I went here for the first time on Halloween night and generally had a fun time, but I have a bone to pick with the choice of karaoke songs. I was dressed as Dolly Parton, and the only Dolly song available was "Islands in the Stream." OK, fine. I checked to see if my other favorite duet was available -- "Hunger Strike" by Temple of the Dog (I sing the Chris Cornell part) -- no go. OK, not really a karaoke mainstay. Then my friend dressed as Robert Smith from The Cure discovered the song book's utter lack of ANY Cure songs. Three strikes, you're out, Louie's catalog. I do enjoy not having to stand on a stage to sing, and I met several friendly patrons. I'd go back. But Cure denied? Pshaw! read more

What keeps me coming back to Louie's night after night is not the song selection or the drink specials, but seeing the same crowd working and singing week after week. It's nice to feel like you're a part of something. Also, they have popcorn. read more

The place is nice, it's true. Fun atmosphere. Here's the thing: The owner, the OWNER, gave us fake tens as change. We tried to get them replaced and they told us we were trying to give them fake money. The bouncer was very nice, very understanding, but the owner was insistent that we were trying to pay with fake money. I'm not sure what kind of place this is, but be VERY CAREFUL if you wander in here by accident. Apparently the owner is a crook who will try to launder his counterfeit bills on customers. DO. NOT. GO. HERE. read more

This is a fun bar but if you are there on a Saturday expect to wait three hours to sing a song. I had to remind the girl. Also a guy farted near me and made it hard for me to breathe and sing. read more

This is a really fun karaoke spot with reasonable drink prices. My biggest gripe though is that once the regulars start showing up they push everyone else to the back of the singing line. I'm fine with being pushed because there are new people who haven't sang yet, but when you see someone else sing three times before you get to go again that kind of sucks. I'd definitely be back more often if they would keep the singing order more of a first-come-first-served situation. read more

Fun place to go, gets super packed after 10pm or so on a Saturday. Karaoke and unlimited free popcorn, what's not to like? And the people who work there are super talented singers, I'd go just to listen them sing! read more

Love the vibe but the best part of the night was our bartender Justice!!! All around a class act and will keep me and the girls coming back week after week!!! Great crowd with amazing vocals!! Josh made even the amateur wanna be's feel empowered and welcome read more

The staff at Louie's Pub is very friendly, attentive, and they take care of their regulars. They have one of the most extensive offerings of craft beer in wicker park, if not the city. Endless popcorn and entertainment is also part of the package Louie's provides its patrons. Probably the best karaoke bar in the city in terms of talent on the mic, beer offerings, and service. read more

Had a GREAT time last night. Johnny & Angela, thanks for the drinks! Justice is a great person to have behind the bar. read more

I'm from the East Coast, so we LOVE karaoke! My sister is an avid Karoaker (is that a word? LOL!), and she took me here on Sunday night. we had a blast. I didn't embarrass myself by singing Prince songs. Okay, I did. My sister is a regular here, so she told me about Hawk, a cute black guy with dreadlocks to his bum who runs the Karaoke night. She says he's an amazing singer, and trust me, we tried ALL NIGHT to get him to sing. He was so busy dealing with drunks, he didn't have a chance. Maybe next time. Overall, we had a fun night out. Drinks were priced good and the crowd awesome -- save for a few obnoxious people who thought they were the only ones worth singing. Throw a tip in the jar and hand over your song list, wait to be called, and you're ready to go. I will definitely be back, and this time I'm doing some Beatles! LOVED this place and the free popcorn. read more

Went here with about 4 friends. It was at capacity, so the bouncer/doorman made our group stand on the side of the building (in the rain) until some people left. We then watched about 10 girls walk up to the door and the bouncer let them in, no questions asked. This happened repeatedly for about 5-10 min - us standing out in the rain while girls went in with no wait. We questioned the bouncer and he would not give us an answer as to why we had to wait but no one else did. We ended up just leaving and going elsewhere. Terrible experience, and I couldn't even get in the door! Definitely never going back. read more

