Local dive with a great karaoke night, friendly staff and reasonable drink prices! I feel like it's the perfect place to become a regular.

A local bar in every sense, Canary Roost sits right on Metric Boulevard and offers a quick, cheap, yet fun experience for those who enter. Parking is very convenient as it's in a shopping area with ample spots. Once you enter you get a pretty strong dive bar vibe, but the karaoke hitting your ears soothes that. There's a lot of seating available and the place is frequented by locals who come in groups just to sing their favorite tunes. Karaoke here is very popular so you have to queue up to get a chance, but once you do you can often hear people clapping along and singing with you. The servers are very friendly and the drinks are pretty good. We usually order the Dammit Janet and it's always been a nice sweet drink for us to enjoy. Besides karaoke there's also plenty of TVs to show any games as well as pool tables in the back. Pool does cost about a $1.50 per game and they have a cash to quarters machine to help that process. It's very easy to go in there for a quick drink or two then look at the clock and realize you've been there for 5 hours. We would definitely recommend this place to any locals in the area looking for a fun, very laid back place to hang with friends. read more

The Canary Roost - Pool - Karaoke Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I'm new to Austin and Texas, and I came expecting hospitality. What I found at The Canary Roost was intimidation, exclusion, and racialized gatekeeping. After closing my tab, Sasha -- the bartender, who was professional and blameless -- gave me a to-go water. The moment I stepped outside, two white men with no affiliation to the bar cornered me, claiming I couldn't leave with it and even invoking Sasha's name falsely. Back inside, the accuser went silent. His friend shielded him, changed names when pressed, and even tried to pivot the situation into me buying him a drink. The crowd -- almost entirely white -- circled up, quizzing me and treating me as the problem. The racial undertone was obvious. Two Black women saw everything but stayed silent, understandably. When I finally called out the "white power" atmosphere as I left, one gave me the unmistakable nod of recognition -- quiet solidarity that confirmed the truth of what had just unfolded. As an Indian professional, part of the immigrant and tech community fueling Austin's growth, this hit differently. Even those building this city are treated as outsiders here. And let's be clear: I had every chance to escalate. I could have told them off or fought back. I chose restraint -- because I have more to lose than they do. No one should have to make that choice just to leave a bar with water. Bottom line: Sasha did her job. But the culture around her was hostile, exclusionary, and unsafe. Austin deserves better than a bar where harassment is normalized. read more

This karaoke bar which I thought to be a fun inclusive bar turned out to be a very selective and un inclusive karaoke bar. I had the un pleasure of coming both Saturday and Sunday where it appeared only those who were familiar with the DJ were allowed a chance to sing and participate. I would not recommend attending on a Saturday or a Sunday as you will be selected depending on your Affilliation with the DJ. I would not recommend this karaoke bar as a first time comer. read more

Good vibe here. Atmosphere was lively. Staff friendly and fun. Karaoke was good. Not sure I'm a fan of the 'request' method. But, it was still a good time. I may return in the future. read more

I'm devastated. I've been a loyal patron of this bar for a decade or more. Tonight we visited, and my girlfriend was cut off after only 2 drinks. She was supposedly "leaning" and not talking clearly. I talked to the bar tender to better understand and asked if her perceptions could need due to some sort of implicit bias since my gf is more masc presenting and Latina. The bar tender want on to say it might be but that's what TABC requires her to do. Give me a break. I had had drinks, and I was assured I was not being cut off even though I had twice as much. Like, what?!?! Such a shame that I won't be visiting my fave bar after this... read more

First time here (on a Sunday) and I had so much fun. I love karaoke. I do not drink alcohol. I hate karaoke rooms. This place filled my karaoke void and also has NON ALCOHOLIC spirits and MOCKTAILS! Yes!!! A place for me to have fun and sip something without feeling the guilt or left out. They had a good selection of songs. The app is easy to use! Myra the bartender informed of the mocktail menu! Kristen the KJ was super nice and has an amazing voice! read more

The Canary Roost - Karaoke Near Me - Austin, Texas

Went this past weekend with friends and had an amazing time! Drinks were great and sang a few songs. Bartender Mikayla was so sweet and quick to help us. My only complaint is the other male bartender, he wasn't friendly and took forever to get us drinks. Will definitely be back but hoping he won't be working. read more

