It’s a Tuesday night. Outside Werewolf American Pub on Fourth Avenue, laughter, conversation and music spills onto the street. Inside, somebody is on stage singing a passionately pitchy rendition of The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.”
The thought of singing karaoke is a little more intimidating in a downtown setting. I’m a singer and San Diego is chill, but I’m thinking twice about entering what appears to be the tight knit urban world of public singing.
During the course of researching 13 karaoke spots in 92101, I gradually became more at ease as I met the DJs, restaurateurs and regulars who create atmospheres of fun and creativity.
I’m pumped to explore the stage. Here’s my playlist of a baker’s dozen karaoke nights. It includes tips for handling stage fright, best and worst songs to tackle and a few memorable moments.
Gaslamplighter
Swanky. Sophisticated. Glitzy. The Gaslamplighter boasts an upscale, Art Deco look while offering a friendly and accessible environment. Thoughtful, inventive cocktails are the pride and joy of Bar Manager Sage Baker.
“What makes us special is that we produce our craft cocktails at such a high volume,” Baker says. “Even on our busiest nights, each drink is crafted with attention to detail.”
A sister spot to Mission Hills’ The Lamplighter, this venue aspires to celebrate all the best elements of a karaoke bar.
“The Gaslamplighter has the energy that downtown needed,” Floor Manager Mike Osei says. “If you’re looking for a staple vibe, this is the place to be. It’s got its own special touch of old and new.”
Stop by early for Aperitivo Hour (aka Happy Hour) from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
“The best parts of karaoke are escapism and nostalgia,” Karaoke DJ Heaven Downtown says. “And we’ve got that down.”
☀️Sage Baker’s least favorite song: “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan. “It’s overplayed and gets stuck in my head.” (Tuesday to Sunday, 9 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter)
Star Bar
This is the quintessential dive bar experience. The environment can be casual and laid back, but on Tuesdays, Karaoke DJ Art Ruiz infuses the atmosphere with his own brand of musical spirit.
“I seriously don’t think I’ve gone one week without performing or hosting karaoke for the last 15 years,” Ruiz says.
Regardless of your skill level, Ruiz says karaoke allows you the opportunity to let loose and have fun. That sense of freedom is achieved through music.
“As a host, you give people a platform and a stage,” Ruiz says. “I’m a diva myself, but there’s a big enough stage for everyone.”
☀️Art Ruiz’s fave song: “Fergalicious” by Fergie. Least fave: “No Scrubs” by TLC. “People only know the chorus and the outro is so long.” (Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m. Gaslamp Quarter)
Werewolf
Karaoke and community collide at Werewolf. This spot is spunky, social and prioritizes relationship building with patrons.
Long-time Karaoke DJ Veronica Vega recalls a time when she helped a nervous woman sing her karaoke song of choice, which hosts may do to support shy singers.
“She found me on Instagram later and wrote me a message saying that she was going through a really rough time,” Vega says. “She said it helped her a lot to see another woman supporting her. It’s crazy how music affects people. This is why I do what I do.”
Werewolf dares to do karaoke every night. You can stop by and sing for a full crowd on a weekend, or a more intimate group earlier in the week. Even if you’re nervous, Vega says, getting on stage is empowering.
“This isn’t American Idol,” Vega says. “Don’t worry about everyone else as long as you’re having fun.”
☀️Veronica Vega’s fave song: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus. Least-fave: “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. “People scream it instead of singing it.” (Everyday, 9 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter)
Henry’s Pub
On Fifth Avenue, Henry’s Pub overflows with rustic homeliness and has a relaxed, open space for karaoke performances.
“The reason karaoke attracts people is because it’s such a fun vibe,” Manager Chris Pierce says. “Being on stage in front of people you’ve never met is exhilarating.”
In between performers, the energy is boosted by Karaoke DJ JP Martinez, who plays upbeat music videos and hypes up the crowd.
“This is home for me,” Martinez says. “People from any walk of life have a place on this stage.”
Pierce’s best advice to ease pre-performance jitters? “Tequila makes you sound better,” he says.
☀️JP Martinez’s fave song: “Careless Whisper” by George Michael. (Sunday to Tuesday, 9 p.m. Gaslamp Quarter)
Happy Does
Happy Does is a playful and casual spot where you’re encouraged to let your inner child roam free.
Considered an “indoor-outdoor retro watering hole,” Happy Does offers a slew of inventive cocktails and a rotating cocktail of the month.
