Louie's Pub

So much fun. Small bar with great bar staff and fantastic atmosphere. Get there early if you care about holding the microphone. Fun all evening, but after about 10pm it gets really packed - elbow to elbow. Loud and full of people dancing and singing. If that's your kind of karaoke, it's the best spot in Chicago.

They have popcorn so I added 5 stars for food since our buckets were never empty. They have a diverse drink selection🖤 The drinks and vibes are on point. The whole staff gets into the fun and adds to the vibe. Was there on a Saturday night so be prepared to WAIT for your song to come up (like 2 hrs). There were ppl of all ages and the songs selected were from a good range of bangers. I don’t sing, but in this place you can belt out as audience chorus 😉

I have visited 4+ karaoke bars in Chicago so far, and my favorite place is here. During the most recent Chicago Sings karaoke competition, both first and second rounds were hosted here because people recognized the incomparable value this venue holds. Whether it’s for a birthday party, for a night out with friends, or singing alone, it is a safe & friendly environment to say the least 🥰🎤🎼 Staff members do their best to make everyone’s experience enjoyable too. P.S. Drinks may seem like they are on the pricy end, but you need to remember that it includes the price of you singing too!

Female bartender couldn’t figure out how to close my tab. She refused to give me my credit card back. Now several weeks out I notice she charged my card multiple times for same purchase due to her ineptitude and I had to dispute with credit card company. She was also incredibly rude and threatening.

"Where friends meet" is more than just words that the bar say they are about. Friendly neighborhood bar that welcomes all. Staff members are kind, attentive and make you feel at home. Diverse alcohol menu. I've never experienced or witnessed any issues and will continue to come back to this hidden gem!

Update 07/31/24: I returned for karaoke with friends and had a much better experience. The person who confronted me last time was not there. I'm hoping the owners corrective measures ensure this does not happen again. Caution to queers!! I was harassed by the bar back as I left the restroom. They insisted I was using the wrong facilities and made me feel incredibly unwelcome in the space.

If you like karaoke, you’ll love Louie’s. A killer set up with a designated karaoke DJ booth, multiple screens, and a wireless set up that lets you be the star of the show or slink into the background if you don’t need the limelight…or can’t quite hit those notes like you thought you could. Drinks aren’t fancy but they’re also not expensive and staff is polite and friendly. Last visit the bartender even comped me a free drink for helping him turn away someone who had a few too many drinks at the bar before. Never overcrowded either which is nice if you’re just looking to hang out with friends/on a date and belt out a couple of your favorite tunes.

They must be under new management. Be aware that 20% gratuity is added to every tab and there is still a space on your check for additional tip. I saved a few people from tipping 40%. Also the Kareoke has removed any “vulgar” songs from there queue. Additionally they have added a measuring device to their liquor pours. Not knocking them pouring accurate drink volumes. Just another clue that the bar is under new strict management. Still a fun bar. But just be aware of these changes.

Went for Valentine's Day last night with my friend and HAD SOO MUCH FUN!!! Literally everyone there got so into it and it felt like everyone became friends. I also wanted to tell the gal working last night she's a queen and deserves nothing but the best! And that her voice is perfect for the song "spotlight" by Jennifer Hudson. Overall will be returning 10/10 no other notes at this time. Love ya Louies

Louie's is a great spot for karaoke, but was extremely disappointed when I closed out my bar tab. Racked up a $190, went to tip and sign off, but noticed the receipt has a "Bar surcharge" of $32 dollars. I assumed this 16% charge was a tip that was automatically charged. I scratched out my written tip and circled the $32 surcharge. The bartender had the nerve to confront me about it like I'm the bad guy in this scenario. Lady, you just charged me $32 already!! Tipped $25 to get her to pipe down and left. Long story short, don't fall for the same trick I fell for.

LOVE LOUIES especially Nicole and Russel!! Staff is incredible vibes are perfect a great and perfect karaoke bar

No matter what you think about karaoke before going to this bar you will definitely love it by the time you leave. Brings great local talent to the bar also so won't be disappointed! Staff and patrons are fun and always a great social experience. I would stick to simple drinks though and they do gratuity each check 20% and call it a service charge so after a few drinks you might forget! Always busy enough to stay fun! Hard to get a song if you would like to sing unless put in early. Staff very talented and also participate! Fun ambiance! Won't be disappointed! Good times!

