The Best Karaoke Bars in Las Vegas
Is karaoke your thing? Are you a fanatic and looking for that crazy Vegas karaoke night to fulfill your vacation? Perhaps you’ve never done karaoke before but you want to get off the Strip for an evening, meet some locals, and not blow a ton of cash. As an enthusiast and former KJ (karaoke DJ) myself, karaoke is one of my favorite ways to socialize.
Karaoke bars are an inexpensive form of entertainment that is offered all over Las Vegas, and when I’m looking for an entertaining night out, this is often my go-to activity. Below is a list of my top five karaoke places in town that will provide you with a fun, social, and entertaining experience.
Champagnes Cafe
Champagnes Cafe is a local dive bar about two miles east of the Las Vegas Strip that features cheap drinks and karaoke on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 pm until 2 am. The bar opened in 1966 and was a Rat Pack hangout.
The interior is lined with snazzy, red velvet wallpaper. This is a genuine old school Vegas gem! Featured on the popular show Bar Rescue, Champagnes now attracts many tourists. Doug, the karaoke host, is a multi-instrumentalist and has been involved with various karaoke spots for over two decades. He knows how to make you sound good! Song selections are regularly updated.
Though the name suggests the potentiality of yummy bites, there is no food at Champagnes. You may have food delivered, or you can grab something to eat at one of the 24-hour fast food spots nearby.
Ellis Island Casino
One block east of the Strip, behind Bally’s hotel, you will find a dive casino attached to a Super 8 motel. Ellis Island features a nightly karaoke lounge which has been a local favorite since the ’90s. Sometime in the year 2002, after six beers and searching the book for more than an hour, I performed a sad country song in front of a room full of strangers at Ellis Island, and became an addict!
Ellis Island Casino is home to Nevada’s number one brewery and features two restaurants, a pizza joint, and a taco cart. Food and beverage prices are very reasonable which include $4 pints and $3 slices of pizza. Locals love to gamble at Ellis Island Casino. You’ll find a few table games and dozens of slot and video poker machines on the casino floor. Karaoke is nightly from 9 pm to 3 am and 8 pm to 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Charlie is the host most nights. Charlie is smiley, awesome and will make you sound like a rock star! Ellis Island is a great place for birthdays and bachelor and bachelorette parties because of it’s proximity to the Strip. V.I.P. tables are also available with a reservation.
Local Industry Tavern (L.I.T.)
Just south of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and across from the Town Square outdoor shopping plaza, you will find a golf course and driving range. Nestled within, you will find a local hot spot called Local Industry Tavern, otherwise known as L.I.T. Tuesdays at 10 pm. L.I.T. features an entertainment industry karaoke night, which means that many of the karaoke patrons are comedians, magicians, and singers who perform at various shows and comedy clubs throughout Las Vegas.
Karaoke is hosted by Penny Wiggins, a singer and an actress who has worked with Criss Angel and the Amazing Jonathan. The song selection is vast and updated frequently. If the place is hopping, they’ll keep the party going as late as 4 am. No drink specials here, but they do serve a limited late-night menu from their kitchen which features their L.I.T. Burger, L.I.T. wings, a buffalo chicken sandwich, beer-battered chicken tenders, chicken Caesar salad, and my favorite, the bang-bang shrimp.
Backstage Bar & Billiards (Triple B)
At the corner of 6th and Fremont Street is another favorite dive of mine called Backstage Bar & Billiards. Triple B features karaoke every Tuesday night from 10 pm until 2 am, and sometimes on weekends when there isn’t a live show or a concert. Make sure to check out the gold records and cassettes on the wall which are proudly displayed by co-owner DJ Lethal of the 90’s band House of Pain.
Triple B was once a Sears way back in the day. At one time, the building served as the local Sheriff’s office. The building also has a separate events venue, the Fremont Country Club, where you will see live punk, hip hop, and metal shows…as well as midget wrestling.
You’ll sing on the same stage where the bands perform, inside a large room with plenty of space to let loose. You’re gonna sound awesome!! To keep you occupied between songs, there are two pool tables and drinks are cheap. You’ll meet lots of downtown locals and other touristy folks at Triple B for sure!
No kitchen, but no worries because across the street, you can get $13 prime rib 24/7 at El Cortez or grab a weenie from Cheffini’s late-night hot dog cart.
Dino’s
Lastly, but surely not least, let’s talk about Dino’s. Half a mile north of the Stratosphere on Las Vegas Blvd is one of the more popular local karaoke bars in Vegas. Dino’s is a neighborhood bar that has been around since 1962. They have satisfied the local karaoke clientele for more than 16 years.
You’ll find a stellar mix of locals and tourists singing their hearts out every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Dino’s features awesome drink prices. Domestic beers for $3, imports for $5 and $4 shots. It’s standing room only for karaoke, but you are going to have a blast mingling with the crowd since Dino’s is an excellent place to meet locals. Dino’s does not serve food but there are two pizza joints nearby, or you may have food delivered.
I hope you enjoy my recommendations for karaoke bars in Las Vegas! Karaoke is a great way to add a unique and memorable evening to your Vegas vacation especially if you’re looking to mingle with the locals.
Keep in mind that most of these places are dive bars so please use caution when visiting the neighborhood and avoid being outside the venue. I recommend that your taxi or ride-share drop you off at the entrance and if you must go outside, go with a group. Do your research and always use caution when you’re in an area that you’re not familiar with.
Which are your favorite karaoke bars in Las Vegas? Have you had a wild night at any of the places mentioned here? If not, let me know where you go for a crazy karaoke night in Las Vegas! Please share in the comment section below. I’d love to hear any feedback!
Thanks for reading. 🙂 Toodles!
Shaun Marcus leads the Downtown Delights Foodie Tour which takes participants to visit local favorite spots in downtown Las Vegas. Try out some of the city’s local eats from the smaller, off-the-beaten-path venues that most tourists walk right on by. Combined with attractions and tidbits of history, this casual, walking food tour is a great way to discover “the original” Las Vegas.
