This is a hidden gem...for locals...and I mean serious locals who can carry a tune! Met up with my Hawaii posse and we had a great time! I love the shower set up for singing! Ok, we didn't sing, but the first time I was here, before Covid, I sang Only the Lonely by The Motels. Okay, I was a little out of practice. Great bar and great food too! We had nachos and wings, and both were soooooo good! I was surprised because it's a bar! Some bars just don't get it right. Super fun night! Mahalo 9th Avenue! Until next time! read more

9th Avenue Rock House - SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS! - Karaoke Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This place is always crowded on the weekends, so I make it a point to come in on the weekdays. No private rooms, but a mix of gr8 and not so gr8 singers in this kind of small communal lounge. I feel comfy because I can sing without being judged/heard in the general sitting area. Either everyone is talking amongst themselves or you get smatterings of claps when done singing. 1$ a song and the songs are many and focused on a lot of obscure but familiar songs to me. Tired of "Mack the Knife" overplayed at other lounges. Drink specials, good parking lot and 1 dedicated restroom for man and a woman. I feel relaxed and chill here. read more

9th Avenue Rock House - Karaoke Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This place is located of Waialae next to where Town used to be. I heard the karaoke is awesome here. Parking is behind in a huge lot next to what looks like an apartment. Came here to do a staff lunch order and got some fresh delicious pastrami sandwiches. The owner was awesome and very nice and so was the rest of the staff. Food looks awesome and it's in a convenient location. Will be back to try more onolicious grinds read more

9th Avenue Rock House - Pastrami sandwich - Karaoke Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I started going to 9th Ave Rock House about a month ago without issue and always had a good time. I described the karaoke bar as "oddly discrete". However, last weekend I went with my black friend (I say this detail because it's pertinent to the review) and had a terrible experience. We sat at the bar, and from the start the bartender was giving my friend a lot of attitude and spoke to him very rudely. I'm from South Florida and lived in Hawaii for many years, so I know racism when I see or experience it. I asked him if he wanted to move, but he was fine sitting at the bar (he is from Alabama, so he knows racism too). The compromise was that I would order for him to minimize the contact with her. We ordered drinks, sang some songs ($1 per song), and ordered the chicken wings. My friend noticed a couple wings with blood soaked bones, so he mentioned it to the bartender. That was the tipping point for her, I think. The owner came out said that he would comp the wings. However when the bill came the wings were still on the check ($15). I just paid and tipped, since I don't like to make a big deal. As we were standing up to leave the bar, she started saying things to us under her breath. Then spoke a little louder complaining that we complained about the wings (even though we ended up paying for them). She throws her arms in the air, signaling us to leave and says rudely "you should just leave!" - despite the fact we were already leaving. This experience was so upsetting to me, more than my friend. He kept saying, it's okay. But it's not okay. We live at a time that we tolerate people with their individual beliefs and are told to take the higher ground. But the bartender was unprofessional, disrespectful, and rude. I don't know if she was racist, but she definitely came across that way. I will never go here again. Unless, of course, I was able to go with 5 black guys to come sit at the bar with me. After all it is 2019, not 1955. read more

9th Avenue Rock House - Blood soaked chicken bone. I think it's called the 9th Ave Special chicken wings for $15 - Karaoke Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Yup this place is a gem went there last night and didn't want to leave-so fun and cheap beers and awesome cheap menu-the bartender was super attentive holding the place down -it's good to see teamwork and pride in cooking -definitely old school action -I don't want this place to get to crowded but yeah they got that special sauce-2$ for karoke with 2 mics-great vibe! Mahalo read more

Had a blast there with a bunch of friends! The joint is small. There's a parking lot. Drinks were pretty cheap. No cover. No direct fee for karaoke but if you tip the karaoke guy your song will be moved closer to the top of the queue. We closed down the place. At the end there was a dude who totally sounded like Steve Perry. I'm not a Journey fan but it was cool. read more

