Lamplighter
This little dive bar is dark, but if you're not blessed with the best of voices and nerves hit you on stage, you'll have no worries here. Drunkenness trumps talent and on most nights, yet the whole bar is singing along anyway. The Lamplighter has karaoke daily, and plenty of seats at its central bar. If you're looking for dim and communal, look no further than the Lamplighter, centrally located just up the hill from downtown.
Lamplighter
817 W Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 298-3624
Charcoal House
Often claiming the prize for top Karaoke Bar in San Diego, the Charcoal House is where American Idol prospects stretch their vocal cords. You don't need to have a voice to sing here, but you may want to have guts. Have a steak and some beers and enjoy the show--there's sure to be one here. They host karaoke Tuesday through Thursday starting around 8 p.m. and even though it's a bit further to travel--unless you're already enjoying the courses of East County--Charcoal House is for those whose blood runs thick with song.
Charcoal House
9566 Murray Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 465-7050
Min Sok Chon
The owners of Min Sok Chon, which means "Korean folk village," have decorated their restaurant to reflect its name. With great Korean food and a classic karaoke atmosphere, Min Sok Chon is great for a classy night of culture and cocktails. Their private karaoke rooms (they have six) start at $25 an hour, but they charge more if you're too quiet--true karaoke enthusiasts take priority. If you're already golfing in North County or staying near Torrey Pines Golf Course, Min Sok Chon is only a long putt away.
Min Sok Chon
4620 Convoy St., #C
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 560-8168
About The Author
David J. Harvey has worked as a journalist since 2006, while earning a degree in political science and writing at the University of California, San Diego. He has written and edited for the UCSD "Guardian" and the AUC "Caravan" in Cairo, and currently freelances with San Diego's "Uptown News."
