Oldfield’s North Fourth Tavern at 1571 N 4th St. hosts karaoke on Thursday nights. Credit: Ghezal Barghouty | Lantern Reporter
Columbus has plenty of nightlife to offer on any day of the week. Get your friends together and your voices warmed up, here are the top eight karaoke hubs near the Ohio State campus.
Whether you’re into today’s top 40 hits or classic jams like “Don’t Stop Believing,” these places offer different atmospheres to fit any type of mood.
Monday
The Thirsty Scholar
2201 Neil Ave.
A small bar with a big local following, the Thirsty Scholar is self-proclaimed as Ohio State campus’ “best kept secret.” This longtime campus landmark is here to give your Monday the pick-me-up it needs, and offers karaoke every Monday night, free of charge.
Tuesday
Ravari Room
2661 N. High St.
This hipster-friendly, low-key bar hosts Excesss karaoke every Tuesday night starting at 10 p.m. The intimate atmosphere, lined with brick walls and decorated with a jukebox and midsize stage, is often home to live music. Ravari Room is also connected to Hounddog’s Pizza, which can be ordered straight from the bar.
Wednesday
Fourth Street Bar and Grill
1810 N. 4th St.
Attracting the a cappella wannabes and an older crowd, Fourth Street holds karaoke nights every Wednesday starting at 10 p.m. for patrons ages 21 and up. The bar and patio offers a menu full of classic pub eats with some unusual additions, and even offers half off appetizers all night on Wednesdays. Grab your friends for some midweek entertainment, whether you love to sing or prefer to hang out and watch.
Thursday
Oldfield’s North Fourth Tavern
1571 N. Fourth St.
A staple in the campus area since 1951, this local tavern offers karaoke every Thursday night from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. for anyone over 18 years old. Since 2002, karaoke has been hosted by DJ KJ, and patrons are encouraged to sing any type of music.
“For some reason, one group sings Mariah Carey, ‘All I Want for Christmas (Is You)’ every week. I have no idea why,” said Dan Starek, owner of Oldfield’s.
Starek described the tavern as a down-home bar, where anyone can show up, even in sweatpants.
Friday
Ledo’s Tavern
2608 N. High St.
Established in 1960 and reestablished in 2012, Ledo’s is home to dirty hippies and Friday night Excesss karaoke. The University District bar attracts locals and students alike, making every karaoke night a hit.
“We have a large, regular following for karaoke around the Columbus area,” said Megan Windle, Ledo’s manager.
For those not interested in singing, the bar offers some pool tables and more dart boards than any campus bar. The Tavern even has a back window with direct access to Mikey’s Late Night Slice, in case you’re craving pizza and wings. If you’re interested in a local karaoke vibe or a chill night out, Ledo’s is a campus spot to hit.
Saturday
Café Bourbon Street
2216 Summit St.
This cozy dive bar is home to independent music acts regularly, but on Saturday nights it plays host to Excesss Karaoke, starting at 10 p.m. with no cover charge. If you do not want to sing, the bar will not break the bank when it comes to food, and even offers many vegetarian and vegan options.
Sunday
Ugly Tuna Saloona
1546 N. High St.
Sharing a building with Gateway Film Center on OSU’s campus, this place offers live music every night and karaoke every Sunday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The bar also offers a menu full of seafood and bar favorites. The colorful hangout with fishy decor will help you sing away the Monday blues before the week even gets started.
Open Seven Days a Week
The Voice Karaoke Bar
1493 N. High St.
This lounge-style karaoke bar is equipped with a touch-screen karaoke system that lets you sing your favorite songs in a variety of languages, including English, Chinese and Japanese. Decorated with colorful LED lights, the bar offers karaoke in a main lounge and seven private rooms. Ranging from $30-$90 an hour, depending on the size, private rooms are available for anyone who doesn’t want to sing in front of a crowd. Customers must be over 21 years old to stay in the main lounge, but all ages can sing freely in reserved rooms.