Long time karaoke person here. This is the first place I have been to that the KJ doesn't incorporate new comers as they arrive. It's a first come first serve so some people get to sing three to four times before any new comers. And he makes sure he, the KJ, sings each round. I have been here an hour and several singers have sang multiple times. It does not make me want to come back and spend my money on drinks if I am never given the chance to sing. There are other places in the area I can go and have the chance to sing. Bartender is great and drinks are solid, but I will give the KJ only one more try and if the same singer continue in a rotation, I will spend my money elsewhere. read more

My husband and our friends went to the Canary Roost on Halloween. It was our first time going, but our friends had been previously. The Karaoke host was fun, and drinks were good. However, the speakers were so incredibly loud and poorly calibrated. I understand that not every place with a karaoke option is going to have great speakers, but this was rough and often physically painful to the ear. We will likely go back, but knowing how the sound system works will definitely give me pause. read more

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Great fun .. super atmosphere .. a bit pretentious but .. wherever .. divas are divas

This use to be my go to karaoke spot. I'm someone who loves karaoke and don't ever mind the wait and good drinks and music! With all the recent staff changes, this place is not what is use to be. I've gone two times now and each time my friends and I sign up and we wait over 2 hours to sing. In the mean time, other people who have come in after us sing within 20/30 minutes. Again, it's unfortunate giving this was once the better spots for karaoke in Austin. read more

Are you looking for the epitome of a dive bar in north Austin? Look no further friends, you have found it at the Canary Roost. I enjoy a good dive bar from time to time, because you get to meet a lot of eclectic characters, and that is certainly the case here. The bartender if very friendly and welcoming to the non-regulars, and they have a very decent selection of craft and local brews on tap, cans, or bottles. I wasn't there in the evening, so I didn't get to experience the karaoke crowd, but was told it was quite the scene for karaoke. They also have a couple of pool tables, and a couple of TVs. I think what really sold me on this place, were the regulars that were in there during my visit. Very friendly, very eclectic, and very funny. It was almost as if I was watching a TV show! read more

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Fun karaoke spot. If you enjoy singing into a mic into the wee hours of the night - this is your jam. Fun people. Solid drinks. 10/10 read more

Dj Brigid was awesome. I sang celebration for my friends birthday and the place was very cozy . It was a lot of fun. Then she had me sing happy birthday to my friend. Then she sang love is a battlefield. She has a gorgeous voice. The personality is perfect for Karaoke. I just like the old style books where you used to flip to find the songs. I am very old school. read more

I came here on a glum Monday night. I wasn't sure what to expect. It had been almost 5 years since I've last been. I had moved further south so it was no longer a stone's throw from me. I figured it would be uninviting, but the adventurer I am, I marched on... and boy was I in for a treat. The place hasn't changed a bit. I even recognized some of the regulars. It was like I traveled to a time before masks (though I strapped two on my face, mind you). Anyways the service is great, and the Mayra will fix you up anything you'd like. It's not the fanciest gem you'll find, but it does have on trick up its sleeve. Remember I said I came on a Monday? Well, this place has Karaoke 7 days a week! Monday is no exception. The people who come here are also warm and inviting. You'll sometimes get random people who have never been there but they tend to be open and talkative. Heck, I even networked here with other professionals from my line of work, which I thought was pretty cool. Everybody has a story, so many walks of life. I saw a review of this place saying it's like Cheers - so spot on. On to my eclectic night, because that's why you're still reading. I came here with the urge to belt out "Rebel Yell" and I'm not the greatest singer but as a musician I can at least ensure I'm somewhat in tune. It just so happened to be New Years for some of my friends in Vietnam so I decided to call them in a video call mid-drunken stupor - after all they agreed to have a toast 10am their time (now that's a friend!) - in the end it was great! Even a few of the people I met at the bar clapped for me and I felt like a boss. My Vietnamese friends enjoyed the show too, there's a small table perfect for setting your phone - I just wish I had recorded it, maybe next time! I love this place! read more

This is a place that's always singing. I don't think there's been any part of the week that people aren't crowded in ready to sing. Great weeekday location, and lots of friendly people. Even had a dude show up on roller skates dancing to those singing. read more

I've come to this bar multiple times with friends. Feels very cozy and inviting. Other than the occasional tipsy drunken creep everything has been great until last night. I got a group of friends together, we hadn't seen each other in a while. There was only one bartender working that night (https://www.instagram.com/p/DDVmCQVN4nk/?igsh=MjIxbjZ4cnZ6cXd1) the lady in this photo. At the end of the night I stood at the bar well, patiently waiting around 5 minutes while she was helping some other guests. She makes her way over to me and I ask to see what my tab is at, she didn't hear me so I repeated myself and she printed my ticket out and put it on the clipboard with a pen. When I looked at the tab, it was only $8.50 so I wanted one last drink ($10 minimum on cards) so I tried to order something and she put her hand out to block our eye contact and turned her head to the person next to me and took their order. I keep waiting for her to rerun to me and I try again to order one last drink and she proceeded to tell me she's been kind and patient with me, that I need to sign my tab and leave. My friend closes her tab right after I walked away, the bartender told my friend I asked for a free drink and completely humiliated me. I understand if you are busy, I really do. If you simply didn't hear what I said, then ask me to repeat myself. Really wish I didn't have this experience. I was just having a nice night with friends I hadn't seen in a while. read more