I come to Louie's regularly but tonight the DJ was trifling. We were 9 in a bar of 30.... on a Tuesday night and it took over an hour and a half for us to get a song in (a group song, FYI) while some people got to sing 2-4 solos. Never had an experience like this before and am disappointed in what Louie's had to provide tonight. Caution to those who are not Caucasian or a friend of the DJ's. read more

Louie's Pub - As you can see; Everyone has started leaving because the DJ would only call her friends - Karaoke Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Bartender was beyond rude. The bar was packed and I was closing out my tab and the bartender sat and watched to see what I was going to tip her. She didn't agree with what I tipped her so she argued with me saying I should give her more. I've never had a bartender do that. read more

JUANITO! Nobody else matters but Juanito. He's very attentive and sweet to every customer. Thanks Juanito for the amazing service!!

This place is AMAZING! their beer and wine selection is impressive and they pass around free popcorn during karaoke time!

This is one of my favorite dive bars, many great memories here! The best part, no matter how horrible you are at karaoke, they won't take the mike out of your hand! Great place, service, atmosphere and popcorn! read more

Went to this bar last night for karaoke. Great beer selection and bartenders! Karaoke was so much fun and they give out complimentary popcorn! I CAN'T BELIEVE I HAD NEVER BEEN?!!! For sure going back read more

I came to this bar with a group of friends for a birthday. My friends were parking so I went in before them. They were taking a while so I told the bouncer that I would go get them. While I was inside I hadn't uttered a single word. When I returned with my friends who hadn't even been inside yet, the bouncer rushed out and proceeded to tell us that we were not allowed in. When I asked him why he could not give me a real answer because he didn't have one. I was so appalled because he had never seen their faces before but was so adamant that we weren't allowed In? I asked him multiple times was the issue was and all he could do was stand in my face and tell me because he said so. Immediately after I left a review on google because I genuinely feel that we were treated unfairly. Come to find out the review I left has mysteriously disappeared. My friend also left a review and the "owner" left a rude comment telling him that he was a liar. The owner says that it's a "minority owned establishment" but I couldn't help but notice that we were the only black people there. I can't speak in reference to the owner but I know for a fact we were treated wrongly by the bouncer. If the "owners" would like to contact me in reference this to this review then feel free! A shame. read more

Just call me a Karaoke Queen. No, I'm not skerrd to kick a little Welcome to the Jungle, GnR style. I have a terrible voice, but I commit to the performance, complete with fist pumps and hair swings, a la Tawny Kitaen in those Whitesnake videos. That's what karaoke is all about, folks. Since Bucktown has become more and more like Wrigleyville South, Louie's has an influx of THAT crowd, so you'll need to get over it. Or come on a weeknight. It's far less crowded and just as awesome. Tips to making Louie's work for you: 1. Call ahead if you have a large party. They'll secure a few tables. 2. CASH ONLY. But there's an ATM. 3. It's always extremely hot. Don't worry. Everyone else is sweaty, too. 4. Have fun. Shamelessly sing Paula Abdul and Whitney Houston hits. If you have fun, the crowd will have fun, too. XOXO Louie's. You're the best. read more

Nicole is the best all around. Her voice changed me. Thanks for the great service. But the experience was so unreal.

Louie's is a very special place. Depending on what you're drinking, it can be very cheap. They always have a decent (not great) special, and its moderate at most unless you get crazy. It's usually either crazy crowded or really dead. They do karaoke everyday. It can be a little intense, but the general atmosphere is fun. It's a really fun time as long as you don't take it seriously. read more

