If your idea of a fun evening is belting out some of your favorite tunes, Atlanta has plenty of karaoke spots with a nearly endless supply of songs from which to choose. Depending on the location, you can sing in front of the entire venue or book a private room for just you and your friends.
We’re talking about destinations where enthusiasm is your only requirement and skill is strictly a secondary matter. If you need to share your version of “Livin’ on a Prayer,” pick up the microphone at these spirited gathering spaces:
Credit: Photo courtesy of Joystick Gamebar
Credit: Photo courtesy of Joystick Gamebar
Joystick Gamebar
At Joystick Gamebar in Atlanta, Jarrett Hayes tends bar and also serves as karaoke host. From Thursday through Saturday, you can have fun singing your favorite tunes from YouTube as Hayes cranks up light and smoke machines to add to the atmosphere.
Different age groups like to participate, he said. “I have friends in their 40s that are doing their thing, but I’d say most are in their late 20s to early 30s.”
Somewhat surprisingly, he said, young people like to sing along to many relatively old-school favorites, including “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers and " … Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears.
While some people are confident, others start to get very nervous and falter midway through their song. When that’s the case, Hayes can provide some singing assistance.
427 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-525-3002, joystickgamebar.com.
Fam-Fam Karaoke
Reserve a private room, each of which is built like a studio with custom walls to dampen the sound and rearrangeable furniture. You’ll be able to choose from more than 50,000 songs, and if you want something to eat or drink, you’ll need to bring your own. Several different size rooms are available, ranging from ones to accommodate six to 10 guests and ones that can fit 20 or more. Saturdays in particular usually fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to reserve three to five weeks in advance.
364 Nelson St. SW (first floor), Atlanta. 404-748-1655, famfam.family.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium
Credit: Photo courtesy of Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium
Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & pingpong Emporium
With a name as unique as this one, you’d probably suspect that this destination’s karaoke experience would also be something out-of-the-ordinary, and you’d be right. Wednesdays are karaoke nights, and participants put on choir robes and sing from behind a pulpit as they’re accompanied by an organist. You’ll need to follow a lyric sheet, but don’t worry if you get lost, since freestyling is encouraged.
466 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-522-8275, sisterlouisaschurch.com.
Chaplins Bar and Grill
For more than 30 years, Chaplins in Roswell has invited guests for karaoke, which it hosts nightly. In between songs, you can munch on items from its extensive menu, which includes burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, tacos and more.
555 S. Atlanta St., B-100, Roswell. 770-642-6981, chaplinsbarandgrill.com.
Karaoke Melody
Reserve a private karaoke room and you’ll have access to more than a million tracks in 14 languages, so you’re sure to find some of your “go-to” songs — and some completely off your usual map. The venue also offers a full bar as well as a menu with plenty of American and Japanese favorites.
7130 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta. 770-825-0080, karaokemelodyllc.com.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Impulse Lounge x Karaoke
Credit: Photo courtesy of Impulse Lounge x Karaoke
Impulse Lounge x Karaoke
Book a small, medium or large private karaoke room at this Norcross location, and order from its food, drink and hookah menus.
4771 Britt Road, Suite E-7, Norcross. 678-218-3883. impulseloungekaraoke.com.
Punch Bowl Social
Head to The Battery Atlanta for karaoke as well as plenty of games, including bowling, arcade favorites and dartsee, a high-tech update of traditional darts. Shareables are available, as well as craft cocktails, craft beers and wines. You’ll even be able to choose from some mocktails if you’re observing Dry January.
875 Battery Ave. SE, Suite 720, Atlanta. 470-443-1443, punchbowlsocial.com/location/atlanta.
Friends on Ponce
Sing hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s, 2000s and R&B favorites with DJ KSquared every Tuesday night from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
736 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-817-3820. friendsonponce.com.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Moondogs
Credit: Photo courtesy of Moondogs
Moondogs
Choose from thousands of songs ranging from old-school classics to current chart-toppers and hit the stage. You’ll need to buy a drink from the karaoke bar to sing, and it can be nonalcoholic or alcoholic, if you need some liquid courage.
3179 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. 404-231-4201, moondogsbar.com/karaoke-bar.
Metro Diner & Bar
With all-day breakfast and an extensive dinner menu that includes burgers, sandwiches and heartier fare such as steaks and pork chops, this venue offers plenty of sustenance to keep your karaoke going. Sing every night from 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
229 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-577-1420, metrodineratl.com.
Credit: Anitra Isler
Credit: Anitra Isler
Our Bar
The vibe is relaxed and welcoming at Our Bar, where, as it says on its website, you can “just chill and you’ll fit right in.” Karaoke nights are held on Sundays, when you can sing tunes with themes such as alternative music on one night and trap vs. twerk on another. Hookah and food are also available, along with drinks.
339 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 678-929-8380, ourbaratl.com.
Sing Sing Suites
Sing in a private suite in a house from the 1910s in historic downtown East Point. You can have food and drink catered by craft restaurants with the help of the venue or bring your own.
2849 E. Point St., East Point. 404-449-7787, singsingsuites.com.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Mics Karaoke
Credit: Photo courtesy of Mics Karaoke
Mics Karaoke
Reserve your choice of 11 private rooms, each with its own vibe including one that’s meant for grand occasions and ones that are for romantic celebrations and family gatherings.
6035 Peachtree Road, A208, Doraville. 770-462-8888. micskaraoke.com.
Mary’s East
The self-proclaimed best gay bar in America, this East Atlanta venue has more than 15,000 songs available for you to sing.
1287 Glenwood Ave. SE, Suite B, Atlanta. 404-624-4411, marysatlanta.com.
SuBourbon Bar & Seafood Restaurant
This Kennesaw spot has karaoke and a DJ on Mondays and serves craft beers, cocktails and a seafood menu until 2 a.m.
2718 Summers St., Kennesaw. 770-726-2163. subourbonbar.com
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