Maybe I came on a bad night... The husband and I decided to check this place out last night. We live in the neighborhood and were excited to try the neighborhood bar. Unfortunately, that excitement was short lived once we began our order. Popular drinks that I mentioned were unknown to the bartender and she did not look happy to have to take the time to wait on us. There was a look of disdain on her face as we ordered and she made us feel as if we were bothering her. I finally ordered a drink she knew how to make, a vodka martini, dirty. My husband ordered a bottled beer - you cannot go wrong with that. When we got our drinks, I took a sip and was immediately disappointed. The olive juice was rancid! That is the most accurate word I could use to describe this drink - absolutely rancid! Between the unwelcoming customer service and the rancid drink, we will not be returning here. read more

The Canary Roost - Karaoke Near Me - Austin, Texas

Hands down my favorite bar in Austin. Why not 5 stars you ask? Well it's kind of hard to give an establishment 5 stars when it's so incredibly divy, you have to search through busted chairs to find one that's level, the drinks are consistently mediocre, and the wait staff are typically a bit surly. Then why do you love this bar so much, you might ask? I love that it's not in a crowded area like the Domain or downtown, karaoke every night, and the regulars definitely serve up a healthy portion of people watching. If you've been, you know what I mean. Despite all the negatives, the positives definitely win out. It's also cool that you can have food delivered inside the bar, and there is always free ample parking. read more

Best place ever! Great for birthdays and any time! Service was impeccable! Brittany is the bomb!!!! Matt was fantastic and hardworking! Kodiak was very attentive! This is the best place ever in Austin! I visit from Houston and this is the only place I feel super included and comfortable!!! Best place to sing and have a blast!!! read more

The Canary Roost - Karaoke Near Me - Austin, Texas

Visited The Canary Roost last night for the first time to check out the karaoke. There were a lot friendly faces that were probably locals and the vibe was pretty great. The bartender was so sweet and I loved that they had a good IPA in tap (a lot of other options in cans). Karaoke was so much fun and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences making a fool out of myself. If you enjoy karaoke and dive bars, check this place out. read more

Definitely a little divey but it literally says it in the name. Not dirty divey just not really updated. Staff if really friendly and karaoke was fun the host can really sing too! Definitely a fun place to hang out with friends. They also do a drink of the month and donate money to a good cause! read more

The Canary Roost - Karaoke Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Love this neighborhood bar with karaoke on some nights. Uber friendly service and crowd, with reasonably priced drinks. Karaoke is a blast with a guaranteed number of fun regulars! read more

I LOVE this little dive bar. I originally met Britany (?sp) at another bar and was such a fan I started coming here. The service was just so good I keep coming back. read more

Wow! Just had an amazing time at this bar. We were celebrating my daughters birthday and everyone was so friendly. Not too busy so we were able to get up and sing four times. The karaoke DJ was just the best. This is listed as a dive bar and maybe it qualifies as one, but I've been to divier bars so don't be put off by that description. Drinks were reasonably priced. Bathrooms weren't terrible. Highly recommend. Go and have fun. read more

Anyone who is expecting a huge karaoke bar on a weekend with every song that's currently on the radio--this place just isn't your place. If you like eclectic, fun, completely unexpected karaoke and great drinks? Cone on in to the roost. I've seen quite a bit of peoples reviews negatively speaking about some of the bartenders or even claims of racism/bigotry. I can't speak so much for the day cried but most certainly the night cried is always warm, welcoming, and ho eat my want anyone new to have a good time. It's a dice karaoke bar with a pool table, jukebox, and Christmas lights. Mayra is the GM and she stays on top of her bar and staff. Flor is amazing as a new bartender. I recommend coming during the week. Tuesdays or Wednesdays are the best nights. Drinks are cheap and like I said before you treat those with respect you get the same. It's like cheers, before you know it "everyone knows your name." read more