9th Avenue Rock House - "Steve Perry" - Karaoke Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place is another little hole in the wall, but this hole has karaoke :) It's not a karaoke room, it's a karaoke bar. Anyone can sing and they have a wide selection of songs. The usual bartender sings amazingly and makes really good drinks. Their food is cheap, but it's well worth it. The buffalo fries are amazing and their fried chicken wings are so good I usually order some to go. Drinks are a little on the cheaper side as well. I'm giving it four stars only because the place is really small, and if you don't know the people who run the place, sometimes you can be forgotten about. But it doesn't hurt to stretch your legs to get up and go to the bar. read more

9th Avenue Rock House - Patron shot and Makers Mark and coke - Karaoke Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Super local dive bar that has a nice sized food menu, karaoke songs available for $2. Service was friendly and efficient, drinks are cold. Good place to go if you want to avoid the riff raff at Brew'd across the street and don't want to deal with waits and reservations and nonsense like that. read more

I'd tell ya but...well this place is too small for ALL of us to fit in it. :-) This is a home away from home for many regulars. Please do not yell or talk into the microphone...that means you, drunk people!! Or drop it!! LOL Thank you in advance!! If you're having fun, even if you're not the greatest singer, it's ok!! Love the staff and the food is ono!! read more

9th Avenue Rock House - Karaoke Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Been here a bunch of times and every time its a lot of fun!! Tucked away in Kaimuki, right next to Towne restaurant and open late!! Although it is small, you quickly realize most people know each other by some extension -- kind of like the local version of Cheers but way cooler! LOL The bar has a good sturdy variety of options, sure to please your tastes. Plus, there is a solid array of food options too - my favorites are the chicken karaage, chicken katsu, kalua pig nachos and of course, the fries. Don't expect any fancy-pants fluff - its a bar for goodness sakes! A definite range of karaoke options, two dart boards and I think I even saw a video game on the bar too. Who cares, you'll be having so much fun with your friends, singing and hanging out!! A word to the wise. There are a lot of regulars that hang out here and its a smaller space....so table options may be limited, but don't get cranky - its always workable. read more

BF and I were in the mood for some Karaoke so we found this place on YELP and tried to call but there was no answer so we decided to got to Karaoke Hut instead. Big mistake. We went to Karaoke Hut and were so disappointed (I'll post a review for them next) that we ended up here anyhow. We are glad we tried it out. It's a small bar with parking in the back. Be aware that the parking lot appears as though it is for the apartment building adjacent to the lot but it is not. Do not park in the lot for the businesses across the street. I heard that the WILL and DO tow. Upon entering there were a few people who appeared to be "regulars" at the bar and one bartendress who acknowledged and greeted us immediately. The service was really good, drink prices and selection were decent. No beer on tap which is our favorite but of course not to be expected at this type of smaller establishment. The selection of songs in the song book were good. Not overwhelming in quantity but we didn't have trouble finding any of the songs we were looking for. What I appreciated about this place was the quality of the sound system AND of the actual karaoke system. Having just come from a place which was lame by comparison, we were definitely impressed. Karaoke is 1. a song and we didn't have to write them down. The guy controlling the system was actually in a seat so close to us that we just yelled out the song name and he was on it. He was awesome. The restroom was CLEAN! Nice job for a small bar. Couple of mentionables: 1. The owner is a musician thus has an affinity for good quality "stuff" when it comes to music which would explain the quality of the sound system, microphone, accurate music volumes...etc. 2. The garlic fries were so good and plentiful! It appears that their food prices are very reasonable; we will be back to try different things from the pupu menu. 3. The reason they didn't answer the phone is because they don't have one. The bartendress says that their business is mostly patronized by "regulars". So don't try to call. Overall, the service was EXCELLENT and the entire feeling of the place is really good. Truly a place run by those who give a darned about their business. Aloha in the air. I'm a fan. read more

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Small but nice bar filled with nice people. The karaoke sound system is good with a wonderful selection of songs. The food is good as well. read more

9th Avenue Rock House - Garlic fries - Karaoke Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Small, local, neighborhood bar with a great liquor selection. The food is good as well, so give it a try. The joint has karaoke. Just one request. Don't be annoying. read more

