Louie's Pub is the best Karaoke Bar in Chicago by far. It's the most fun you'll have in the city. Russell (the guy who runs karaoke) always makes the night better by running the show and dropping an occasional Sinatra! Could not recommend more. read more

What a wonderful place to have a party! The most pleasant staff ever, always keeping up with us, great selection of booze. Outstanding back room for parties, and karaoke as a bonus! Been having private parties here for over 7 years, nothing but compliments from my guests! read more

I really want to like this place. I really do. But it's run out of chances for me. The bartenders are charming and nice. Always wonderful. However, there is something going on with the way they do karaoke. I've been to a lot of venues that do karaoke, it's something I do every week. But I have never waited so long to do a song at any other place. Wait time is literally longer than two hours, and I've left two out of the three times I've gone for this reason after seeing I'm still ten spots away (another hour). And seeing the same people do several songs. I always tip the DJ after a song, but the ONLY time I've actually been able to sing a song here I had to tip $15 after waiting for two and half hours to just get to the third spot. Pretty expensive for a divey spot in wicker. Disappointed. I'll go do my other spots and not listen when my friends want to go here anymore. read more

Dope ass party with the dopest DJ Russell!! Thank you for showing me and my visiting party the BEST time! we'll most certainly be back!

Tried to go here last night with two other guys and a girl. We were told we'd have to wait ten minutes because they were at capacity. Ok, fine. Thirty seconds later, four girls walk up and are let right in. I asked the bouncer what was up with that and he said "oh they're with a party." The girls didn't mention anything about a party. They were let in because they were four attractive girls and we had guys in our group. What is this, a scene from the Mask (starring Jim Carey, not the one with Eric Stoltz) or a Night at the Roxbury? Pretty pathetic policy on their part. I won't bother them with my business again. read more

Cons: karaoke system didn't have that RuPaul "Covergirl" song. Pros: security guard was really aggressive about checking IDs at a brisk pace and seemed to glow with hate for me despite my having said nothing to him. Makes ya feel alive! read more

Russell did me a super solid tonight! Didn't know what to sing, he helped me read the crowd and knock it out of the park! Best DJ! Nicole remembers your name-- and drink! Always been a favorite place that makes me feel like I'm walking into Cheers! read more

Will never return despite the cleanliness, good selection of brew and free popcorn. Here's why (Two reasonable gripes): 1. Bouncer/door guy incredibly rude. 2. Put in request for karaoke. Even tipped the guy for just taking my request. (Big mistake. Don't tip here 'til service has been received.) Long story short, we sat for two hours watching multiple people go up multiple times for karaoke. After all that time, my friends and I just got up and bounced. Employees waved goodbye. Super rude, super unprofessional. read more

Came even before Karaoke started. We requested a song to sing and after 2 and half hours we obviously were skipped. I don't want to pull the race card, but we were minorities and I have a feeling that's why we were never picked. Probably won't be back here for a long while. BROWN PEOPLE BE AWARE!!! read more

A fun karaoke spot with friendly patrons, but a frustrating karaoke staff. It definitely feels like a dive bar, but it is *much* more expensive than a typical dive bar. Perhaps unsurprising given the neighborhood. Also very disappointed in how they manage the karaoke process. It's clear they value their regulars or hefty tips to get on the karaoke docket. We put in songs and had to wait a few hours to get called. We eventually went after chatting with some regulars who put in a good word for us. Overall, I still had a great time and enjoyed the other people we met. I'd probably stick with other karaoke bars in the city, but if you can become a regular here it would probably be a great weekend staple. read more

"Don't Stop Believing" is definitely a karaoke staple so I wasn't surprised to hear a version done by a chorus of guys with too much hair gel (though I was surprised to hear it as far north as Louie's Pub) midway through a visit as part of a mini-Yelp event organized by Kyle H. But when this was followed up by yet another Journey song, I realized something - this must be the place that siphons the chads and trixies away from the other karaoke bars of the city. But that's not the real problem with this karaoke bar. It's nostalgic and very entertaining to hear pop songs dug up from the early 2000s and sung by people for whom these were their glory days. No, the issue is that you'd think a bar that's centered on karaoke would be a fine oiled (karaoke) machine. But it's not. Catalogs are hard to come by and relatively slim. There were a lot of re-starts to songs when the wrong numbers were programmed in. And in much of the incredibly long bar, the song being sung couldn't even be heard (though in some cases, admittedly since this is karaoke, that was a good thing). In the parts near the stage, there was a crowd that was unmanagable. It seems as though they set up the karaoke stage in the slimmest part of the bar. Though I do have to say that the ability to go into the crowd with a cordless microphone while you're singing is a nice touch. It seems like on a less crowded day, it would be a great place to go on a weekday with less open karaoke choices around the city. If I lived in Wicker Park, I might even frequent this bar. That is, on nights where I could handle the primary element of which Saturday isn't one. read more

