Did you know that the Japanese word karaoke translates to the empty orchestra? Did you also know that karaoke is as big in Milwaukee as it is in Japan? Ok, maybe not quite as big, but there are still plenty of bars where you can share your inner diva or rock ‘n’ roller — as you’ll see if you keep scrolling.
At City Tours MKE, we’re as passionate about belting out our favorite songs at karaoke as we are about showing visitors around the city. Perhaps you’ve been put in charge of planning an event and need to download our Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Planning Guide. Or maybe you need a fun vacation activity or you’re looking to jazz up a corporate occasion. Just take a look at our Cruisin’ Karaoke Tour in Milwaukee. You won’t find a better blend of sightseeing and singing! Just get in touch with our local team to find out more.
Until then, put your power ballads on and keep reading to discover the best places to do karaoke in Milwaukee!
1. Will You Hit High Note on Your Milwaukee Karaoke Trip?
Location: 645 N. James Lovell St.
When: Open at 5:00 p.m. daily
A firm favorite on the local karaoke scene, High Note Karaoke Lounge has recently changed its hours so it’s open DAILY! That’s right folks, you can burst out 90s throwbacks and early 2000s hits whenever the mood takes you.
Not only does High Note offer a specially designed setting to sing your heart out in, but there are comedy nights every Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. You can also hire the venue for a private party if you need some extra space while singing.
Between the stage, the bar, and the book of songs, you have everything you need for a great night out!
2. Come Fly With Karaok-Me at Amelia’s Bar & Restaurant, Milwaukee
Location: 724 E Layton Ave
When: Sunday-Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 a.m.
For great eats and late-night karaoke, Amelia’s Bar & Restaurant is the place to be in Wisconsin. With Happy Hour drinks served until closing time, you can fuel up on their delicious array of sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas until it’s your time to shine.
This venue is located just outside Bay View, across from Mitchell International Airport, and is themed for Amelia Earhart! So, if you’re in the neighborhood or taking a late-night flight, Amelia’s is a great stop for a bunch of different karaoke nights packed with enthusiastic singers.
3. Feel the Voltage with Karaoke at Amped, Milwaukee
Location: 910 W Juneau Ave
When: Wednesday-Thursday: 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 3:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
If you’re a little shy about your karaoke skills, Amped is a great place to hire a private booth. You can choose from standard, large, or premium depending on the size of your party for pretty reasonable prices!
As big beer fans, we like this spot because it is in the redeveloped Brewery District, the original home of the Historic Pabst Brewery District. Best Place, Pilot Project, and Central Waters Brewing Co. offer great opportunities for a tasting or brewery tour to expand your palette — and get a little Dutch courage — before heading to some karaoke at Amped!
4. Step Back in Time For Karaoke at Miss Katie’s Diner
Location: 1900 W Clybourn St
When: Open daily until 9:00 p.m., except Sundays when it closes at 2:00 p.m.
Miss Katie’s Diner, as the name suggests, has a great retro diner vibe. Wear a leather jacket to their Thursday night karaoke and you’ll feel like you’re in a local production of Grease in no time!
The karaoke nights are usually frequented by Marquette students, but if you don’t mind mingling you’ll see that Thursdays are the new Fridays. Miss Katie’s early closing time means you won’t go too wild, though! The diner also offers classic plates for you to enjoy throughout the day.
5. Step Up to the Karaoke Plate at This Is It! Bar in Milwaukee
Location: 418 E Wells St
When: Open daily from 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
For LGBTQ+ folks and their friends, we recommend taking a visit to the Trixie Mattel-owned bar This Is It! With a weekly roster of entertainment, including karaoke, drag brunches, bingo, and more, this is an enjoyable spot and a great way to support the local drag scene.
Every Monday from 9:00 p.m., revelers can sing along with Moonlight Karaoke, hosted in the bar before traveling to different locations throughout the days of the week. Let your inner diva shine in this friendly setting with signature cocktails, which has been a favorite among queer Milwaukeeans since the 1960s.
While that brings our roundup of Milwaukee’s karaoke hotspots to a close, there are plenty more to discover in our musical city. Whether you prefer to take our Cruisin’ Karaoke Tour in Milwaukee or keep your sightseeing and singing separate, you’ll certainly find somewhere to impress the crowds with your vocal skills.
If you’d like to discover even more Milwaukee day trips with us, just browse our website for inspiration! Or, if a certain tour has caught your eye, get in touch with our local team and start planning your Wisconsin vacation today.