Best of: Karaoke

Karaoke lovers who typically make the trek to K-town for their singing fix may not realize that they don’t have to always leave the Upper West Side. Columbians can escape the confines of Campo and 1020 to sing their hearts out at select local bars on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. Just a few stops off the 1 (and one walking distance from campus) are a strip of swanky pubs that offer a downtown environment with an uptown zip code.

Parlour

Young people gravitate towards Parlour, a laid-back Irish pub, for karaoke on Sunday and Wednesday nights. “We get regulars and some kooky people,” bartender Owen McCarthy said. “Karaoke attracts oddballs, but it’s a good crowd.”

Parlour receives frequent visits from opera singers who come in and sing pop songs in operatic voices. Karaoke runs from 10:30 p.m. until around 3 a.m. and gets packed between 11:30 p.m. and midnight. According to McCarthy, karaoke nights are the busiest nights. Patrons can head to the downstairs area to play flip cup or beer pong while they wait for their name to be called.

Parlour is located at 250 W. 86th St. between Broadway and End avenues.

Brother Jimmy's BBQ

For some southern hospitality, head to Brother Jimmy’s BBQ on Tuesday nights from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Brother Jimmy’s combines a college drinking bar with a southern BBQ restaurant. The kitchen is open until midnight, so singers can fuel up on mac and cheese, French fries, or nachos—a favorite among patrons. Drink specials include $10 Bud Light pitchers, $2 beers, and $3 well drinks. The bar attracts a young crowd that gets hopping around 11.

A lot of the Brother Jimmy’s staff, including karaoke host DJ Andrew, are actors and professional singers and sing with the patrons, which, according to Ellis, encourages everyone else to have a good time. “We dare you to have more fun than the staff,” manager Cary Henderson said.

Brother Jimmy’s is located at 428 Amsterdam Ave. between 80th and 81st streets.

Soldier McGee's

On Wednesday nights from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., students can wail on the mic at Soldier McGee’s, co-owned by Joe Bossolina, CC ’84. “It’s an upscale, neighborhood place where people know who you are when you come in,” Bossolina said. “And we try to always make you feel welcome.” According to Bossolina, the clientele is an eclectic mix of UWS locals, people from around the city, and out-of-towners. “Just the other day, Goose Gossage and David Cohen from the Yankees were here,” Bossolina said.

Columbians can feel right at home at McGee’s, which features a Columbia vanity license plate hung up on the back wall. The bar also boasts flat screen TVs, a jukebox, and a pool table.“It’s like ‘American Idol,’” bartender Jennie Salmieri said.

Soldier McGee is located at 480 Amsterdam Ave. between 83rd and 84th streets.

Suite

Students who don’t want to deal with the subway or are looking for a night of fun can head to Suite on Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday night from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. to be entertained by drag queen Jackie Dupree. According to bartender Dave Chura, Suite is a gay bar with a neighborhood feel, making it unique from other gay clubs and lounges downtown. “It’s like the ‘Cheers’ of gay bars,” Chura said. “Where everybody knows your name.”

Suite features disco lights, psychedelic lamps, and even a small stage area for karaoke. Suite has drink specials that start around 11 p.m. to get the crowd going—anything on the rocks for $5 and shots for $3. According to Chura, karaoke is the best on Thursday night because it’s the beginning of the weekend for a lot of Columbians. “Thursday night is unofficially Columbia night,” Chura said. “Of all the nights, it’s probably our craziest.” And those craving some late night eats can indulge in tasty Indian wraps from Roti Roll next door. The food can either be brought in or ordered directly through a hole in the wall connecting the two establishments.

Suite is located on 992 Amsterdam Ave. at 109th Street.