.
2007-12-06
DJ Joe H is now at McGillin's on Sundays from 8pm to midnight, in addition to Wednesdays and Fridays. Yeah! That didn't take long. Come on out to support him— I don't like the way he was treated at Locust Bar.
Speaking of Locust Bar, DJ Lars is now the regular Sunday karaoke DJ there, in addition to Ray's Happy Birthday Bar on Fridays.
2007-11-26
Say it ain't so Joe: DJ Joe H is no longer at Locust Bar on Sundays. However, DJ Lars has stepped in, at least for now. I checked with McGillin's and Joe is still DJing there. You'll know more when I do.
Quattro Bar & Grill, Coley's Tavern and Nicholas Tavern have stepped into the fray, all in South Philly. Quattro hosts on Tuesdays, Coley's and Nicholas on Saturdays. Hosted by Biondo Entertainment Services. Thanks to Anthony for the news.
2007-10-29
Blarney Stone hosts karaoke Saturdays at ten. I'm told it gets busy after midnight, so bring your posse and show up early to hog the mike.
Cebu is still offering karaoke Mondays at eight... but now they have a "theater-size projection screen" featuring the current karaoke performer. Here's your chance to make an ass of yourself on an even bigger scale!
2007-10-19
Moriarty's is very definitely back for the fall. Bob is still the regular DJ, with an occasional guest DJ. My apologies for the delay in putting this listing back up.
2007-10-10
Applebees at 15th and Locust has karaoke again on Thursday nights. Thanks to Jaz P. Alternating DJs.
2007-09-26
National Mechanics now features DJ Joe H karaoke on Tuesdays! Great space and a great DJ, so check it out.
Rock Lobster is closed for the season (they will reopen next summer).
2007-08-31
Applebees karaoke is no more. Thanks to Mike H for the information.
2007-08-29
Finn McCool's is closed for renovation, and Ohara's Fish House gets underway at 9pm Wednesdays, not 7pm as previously shown. Thanks to Mike H.
Sals on 12th hosts karaoke by DJ Sara Sherr on Sundays. Thanks to devotdsatellite for spotting it.
Cebu karaoke hours are 9pm-2am Monday. Thanks to Olivar E.
2007-08-18
Cebu, in Old City, now offers "industry karaoke" on Monday nights. Not sure about the hours. Field reports welcome.
2007-07-11
Tuesday-night karaoke has started at Rock Lobster. Ace field reporter devotdsatellite informs me it's as awesome as anticipated. A big tent at the river's edge, a large stage suitable for groups. Recommended.
2007-07-10
Twelve Steps Down now hosts Karaoke Obscura every first Thursday. Karaoke Obscura offers unique, homemade karaoke tracks. "[We] make all of our karaoke tracks ourselves... music we love that we will never find at other karaoke nights. We've got everything from Pavement to the Pixies to Beat Happening to 60s Psych to the Velvet Underground." See their myspace page for a songlist.
2007-07-07
The Khyber now features DJ Sara Sherr upstairs on Mondays. Thanks to devotdsatellite.
2007-06-27
The Trocadero Balcony Bar features karaoke, usually on the last Tuesday of every month. It's a little unpredictable, so be sure to check their website first (click on "show schedule" and look for "karaoke madness"). Full stage— great for group performances. Sometimes moves to Fridays.
2007-06-25
Karaoke is coming to Rock Lobster— outdoor-tent karaoke on the waterfront with the best DJ in town! This isn't hype, kids, I happen to love both the venue and the DJ. I can pretty much guarantee it will be awesome. Starting July 10th.
Added karaoke nights at Finn McCool's and Oharas Fish House (both Wednesdays). Thanks to devotdsatellite. Also, monthly showtune karaoke at the M-Room.
No more Sunday karaoke at Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (they still have Friday karaoke).
Karaoke at Moriarty's is apparently on hiatus for the summer.
