My friends were visiting from out of town and wanted to sing karaoke. I was really looking forward to taking them to Louie's! Well, they never got to sing and we left after waiting for their turn after two hours. The same 2-3 people kept singing over and over, because they were tipping the karaoke host $50 a song. My friend was going to tip to move up the list, but we can't compete with that high of tips. It was disappointing to say the least. 2 stars for it being a fun place, but I wouldn't come expecting to sing. Chicago is a big city with lots of karaoke spots. read more

I love this place but just got home and looked at my bill to divvy up charges. There was an extra 20% service charge that on the bill on top of the 20% I added for the incredible staff. I asked my friend to look into it and there a small notice on the board that says that this is a new charge not considered gratuity. It's a really lovely spot with great bartenders and amateur singers but needs to just raise prices so patrons aren't bamboozled. read more

No matter what you think about karaoke before going to this bar you will definitely love it by the time you leave. Brings great local talent to the bar also so won't be disappointed! Staff and patrons are fun and always a great social experience. I would stick to simple drinks though and they do gratuity each check 20% and call it a service charge so after a few drinks you might forget! Always busy enough to stay fun! Hard to get a song if you would like to sing unless put in early. Staff very talented and also participate! Fun ambiance! Won't be disappointed! Good times! read more

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Louie's is such a fun neighborhood spot, especially if you're in the mood for karaoke. They've got free popcorn and well priced drinks, although the inside does get crazy crowded on Fridays and weekends. Services is always great and it's generally a very fun vibe and crowd. Four stars rather than five because they charge 20% automatic gratuity. read more

$22 for Red Bull vodka!!! We will never come back! So upsetting when we know this area!

Never felt so scammed! $23 dollars for a simple vodka Red Bull. Brought it up to bartender after receipt. Bartender covered it up with buying me a shot. I don't want a shot I want a refund. Will never come back! So so so upsetting!. Horrible, we literally can't believe it read more

Went for Valentine's Day last night with my friend and HAD SOO MUCH FUN!!! Literally everyone there got so into it and it felt like everyone became friends. I also wanted to tell the gal working last night she's a queen and deserves nothing but the best! And that her voice is perfect for the song "spotlight" by Jennifer Hudson. Overall will be returning 10/10 no other notes at this time. Love ya Louies read more

TIP SCAM ALERT! Major heads up. The bartenders are so kind as to give themselves an automatic 20% tip, which is tucked in with all of your drinks on the itemized receipt. It's not called out in the payment section, by the taxes/tip section like it legally should be. The staff manually input in 20% charge in between your beers and drinks. And still give you a receipt with a tip section, but zero call out that it's already been added and hidden. Do you know how drunk people are in that bar? My tab was about $120. I quickly looked at the drinks ordered and in the middle was a $24 charge. I called it out and they claimed it was covid protection. So on top on the manually entered hidden tip they gave themselves, I'm now tipping an additional 20% on the already 20% they gave themselves. Reports have been filed with the city and will literally never return there. If you do go, do not tip. It's been conveniently entered on your behalf. :) UPDATE: since the owner rambled on how he doesn't pay his employees well and what they're doing is super legal, important to state the common sense, or maybe not for them--sales tax is not subject to tips. To be clear, they are taxing on the tip they gave on your behalf. Sooo... once again. Illegal. City can have fun with this. (As for the advertised "tip" everywhere.. bahahahahaha okay.) read more

Louie's is a great spot for karaoke, but was extremely disappointed when I closed out my bar tab. Racked up a $190, went to tip and sign off, but noticed the receipt has a "Bar surcharge" of $32 dollars. I assumed this 16% charge was a tip that was automatically charged. I scratched out my written tip and circled the $32 surcharge. The bartender had the nerve to confront me about it like I'm the bad guy in this scenario. Lady, you just charged me $32 already!! Tipped $25 to get her to pipe down and left. Long story short, don't fall for the same trick I fell for. read more

This place took the liberty of adding a 20% service charge to my $15 tab, then the merchant copy receipt they gave me showed only the subtotal. Of course, there was a line for an (additional) tip on the receipt. The only reason I caught it was that I happened to be looking at the computer screen as the bartender cashed me out. Extremely shady! read more

I have visited 4+ karaoke bars in Chicago so far, and my favorite place is here. During the most recent Chicago Sings karaoke competition, both first and second rounds were hosted here because people recognized the incomparable value this venue holds. Whether it's for a birthday party, for a night out with friends, or singing alone, it is a safe & friendly environment to say the least. Staff members do their best to make everyone's experience enjoyable too. P.S. Drinks may seem like they are on the pricy end, but you need to remember that it includes the price of you singing too! read more

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I'd rate this place between a 3 and 4. Really fun atmosphere with the karaoke. Drinks are expensive for a dive bar in this part of the city. And if you sign up to sing, expect to wait a few hours if it's busy. The guy running the karaoke moves people up and down based on tips...which I get, but he also doesn't play it fair. My friend sang and I was 9 songs down when I checked after that even tho I put in my song right after her...and I had tipped right after I signed up and she didn't. Go for the fun vibes but don't expect to sing anytime soon if you're not a regular or don't make it clear to the guy that you're tipping big. read more

