Portland’s Legendary Karaoke Scene

Sing your heart out at these local karaoke haunts

Stepping on stage into the heat of the spotlight, the adrenaline kicks in and your heart beats faster. It’s a modestly crowded bar but it might as well be a sold out Moda Center. You squint out over the crowd to find your friends cheering you on, and take a deep breath. The teleprompter lights up and the music starts. Moments ago, you were just another person, but right now you’re going to sing Tom Jones’ “What’s New Pussycat?” as if the life of every person in that room depends on it. 

This is the magic of karaoke, the ability to embody our favorite artists and perform to a live audience. No matter how good you think you are, and hearing the applause at the end feels even better - we’re all in this together.

Being a quirky, interactive and communal activity, it’s no surprise that Portland goes all out for Karaoke. Take Baby Ketten Club - dubbed “America's greatest karaoke night” by The New York Times, the souped-up sound system is the best in town, and their deep catalog of rare and obscure songs allows you to sing just about any tune you can imagine. If you don’t see it, just ask and it’s likely to be there on your next visit!

Of course, one cannot speak of karaoke in Portland without mentioning the historic Alibi Tiki Lounge. As the second oldest tiki bar in the country, the piña coladas, Hawaiian cuisine and nightly karaoke have been local favorites for generations of Portlanders. Stepping into the full-blown island decor, you are transported immediately into a delightfully tacky tropical paradise.

The word karaoke, meaning “empty orchestra” in Japanese, is flipped on its head every Monday night at Dante’s with Karaoke From Hell, a live karaoke band that covers over 700 songs. Since 1993, Karaoke From Hell has given Portlanders the opportunity to front a real band - to have rock star experiences with real instruments and musicians behind them!

For a more intimate vibe, check out Voicebox, with twin locations in Nob Hill and Central Eastside. Gather your friends, rent a suite and have your own private party. Voicebox is also kid-friendly! Bring the young ones before 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.