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As far as dive bars go, this one is pretty tops. The drinks are good and plenty of beers on tap. The karaoke is fun to watch. While I haven't karaokeeed myself, I am tempted, because the KJ is great at masking an off key voice...which would be me! It's definitely scary to go up against some of the singers here as most seem like pros. The only downside is that it's not a place you are gonna chat with your friends. All in all, great fun. read more

Austin has such amazing, unique venues! Canary Roost is right up there with the rest of them. You can show up any night of the week and find a ton of regulars belting out contemporary, classic, and obscure hits. I appreciate that the bar often had a food spread. Really let's you know they care about their clientele. They have a lot of unique and tasty cocktails and a large beer selection. This place is quickly becoming one of my regular spots. read more

I love this bar! Excellent bar staff, wonderful karaoke DJs, and fun patrons! If you're looking for a great time with friends (and making new ones!), this is the place to check out! Good prices and good beer/booze selections. I always have a fantastic time when I'm there. It's way more than a dive bar with karaoke, it's a family of fun and friendly regulars. read more

I have held off writing a review in fear people may crowd the place :( Let me paint the picture for you..... You approach the strip store building and see the only lit up sign by this time in the evening. But wait! The windows and door is blocked out and you start wondering if you just may get shanked walking into this building. But alas, you press on because you've heard it's great. Once in you see some shitty TVs and one U shaped bar. The second you get the first smile and "hi!" Though you know you made the right choice. The singers are beyond talented. Tattooed "hooligans" singing Sinatra better than Sinatra and shy folks blasting disturbed. It's truly amazing. The best part? Everyone is nice. AND you get drunk for like $40 lol where does that happen in Austin?!?! Go, just go. read more

Unprofessional!!! my friend passed away and came to this bar. The owner couldn't get past our differences and had the audacity to not allow me to come say goodbye. read more

One of the best bars in all of north Austin. Drinks are very well priced, the staff are great, the vibe is legendary. If I lived closer it would be my go to bar. read more

You gotta be here to experience the ambiance that is The Canary Roost. I'm told it wasn't always like this. But now it's like ... bare with me folks ... a warm hug from a friend. Legit. Can't recommend it enough. Mayra commands the culture that resonates as immediate as your first step in the door. it sounds ridiculous but man.... unbelievable. Great service, great vibes and a good time whether you're wandering alone or want to show your favorite group how amazing our town can be. You are missing out if you don't make a stop here - at least one time!!! read more

The Canary Roost - Canary Roost stage. - Karaoke Near Me - Austin, Texas

Remember the name Mayra. She runs the joint and her imprint is prevalent in this neighborhood karaoke bar. Everyone is super friendly and knows your name (cheers) and the environment is conducive to a great time. Always feel welcome, never feel judged and every once in a while sing a song. The crowd will appreciate it. read more

The Canary Roost is an excellent dive bar located in a strip mall with an energetic crowd in the evening. I'd suggest most are here to get their drink on, and there is nothing wrong with that. I walked in alone and walked out knowing the names of three people that I'd never met, sharing multiple shots with a gay man sitting next to me at the bar (he volunteered this information). It's that kind of place, you will find all different types of people, all of whom are friendly and want to have fun. Though I likely won't be in this part of Austin again, I'd definitely recommend The Canary Roost if you are in the area and want to have fun. But don't expect a casual atmosphere in the late evening. read more

Best karaoke bar around! Great staff, great atmosphere, great time overall! I'll be coming back when I'm in town again! Had the best time here! read more

I laughed reading some reviews - first of all they do not have unisex bathrooms, there is a men's and women's room. They are not racist, hell the lead karaoke guy is black, and so aren't many patrons. Hate gays? Jesus - I've never seen someone treated poorly being gay, it's gay friendly. Weak drinks? Lol ok let's keep going ... and yes if you are a dick you will be asked to leave (and perhaps never come back) nobody, whether a bartender or customer should put up with your bullshit. I walked in there one night as a complete stranger - Janet was my bartender and greeted me with a smile. Drinks are poured well and priced right. Jewel is a shitty tipper *ducking* and everyone is pleasant. Pool tables, jukebox, karaoke, and a dive bar feel. If that's not your standard, the Domain would be happy to take your money. To each their own. Actually, yea this place sucks lol GO AWAY there is nothing to see here read more

This place is crazy!! Skareoke diverse crowd - regular people of types having fun and forgetting about their problems. Make sure that you say hello to the Admiral. This place is a must!! read more

Great crowd. Very friendly and welcoming. Bartenders were on the ball and serving tasty drinks. Highly recommend coming here even if you don't want to sing karaoke. read more