2007-05-30
Tomorrow night (Thursday May 31st) at 12 Steps Down, Karaoke Obscura will test the waters with their homemade karaoke tracks. Keith of Karaoke Obscura: "[we] make all of our karaoke tracks ourselves... music we love that we will never find at other karaoke nights. We've got everything from Pavement to the Pixies to Beat Happening to 60s Psych to the Velvet Underground." This is not a recurring thing yet, but give tomorrow's debut show a try and let me know what you thought of 'em. See their myspace page for a songlist.
2007-05-29
Applebees at 15th & Locust offers under-21-friendly karaoke on Thursdays.
Locust Bar got a smoking permit. However most people have continued to smoke outside. Holy consideration Batman!
2007-04-25
Cheers To You now offers Thursday night karaoke right on South Street. Hastings Cafe no longer offers karaoke.
2007-02-15
Kaiser's no longer has karaoke on Saturdays. Thanks to DJ Joe H for the update.
2007-01-22
University City's Mill Creek Tavern has karaoke on Mondays (thanks to Trishylicious for the info).
2007-01-17
Jolly's Piano Bar went belly-up. So no more DJ Joe H karaoke on Tuesdays.
Kaiser's Cafe now features DJ Joe H karaoke on Saturdays.
2007-01-07
Moriarty's hasn't had karaoke for a couple weeks, what's up with that? I talked to DJ Bob and found out. As a general rule they don't have karaoke at Moriarty's over the holidays. Also, they will not have karaoke on January 20th. However they will have karaoke this coming Saturday the 13th, and will go back to their normal every-Saturday schedule beginning on the 27th.
2006-12-01
Karaoke at Moriarty's starts at 9pm, not 10pm (thanks to Glen). I should clarify: it really does start at 9pm if there are more than few people there and ready to go. Otherwise the DJ waits until a few more singers have arrived. If you're bringing a whole posse of troubadors, well then, 9pm it is.
2006-11-18
Delco Karaoke's's Karaoke nights at Hasting Cafe and Finnigan's Wake have been added. Check the Finnigan's Wake calendar for occasional off weeks.
2006-11-16
RIP, 80's Karaoke at O'Neals. We hardly knew ye.
2006-11-02
Samba Nightclub added on Thursday nights. More information would be welcome.
2006-10-19
Puppet Karaoke has been added. Why oh why didn't I add this in the beginning? [Smacks forehead] By far the most creative DIY experience in Philly. Also an excellent cast of regulars brought to life by the amazing Alex Strang and crew. Visit the Puppet Karaoke site and check out the podcast videos. I absolutely can't say enough about this good craziness. See it before it's on pay cable! Bear in mind it's only on third Thursdays.
O'Neals now offers 80's karaoke on Thursday nights. With prizes for best and worst performance, among other things. Sounds promising! 2006-10-10
y5kkaraoke's karaoke nights in the Fishtown section of Philly have been added. See the Saturday listings.
Venue phone numbers and DJ website links have been added, where available. DJs: if I'm not linking to your website, it's simply because I don't have the link. Please contact me.
Moriarty's once again has karaoke on Saturdays (on the second floor). To my knowledge, Moriarty's is the only smoke-free karaoke venue in Philadelphia. Recommended.
Jolly's has left its recent location at 17th and Chestnut. For now at least, DJ Joe has relocated his Tuesday operations to Pazzo Pizza Bar at 41 S. 19th St. (to the right of the other Jolly's). The acoustics in the new space are kickass.
Westy's has karaoke only on Thursdays and Saturdays, not Tuesdays as previously reported. Possibly that's a change. Possibly my original informant was drunk. Who knows?
Getting In Touch
Philly karaoke DJs and fans: if you have updated information for me regarding karaoke venues in Philadelphia, I'd love to hear from you. Use the "Contact Us" link below and select "Other."Philly karaoke DJs: I can make your songlist searchable on this web site. Yes, for free. More fun for everyone that way. Use the contact link below to inquire about the details.
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