I love this place it was our first time here and everyone was so fun and welcoming. Coming here after a long day at work is such a treat. And Donald the MC is such a delight to be around. He is refreshing and fun not to mention his amazing singing voice and putting up with our silly "band names" he is such a treat. Not to mention Russel the bartender and Kevin the bouncer. Everyone is so fun! We will definitely come back again!

The karaoke host can kick rocks. Maybe im petty but he REFUSED to let me sing Grillz by Nelly because it "is a vibe killer"...WHAT?!? Look I get it's not the best song on earth. I know it's not a classic like Sweet Caroline or Mr Brightside or any of those other overplayed karaoke songs he let slide...but come on man respect the request. Two different CREED songs were played that night (I was one of them) but god forbid we let Nelly make an appearance. I even explained that my entire extended family was there and this is kinda my thing and everyone will be super pumped and he just hit me with a "too bad". Im actually mad. I pooled together $140 and the guy still turned me down. I've never met a karaoke host so absurdly stubborn. I hope he reads this. I hope that song follows him for the rest of his life. I hope he meets the love of his life and falls deeply in love only to find out their favorite song is Grillz. Drinks are pretty expensive too.

I have visited 4+ karaoke bars in Chicago so far, and my favorite place is here. During the most recent Chicago Sings karaoke competition, both first and second rounds were hosted here because people recognized the incomparable value this venue holds. Whether it's for a birthday party, for a night out with friends, or singing alone, it is a safe & friendly environment to say the least. Staff members do their best to make everyone's experience enjoyable too. P.S. Drinks may seem like they are on the pricy end, but you need to remember that it includes the price of you singing too!

I'd rate this place between a 3 and 4. Really fun atmosphere with the karaoke. Drinks are expensive for a dive bar in this part of the city. And if you sign up to sing, expect to wait a few hours if it's busy. The guy running the karaoke moves people up and down based on tips...which I get, but he also doesn't play it fair. My friend sang and I was 9 songs down when I checked after that even tho I put in my song right after her...and I had tipped right after I signed up and she didn't. Go for the fun vibes but don't expect to sing anytime soon if you're not a regular or don't make it clear to the guy that you're tipping big.

I LOVE IT HERE. Russel, Josh, and the rest of the staff are absolutely amazing. Connecting with everyone individually is such a special experience. It can def get crowded, but i think that is a testimony to how many people love this bar. Wicker Park staple!

Great karaoke! Expensive pop. Karaoke selection was good, despite several standards surprisingly not being available on their Karafun app. Not sure if that really meant they didn't have it, but I didn't ask. Yeah so I don't drink, sorry! I realize most bars have karaoke to attract more paying customers. So I always do my best to buy several drinks or food where possible. But this visit we had a birthday party and were told we could bring our own food (we had a ton of baked goods!) But the fact that a pop was nearly $4 really deterred me from getting the multipe refills I would have otherwise gotten if they'd been cheaper. All seating is bar height, but there are some bench style seats you can climb up into, so I was grateful for that (I absolutely despise bar stools, always fall off!) I was told Asia was a really fun and charming KJ but unfortunately she wasn't there the night I ended up going. Honestly I don't know the dudes name who KJ'd but he gave a kinda young Ving Rhames vibe. A little stoic and business like, but he did a great job anyway. If you want to sing a lot, the trick is going early. It starts picking up around 9. But if having a large adoring audience is why you go, you'll be fine with it! Much like everywhere else recently no one wears masks, and there doesn't seem to be any covid safety protocol. So if you're paranoid you may not like it here. I've been here before and I'll probably be back!

Was there for 3 hours, requested 3 songs and they only had me sing one when I tipped three different times..... They only bumped me up when I asked where I was line... Everyone had mostly left by then. . A friend who showed up an hour after me sang before I did. I been to other karaoke bars that automatically bump you when you tip.