The wonders of rediscovering your own backyard, I feel like a kid in a candy store these days as I explore businesses near mere blocks from where we live. This place is one of those joints that makes you want to come by more and more so that you can be part of the "in" crowd. Everyone seems to know each other yet my friend and I were treated as welcome patrons. The karaoke started kicking in around 11:30 pm and except for a terrible rendition of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots are Made for Walking" the talent is quite top notch. Food is good for what we tried (Kalua Pig Nacho's, Fried Chicken and Kalua Pig Fried Rice) and we'll continue to sample the menu as we return. Overall, a great hole in the wall with an ambiance that my friend enjoyed versus Top of the Hill. **03/19/13** With a new owner and a new feel, 9th Avenue Rock House is clearly the winner of bars along Waialae Avenue or even Kaimuki in general. New hours makes this the perfect pau hana spot and the food specials they have are a MUST TRY. Stop deciding which spot to check out, this is the one... I have tried the other 3 bars for you and we have a winner everyone. Absolutely order the new food specials too, you'll thank me later. read more

When I first started writing about bars for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 2002, the watering hole I used as a prototype was Pub Kagami in Kaimuki. More than three years and dozens of bar reviews later, Kagami is no more. But the establishment that's replaced it, 9th Avenue Rock House, didn't mess with success. It maintains the same cozy garage-style drinking experience I remember from Kagami. And as the new name implies, rock fans have a home here when it comes to karaoke. It's a lot easier these days to describe where 9th Avenue Rock House is located, now that Town has opened up next door. Know where that trendy restaurant is? Good. Walk around the corner to the street front facing Waialae, and you'll see the bar's entrance. Head inside, and like I said, everything is basically the same. The only difference is the placement of the dart machines, the only form of entertainment available other than karaoke. There used to be only one machine here, and it sat right next to the front door. You had to be aware of flying darts when you walked inside, but no more. Two machines occupy the Diamond Head wall, where they're out of the way of customers heading for the rest rooms. I call this kind of place a garage-style bar because it feels like all that's missing is a driveway with someone's car in it. Shorts and slippers is the standard uniform, while a couple of tables and an L-shaped bar provide a few places to sit. Like any other garage, put too many people in here and things can get uncomfortable. But it's also cozy enough to encourage conversation with complete strangers, something that doesn't happen too often at other bars in town. During one visit, we were bookended by a tipsy social studies teacher and a local couple that frequents the joint. Conversation ranged from the irony behind a mainland haole teaching Hawaiian history to our keiki, to just how tasty the newest brand of Okinawan awamori is. Once you've found the bar, gone inside and relaxed with a drink or three, ask one of the staff to see "The Book." Bartender Lauren Hayashi used to be one of the owners here, but had since moved on to King Street Cafe before a stint at a regular day job. She came back to 9th Avenue Rock House to serve drinks, and was given the task of revamping the song offerings here almost by default. See, Hayashi is a karaoke queen (she's also served as the lead singer in a band called Barking Fish) who loves her '80s and '90s rock. She takes the bar's music selection seriously. If you want to headbang while singing songs, she wants you to think of 9th Avenue Rock House first. Don't like those kind of tunes? It's OK -- I haven't seen Nu Shooz's "I Can't Wait" at any other karaoke bar in town, so don't think there aren't a few gems of other kinds within the songbook's pages. Sitting at the bar in 9th Avenue Rock House in 2006, I had a strange sense of deja vu. My drinking partner for the night was the same person who helped me do my research at Pub Kagami. Our bartender was Hayashi, who I hadn't known during my original visit in 2002, but has since gone on to become one of my all-time favorites. And I was drinking Newcastle Brown Ale. Big deal, you might be thinking. But it was a trip -- I didn't remember at first, until Hayashi explained what was going on. She hasn't forgotten the first time I sat in front of her, when I ordered Newcastle on a whim. Since then, all she'll ever serve me is the brown brew. I even remember (vaguely) downing pitchers of it one night at King Street Cafe, thanks to her. And once again, as we were pulling barstools up in front of her, out came the Newcastle! That's what I liked about Pub Kagami back then, and it's what I like about 9th Avenue Rock House now. It's a comfortable spot with employees who care about the customers who sit down at their bar. http://starbulletin.com/2006/01/13/features/barfly.html read more

