Canary Hut Pub

R.I.P. Canary Hut
You provided us with endless delight and sore throats. While the bartenders were not exactly heavy-​handed, they were so nice and the drinks were cheap. I loved helping them clean off the tables in my drunken state. We held many a’ birthday party, random party, drunken rendezvous, and celebrations here. Sometimes our group would stage-​hog on slow nights but hey man, we signed up first and we tipped our DJ. Always tip your DJ! There was nothing better than Canary Hut and we are so sad to see it gone, even if temporarily. I am excited to see a relocation!

I’m just going to come out and say it. While I’ve had some great times here with my friends, I’m glad this place closed. I’m not glad that its closing probably put people out of jobs, however.
As a bar, it was pretty cool. They had a good selection of decently priced beer and the bartenders were/​are pretty awesome. Song selection for the karaōke was pretty good, too. The KJs always tried to squeeze people in that hadn’t been on stage earlier in the evening, so one could almost always have an opportunity to sing at least once.
And that’s where the good wraps up. The placement of the stage was, um, odd. Like you were singing to the bartenders. The worst thing about this place, however? The bathrooms. One of the toilets in the ladies bathroom has (and every time I’d been there) a small leak, causing water to accumulate on the floor. But, of course, being a restroom, you have no idea what fluid is on the floor… especially when it’s enough water to actually splash when you walk in. Ew.
And the grossness continues onto the «dance floor» in front of the stage. I’ve nearly busted my ass several times just trying to get to the bar or back to our table. Not to mention the need to use an entire small bottle of hand sanitizer to get the gross off of my (and my friend’s) feet/​ankles. She subsequently started wearing rain boots and bringing wet wipes every time we went after that, and I made a mental note to only wear closed toe shoes.
I do look forward to their relocation, I’m sincerely hoping that the new building won’t have the same issues. Also, more like 2 ½ stars instead of 3.

It was Sunday night and we were looking for some karaōke magic without having to leave north Austin. Common Interest wasn’t doing karaōke so we hit up the Canary Hut.
I’ve been here maybe three times? It’s kind of a sad townie bar with blacked out windows… but you know, the drinks are 1.75, they let us bring our own food in and we had a full on karaōke dance party going for about 2 hours.
I hear they’re shutting down and moving somewhere else. I’ll be interested in seeing whether the new digs can live up to the Hut’s reputation for a random and fun night out.

I love this bar. My girl and I have had our annual birth celebrations here o’re the years and it’s just a real, nice treat.
The staff is super cool. The bartenders remember you, pour stiff drinks and seem legitimately happy to be there.
They have an extensive karaōke library. I’ve sung everything from the Golden Girls theme song to David Bowie’s «Magic Dance». Consequently, the bartender actually gave me a free shot of tequila for singing the latter.
The energy is positive. The vibes are divey and nobody takes themselves too seriously. There’s pool, if that’s your thing. The regulars are all over the board age-​wise. On two seperate occasions (exactly one year apart) I witnessed and older gentleman with a smooth-​as-​butter voice sing The Commodores’ «Night Shift».
They have a great selection of beer including Spaten’s Optimator (which I adore!).
Also, if you call ahead and let them know that you’re having a birthday, they’ll decorate a section of the bar with balloons and goodies. It’s the little touches that keep me coming back!

They have Harp! There is something scribbled on the bathroom stall that cracked me the fuck up! I’m not gonna post what it was. Go see if you can figure it out!

Pitchers of beer are cheap. The karaōke DJ is rockin. The clientle is fun; by and large if they’re singing they know how, but don’t take themselves too seriously. This is my «go to» favorite karaōke bar in town.

Saturday night meant another trip to Canary Hut Pub. Here is what I remember.
I started out with a birthday shot (I *love* the concept of «Birthday Month»), and drank several vodka tonics. The bartender Marie is a friend and she is beyond awesome.
I let out a gay gasp when a girl started to karaōke «Girls Just Wanna Have Fun». As usual, I felt I could have performed it better.
I watched my friends sing «Number of the Beast» and other songs with which I was unfamiliar.
I had a shot of Jameson.
Someone karaōke’d the most currently overplayed song in the world, «We Are Young». I wanted to throw my glass at their head.
I took photos with mixed lighting results.
Someone ordered another shot, and I took it thinking it was simply more Jameson. Four of us guys slugged it back. It was not Jameson. It was black, and it was called a «Four Horsemen». This was a monumentally bad idea.
We all sang «Bohemian Rhapsody». I remembered it being awesome. I’m only hoping the audience was drunk enough to agree.
A note on Jenny’s purse: No purse has ever been as cool, currently is as cool, or will ever be as cool as Jenny’s hot pink purse. It is so cool in fact, it almost stole my thunder at my birthday. And Saturday night. That purse ruled Canary Hut with an iron fist.
At some point, I devolved into a whiny, petulant bitch and drunk texted (the worst possible guy I could have, of course). Apparently, I also drunk CALLED… which terrifies me to the core there may be a drunk voice mail to go with it.
I was so lit, I thought my friend’s girlfriend who was giving us the ride home was a taxi driver. I also thought there was something odd about her refusing my cash tip.
The next morning, I awoke to several text messages from the other participants, attempting to piece together the «how» and «why» of that final shot. We all felt awful and were in varying stages of sickness and regret, but decided out of the ashes of our mistake, the four of us would form a new Super Group named – what else? – The Four (Handsome) Horsemen.
I freaking love this place.
But no more shots for me.
Ever.
I mean it.
4 Stars.

