Three bars...

Pontiac Cafe
There's nothing like stroking your rock & roll alter ego by sauntering through a hot-rod– and motorcycle–filled parking lot to a bar in a former gas station, picking up a mike and channeling Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister. Thanks to Friday night's live band karaoke, you can do just that at this Wicker Park watering hole. The Karaoke Dokies, the Hootenanners and Liquid Courage are the bands that take turns backing would-be rock stars. They know around 200 songs each, so stock up on smokes to get that gravelly voice going. 1531 N Damen Ave between Le Moyne St and Pierce Ave (773-252-7767).

Korean Karaoke
Anyone aching to sing somewhere with an irreverent, ironic coolness akin to the chill karaoke room from Lost In Translation will love this spot. Get a group of friends to go in on your own private room, complete with a sound system holding everything from classic American rock to contemporary Korean pop and a screen displaying insanely cheesy images of waterfalls and couples blowing out candles. In classic norae-bang (Korean karaoke) style, liquor flows liberally and there are plenty of anju (a variety of spicy snacks traditionally eaten with alcohol). Rooms range in price per hour depending on their capacity, and reservations are recommended. 6428 N California Ave between Devon and Arthur Aves (773-274-1166).

Piece
Vince Michaels has the biggest karaoke books in town, and after more than a decade in the biz of helping others become drunken rock stars, he's amassed close to 20,000 songs from which to choose. This Thursday-night party brings in everyone from first-timers to old pros, and the tasty thin-crust pizzas help pass the time while you're waiting for your chance to shine. 1927 W North Ave between Wolcott and Winchester Aves (773-772-4422).