Ahahaha the comment by Leigh S. is hilarious!! Her group of friends came to the bar last week and were the most rude group of people I have ever come across. I am one of the regulars that got you guys banned and we all LOVE the bartender for not letting you back in. This bar is our second home, a place we hang with our friends and enjoy some singing. The last thing we want is a bunch of donkeys hee-hawing all night and shouting at the top of their lungs during every song that someone else is singing. Don't blame this awesome bartender because you have no manners or respect or any awareness of your surroundings. Good riddance!!! 9th Ave is the best! read more

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I was pretty stoked to bring my friends here after my first experience. The first time here was a year ago on a Friday and It was hopping. People drinking and having a good time. Tonight we walked in and were the only people there for karaoke It seemed, and we were stoked since were not exactly Lauryn Hill. We were the only people singing for 6 songs straight and then our friend joined us and we waited for 5 songs to play our next 2. We were the highest paying customers and clearly the most active participants in the bar ( 2 out of 6). When two more guys came in and sang dope songs we got excited and sang along.. we were told not to sing so lout to disrupt the performer and be disrespectful. As people being not the greatest singers, we were feeling the homies song and just belting the good vibes. The bartender was very rude and disrespectful towards us being there when we were literally sitting in our booth just sitting. She told us no one complained but "It is her job to stop problems before they happened". I guess that's what she's supposed to do but we were there just sharing good times. Unfortunately probably will not go back. This left a sour task in our mouths. Don't treat people less than you because you feel you have some authority. It will come back and bite you. Aloha read more

A small hole in the wall karaoke bar. The drinks are fairly priced with nightly drink specials. The staff is friendly if they know you; otherwise, don't expect to be impressed by service. The food is ok but the nachos are pretty good for its price. I think they speed up their karaoke songs though which forces you to sing a higher octave--not very fun for not-very-good-singers like me.... read more

I like the place. Would I frequent it, no, but would I go back yes. Word to the wise though, respect the regulars, have fun and you'll have a good night. I went with a truck load of friends, we drank and sang all night long. It has all the charms of a hole of the wall and all of the comfort (not so much), but it is what it is and it is what it isn't, no sense in trying to change it, just enjoy it for what it is. There are some pro-Karaoke singers in the crowd, and I must say they have great voices. I had no problem letting them shine. I also felt like everyone wanted to have a good time and when those "I must SING" songs came on, it was a free for all with no pretense. $1 a song, decently priced drinks. If you want a nice chill spot with a dedicated following, go there. If you don't like mingling, meeting new people, and/or don't have the skills to do either, don't wreck the regulars good time. read more

This is a fun little hole-in-the wall kind of neighborhood bar that is nothing like Cheers or Murphy's or O'Tooles. It is very low-key, very small and the bar has a nice collection of rock karaoke songs. If you live in Kaimuki, this is a fun place for you to experience. I wish I could own a little neighborhood bar like this! Seems like everyone pretty much knows each other here and when you step into the bar it feels like you've walked into a private party. I had a bad experience with a bartender here one night, but we've since hashed out our grievances and have moved on. In case you go in on a Sunday night, buy the bartender a drink. Her name is Lauren, and she'll need the drink if you intend to belt out some songs that will make her cringe. Have fun - and sing a little Slayer for me, would ya? read more

Good cheap food, reasonable priced drinks, good selection of bourbons, and very large selection of karaoke songs.

I noticed this place when I was looking up places to go to at night to check out. I found this place on 9th Avenue. It was a bit hard to find, but you would know it when you see it. The place was indeed small, but held it's own charm and flavor. One of the few bars in Kaimuki town anyway. The atmosphere was good and the service was good as well. Best part was that I could stumble in and walk home drunk, if I needed to. Prices were reasonable and it was cool. read more

Man the service keeps getting better. The matron is getting married, so hit on her! They've remodeled and it looks awesome. This place keeps getting better and better! read more