What a gem! I've passed by Louie's a bazillion times or so but, until last night, never ventured inside. I thought, "Karaoke every night? Meh. It's probably one of those seedy places that's always dead." Yeah. I was so wrong. I was (once again) passing by Louie's last night on my way to another place but, for some reason I still haven't quite figured out, this time I decided to stop in for a drink. Suffice it to say I took off my coat and stayed a while. Like, until last call. The bar became packed around 10:00 and the crowd is just... fun! And diverse. And friendly! And the karaoke DJ was a p.h.e.n.o.m.e.n.a.l. vocalist herself. Bluesy, sexy and very talented! To say that I stayed until closing time says a lot. I tend to be an early bird when it comes to leaving bars but I was having such a great time that I didn't want to leave. read more

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES! Since my last review of Louie's the place has made a HUGE change for the better. They're still cash only unfortunately, but the song selection has dramatically improved. All the songs I couldn't find before are now in the book plus a lot of current hits. Finally, Louie's has gone digital which means no lag due to changing CDs between songs. This is now my go-to place for making an ass out of myself. read more

Two karaoke bars in two weeks? What the heck is going on around here? Someone must be drugging me or something because going here last night was my idea (though granted, we were in the neighborhood, it was someone else's previous good time that I went off of, and I forgot karaoke was a factor). It was crowded but the bathrooms were clean and the crowd was having a good time. I'd like to go back when the karaoke machine is broken, but if you're into that sort of thing you may enjoy yourself. read more

Cure for Stage Freight: A welcoming bar. I am blessed with the opportunity to perform fairly regularly. Even though I sing a good amount in front of people, I still do get nervous from time to time. But what I could never understand was this: Karaoke...scared...the...living...shit...out...of...me.... Until Mandy P. dragged me to Louie's. This is the homemade mecca of melodic mayhem. I instantly felt at home and I did something I never did before - I sang a BUNCH of songs. Sometimes at bars, I'll coyly get in a song or two, pick at the song book like a plate of unwanted and unsavory vegetables to a child, but here I couldn't stop. They had a great selection from oldies to new stuff, even Tool and Tori Amos which is weird for a karaoke joint. And I was daring. I went beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone. DJs like Hawk make it easy. Friendly, encouraging, and by God has a great voice. He does Purple Rain like no other. Is it just me, or do places usually host the cutthroat, competitive type? I don't get this vibe at Louie's. There are a lot of good singers, but they seem to be very fun and encouraging. Louie's does bump up the regulars like a lot of places do, but get in early, or try a Tuesday night and you may be able to sing as much as your heart desires. Or even better, put in for a duet with Hawk himself. Since Louie's, I can sing karaoke wherever and whenever I darn well please. Thanks, Louie's. :) read more

I actually love this place. But it annoys me. I like that its karaoke. Who doesn't love that?? Also they have cheap drinks and free popcorn. Again I ask, who doesn't love that?? What annoys me is that the MC running the show for karaoke apparently accepts large tips that allow the same patrons to sing 10 songs before I get to sing my 1 that I've finally gotten drunk enough to get the courage to submit. I've left so many times without my name being called after being there for HOURS and submitting my name before it got crowded. Also, the crowd as the night progresses can be a bit sketch. But I guess you'll have that. read more