A hidden gem in North Austin. Inexpensive drinks, nice décor and a good amount of space, pool tables that don’t suck, and of course, karaōke. I stumbled in here during one of my many birthday parties last month, had an amazing time, and (literally) stumbled out at the end of the night.
I’ve been back since to start the night sober, and had an equally grand time.
The sound system is good and the song selection is extensive. I think there’s a trivia game before karaōke starts, too.

The Hut vs. The Roost. I’ve actually heard this subject get fairly heated. And since it is a debate about dueling karaōke bars I can’t help hearing the «Jet Song» from West Side Story:
When you’re at Hut,
You might as well croon
From your first Journey song
To Ozzy’s Bark at the Moon
When you’re at Hut,
the stage kind of sucks
But you can get drinks
With just a few bucks.
The bartender’s cool,
He’s always pretty pleasant.
Unlike the Roost
Where blonde rage is omnipresent.
When Boho Rhapsody is sung
you just might bust a lung!
You can karaōke
With a capital K,
No matter the song
It’s never passé.
Till they close down the bar…
When you’re at Hut,
You stay at Hut!
To be honest the Hut and the Roost are pretty much interchangeable to me. I *generally* prefer the Hut crowd these days but it can be touch and go at either place. Just be sure your friends know which one you’re going to that night or they might go to the wrong one and be sad without you.

If you are ever looking for a place to throw a birthday party… look no further! Marie is THE SHIT. I called to make a reservation and mentioned that my boyfriend and I would be there to celebrate our birthdays. She asked if we’d like some balloons and I thought that was awesome, I even got to pick the colors!
Well, when we walked in… it was more amazing than I could have imagined. Not only were there tables reserved with the balloons, but there were also little shot glasses with candles (that we didn’t get to use due to all the OTHER drinks we had) there was glitter on all of the tables, and also little drink umbrellas and leis. I was SO impressed and grateful… I even cried a little.
There is artwork… REALLY cool artwork all over the walls and the drinks were potent and delicious. I am now going to make it a point to push this place anytime ANYONE mentions they want to have a party or just have some karaōke fun.
I can not thank the Canary Hut Pub and all their staff and the KJ enough. You seriously made our birthday party an amazing unforgettable time. :)

WHEEEEEEE, I like swivel chairs. I mostly like bars with swivel chairs. Take Canary Hut, for example. They have swivel chairs and I thoroughly enjoy the place.
«Canaryoke» is one of my favorite places to do my «special» renditions of «Toxic» or «I Want it That Way».Anything goes here. This place is a prime example of what a Karaōke bar should be: Divey, Cheap, Laid-​Back, and certainly not judgmental. Leave your inhibitions at the door and show everyone what you’ve got!

I’m new to Austin and came here alone last Saturday night. I’m big on karaōke and was thrilled to have a karaōke bar just 2 miles from home. At first I didn’t even think the bar was open… there were no cars in the parking lot and the first door I went to didn’t open. I was pretty close to leaving when I saw someone go in a different door. Glad I stayed and checked it out – ended up being one of my favorite bars ever!
Awesome bartender, Marie. Awesome karaōke DJ with a great song library. Good drink prices. Very fun crowd spattered with really unusual, unique, and downright weird individuals. I was able to sing at least 9 or 10 songs on the night and witnessed some other very entertaining singers, good and bad.
When friends come to visit Austin this is one of the first places I’ll take them!

Who poops in bars, honestly?