I lived a few blocks away from this hidden bar so I used to go there from time to time to knock back a few. Really small bar, 4-5 tables and a few dartboards. The guy who runs the place (I think) is really freakin cool, he's a metalhead-looking local japanese guy. Really nice, and when you order food he goes in the back and cooks it for you. The karaage chicken is excellent bar food, crispy and salty. Friendly atmosphere. One time a birthday party was in there and my friend and I were the only people in the bar not affiliated with the party. We joined in to sing happy birthday to the guy, and afterwards he gave us each a slice of birthday cake and a large plate with all kinds of food on it for us to snack on. The music is what makes it a cool place to hang out. The first time I was in there they were playing awesome music DVDs, Stevie Ray Vaughan at Montreaux, I think. The karaoke selection is great for rock songs, many of which would be hard to find at "normal" karaoke places. Last time I went there a guy was in there playing Guitar Hero on the tvs. If they're just playing music on the sound system it's guaranteed to be good. read more

This has got to be my favorite karaoke bar in Honolulu and the ONE that I would recommend for so many reasons: they have a big selection of rock songs and hard to find songs too- they have it, they have all kinds of songs from all genres- rock especially, my favorite genre to sing, It's only $1 per song, the drinks are great and food too. The price for food and drinks are reasonable and lots of free parking. This is a great place to hang out and meet up with friends who love to sing. People are friendly and they make you feel Ohana- so go there and Hana hou! read more

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It turns out that I like karaoke. Who knew? This is a great homey feeling bar, with fairly inexpensive drinks ($4 wells, not too bad!), and a wonderful sense of being at a party where you know everyone. Oh wait, I was at a party where I knew everyone. At least for the first half of the evening. The folks who weren't scared off by our rather boisterous birthday party came along and joined in the fun! Other patrons included a mix of casual folks and folks who looked they they were wandering in after a Dinner Out. This is a great place to go if you would rather have the rest of the bar sing a long with you than you sing alone. Though maybe that was just us? The selection of songs seemed great, with heavy emphasis on rock (I wouldn't know what are "good" songs for karaoke, but these were fun!). The bartender was gracious and helpful, skillfully turning down the too-much-to-drinkers while keeping in her head a bjillion food (the bar food is not untasty- about $5.50 for cheese sticks) and drink orders. read more

First time going there? Think "hole-in-the-wall" literally because its inconspicuously in the corner you can find the entrance on the right-hand side of Town Restaurant, hidden behind some shrubbery. Go early because this place is small and bumpin' - karaoke is hot here and a few of the regulars can belt out some songs. A great pau hana place :) read more

Awesome hole-in-the-wall kinda place to just chill and hang out at. Reasonably priced drinks and free karaoke. Its a cool "Cheers" like crowd where everyone seemed to know everyone and everyone seems super cheerful. Awesome singers here too! The nght we went to check this place out, the girl bartender was trading time between making drinks/popping bootles and singing. She has an awesome voice! Bravo! Kinda small but very home'y and quaint. For you dart players, there's 2 dart boards to play darts.......Awesome time, good job 9th Ave Rockhouse! = ) read more

Best bar on Waialae, hands down! No hipsters allowed, just straight drinking and rock n roll!! read more

9th Avenue Rock House - Drink and rock and roll. All you 30 and unders, this is the main joint - Karaoke Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This experience really bummed me out. The bar tender was extremely rude. She actually asked us not to sing along with other people because we were "stealing the show"........I thought in karaoke, the point was to get the whole bar to sing along. If you are not local, DO NOT GO HERE because you will be treated like trash. she also tried to charge us for an extra song. I will not be back!!!! read more

A small place that can be fun. A place where you can sing karaoke and actually enjoy it. The karaoke selection is pretty good, too. You sing in front of a few people and enjoy the night. There are also a few dartboards in the corner. The tables are close to each other and that makes for a very friendly atmosphere. It alsmost feels like you're in a friends living room. The people are there to have fun so the critical comments sometimes heard elsewhere are nowhere to be found. The only drawback is that this place is small, so if it gets too popular, you will have to get there before everyone to secure a table. read more