In addition to karaoke, Happy Does boasts a game hall with a myriad of activities including cornhole, foosball and even a full pickleball court. (Thursday to Saturday, 8:30 p.m. Gaslamp Quarter)
The Double Deuce
With “boot-stompin” and “mechanical bull ridin,” The Double Deuce brings a country flair to karaoke night. To kick things off and encourage guests to take the stage, Karaoke DJ Faith Belle offers free shots to singers.
“By the end of the night, everyone is friends,” Belle says. “My best advice is to give yourself permission to have fun.”
Belle empowers guests to take risks. One time she orchestrated a meet-cute (the couple is still together) by announcing that a woman preparing to perform was single.
“Double Deuce takes care of its employees and guests,” Belle says. “As a woman, I tell all my friends to come here. It’s a great environment, and all the women who work here are very protective.”
Nervous at first, karaoke participant Melissa Prieto was emboldened by Belle.
“I felt freedom – empowerment,” Prieto says. “My secret is to bring your homegirls.”
☀️Faith Belle’s least-fave song: “Tequila” by The Champs. (Wednesday & Thursday, 8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 7 to 10 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter).
Good Night John Boy
If you’re looking to time travel, this is the karaoke spot for you.
Good Night John Boy prides itself on being an immersive experience, embracing a 1970s disco theme.
When you’re not on stage, you can boogie the night away on their light-up dance floor or have a photo shoot against one of their vintage backdrops. (Wednesdays, 8 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter)
Whiskey Girl
Whiskey Girl is the only karaoke venue downtown that offers a live band to back you up.
“Our live band makes us unique,” Whiskey Girl Manager Jake Southworth says. “They’re a great group of entertainers and are really good at getting people involved.”
Rich and the Money is the live karaoke band. Patrons who sign up for a song can scan a QR code to view their expansive setlist. They know current material and songs back to the 1970s.
Rich and the Money will most likely have one of your favorite tunes on their list, Southworth says. If they don’t, the band will try to make it work.
“You feel like a rockstar,” Sound Engineer Iain Hutcherson says. “It’s a really cool experience.” (Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday (live band), 8:30 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter)
Ginger’s
Underground and downstairs from Barleymash, this bar has a feeling of exclusivity and intimacy. Karaoke night here is both an escape from the real world and an adventure into a musical landscape.
“I get to be the ringleader of everyone’s special moment,” Karaoke DJ Mikey Mic says. “I love meeting thousands of people every week in their moment of happiness.”
According to Mikey Mic, karaoke is an enduring way for people of all backgrounds to express themselves and relate to others.
“Singing is good for your soul,” ‘Mikey Mic’ says. “It stretches your mind and body.”
☀️Mikey Mic’s least-fave song: “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. “Not a bad song, but I’ve heard it way too many times.” (Thursdays, 9 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter)
Moxy
Located in a bright, youthful and stylish lobby, karaoke is new at Moxy but off to a positive start.
Hotel guests can mingle with walkins. The hotel lobby also features a speakeasy you can wander into before or after you sing your heart out.
“I love how it has brought more of the local community together,” Manager Konstantina Jianis says.
☀️Konstantina Jianis’ fave song: “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. (Thursdays, 8 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter)
Gaslamp Lumpia Factory
Gaslamp Lumpia Factory features a “nautical steampunk-inspired” look, according to its website. Bolstered by LED lighting and “chill” EDM music, this spot aims to create a space where guests can celebrate Filipino cuisine and have a good time.
In addition to karaoke, Gaslamp Lumpia Factory also hosts pop culture trivia on Thursdays and Saturdays. (Thursday and Saturday, 7 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter)
Coin-Op Game Room
Enjoy game night and karaoke night all in one go at this downtown arcade and bar. Coin-Op Game Room is colorful and filled with a wide spectrum of arcade faves.
Karaoke night is relatively new. The fun has only doubled, according to Manager Lyssa Glover.
“I love the people who get up there and just lay it all on the table,” she says.
Whether you sound like Mariah Carey or you do most of your singing in the shower, all are welcome.
“Do a shot and give what you got,” Glover says. (Thursdays, 8 p.m., Gaslamp Quarter)
Punch Bowl Social
Still have stage fright? That’s okay. If you’d rather try karaoke alone or with an intimate group of friends, you can rent a private room at this eclectic game and food hall. The rates for karaoke rooms are $40 per hour for one to four people and $60 per hour for five or more folks. (Open daily, East Village) SDSun