Gotta love the trash bar on the corner of North and Paulina that tends to attract the emo and hipster wanna-be's with their bicycles and lack of cleanliness. How can you go wrong with karaoke seven nights a week, dollar Pabst or Schlitz, ridiculously fun karaoke hosts and talkative bartenders? You really can't...Unless it's on a weekend. Friday and Saturday nights are the WORST nights to go to this bar. It's incredibly small, has poor ventilation and is beyond loud. On these two nights you'll find yourself smashed in between two people (one of whom will have horrible hygiene) who are most likely ashing on you or burning you with their cigarette, spilling their drink down your back or hitting on you when it's not wanted. You'll be amongst the worst singers in the city of Chicago who honestly believe that their version of Jewel's "Foolish Games" is better than the original and if you actually want to sing you'll have to wait two hours before your name is even called. Otherwise, the bar is fantastic. Great place to go on a weeknight when you have nothing better to do or if you actually enjoy singing decade-old songs. They've got a small room in the back with one pool table which tends to become occupied before the bar even gets busy. Oh, and a homeless guy "works" at the bar seven nights a week by taking your empty beer bottles off of your table and/or emptying your ash tray. Careful - he stinks and is a narcoleptic who falls asleep up against the wall. He really enjoys singing Frank Sinatra and when he's in his element, you can't get him to stop. AND if you want a report on the karaoke hosts? Here it goes.. - "Old Style" typically runs karaoke on Saturday nights and is always dressed in some funky outfit that only she could pull off. She takes herself and her singing VERY seriously. If you want to butter her up, buy her a drink that she'll sip behind the karaoke door while she's chain smoking. - "Hawk" runs karaoke on random nights..they keep switching him. He's a very muscular black man with an incredible voice who always has his hair in braids. If you happen to hit Louie's on a night that Hawk is hosting karaoke, make sure to ask him to sing Prince's "Purple Rain". You'll be amazed. Seriously. He's THAT good, but he knows it. If you're singing a song that he knows, expect to suddenly have someone singing harmony louder than you. - "Mel C" is this little short girl who is sometimes behind the bar but otherwise runs karaoke on Tuesday nights (unless that has changed). Don't even think of singing Alanis when she's there, as "Ironic" is one of her favorite songs to sing. Don't expect to be blown away by her singing or by her hosting abilities. She's fun, but not as fun as the rest of 'em. - "Tina" is a newer host of Karaoke on Thursday nights, I believe. She knows that she's not the best singer in the world and she flaunts it, having a great time while on the microphone and engaging the whole bar. She's incredibly nice, incredibly fun and doesn't take herself so seriously that you feel you're in some type of karaoke competition. As for the rest of the good ones, they all got shit-canned for stupid reasons. "Second" was the only person who can sing "Ballroom Blitz" and command everyone's attention.."Erin" was the only person who could sing "Midnight Train to Georgia" and not sound like a white-girl attempting to be Motown.. And if you go on a night that it's not busy, you'll have a chance to talk to some of the people who are regulars. They're very interesting people with interesting stories..and even though they all sing the same songs every week, you can still find them to be entertaining..With the exception of the guy who brings in his own Gnarles Barkley CD and expects a standing ovation when he's done. That's just irritating. read more

One of the most unprofessionally run bars I've ever been to. Theres only 2 bartenders on an overcrowded Saturday night so good luck getting a drink. Never a good sign when there's more bouncers than bartenders. Even if you can get the bartender's attention you have to get through a guard rail of trolls surrounding the bar. I was there with a group of friends and it was comical how rude the "regulars" were. One girl even got physical with one of my friends who tried to reason with her but she was was beyond comprehension. She stood there and scowled the whole night, taking up 4 people's width of space just elbowing everyone out of the way if they came anywhere near her. The best part was she picked fights with at least 4 people and the bartender kicked those people out along with their groups of friends (at least 20 people) rather than telling the girl to go get a life at some other bar. Apparently they knew each other, but I highly doubt the guy bartender made anywhere near as much money from her and her lame boyfriend as we would have given him. Good idea dude! We will NEVER be back and our entire party still laughs at what a joke that patron and bartender were. read more

I live right next door to this place, and maybe that's why it looks about as appealing as Mary-Kate Olsen in a bathing suit. I've been in here twice; once for karaoke where my roommate serenaded her family with "I Want Your Sex" and the next visit was an in-and-out round of shots before carrying on to the Wicker Park bars. The place is kind of a downer inside and out, but it's good if you're looking for trashy drunk types singing Blondie or Poison while pointing at you. Just keep it down; I'm trying to sleep. read more

My favorite Wicker Park-ish bar. Great laid back crowd + fun karaoke. I got offered a calcium pill here as I was leaving. That says enough. read more

I'll admit: I've only been to Louie's a few times, and almost everything about this place should label it as a typical dive bar that's okay to visit but also okay to pass up. What makes Louie's stand out in my mind is not just the great karaoke, but also the group of regulars that comes here. They and the staff all know each other very well, so even watching that from across the bar is fun, but they try to incorporate strangers into their singing and dancing and antics. It's like a hipster-y episode of Cheers. But with singing. A hipster-y episode of Cheers, the musical. read more