I love this place it was our first time here and everyone was so fun and welcoming. Coming here after a long day at work is such a treat. And Donald the MC is such a delight to be around. He is refreshing and fun not to mention his amazing singing voice and putting up with our silly "band names" he is such a treat. Not to mention Russel the bartender and Kevin the bouncer. Everyone is so fun! We will definitely come back again! read more

Louie's Pub - Karaoke Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great karaoke! Expensive pop. Karaoke selection was good, despite several standards surprisingly not being available on their Karafun app. Not sure if that really meant they didn't have it, but I didn't ask. Yeah so I don't drink, sorry! I realize most bars have karaoke to attract more paying customers. So I always do my best to buy several drinks or food where possible. But this visit we had a birthday party and were told we could bring our own food (we had a ton of baked goods!) But the fact that a pop was nearly $4 really deterred me from getting the multipe refills I would have otherwise gotten if they'd been cheaper. All seating is bar height, but there are some bench style seats you can climb up into, so I was grateful for that (I absolutely despise bar stools, always fall off!) I was told Asia was a really fun and charming KJ but unfortunately she wasn't there the night I ended up going. Honestly I don't know the dudes name who KJ'd but he gave a kinda young Ving Rhames vibe. A little stoic and business like, but he did a great job anyway. If you want to sing a lot, the trick is going early. It starts picking up around 9. But if having a large adoring audience is why you go, you'll be fine with it! Much like everywhere else recently no one wears masks, and there doesn't seem to be any covid safety protocol. So if you're paranoid you may not like it here. I've been here before and I'll probably be back! read more

Extremely disappointed with Louie's, to be honest. My wedding was this past Saturday, 2/26, and we love karaoke & Louie's, so we had planned to go there after the wedding for an after party. I had planned ahead. I spoke with Abram over the phone to coordinate, and confirmed via email, twice, with Josh, that there would be tables reserved for my group. Lo and behold, when we arrived on Saturday evening, there were no tables reserved. I get it - it was a very busy Saturday evening. It would have been hard to accommodate us. But whoever was at the door, I think it was Josh, was just plain rude to me. I told him that we were supposed to have tables reserved, and was told not only do they not have tables reserved, but was told "they don't even do that"... when I KNOW you do as I've had tables reserved for a friend's birthday there before? And I had a confirmation email from the bar, which I attached to this review. Luckily, I figured it was going to be busy so I had a back up planned at @NorthBar a few doors down. They were more than happy to accommodate us. I love karaoke, and frequented Louie's pretty often, but I'll never be back. Getting an entire wedding after party from one bar to another and dealing with rude bouncers was an added headache I did not have on my wedding bingo card. read more

Louie's Pub - Here is my email proof that I was supposed to have tables reserved on Saturday, 2/26 - Karaoke Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

LOVE LOUIES especially Nicole and Russel!! Staff is incredible vibes are perfect a great and perfect karaoke bar

I LOVE IT HERE. Russel, Josh, and the rest of the staff are absolutely amazing. Connecting with everyone individually is such a special experience. It can def get crowded, but i think that is a testimony to how many people love this bar. Wicker Park staple! read more

This is such an amazing bar if you are a karaoke lover!! So many song options! Great drink selection! read more

Louie's Pub - two men standing in a bar - Karaoke Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The karaoke host can kick rocks. Maybe im petty but he REFUSED to let me sing Grillz by Nelly because it "is a vibe killer"...WHAT?!? Look I get it's not the best song on earth. I know it's not a classic like Sweet Caroline or Mr Brightside or any of those other overplayed karaoke songs he let slide...but come on man respect the request. Two different CREED songs were played that night (I was one of them) but god forbid we let Nelly make an appearance. I even explained that my entire extended family was there and this is kinda my thing and everyone will be super pumped and he just hit me with a "too bad". Im actually mad. I pooled together $140 and the guy still turned me down. I've never met a karaoke host so absurdly stubborn. I hope he reads this. I hope that song follows him for the rest of his life. I hope he meets the love of his life and falls deeply in love only to find out their favorite song is Grillz. Drinks are pretty expensive too. read more

This is a favorite spot of mine. The drinks are inexpensive in comparison to some of the other local places plus you get the added fun of karaoke. I will say that less common nights are the best! The staff are incredible and you're sure to have a fun time. Sing your heart out with you friends! read more

Louie's Pub - Bar - Karaoke Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been coming here for years now (7) and I always feel comfortable with the friendly staff and the great karaoke community. My favorite nights are weeknights to dodge the crowd, but weekends really bring in some massive talents. Whether you're looking to sing or watch, you'll have a blast. read more

Had such a great time. Russell is the best! If you're looking for a good time in Chicago come here!