TIP SCAM ALERT! Major heads up. The bartenders are so kind as to give themselves an automatic 20% tip, which is tucked in with all of your drinks on the itemized receipt. It's not called out in the payment section, by the taxes/tip section like it legally should be. The staff manually input in 20% charge in between your beers and drinks. And still give you a receipt with a tip section, but zero call out that it's already been added and hidden. Do you know how drunk people are in that bar? My tab was about $120. I quickly looked at the drinks ordered and in the middle was a $24 charge. I called it out and they claimed it was covid protection. So on top on the manually entered hidden tip they gave themselves, I'm now tipping an additional 20% on the already 20% they gave themselves. Reports have been filed with the city and will literally never return there. If you do go, do not tip. It's been conveniently entered on your behalf. :) UPDATE: since the owner rambled on how he doesn't pay his employees well and what they're doing is super legal, important to state the common sense, or maybe not for them--sales tax is not subject to tips. To be clear, they are taxing on the tip they gave on your behalf. Sooo... once again. Illegal. City can have fun with this. (As for the advertised "tip" everywhere.. bahahahahaha okay.)

Extremely disappointed with Louie's, to be honest. My wedding was this past Saturday, 2/26, and we love karaoke & Louie's, so we had planned to go there after the wedding for an after party. I had planned ahead. I spoke with Abram over the phone to coordinate, and confirmed via email, twice, with Josh, that there would be tables reserved for my group. Lo and behold, when we arrived on Saturday evening, there were no tables reserved. I get it - it was a very busy Saturday evening. It would have been hard to accommodate us. But whoever was at the door, I think it was Josh, was just plain rude to me. I told him that we were supposed to have tables reserved, and was told not only do they not have tables reserved, but was told "they don't even do that"... when I KNOW you do as I've had tables reserved for a friend's birthday there before? And I had a confirmation email from the bar, which I attached to this review. Luckily, I figured it was going to be busy so I had a back up planned at @NorthBar a few doors down. They were more than happy to accommodate us. I love karaoke, and frequented Louie's pretty often, but I'll never be back. Getting an entire wedding after party from one bar to another and dealing with rude bouncers was an added headache I did not have on my wedding bingo card.

This is such an amazing bar if you are a karaoke lover!! So many song options! Great drink selection!

I went here for a birthday. It was very full by 8:30pm on a Saturday but I understand everyone wants to sign up to sing. The drinks were good, there's a variety. There's only popcorn available so I suggest eating before. Another thing to note, there's an automatic 20% gratuity on everything so watch to not pay it twice! Everyone was friendly but with it being so busy, people put their coats on chairs and piled in booths. I put mine on to go home and the sleeve was partially torn off due to people moving around. Please be careful since there isn't a coat check.

Hosted my fiancés 30th Birthday at Louie's a couple weeks ago and we had the best time singing karaoke! We originally reserved the back room and had little a hiccup that got quickly resolved by Josh (shout out to you-thank you for working with us to find a quick solution).

This is a favorite spot of mine. The drinks are inexpensive in comparison to some of the other local places plus you get the added fun of karaoke. I will say that less common nights are the best! The staff are incredible and you're sure to have a fun time. Sing your heart out with you friends!

I've been coming here for years now (7) and I always feel comfortable with the friendly staff and the great karaoke community. My favorite nights are weeknights to dodge the crowd, but weekends really bring in some massive talents. Whether you're looking to sing or watch, you'll have a blast.

Had such a great time. Russell is the best! If you're looking for a good time in Chicago come here!

Russell the karaoke man is the bomb & so talented. Really knows how to get the party started!

Highly recommend. We come here a lot and it's never been short of a great time. A hidden gem in wicker park

Very fun karaoke business! Great drinks and great service. I would recommend getting here early to sing if you're into singing. It gets super packed late at night but still a fun atmosphere. Russell was a great KJ and host to us and our party. Will be returning!

evidently "karaoke bar" is code for "donald's bar" as his voice is the only one that matters. donald was the "DJ" on the night we visited. when i put my name in for a song, he said that it was 'his' song and refused to allow anyone else to sing it. ultimately we hung out for awhile and listened to donald on his power trip. if you want a bar, great spot. if you want a karaoke bar, keep looking.