Several years ago (read: 7 or so) , Louie's Pub would've have easily garnered 5 stars from this karaoke lovah. But, alas. Ever since the remodel and ever since the neighborhood became overrun with douches, this bar has the look, feel and smell of a frat house basement. Don't even try to come here on a weekend. It's packed by 10 - with a line 25 deep at the door. The karaoke selection is great, but once you start singing, you become a sardine with a microphone, being pushed around by drunken Trixies stumbling over themselves in an attempt to get to the Karaoke DJ. Then, when said Trixie's get up for their song, you have to endure 12 of them drunkenly screeching "Summer Lovin" into 2 microphones. Now I am not a karaoke snob. I don't think you have to be good to karaoke. That said, I do think that no one need sing "Summer Lovin" (or "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" ) again. And make no mistake - you will hear those at least 2 times per evening if you go on a Friday or Saturday. Your best option is to come to the bar on a weeknight. It's more chill, less Frat-ty and your clothes will be far less likely to come out of the evening looking like Swiss cheese from cigarette burns from drunken butt wavers. Oh - and there's nary a "Summer Lovin" in earshot. read more

Yuh, know... I really like this place. Until Sunday night I had been far too inhibited to do karaoke since my 1989 stint at the State Fair of Texas where I belted out "My Boyfriends Back" with my then best friend. I performed a butchered version of Petula Clark's Downtown and was a backup dancer for my vocally gifted friend's Whitney Houston performance. The bar let us set up a little birthday party in the back with streamers and the whole 9... I had a blast! $3.50 for a vodka and cranberry... not bad! If the humidity gets to you (as it did me Sunday night), there are two lovely AC units in the pool room plus a ledge to lie down on. Instant relief! read more

Louie's = Magical. Perfect dive bar. Great karaoke. Friendly bartenders. Free popcorn. The only reason Louie's gets knocked a star is for cash only. I always forget & am always so bummed when I realize it. Sometimes a girl has to be a plastic-only operation. read more

Louie's is a fun place to hangout and the popcorn is great, but don't go expecting to sing Karaoke in a timely fashion. I got there around 9 and put my name in and the MC kept allowing everyone he knew to sing in front of me, regardless of talent! These were people he was friends with and people who slipped him money! I thought Louie's was going to be a fun karaoke bar, but instead, it's a corrupt dictatorship run through bribes. Try Sidekicks bar on Montrose for a better time. read more

This place is amazing. I should have known there were going to be passionate karaoke lovers when I read the early start time for karaoke. I had an amazing time (did not get wasted, mind you, even though there are some that take that route) The staff there are PHENOMENAL. Never met a bar staff that showed so much care and kindness for their customers. There was an accident with a guy that dropped his glass and a piece flew by my leg and gave me a minor cut. As soon as I mentioned it to the bar tenders they flew to get me first aid and made sure the rest of my stay there was safe and comfortable. I'm from out of town and looked up this place in search for a fun casual place with karaoke...I wasn't disappointed. The drinks are well priced and the spot is one I'll definitely want to visit again when I come to Chicago. read more

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

I've been here twice. The first time it was packed to the nines with mid twenties frat boys and chicks. We tipped the karaoke guy and got to sing our first song, but waited and waited and waiting and waited and didn't get called for the next 3 hours we were there.... no songs, nothing. lame! The second time there were like 5 people in the whole place and we got to sing over and over and over and free popcorn. read more

After an hour of waiting to sing a song and never getting to; mixed with expensive drinks and two horrible renditions of Mr. Brightside, I left. read more

I LOVE karaoke.. bordering on a slightly unnatural obsession. Thank god my friends love Louie's. We frequent quite often and I have to say it is truly the most fair karaoke place in the city. Good luck getting to sing at TT without slipping a $20 bill to the host and the folks at Hidden Cove just stop caring after midnight... BUT the hosts at Louie's truly take their job serious and do a great job keeping the singers rotating all night. As a karaoke junkie I love it all from good to the ugly singers. Its all about the passion to rock the room. I have gone mostly on a Friday or Saturday and it is generally packed but the crowd is always rocking out, singing along and dancing their hearts out. Tips: - Get there early for a seat - Make nicey with the KJ host... don't bug them - Go with a big group.. have fun dancing your brains out while your friend sings - Make nicey with the bartenders.... it takes a while to get a drink .. they usually only have two bartenders on staff soo they are swamped but if you make an effort to be nice and tip them well, you can be assured they will remember you throughout the night. - They don't do credit cards but they have an atm up front -Rock out... after all its all fun and games Look for me there.. I will be rockin out to Sweet Child O' Mine or some Boyz II Men read more

