In a city that often slows down after 9:00 PM, there is one neon-lit sanctuary in Redmond where the party doesn’t just start; it stays loud. Palmer’s East has solidified its reputation as the Eastside’s undisputed home of karaoke seven days a week.
If you’ve ever had the urge to belt out Bohemian Rhapsody or listen to WeeBrady do some Marilyn Manson on a random Tuesday night, Palmer’s East is your stage. Here is why this local legend is the go-to spot for night owls and dive bar lovers in Redmond.
365 Days of “Main Character” Energy
While most bars relegate karaoke to a “special event” on a Wednesday or Sunday, Palmer’s East understands that the itch to perform doesn’t follow a calendar.
The Palme’r East Schedule
- Every Single Night: The mic goes live around 9:00 PM and doesn’t shut off until the “last call” lights flicker around 1:30 AM.
- The KJs (Karaoke Jockeys): Palmer’s East rotates some of the best KJs in the Puget Sound area. They aren’t just there to press “play”; they are masters of sound engineering, ensuring your vocals are mixed perfectly over the track so you sound like a pro (even if you’re a few pitchers in).
The Vibe: No Judgement, Just High Fives
What makes Palmer’s East special is the “No-Divas” atmosphere. You’ll see a tech executive from the Microsoft campus sharing the mic with a local construction crew or a regular who hasn’t missed a Saturday night in a decade.
The crowd is famously supportive; if you forget the words to a bridge or hit a high note that’s a bit more of a “screech,” the audience is more likely to cheer you on than turn away. It is a true “judgment-free zone” where the goal is entertainment, not a record deal.
Fuel for the Performance
You can’t sing on an empty stomach, and Palmer’s East serves up classic “dive-bar-plus” fare that hits the spot.
- The Drinks: Known for having some of the stiffest pours in Redmond, the bartenders here don’t mess around. If you need some “liquid courage” before your set, their well drinks and rotating draft list have you covered.
- The Food: Don’t sleep on the pub grub. Their Wings and Burgers are staples, but the Tater Tots are the real MVP for late-night snacking between sets.
- Pool & Darts: If you’re waiting for your turn in the rotation (and on busy Friday nights, the list can get long!), head to the back for a game of pool or darts to pass the time.
Wee Tips for the Palmer’s East Stage
- Arrive Early: On weekends, the song queue fills up fast. If you want to get more than one song in, try to get your slip in before 10:00 PM.
- Know Your Song: The catalog is massive, but having your artist and title ready saves the KJ time and gets the music moving faster.
- Tip Your KJ: A little appreciation goes a long way in ensuring your name stays high in the rotation and your mic levels stay crisp.
- Embrace the Energy: Even if you aren’t a singer, Palmer’s East is one of the best “people-watching” spots in the city. The energy of a packed house singing Sweet Caroline is infectious.
Know Before You Go
Age Limit: 21+ only.
Parking: There is a dedicated lot, but it fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights. Street parking nearby is your best bet if the lot is full.
Location: 7829 Leary Way NE, Redmond, WA 98052.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
