Karaoke and dive bars are both better when paired together. Think about it. What could make a night out at the bar with friends even better? How about adding in a drunken singalong of the jams of yesteryear? Thankfully, the Twin Cities has its share of spots where the rum and diets are as sweet as the floors are gritty, much like an amateur singer’s earnest rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good.”
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7 Twin Cities Dive Bars with Karaoke to Unleash Your Inner Rock Star
Cheap drinks and access to a microphone guarantee a good time

1. James Ballentine "Uptown VFW" Post #246
Minneapolis, MN 55408
VFWs in the Twin Cities really like to party. But this Uptown VFW might party harder than the rest. With multiple bars, Post 246 is many things – sticky dive, live music venue, and karaoke haven. The singer rotation gets long, so submit a song, grab some drinks, and enjoy the show.
2. The 1029 Bar
Minneapolis, MN 55413
When a bar is all about things like gambling, sports, and serving one of the best lobster rolls around, you definitely have the inklings of a winner. Add in karaoke most nights, and it’s no wonder why the red neon sign outside so easily draws a crowd. People take their karaoke seriously here, and it’s not uncommon to have several regulars waiting to get songs in as soon as karaoke starts. There’s a communal vibe, so don’t be surprised when the whole bar starts singing along to the chorus of Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy.” Karaoke Wednesday through Sunday at 9 p.m.
3. NE Moose Bar & Grill
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Northeast, the Moose Bar and Grill has a full kitchen serving up barroom favorites like burgers, hot wings, and more. The large space features a wrap-around bar and other rooms that allow patrons to get closer (or further away) from a lively karaoke scene that gathers six nights a week. Karaoke Tuesday through Sunday at 9 p.m.
4. Otter's Saloon
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Otter’s Saloon is your typical yellow beer slinging dive. It’s also bound to be jam-packed several nights a week with hazy locals and passerbys trying their best to belt out crowd pleasing tracks from the ’90s and 2000s, amping the charm of the cracked tiled floors and the painted tin ceilings. Things seriously get tight here, so expect standing room only crowds as the night grows long. Karaoke Sunday through Tuesday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
5. Vegas Lounge
Minneapolis, MN 55413
It’s hard not to have more than a little fun at Vegas Lounge. With pull tabs, bingo, meat raffles and other typical bar entertainment all week long, the Vegas Lounge shines brightest well after dark, as one of the few spots in town with karaoke seven nights a week. And somehow, despite the place being packed on weekends, the bar manages to provide surprisingly reliable table service. The biggest mystery might be how that bachelorette party flawless pulled off that Spice Girls song with only one coherent singer.
6. Joe & Stan's Pub & Grill
St Paul, MN 55102
While most visitors in this part of St. Paul are checking out Keg & Case Market, the foodie paradise right across the street, Joe & Stan’s remains a humble neighborhood anchor, and is a fine spot to watch a game and chat with locals. And the happy hour specials are certainly easy on the wallet. Karaoke lights up the place on Saturday nights, although it’ll likely still be too divey and dim for a good photo for Instagram.
7. Bleechers Bar & Grill
Maplewood, MN 55109
Bleechers might be up in the nosebleed section of the metro, but its homey atmosphere makes it a prime spot to hole away from the daily headaches of life for a few hours and a few rounds. Let a little extra loose with karaoke Wednesday through Saturday nights.