It's a worldwide guilty pleasure. It's somewhat embarrassing, yet fun. It's empowering, yet blush inducing, if you flop.

It's karaoke, and it's alive and well. Here in Buffalo, there's seemingly no shortage of venues to hit up when you want to belt out your favorite '80s tune or a song off Jagged Little Pill. Here are some of my recommendations.

Wednesday

The Waiting Room

334 Delaware Ave. Buffalo

This is not your grandmother’s karaoke. This is Punk Rock karaoke feature a LIVE BAND!!! Not just you and a monitor acting weird in front of everybody, no. A full band cranking out hits from the late 90’s and early 2000’s like Blink 182, Offspring,  Rancid, Pennywise, Taking Back Sunday and much much more! 10pm and free. You might even see Freeloader Joe there making a fool of himself.  

Tuesday

Essex Pub 
6 Essex St., Buffalo

To know Essex Pub is to know a neighborhood bar. There's pool and darts, and the crowd is always varied. All voices are welcome, and it should be noted that an awesome jukebox lives here, too.

 

Thursday

Amvets Post 45
3071 Abbott Rd., Orchard Park

From Roxy's to Amvets -- that was a jump! There are people who like hanging out in VFW and Amvets Posts, and there are people who do not. If you haven’t, go give it a try.

Friday

Tudor Lounge
335 Franklin St., Buffalo

One Yelper put it best: "This place is like a cult. Once you go, it sucks you in."

Saturday

Third Base
3264 Main St., Buffalo

If you're the kind of person who never gets on stage and prefers to sip your beer at the back of the room while plastered college students humiliate themselves, Third Base is for you.

Sunday

Carrubba's
4552 Clark St., Hamburg

Formerly the Fairview Inn, Carrubba's has a loyal following all its own, and karaoke nights are no different. A pool table centerpiece sets the mood, and they serve bar food into the wee hours.

 

And as you may have noticed, we left a Monday night karaoke joint off our list. Anyone have a favorite?

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