Inner Rock Star
6 best karaoke bars in Austin to indulge your inner rock star
Austin is well-known as the Live Music Capital of the World but doesn’t get near the amount of credit for being a hotbed of eclectic karaoke nights. Whether you want to belt into a crowd of complete strangers or stare deep into the eyes of supportive friends, there is an Austin karaoke night out there for you.
These six Austin spots run from full-time karaoke bars to monthly gatherings to pop-up spaces, but one of them is bound to appeal to your inner rock star.
Common Interest— For those who want the spotlight ... or a private room
Burnet Road’s Common Interest is perfect for those who really just don’t give a flying flip. The house is packed on the weekends, and is perfectly receptive to anything from Joan Jeff’s “Do You Wanna Touch Me” to DNCE’s “Cake By the Ocean.” There are also private rooms, if belting to a few select faces is more your speed.
Every night
H Mart— K-Pop connoisseurs
Korean grocery store H Mart just started its regular karaoke night in May. Variety in song choice is encouraged, but there’s also a prize for the best rendition of a K-Pop number. Though it isn't specifically geared toward families, the H Mart karaoke takes place on a stage in the dining hall, where families often frequent.
Every other Friday
Highball— Rock star wannabes
With its luxurious booths and inviting stage, the Highball is the standard for karaoke in this town. It's seven themed rooms ensure every party finds the right fit. Wannabe frontpeople? This is your chance to strut your stuff on the big stage.
Every night, Highball
Karaoke Underground— Screamers
Maybe you need something a little more extreme. Karaoke Underground at Nomad Bar has it covered. Punk rockers and indie fans will find a home here, with a catalog featuring everything from Black Flag to Cat Power.
First Saturday of the month, Nomad Bar
Lizzy Caroloke— Queers and beginners
Austin’s queerest karaoke night, Lizzy Caroloke is a series that’s been running for the past eight years. It currently alternates between Cheer Up Charlies and Radio Coffee & Bar, but the crowd is full of familiar faces regardless of location. It’s a queer and all-inclusive space that organizer Lizzy Carol has worked to create and is thus a great spot for karaoke neophytes, queer or not.
First Thursday of the month
Planet Fabulous—Gay dudes and those who love them
Murrah Noble’s Planet Fabulous has been a no-judgement zone since 2009. Catch it downtown at the Iron Bear and croon to the cuddly men in attendance, or journey to South Austin for its twice-weekly spot at the Warehouse Billiards Bar.
Sundays and Wednesdays at the Iron Bear; Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Warehouse Billiards Bar
