Karaoke is an art form. Whether you belt it out in your car or you are a professional singer in a band just looking to let loose, karaoke welcomes one and all. It’s accessible. Where else can you pretend to be Beyonce? Or the Talking Heads? Whatever your taste in music, people will cheer you on. From private rooms to rowdy stages & packed bars, here is a list of the best karaoke bars in Denver.
1. Armida’s
Armida’s, photo by Lindsey Bartlett.
Armida’s defines karaoke spots in Denver. This old-school Mexican restaurant turned two level karaoke bar is a classic spot for the best singers in town. Friday and Saturday nights boast an awesome crowd, high energy, relatively affordable drinks, and a great selection of songs both old and new. They have a boast-worthy stage that gets your adrenaline pumping.
Party Tip: Think of the song you want to sing before you arrive. The book (with a primarily older song list) may overwhelm you.
2. Ogden Street South
Ogden Street South, photo courtesy of Ogden Street South on Yelp.
Friday & Saturday nights pop off at one of our favorite Cherry Creek area dives, Ogden Street South. The weekend nights at Ogden Street South are home to one of the funnest karaoke spots in town. The most welcoming atmosphere, and less intimidating for most first timers, you are always sure to get a song or two in. This karaoke night has a cult following and you will definitely get used to the regulars, and their song choices.
Party Tip: Don’t sing Bohemian Rhapsody anytime before midnight. If you do, be prepared to hear yells from the audience, “Too soon!”
3. Punch Bowl Social
Punch Bowl Karaoke, photo by Lindsey Bartlett.
The brand new Punch Bowl Social karaoke rooms are the best and most private experience. They have an amazing, modern list of songs and service from the bar & food menu. Plus, if you know a song you’d like that isn’t in their catalog, they can find and download it for you for your next visit! This is the way karaoke is traditionally done in Japan– just you, your closest 5 friends in a intimate room, with a microphone. It is the most comfortable for first timers and rates are really affordable. A group of 1-5 people costs $25 per hour, 6-10 $35 per hour.
Party Tip: The room is great for a first date, a girls night, a bachelorette party, and really those are just a few of the times when it’s better to have the private room! This is the way karaoke was meant to be heard.
4. Charlie Browns
Charlie Browns bartender serving up some love, photo by Delmy Gooch
Charlie Brown’s is a Denver staple. Everyone knows this cool Cap Hill spot will give you a free $20 bar tab on your birthday. But did you know on Sunday nights karaoke starts at 9:30 p.m? You can’t go wrong with this karaoke bar in Denver, one that oozes a jazz era vibe, has a really popular, wrap-around patio in the summertime, and opens it’s arms to the best & the worst of singers for it all. Leave your hangups at the door. 980 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203
5. Blondie’s FireHouse Pub
Punch Bowl Karaoke, photo by Lindsey Bartlett.
Blondie’s is a hidden gem karaoke bar off of Hampden and Santa Fe in Englewood, or what we like to call the “Deep South Denver”. Blondie’s has an amazing staff and a great stage for singing, but is usually less crowded than the other karaoke bars on the list. Plus, the “firehouse pub” offers great value in specials, like a $2 Happy Hour from 4-7 everyday, & Fireball shots for $3. With a nice selection of contemporary and the classics, everyone can find a song worth singing. Karaoke is on Saturday and Sunday nights this month. 3435 S Inca St, Englewood, CO 80110
6. El Charrito
El Charrito on a busy Karaoke evening, photo courtesy of DJ Rytz.
El Charrito’s is the definition of a shit show. Since 1962, this crowded LoDo dive karaoke spot will have a huge wait, but for good reason. Enjoy the large stage and dance floor to support your friends on the mic. Plus, it’s awesome location in lower Downtown really makes it ideal for a bar hopping night. Get ready for some heavy metal and serious rockers at this karaoke night! Friday and Saturday nights they have Karaoke, courtesy of DJ Rytz of Cracker Studios. 2100 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205