Looking for the perfect karaoke night out? Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just want to belt out your favorite throwback tune with friends, Cincinnati has some of the best Karaoke Near Me spots to sing your heart out. From neon-lit lounges and supportive dive bars to wild live band karaoke nights, there’s a place for every kind of singer — even if you’re just singing from the crowd.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top karaoke places near you, what makes them special, and tips for making the most out of your night. Let’s get singing.
How to Choose the Best Karaoke Spot Near You
Not all karaoke nights are created equal. When picking the right place to go, here are a few things to consider:
Type of venue – Do you prefer a dive bar, club, lounge, or private room experience?
Vibe – Are you looking for a rowdy crowd or a more relaxed, supportive environment?
Song selection – Some places have updated libraries and others are limited.
Stage setup – Private booths? Public stage? Live band?
Drink and food options – Good cocktails and bites can enhance the night.
Crowd diversity – A mixed crowd often means more fun and surprises.
With those in mind, here are the best karaoke nights in and around Cincinnati.
Top Karaoke Spots Near You
Arlin’s Bar – Clifton (Tuesdays)
Address: 307 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Karaoke Night: Tuesdays on the patio
Why Go: Laid-back crowd with a good mix of college students, locals, and surprise talents
Pro Tip: Don’t be surprised if someone with an opera voice sings a rap classic — and kills it.
Arlin’s is a Clifton favorite for good reason. On Tuesday nights, the patio transforms into a welcoming karaoke stage where anything goes. The crowd is always diverse and game for anything, which makes for a night full of unexpected musical moments.
Tokyo Kitty – Downtown (Any Night)
Address: 575 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Karaoke Night: Every night (private rooms and main stage)
Why Go: Great for groups and private party vibes
Pro Tip: Book a room ahead of time on weekends. And don’t skip the neon mirror selfie hallway.
Tokyo Kitty is Cincinnati’s modern karaoke lounge, complete with themed private rooms, fun lighting, and a shared stage in the bar area. It’s the kind of place where you can go big with your friends or ease into your pop diva persona without too much pressure.
The Lounge – Northside (Wednesdays)
Address: 4029 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Karaoke Night: Wednesdays
Why Go: Quirky, cozy vibes with a living-room feel
Pro Tip: There’s no real stage — just you, the mic, and some Christmas lights.
Hosted by Jeremy Harrison, The Lounge’s karaoke night feels more like a house party than a bar night. It’s welcoming, strange in all the best ways, and a great place to try new songs without judgment. Expect plenty of surprises.
Tiki Tiki Bang Bang – Walnut Hills (Wednesdays)
Address: 965 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Karaoke Night: Wednesdays
Why Go: Tropical disco vibe with an energetic crowd
Pro Tip: Try a tiki cocktail before you hit the mic — it helps the nerves.
No stage, no problem. At Tiki Tiki, the back of the bar becomes the performance zone, and the crowd really leans in. Even first-timers find themselves cheered on and encouraged. Expect plenty of dancing, singing along, and pure joy.
Northside Tavern – Northside (Thursdays & First Fridays)
Address: 4163 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Karaoke Night: Thursdays (classic), First Fridays (Live Band Karaoke)
Why Go: The “Sexy Time” live band karaoke night is unforgettable
Pro Tip: Come early to sign up for live band songs — they fill fast.
This is a must-experience. On regular Thursdays, the vibe is welcoming and musically diverse. But on first Fridays, it turns into a full-blown concert experience. A real band plays behind you, and for 3 minutes, you are the rock star. No backing tracks — just you and the music.
Higher Gravity – Northside (Thursdays)
Address: 4106 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Karaoke Night: Thursdays with Karaoke Fantastic
Why Go: Energetic KJ, good crowd, great beer list
Pro Tip: Choose something unexpected — the crowd loves a wild card.
Sean Hafer of Karaoke Fantastic brings the energy. You’ll find locals returning each week for the vibes, the drinks, and the joy of music. It’s a great place to cut loose and try something different.
Tostado’s Grill – Columbia Tusculum (Every Night)
Address: 3500 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226
Karaoke Night: Every night after 10 p.m.
Why Go: Wild, fun, no-holds-barred karaoke party every night
Pro Tip: Come hungry. Their Mexican food is fantastic.
Tostado’s is legendary. Every night of the week, locals pour in for drinks, food, and karaoke that goes until late. It’s not for the shy — this is full energy, full fun karaoke.
Best Karaoke Nights by Day
| Day | Karaoke Spots |
|---|---|
| Monday | Tostado’s (Columbia Tusculum) |
| Tuesday | Arlin’s (Clifton) |
| Wednesday | Tiki Tiki Bang Bang, The Lounge, Esoteric Brewing |
| Thursday | Northside Tavern, Higher Gravity, Cosmic Gorilla |
| Friday | Olde Towne Tavern, Sexy Time Live Band Karaoke |
| Saturday | Occasional pop-ups, check local event pages |
| Sunday | Northside Yacht Club, The Loon (monthly) |
Karaoke Tips for First-Timers
Not sure what to expect or how to get started? Here are some quick tips:
Pick a song you love. Passion beats perfection.
Know your lyrics. It helps even if you rely on the screen.
Go with a crowd. Friends in the room = instant backup singers.
Don’t apologize. Own the moment, no matter how off-key.
Support others. Cheer them on — the good and the not-so-good.
Final Thoughts
Karaoke nights in Cincinnati aren’t just about singing. They’re about community, self-expression, and letting go. Whether you’re on stage with a mic in hand or cheering from the crowd, these nights have a way of bringing people together.
So the next time you search for “karaoke near me,” don’t hesitate — grab your friends, pick your anthem, and head out to one of the many incredible spots around the city. The stage is waiting.
FAQs About Karaoke Near Me
What is the best karaoke bar near me in Cincinnati?
It depends on your style! Try Tokyo Kitty for private rooms, Northside Tavern for a friendly crowd, or Tostado’s for a party every night of the week.
Are karaoke nights free?
Most karaoke events at bars are free to join, though you’ll be expected to buy a drink or two. Private room venues like Tokyo Kitty charge by the hour.
What is live band karaoke?
Live band karaoke features a real band playing behind you instead of a backing track. You get to be the lead singer with real musicians — it’s high energy and a total blast.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
Usually no — just show up and put your name on the list. But for busy nights or live band karaoke, arriving early helps ensure your spot.
What if I’m not a good singer?
That’s totally fine! Karaoke is about fun, not perfection. As one karaoke DJ says: “It’s about the choice, not the voice.