I always have a fun time when I'm at Louie's Pub. It truly is the "place where friends meet" as the sign suggests. From the inexpensive drinks, to the lively karaoke, you never know what will happen! One minute a bride-to-be is singing "Like A Virgin", then a 50-something Mexican dude named Fernando (Louie's version of "Norm") belts out "Living on a Prayer". Truly a sight to behold! Between the staff and the regulars, Louie's hosts quite a cast of characters. But don't let the fact that there are regulars scare you off - every bar (especially karaoke bars) has groupies! Louie's is the kind of place that welcomes all types of singers - the good, the bad, and the fugly. It's all about having fun... I had my birthday here last year and it was a blast. The KJ made it a great night - I sang a lot and she even backed me up on the songs I was a little timid too try. The location is easy to get to by blue line or bus. Street parking is ample - during the week. And since the booze is cheap, my friends were ready, willing and able to party til closing time. Just remember to bring cash, they are a cash only bar. Listen, I've been here every different night of the week for karaoke. Here's the deal: if you want the chance to sing multiple times, go on and off-night, like a Sunday or Tuesday. You will sing a lot (sometimes too much) if it's dead... If you go on a Friday or Saturday, expect to wait or not sing at all - thems the breaks kid... And that's true at any karaoke place on the weekends... I went to Trader Todd a few months ago, put a song in right when I got there, and never got to sing. Did I swear to never return, go home, write a scathing review, and cry about it? UHM, NO! I've been back several times since. Just know what you're getting in to when you go out on the weekends. Anywhere on the weekends... And as far as I have seen, the KJs at Louie's try their best to create a fair rotation. If you are waiting a long time, just talk CALMLY to the KJ, they are usually receptive to nice, calm requests and will do their best to get you up to sing. But if you are a repetitive, demanding, drunk a-hole, you're not going to sing. Think about it: they are sober, you are not. Be nice, not a jerk. Don't whine. No one's perfect... Not even you! Look, I hate when I read super negative comments on here, about any place. If you don't have anything nice to say... you know... At the end of the day, Louie's is all about cheap drinks and karaoke. That's it....They aren't curing cancer here, so let's just lighten-up and have a can of PBR at the place where friends meet. Cheers! read more

This is the most fun I've had in a long time. True, it's a younger crowd, and they can be a little drunk and obnoxious, but that's ok. The KJ, who I think is Nicole, was fantastic and had a great voice! This isn't a dive-bar at all; the people were mostly dressed very nicely and the doormen were more friendly than some I have seen. They don't serve food, but we had a pizza delivered and it was no problem. They have a good assortment of beer on tap and in bottles and a fairly good selection of liquor. The bartender, Natalie, was outstanding! She was fast, efficient, friendly enough to make everyone comfortable and in general just fantastic at her job. The owner, Abe, was pleasant, though I didn't speak to him very much. Juan, the barback, was busier than anyone else and really did a knock out job of having the bar stocked and glasses clean. He deserves a raise. We didn't sing, although they have an impressive karaoke selection and the books are distributed throughout the place. They use an automated pour system there for all the drinks, which keeps the drinks tasting exactly the same no matter who makes them. That provides consistency, but it seems to slow down the process of actually getting your drink a little. On a side note, the restrooms were spotless. That's impressive. Negatives: The only real negatives that I can point out are the system they use that takes a picture of your ID. I'm not sure why they do it, but I almost walked out rather than have it done. It's just not something I feel comfortable with, though I can't say that it would make me not come back. The other is that the "regulars" seem to genuinely think that they own the place and make it difficult to get a drink sometimes by monopolizing the bartender's attention. Summary: This is a great little bar,and the best karaoke bar I've been to in the city. I will definitely go back. read more

I have never experienced such terrible service at any bar in my life. I would give this bar 0 stars if I could. Minutes after arriving into the bar with a group of 7, I was told to either buy a drink or leave by the bartender. Others in my party had ordered already, I was the DD. He yelled at me and told me that people were lining up to be in the bar (no line) and kept harrassing me instead of taking care of other customers. This is no way to treat people. I would highly recommend going to another karaoke bar. read more

karaoke is fun. i don't sing, but i love to watch my friends and other strangers sing their hearts out. hawk the host was awesome. the crowd was a typical karaoke crowd. the drinks were OUT OF CONTROL EXPENSIVE. i shouldn't ever have to pay $5.50 for a goose island. and the drinks were weak and $6 a pop...if not more. not worth the money...even for a 60-something hispanic guy singing "you give love a bad name." read more

Fun atmosphere for karaoke but I submitted a request for two songs near the start of karaoke, and it's been over two hours and I have yet to sing. Multiple people have sang 2-3 tunes. I asked when I'm scheduled to sing, and the organizer said I'm still 6 songs away. Don't know how it can get this disorganized. read more

Just go and ask for Hawk. If he's there, you're in for a night you won't soon forget. If he's not there, leave promptly.

