Everybody knows that Milwaukee is a music town. Take a stroll down the streets of Bay View, and chances are the majority of people you meet are either in the greatest band in the world or know someone in the greatest band in the world. And though we can’t all be rock stars, Milwaukee offers many opportunities for those of us with, well, varying levels of harmonic acumen to show off our pipes. For my more musically challenged brethren, I give to you a peek at the good, the bad and the ugly of Milwaukee’s beloved/behated karaoke scene.
New Yorker Bar
When: Every Tuesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
Where: 645 N. James Lovell St.
Why: If there is such a thing as a “karaoke bar” in Milwaukee, this is it. Dirty, loud and chock full of underagers, the New Yorker Bar is your quintessential downtown dive bar. And though it may not be ideal, it is a unique experience. With the unfortunate closing of Riverwest’s House of Frank N’ Stein last year, the dirty, loud dive bar with nightly karaoke scene is growing alarmingly thin.
Yester Years Pub & Grill
When: Every Tuesday at 9:30 p.m.
Where: 9427 W. Greenfield Ave.
Why: The Sing Your Heart Karaoke experience at Yester Years is a serious affair. This is as professional and well-organized as karaoke gets. Come for the theme nights and karaoke contests, stay for the $2 mystery shots and $1.50 build-your-own tacos.
Safe House
When: Every Wednesday at 10 p.m.
Where: I could tell you, but I’d have to kill you
Why: For the best clandestine karaoke experience in town, head on down to the Safe House. If you can find it, that is. Milwaukee’s invisible institution hosts karaoke every Wednesday in one of the city’s most unique settings. And if you really can’t find the place, then you probably don’t deserve to have a good time anyway.
Up and Under Pub
When: Every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1216 E. Brady St.
Why: One of Milwaukee’s true karaoke institutions, the Up and Under offers up one of the most truly enjoyable atmospheres in which to make a complete fool of yourself. But what sets the Up and Under apart is how non-cringe-inducing the bulk of the talent is. Some seriously talented regulars frequent the Wednesday night showcase, competing for a weekly prize and for your affection. Won’t you give it to them?
Whiskey River Saloon
When: Every Monday and Wednesday
Where: 1025 N. Old World Third St.
Why: Filling the physical void left when Bootlegger’s closed its doors, Whiskey River Saloon is also attempting to fill the void of band-less karaoke in Milwaukee. Live out your rock star fantasies by grabbing the mic and rocking out with the house band to any of the 350 available songs. And if they don’t have your song on Wednesday, come back on Monday night and try to tackle the bar’s 8,500 song collection on its more traditional karaoke night.
Frank’s Power Plant
When: 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at 8 p.m.
Where: 2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Why: One of Bay View’s up-and-coming bars also offers one of the most notable karaoke experiences. With the longer time between showings, karaoke night at Frank’s has more of an event-type atmosphere. But there’s no stage or elaborate lighting scheme here, just a microphone next to the bar.
The Highbury Pub
When: Every Sunday at 8 p.m.
Where: 2322 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Why: The Highbury does it up on Sundays. Climb up onto the big stage and let it rip to a normally packed house. But be sure to get there early to stake your claim on the set list and throw down some early tips to get in the bartender’s good graces. If you don’t take these steps, it could be a long, quiet, sober Sunday night for you.
