Open Mic Venues In Philadelphia

Making a living in the entertainment industry isn't for everyone, the pay isn't great unless you find some commercial success and the competition is high because a lot of people do have natural talents. But it's those who can persevere for that lucky break are the ones that "make it" so if you just want to be a rock star or comedian for a night every now and again, open mics might be for you. They are also a means of entertainment if you are not the star of your group, but sometimes you get to see people before they make it big. Here are five places in Philly that have unique options for open mic nights.

Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar
200 S.12th St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19107
(215) 964-9675
www.tabuphilly.com

Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar has options for many kinds of people. Besides being a sports bar they also have karaoke upstairs on Thursdays and some Tuesdays. So you can let your inner Broadway or rock star shine. Thursdays also offer specials on wings and Grey Goose and there is an impressive beer list. One of their more unique entertainment events is a weekly drag show that they put on Sundays. There is a small cover charge which gives you your first drink free. Tabu has some of the best bartenders in the city. Patrons comment most about how very clean it is. and how supportive the crowd is for newbies who are singing.

Fergie's
1214 Samson St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19107
(215) 928-8118
www.fergies.com

You can enjoy an open mic night at Fergie's with their "Live Band Karaoke". This is a unique twist on karaoke, and may just be more authentic for channeling dreams of being in a band. In fact, regular participants sometimes graduate to playing smaller shows here. Fergie's is a fun Irish Pub and is one of the top bars to see rock bands, so it's a lively crowd. Fergie's serves Irish food and bar fare. For craft beer lovers you can enjoy local brews from Nodding Head Brewery.

World Café Live
3025 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215)222-1400
www.worldcafelive.com

World Café is a very popular place to visit on a Mondays at 7 p.m. for a true open mic. Many singer/songwriters perform here in the rather large room, which is both great for acoustics and for meeting people and hanging out. Since there is an upstairs and downstairs there is usually something else booked (some require tickets). World Café also has some pretty tasty food options; weekly specials are posted with choices such as honey roasted turkey with poached pears and brie, salmon tacos, chicken po' boys and vegan night.

Related: Top Spots To Enjoy New Music In Philly

Time
1315 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 985-4800
www.timerestaurant.net

Time hosts open mic nights on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. so you can have an opportunity to check out new talent, or even showcase your own. They are most known for being a jazz and whisky bar. Time is on the upscale side, so it is a classy place for a nice evening out. There most popular snacks are salmon crostini, deviled eggs and mac-n-cheese. Time is a two level bar, so there is usually something for everyone. Besides open mic there are other musical acts booked frequently.

Helium Comedy Club
2031 Samson St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19103
(215) 496-9001
www.heliumcomedy.com

The Helium Comedy Club holds open mic nights on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with a $5 cover charge. This is your opportunity to either enjoy the variety of talents and improv groups, or even be a comedian for the night.  Shows run from 90 minutes to just under two hours. The Helium Comedy Club is a cabaret styled theater with a two item minimum requirement. They just need to be ordered during the performance to count. Parking is available at a few local garages.

Related: Top Rock Bars In Philadelphia

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.