Tired of watching "American Idol" contestants have all the fun? Devan Goldstein, a four-year veteran of the local karaoke scene, says you're in a great city to get your feet wet. "I've never seen anyone get booed or hissed here."
While Ryan's Pub & Grill maintains a foothold as "the epicenter of karaoke in Pittsburgh," venues around town offer something for everyone. Young hipsters flock to the unpretentious décor and large, group-friendly tables at Nico's Pub & Grill in Bloomfield. Friday nights at Del's Restaurant and Bar on Penn Avenue offer a more laid-back, neighborhood-watering-hole karaoke experience. And of course, South Side is chock full of college-student haunts featuring KJs (that's right-karaoke DJs).
If you're prone to the jitters, bowl them off while you await your turn at the mike-Arsenal Bowling Lanes in Lawrenceville hosts DJ and karaoke night on Fridays. When you're ready for a real rock-star experience, check out Tuesday-night live-band karaoke at The Upstage in Oakland, where you can pick from a list of several-dozen songs and lead the house band.
Simon Cowell, eat your heart out. -Elaine Vitone
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