I LOVE Karaoke – I even keep a running list of potential karaoke songs on my phone for inspiration. Over the last ten years in SF, I’ve performed at nearly every venue and dabbled in many different styles so here is a collection of recommendations from a bona-fide karaoke addict. 

OPEN FLOOR

Pro tip: These are all crowded Thursday through Saturday. If you really want to sing, try an off-night.

Encore (Nob Hill)

A Nob Hill institution with cheap drinks, a big stage, and a song catalog full of all the classics, Encore is relaxed and unpretentious, but a little rough around the edges – just like San Francisco. It’s a big open space with plenty of room for your friends, plus a pool table for anyone who needs a break from karaoke. 

Pro tip: Monday through Thursday the bar opens at 3 p.m., but karaoke doesn’t officially start until 8 p.m. Work with the bar to bring a KJ in early and voila, you have a private party for under $100 (plus a $40 fee if you bring food in).

Festa (Japantown)

Festa is a tiny open-floor karaoke spot that feels more like a semi-swanky large private room. Tucked inside the Japantown mall, this place is such a hidden gem that I almost hesitate to include it because I don’t want to share it. It attracts an odd assortment of folks-in-the-know and whoever has wandered in from the mall. Plus there’s usually at least one wayward old white guy who can sing Japanese songs perfectly (maybe these men were American expats working in Tokyo, or maybe it’s just a fetish, who knows, but it’s great people-watching).

The Mint (Upper Market/Castro)

The best thing about The Mint is the psychedelic light show displayed behind you on stage. Unless you are somehow “discovered” one night (please, God, please!), you will probably never get to perform in front of lights like this elsewhere. The Mint also has particularly talented clientele, so get ready to be wowed! But don’t get intimidated: for every Mariah that performs, there’s a Kim Zolciak waiting in the wings. 

Pro tip: Arrive early and get your songs in while you enjoy dinner from Sushi Delight next door, which serves inside The Mint. 

PRIVATE ROOMS

Pandora (Tenderloin)

This is technically a hybrid – they have a main stage and private rooms. The main stage is sleek and modern, but the themed private rooms are the main attraction. Whether you want a SF Giants themed room or Hello Kitty, Pandora has you covered. You can also order food from a Chairman Bao truck parked outside on Friday nights – delicious! 

YamaSho (Polk Gulch)

Classy restaurant upstairs, private karaoke rooms downstairs. Does that make this place a karaoke mullet? The rooms are reasonably priced, and you can keep the sake bombs exploding by simply picking up the in-room phone and ordering. YamaSho delivers on the basics with good a song list and excellent in-room service.

Pro tip: Check out their happy hour pricing on rooms for a great deal.

Playground (Japantown) 

This place gives you tambourines. That fact is all you need, but I’ll also add that it has an extensive collection of K-POP songs and great Korean food.

THEME KARAOKE NIGHTS

Beatles Karaoke - The Royale - First Mondays (Tenderloin) 

This karaoke night dedicated to the Fab Four is just spectacular. The song list includes every original Beatles song (none of their covers, and none of their solo stuff – so stop practicing "Imagine," it’s not a Beatles song), plus you get to sing with a LIVE BAND! Not only do they play keyboard and percussion, but they also sing backup vocals. It’s all your pop-star/British Invasion fantasies come true. Plus they have a decent selection of craft beers and standard cocktails. 

Dance Karaoke - Slate - Thursdays (Mission)

There’s nothing worse than high-energy karaoke being brought down by someone’s whiney ballad. Thank god for DJ Purple’s dance karaoke night, which features a song list restricted to high-energy hits from Britney, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, etc. The best part is that DJ Purple plays the sax during the musical interludes, mercifully taking focus away from the awkward sway you do as you wait for the words to start back up.  

Punk Rock Karaoke - Benders -  Last Fridays (Mission)

If reading about Dance Karaoke made you shudder, a night filled with The Clash, NOFX, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, etc. might be more your scene. Bust out your studded leather jacket and ripped jeans and head to Benders where you’ll fit right in with the cool kids. 

Photo by Andrew Ye