We went to Louie's as a stop for a bachelorette party, but we ended up staying until they closed! Some things that I really loved about it was the chill atmosphere, the friendly staff, the ability to make a reservation, and (of course) the karaoke. Will definitely be back! read more

Was there for 3 hours, requested 3 songs and they only had me sing one when I tipped three different times..... They only bumped me up when I asked where I was line... Everyone had mostly left by then. . A friend who showed up an hour after me sang before I did. I been to other karaoke bars that automatically bump you when you tip. read more

Great drinks but terrible service . Complete miscommunication on all fronts led to our forced exit. Even though we were the only party encouraging fellow karaoke companions, they insisted the seating issue took presences and we had to leave the bar. The server in the cat mask was the rudest of them all!!!! I will never come here again due to the terrible hospitality! read more

BEST BAR! Russell is the bomb!!!! So good so much fun.love him the best time ever !!! read more

A group of friends and I have been coming to Louie's every single Thursday since 2017. This is our favorite karaoke place in the city. The entire service team is amazing. They've come to know us, our drinks and our favorite table. This is a dive local bar, however, they have a huge variety of drinks from ciders, beers, wines and even cocktails. A glass of wine is about 6$ and a cocktail goes for 8$. Shots are 7$ each, which is a little pricey, but I think it's the norm for Chicago. They don't have a kitchen, but they sometimes allow you to bring food from the outside. I've seen numerous groups bring in pizza boxes and sandwiches with them. They do have popcorn though, and for some reason, it is the best freaking salty, buttery popcorn I've ever had. The minute we walk in, we make sure to grab a bowl of popcorn before we head to our table. The bartenders are all friendly, fast and efficient. We've been coming here for two whole years and we've never had an issue with service. It's been consistent throughout! The karaoke is as you'd expect. You go to the booth, request a song, and get in line. This place gets really really crowded and sometimes you can wait over an hour for your song to come up, but either way, everyone is dancing around and having fun. This place seems to attract a young, friendly crowd and we we've made plenty of new friends here. It's always a pleasure to be here! See you next Thursday. read more

Louie's Pub - HAKUNA MATATA - Karaoke Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I went here for a birthday. It was very full by 8:30pm on a Saturday but I understand everyone wants to sign up to sing. The drinks were good, there's a variety. There's only popcorn available so I suggest eating before. Another thing to note, there's an automatic 20% gratuity on everything so watch to not pay it twice! Everyone was friendly but with it being so busy, people put their coats on chairs and piled in booths. I put mine on to go home and the sleeve was partially torn off due to people moving around. Please be careful since there isn't a coat check. read more

I'm a fan. It's dive-y. It's local. It's an all-for-one feel. I dig it. This is a place I could come back to on a weekly basis. They serve a wide variety of drinks, including a large list of wines, ciders, beers and cocktails. Drinks are a tad bit pricey given location, but I can almost forgive it for the lively atmosphere. Karaoke is SO insanely fun. The crowd they attract is phenomenal. Between Disney and Wicked, the Spice Girls and Madonna, there was something for everyone and never a dull moment. It does get crowded on the weekend, but they are able to hold a table if you call in advance. I'm a huge fan, so I'll definitely be back! read more

Hosted my fiancés 30th Birthday at Louie's a couple weeks ago and we had the best time singing karaoke! We originally reserved the back room and had little a hiccup that got quickly resolved by Josh (shout out to you-thank you for working with us to find a quick solution). read more

Louie's pub is the solution to the best pregame and party of the night. Good service? Yes. Good drinks? Yes. Good DJ? No. Only the best. Come here and never regret this decision in your life. Shout out to Russell, he's a good man. read more

Russell the karaoke man is the bomb & so talented. Really knows how to get the party started!

Great karaoke place! I was visiting from out of town and the vibe here was incredible. The drinks were generous. The crowd was enthusiastic. The KJ Russell was amazing. Absolutely recommended if you love karaoke. read more

This is my favorite bar in Chicago and easily the best karaoke bar! My favorite thing about the bar are the people who work here!

They bump up patrons randomly. I showed up when it wasn't really busy and waited 2 hours to sing. My friend who signed up right before me performed 30 minutes prior. They change order based on random preference. read more

Highly recommend. We come here a lot and it's never been short of a great time. A hidden gem in wicker park

evidently "karaoke bar" is code for "donald's bar" as his voice is the only one that matters. donald was the "DJ" on the night we visited. when i put my name in for a song, he said that it was 'his' song and refused to allow anyone else to sing it. ultimately we hung out for awhile and listened to donald on his power trip. if you want a bar, great spot. if you want a karaoke bar, keep looking. read more

Buyer beware!! They add a 20% service charge to your bill! Signs are posted but very obscured. My guess is that most patrons are unaware of this. Just a heads up. read more

Louie's was no doubt a good time last Friday night. There were some great Karaoke singers too but think twice about attending unless you're vaccinated. 8 positive COVID tests and counting since last Friday that I'm personally aware of. This is not to scare you away from Louie's at all but think twice before you trap yourself in any room with no ventilation and people blasting their germs into the room while singing. They were taking temperatures at the door but the inside of my palm got scanned and others shared similar experiences or none at all. Now I'm an adult - I made my own choice to go and stay, I could have left if I felt uncomfortable but I chose to stay and be entertained. Take care and be well! read more

Very fun karaoke business! Great drinks and great service. I would recommend getting here early to sing if you're into singing. It gets super packed late at night but still a fun atmosphere. Russell was a great KJ and host to us and our party. Will be returning! read more