We went to Louie's as a stop for a bachelorette party, but we ended up staying until they closed! Some things that I really loved about it was the chill atmosphere, the friendly staff, the ability to make a reservation, and (of course) the karaoke. Will definitely be back!

Buyer beware!! They add a 20% service charge to your bill! Signs are posted but very obscured. My guess is that most patrons are unaware of this. Just a heads up.

A group of friends and I have been coming to Louie's every single Thursday since 2017. This is our favorite karaoke place in the city. The entire service team is amazing. They've come to know us, our drinks and our favorite table. This is a dive local bar, however, they have a huge variety of drinks from ciders, beers, wines and even cocktails. A glass of wine is about 6$ and a cocktail goes for 8$. Shots are 7$ each, which is a little pricey, but I think it's the norm for Chicago. They don't have a kitchen, but they sometimes allow you to bring food from the outside. I've seen numerous groups bring in pizza boxes and sandwiches with them. They do have popcorn though, and for some reason, it is the best freaking salty, buttery popcorn I've ever had. The minute we walk in, we make sure to grab a bowl of popcorn before we head to our table. The bartenders are all friendly, fast and efficient. We've been coming here for two whole years and we've never had an issue with service. It's been consistent throughout! The karaoke is as you'd expect. You go to the booth, request a song, and get in line. This place gets really really crowded and sometimes you can wait over an hour for your song to come up, but either way, everyone is dancing around and having fun. This place seems to attract a young, friendly crowd and we we've made plenty of new friends here. It's always a pleasure to be here! See you next Thursday.

Would give 6 stars if possible. Russell OWNS karaoke night. great spot to go to with friends and family. will be back every weekend.

BEST BAR! Russell is the bomb!!!! So good so much fun.love him the best time ever !!!

Louie's pub is the solution to the best pregame and party of the night. Good service? Yes. Good drinks? Yes. Good DJ? No. Only the best. Come here and never regret this decision in your life. Shout out to Russell, he's a good man.

They bump up patrons randomly. I showed up when it wasn't really busy and waited 2 hours to sing. My friend who signed up right before me performed 30 minutes prior. They change order based on random preference.

Great karaoke place! I was visiting from out of town and the vibe here was incredible. The drinks were generous. The crowd was enthusiastic. The KJ Russell was amazing. Absolutely recommended if you love karaoke.

This is my favorite bar in Chicago and easily the best karaoke bar! My favorite thing about the bar are the people who work here!

Tragic excuse for a bar. Karaoke is terrible at this place. The karaoke DJ is super biased and plays songs that he considers "good". At the end of the night to make himself feel good he sings the final song. Honestly don't waste your time here. Chicago has many more places to enjoy Karaoke and a pint. Go to Trader Todd's!!

Great drinks but terrible service . Complete miscommunication on all fronts led to our forced exit. Even though we were the only party encouraging fellow karaoke companions, they insisted the seating issue took presences and we had to leave the bar. The server in the cat mask was the rudest of them all!!!! I will never come here again due to the terrible hospitality!

Love this place. Amazing karaoke and amazing vibes always!!! Came here on a Saturday night and I had an amazing time

Its too crowed, too loud, and too hot, I feel bad for its neighbors!! If you don't mind all that it can be a fun time.

Last minute our original venue canceled for our parents 60/65 birthday party. Thankfully my partner remembered Louis pub during a pass by. The manager, owner and staff were very accommodating and helpful. They took very good care of our party. The have a private room where we had a taco bar and birthday cakes set up. We couldn't of asked for a better place. We will definitely booking for a private party again. Thank you Louie's pub for saving us and making our parents birthday a time to remember.

I've been going to this bar for the better part of 6 years for local fun. The staff are amazing and the atmosphere is fun! If you're in town and want some fun or if you local to wicker or Lincoln park check this place out!

I joined friends tonight, excited to try a new karaoke place. I arrived at 8 pm on a Saturday, a busy night but not too bad early. I requested 2 songs right away, and gave a $5 tip. It was 9:45 pm, and I hadn't sang a song, and my friend who used to work there and arrived a half hour after I arrived, had already sang a song. It wasn't until she went and talked to the DJ and asked that he play my song, that I actually sang. This place unfortunately plays favorites, and even money doesn't talk here, unless you have to pay more than $5 for a song. I will never bring my group of friends here, and we are usually about 30 people, and I will never recommend this place to anyone. You have lost our business

My favorite bar in wicker!!!! the perfect end cap to your night. my friends love to come karaoke here. The free popcorn is always a plus! Russel & Lorie are the best!