I write this review apprehensively, only because the microphone hog in me selfishly wants to keep this jewel on Waialae Ave a secret to the rest of Honolulu! Located on the corner of 9th and Waialae right next to Town, 9th Avenue Rock House is my absolute favorite karaoke bar in Hawaii (and I LOVE to karaoke)! The song selection (which is key to any good karaoke bar) is great and the owner/ bartenders are so good at keeping the rotation fair for all people singing. It never quite feels like you have to wait very long for your chance to sing, but you still have the opportunity to enjoy all the other singers. The drinks are great and reasonably priced and the food is so good! I've only had the chance to eat the chili, hamburger steak and teriyaki garlic chicken -- and they were all so delicious! Especially the garlic chicken -- it was probably some of the best garlic chicken I've ever had, and I am a self-proclaimed garlic chicken aficionado. The menu has a lot of great local favorites and the owner cooks everything to order, so it's always fresh and tasty! :) While the bar itself is not very large (I think there are only a few booths, seating at the bar itself and then a couple of tables), I can always rely on the crowd to be great (especially on a Friday or Saturday night) and the service to be excellent. There are even dart boards available for those who don't want to sing. I would highly recommend 9th Avenue Rock House to anyone who wants to have a great night of karaoke fun -- singer or not. :) read more

This is my first time yelping...So bear with me people! I gotta tell you I am so glad I went for a late night walk because if I didn't, I would have never found out about this place! I have lived in kaimuki my whole life and have never stumbled pass 9th ave rock house. What more could you ask for at a bar? Daily drink specials? Check. Great food? Check. Fun Atmosphere? Check. The blue cheese sliders are soooooo good and I don't even like blue cheese in the first place but I couldn't resist taking every bite of the juicy burger. I'm actually craving it right now. This will defiantly be a place I will visit regularly!! read more

The regulars are HORRIBLE singers, the bartender is RUDE & there was a long stringy hair in my friends drink!

Came here on a friend's recommendation. Super clean place. Didn't eat but the food that came out looked good. Lots of the customers and the bartender can sing. Feels like a lot of regulars come here...felt out of place...but it was my first time. Great place overall, can wait to try their food. read more

Bartender seemed so aggravated and refused our service for no apparent reason. The first ever. We're industry and never had someone refuse service like that. If you like a place with a aggravated bartender then here's the right place! read more

So much fun!! I love this place! Small secret bar, but with everything you could want. Very clean and welcoming. Great crowd of regulars and people just passing through. I'm not a singer at all, but I felt comfortable enough here to try a couple songs accompanied by a friend. :) Super friendly and some incredible singers, especially Paul! A great night out, I didn't want to go home. read more

Friendly location with relatively inexpensive drinks. Great song list and sound system! Clean & uncluttered bar with a homey feel. Small & unpretentious bar is sure to be a new regular stop for indulging my inner rock star! read more

I absolutely second the review written by Lucy S. (10/2/2011). The service was very poor, down right to rude, ridiculous, and a rip-off. At first, when I walked into the place, I was very open minded and thought it must be a fun place cos it was small and cozy. Waitress took a long time to come over our table and get our drink orders. When she finally showed up, there was no smile, no aloha, like she really hated her job or she really didn't want to serve us and that we (the customers) are a bother to her. As soon as I ordered my drink, she was trying to take a quick escape, even though my friends next to me were still speaking out their drink orders....... I had to tell her to turn around to take their orders too as she was trying to walk away. At the end of the night, I found drinks on my tab that is not mine (The writings on the tab were scribbly so I wouldn't have noticed I was overcharged had there not been some beers on it, cos I do not drink beer at all). When I questioned about it, she argued with me for over 15 minutes. I told her she could keep the money but it is the principle of trying to give me an incorrect bill. She then tried to throw a few dollars at me and literally used these words "take the money back and get the f#*k outta here". Wow, I can't believe one can be so abusive after trying to rip off a customer. I was stunt, especially I work in the hospitality industry as a concierge for many years. P.S. I contacted an old friend who is a Kamuki resident and asked him how he likes this bar. He said he stopped going there because the waitress is so rude to him too. Not sure if I am going to report them to Better Business Bureau but I definitely feel the responsibility as a hospitality employee to write this review to stop this outrageous service level to spread by doing my duty of letting others know so they won't be abused as I have experienced. Sigh. read more

Awesome bar with the best bartender and owner, regulars are great fun and great singers, the best place for those with a want for a small little dive bar place with lots of singing and friends that feel like family. read more