The staff is perfectly fine, however multiple times I have come here because both yelp and google say this place is open till 3/4am, and they're kicking people out at 115am. Either they close early every weekend or they refuse to update their online hours, this is an extreme annoyance for me to pay for an Uber to arrive and be kicked out read more

Karaoke Saturday! Cheap drinks with great locals. Bartenders are very friendly and always aware of the customers - way to go! Bouncer was a cool guy as well and you get free popcorn with your drinks! Definitely hanging out here more often read more

This was our last stop of the night of a Karaoke-themed bachelorette party. While the KJ was totally cool, when I asked the bar tender (and manager) for a water he told me, "we're out of water." In disbelief I offered to fill my glass up with tap water in the bathroom but his response again was, "we are out of water." I could not for the life of me understand what was happening. Finally he said, "you can't just come in here and eat my popcorn and order water!" Even after I explained that everyone in our party had ordered a drink already and that I was happy to tip for water, he still refused. I even went as far as to take a picture of all the girls holding their drinks and came back to show him. Still he refused to serve me water. He then asked if I had been "over-served" I am not sure where he was going with that. If I was, then that is even more reason to give me a glass of water. Though I think he meant it as a threat to throw me out. He did then say I needed to order a drink or leave. I would be interested to know if he broke any laws with this interaction. I was in a difficult position because I didn't want to cause a scene and leave the party, but I really didn't want another drink, (it was almost last call) and it was warm in there and I really wanted water! It was a really upsetting and frustrating experience. Worst of all, it was the manager that I was speaking to! There was no one else to ask. And BTW, if you don't want people to come there and eat popcorn, then DON'T SERVE FREE POPCORN! As much as I love Karaoke, I will not be returning to this bar. read more

One of the most entertaining places I've been for karaoke. The TV screen has the lyrics on every TV, so it's all about audience participation, and not just the karaoke-er. The best part was the mic was cordless, so the performers were all wandering and dancing around and singing to random strangers. My vodka tonic was cheap, but strong, and there was plenty of room in the back to accommodate our party of 15ish, when we arrived at around 11. Definitely fun. read more

The folks running the karaoke booth are disgruntled and rude. Don't consider talking to them unless you want a dickish response. Maybe it's company policy? read more

This place is a nice hangout, even if you go by yourself. They have Karaoke on certain nights, I think they still have open mike on Wed. nights. Their moto is "Where Friends Meet" and it's very true. read more

Just tried to go there for my bachelor party and they told us they were closing 45 minutes early. Clarified with the bouncer that it was 1:15 and he was a jerk about knowing the rules because he'd worked there for 12 years. Don't waste your time here, just go to Estelle's where they're open when they say they are. read more

Meh... Louie's I can take it or leave it. The best thing about Louie's was that it was 5 buildings away from my place. Now that I've moved and its over two blocks away I'm not sure how often I'll go. If you're looking for karaoke this is a pretty good place since they have it every night. The bar can get pretty busy and sometimes has a strange mix of people. You get the few people that wonder too far from Damen / North Ave and you also have the old men sitting at the bar. They have decent beer specials and a pool table in the back room. read more

Not a big fan of Karoake but it's in the neighborhood, drinks are good, the price is right, it accepts credit, and it stays open as advertised. Although closed Mondays, I know I can stop in for a drink at midnight on any other night of the week and it will be open.. the light will be on like Motel 6 in those radio commercials from the late 1980s. read more

Hole in the wall...fun...great DJs...wonderful bartenders...relaxed environment.

i don't know if it was the semi-large amount of alcohol i drank before i came here, but i had a great time. watching short men dance to nsync and girls singing country songs is the best way to spend a wednesday night. not sure what it's like on the weekend... but its worth trying once or twice. for me... probably more than that. oh yea.... $1 Schlitz read more

They have a pretty large song selection. Drinks are pretty good, except I think beer is a bit over price in this place. The space is pretty small, I'll definitely come and laugh some more here. read more

I knew something was amiss when I ordered a Guinness and the pour came out like a stream of water. There was no head and tasted like garbage. When we gave the bartender a heads-up that the Guinness was dead she gestured another bartender over to taste it and he said it was fine which is complete bullocks. Stick to bottles here or avoid the place altogether. read more