Louie's Pub is home to a great list of karaoke songs, a nice selection of beers, bartenders who make strong drinks, free popcorn, and bouncers who look out for the ladies. Harassment and aggressive flirtation are not tolerated! If they see it, you get pulled aside for a warning, and after that, you get removed from the premises. It seems like they kind of run out of stuff a lot, but with so many choices, it's not a huge deal. Steps from the blue line! Steps from the bus! Bike racks nearby! Parking isn't horrible! You have no excuse not to come here and yell into a microphone. read more

This place has the most eclectic clientele I've ever seen. Coming from San Francisco, where eclectic means a bunch of trannies and two black dudes, I was pretty impressed to see a cast of characters here much more diverse than a bunch of loathsome hipster douchebags. I went here quite a bit and my pictures from inside include cowboys, drag queens, nice normal people, puerto rican hustlers, and high class girls slummin' it. Check it out and tip your karaoke dj to move up on the list. read more

Second time here and a good night once again. The nonstop karaoke almost guarantees this place will have a crowd any weekend night. The drinks are reasonable and the bartenders are pleasant. They also don't mind you bringing food in. The only thing that's not great about this place is the crowdedness. Narrow aisle and people standing in it make for a long trip back and forth for a drink. read more

I really love coming to Louie's because karaoke is their thing. It's starts at 8 til close and the regulars are a pleasure to watch - some are really talented, and some are ballsy as hell (i can respect that). The fun songs bring the whole place down and that's a good time. Great beer selection, great bartender, well ventilated cause it gets sardine crowded in there after 10. Email the contact on the website and reserve tables if you are coming with a group. read more

Great karaoke spot in Wicker Park! The staff is friendly, the drinks are priced in comparison with the area, and it's a fun atmosphere! Get there around 9/10 if you want to snag a table for your group! read more

I've been coming to this bar for years now and I absolutely love it. Weekdays are the best because you get to sing your heart out to a small crowd and the line moves fast. It's an amazing place to take a crowd on weekends and I recommend showing up right at 8 to get maximum number of songs. If you're there to people watch and enjoy popular hits show up anytime! read more

Yout know it's a good night when you have way too many beers, sing "The Gambler" and throw in random rap lyrics/swear words and then go home and pass out with all the clothes on. Thank you, Louie's Pub, for not banning me after that spectacle. read more

Just because I rock doesnt mean Im made of stone. Cheer to Louies! Your karoake selection (Spice Girls, Lisa Loeb, Lionel Richie and El DeBarge) is fabulous. Drinks are good. People are nice. Some are a little old but they deserve to rock too! (Hey, Steven Tyler and Mick Jagger can still make me smile!!!) Ill keep coming back for more, until you ask me not to come back. read more

Can I just say I had the best karaoke session ever? Super fun, not too crowded. Definitely going back. read more

I've been to Louie's Pub twice now and each time I've TAKEN DOWN THE HOUSE WITH MY KARAOKEE SKILLS! Or at least, in my mind I have. The first time was crooning some Billy Joel with my drunken friend; the second was getting the entire bar to sing the chorus to R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World (As We Know It)." Going on Fridays is what I recommend (actually it's the only night I've been)--the emcee is awesome and he'll sometimes back you up while you're singing. He also does his James Brown shtick to perfection. There used to be a second room but the last time I went it was mysteriously gone! I know I didn't dream that there was a second bar, they must've not been doing enough business to require a second room. As a result, the bar gets even more crowded which can be annoying, especially since the karaokee singers need their stage to shine on. Overall, it's a decent time. Plus, creepy 30+ year-old guys get up there and sing "Brown Eyed Girl"--always a good spectacle. read more

Brought a large group in a couple weeks ago on a Tuesday for some karaoke. There were not many people in the bar when we arrived so we started writing down a few songs for when the karaoke started. Little did I know that you either have to be friends with the DJ or give her $20 with every song request in order to get your song played. We were all pretty bummed especially since we were all handing her cash and spent a lot at the bar yet other patrons were just walking up and singing while we were waiting hours for our songs. Also, the DJ that night seemed like she just did not want to be there. She was visibly annoyed and not friendly. Maybe she was having an off-night but still not the vibe you want to give off when engaging a crowd. Eventhough this place is close to home, I'd rather go to one of the other karaoke bars in the city. read more