I'm a fan. It's dive-y. It's local. It's an all-for-one feel. I dig it. This is a place I could come back to on a weekly basis. They serve a wide variety of drinks, including a large list of wines, ciders, beers and cocktails. Drinks are a tad bit pricey given location, but I can almost forgive it for the lively atmosphere. Karaoke is SO insanely fun. The crowd they attract is phenomenal. Between Disney and Wicked, the Spice Girls and Madonna, there was something for everyone and never a dull moment. It does get crowded on the weekend, but they are able to hold a table if you call in advance. I'm a huge fan, so I'll definitely be back!

We came at 350 to wait outside until they opened at 4pm. The owner/manager originally told us they would open maybe 20 minutes late because the bartender wasn't here yet. One of our party stepped inside the open door after a little bit to ask about the wait and when karaoke would start. He was told to "get the fu*k out of my bar" by the owner/manager - insulting a party of 10 people when they had zero people inside or waiting. We were a paying large party, waiting to come support a local EMPTY bar. Louie's Pub; do better and respect your customers.

Louie's has been a favorite of ours for many years now. The best spot in town for karaoke hosted by Russell. Don't forget to tip him for his time because he is the best! The drinks are well priced and service is always friendly. It's a great bar to go to with a big group of friends or even solo because once the music starts everyone sings along and there are no strangers.

Louie's was no doubt a good time last Friday night. There were some great Karaoke singers too but think twice about attending unless you're vaccinated. 8 positive COVID tests and counting since last Friday that I'm personally aware of. This is not to scare you away from Louie's at all but think twice before you trap yourself in any room with no ventilation and people blasting their germs into the room while singing. They were taking temperatures at the door but the inside of my palm got scanned and others shared similar experiences or none at all. Now I'm an adult - I made my own choice to go and stay, I could have left if I felt uncomfortable but I chose to stay and be entertained. Take care and be well!

The crew was amazing. The drinks came out fast and were totally worth it. I had so much fun watching everyone sing and danice. Definitely we'll come back!!!

Came here with some friends and had a horrible experience with my friend getting charged for way more than he ordered. When he asked the bartender about the discrepancy, he was kicked out for "accusing" the bartender of scamming him. The bouncer was also yelling several racist remarks to another guy they kicked out for no reason. Definitely not going back.

Fantastic bar! Came in for a bar crawl and they were angels from the jump when it came to planning and coordinating. Great, affordable drinks, INCREDIBLE karaoke, and free popcorn. Can't recommend highly enough.

Ace the bouncer cussed out one of the girls in our group. Wouldn't go back. Otherwise the staff were nice but that really ruined our night. Don't go here for karaoke unless you are willing to wait two hours to sing

After a night out here for a friends birthday I decided to check out some of the yelp ratings to see if others shared the same experience I did. No surprise a large group of people did and it was pretty much focused on one thing, or should I say bartender. Now before I go and bash the place, I'll actually throw in a positive. And that's why there's a 2 star rating. The male bartender there was quick, courteous, and just a nice guy. Sounds like what a bartender should be right? The other female bartender, I feel like maybe she should just stick to singing karaoke like she did most the night. Went to this bar on a Thursday night around 8:00pm. Only 1 other person in the bar and 6 of us for a party. Within the first 2 minute I got a really bad vibe from this one. I was outside petting a dog ( you know, something pretty normal and innocent) and then while a good 4 feet away from the entrance she yelled to get out of the entrance way. Whatever, but like wtf? A couple minutes later I went back and complimented a guy at the bar cause he was actually a really good singer. And then looked to her, the bartender for a drink and got a "whaddaaya want". I didn't want to dare inconvenience her any further so I chose to get my drinks from the other gentleman the rest of the evening. Obviously there is a sense of sarcasm with this review but I hope it sparks the attention of some owner or manager. Because I'm sorry folks, but your staff really needs some hospitality retraining.