In a galaxy far far away… also known as North Austin
Our story begins with Mr. Smidgens flying around in his Smidgenium Falcon with the lovely Princess Quinny. We hit hyperspace and made our way toward the Canary Hut for a little meeting of the voice boxes initiated by Daniel J.. Once we parked the Falcon and set the alarm to keep those nasty bounty hunters from planting any tracking devices on her; we strolled up to the front door. Tony B and Errol were expecting us. We entered the smoke free establishment to Daniel belting out a song on stage. As we surveyed the area I went to the bar and ordered some drinks. The bar keep told me I had to leave my droids outside. I complied. Mind you this was no Mos Eisley cantina but I did not want to cause any trouble just yet. We needed to wet our whistles before we picked our songs and sang to the likes of Joe Dirt and Zorro.
Help me Mr. Smidgens you’re my only hope! I told Quinny to have another drink and she said make it a double. After Quinn sucked down her vodka concoction she was flying higher than that Skywalker kid on his way to Toshi station. I talked my way through a little Cake, Daniel sang a little Pulp, and then Princess Quinny sang her little heart out with a lot of The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s «Maps’.
As we sat there people watching Quinny spotted our prize of the night. A Stormtrooper painting called «Get Some»! She quickly contacted the barkeep to inquire on how to purchase such a prize. Tony B. caught wind of our little cantina deal and tried to make a move under the table. I’d like to tell you it was a fair fight and that no one was hurt in this story but Quinny shot first and apologized later!
With our newly acquired trophy we jumped in the Smidgenium Falcon and headed to the next spaceport to meet up again with Tony B, Missy, and Katie.
In the middle of the night we woke up only to see a Stormtrooper standing in our hallway! Was the Empire invading us! WAS THIS A TRAP!!!
Nope…the «Get Some» painting was glowing! That’s right kids, the painting we purchased at the Canary Hut glows in the dark!
Karaōke, drinks, Galaxy Art, and death stick free the Canary Hut is a cantina we will have to visit again. Until our next adventure… May the Force be with you!

Ok… let’s get one thing clear. Canary HUT not Canary ROOST. The Roost is the Hut’s little brother around the corner-​ish on Metric by ACC. I’m glad I clarified this before showing up at the Roost wondering where everyone was (Katie T)…ahem…
I wasn’t going to miss out on Daniel J singing his little heart out. I was also, promised a duet with him and Errol, which NEVER happened.
I love karaōke. I don’t sing, but I give props to those who do… good or bad! I think I’ve sung karaōke twice in my life. Trust me when I say I am sparing you 3 – 7 minutes worth of pain.
The last time I was here, the smoking ban was being largely ignored. This time it was smoke free… and I found myself wanting some of the smoke back. It just didn’t feel the same without it. The bar tender was really attentive and gave some solid pours. The walls are covered with great pieces by a local artist. In particular, a painting of a Storm Trooper called «Get Some». Congrats to Quinn for snapping it up before I had a chance to! (Insert me flipping the bird here). One note… it is LOUD in here. I’m hard of hearing to begin with and my selective hard hearing combined with the max volume setting made it a little difficult to hold conversations with all the wonderful peeps who came out for this.
Oh…PS…the tables are high enough for me to skittle under if I need to make my way to the bar for drinks.

I guess sometime in the past four years this place started enforcing the «no smoking» ban. I’m adding two stars for making the air more pleasing.
I’ll add an additional two stars if you start screening out the tone deaf singers.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. In a city where goats and potbelly pigs live downtown and chickens poo on tables for cash — why not have a Karaōke bar from the 70’s dressed up with streamers, bunnies and balloons for Easter, right?
I could try to tell you about this place but I can’t do it justice. Just know, it’s not over till the fat man and his bag lady sing.
PS — I heard there’s this place called the Canary Roost. I’ve never been there or anything so I have no idea what it’s like.

Well, if you enjoy Karaōke white people like, then welcome to Nirvana.
*********************************************
Hmmm, too short? Okay, let’s sing a song:
Come flex your «guns» and bring your friends
It’s fun to lose and to pretend
She’s not in key but self-​assured
Oh no, she sang a dirty word
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, you blow
Hello, hello, hello, no mo’
Hello, hello, hello
With the lights on, it’s less dangerous
Full of booze now, entertain us
Don’t feel stupid, or contagious
You’re on stage now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
It’s a mullet, look there’s Zorro!
(Yay, hey, yay!)
I’m worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, you blow
Hello, hello, hello, no mo’
Hello, hello, hello
With the lights on, it’s less dangerous
Full of booze now, entertain us
Don’t feel stupid, or contagious
You’re on stage now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
It’s a mullet, look there’s Zorro!
(Yay, hey, yay!)
And I forget just why I Unilocal
Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard, it’s hard to find
Oh well, whatever, never mind
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, you blow
Hello, hello, hello, no mo’
Hello, hello, hello
Jack the Smidgeons, bought a painting
I can’t hear what, Ashley’s saying
Mike has questions, Camron’s leaving,
Katie’s staring, what’s she feeling?
I see Missy, I see Tony,
Daniel’s scratching, his libido
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial

I want to know who thought it would be funny to have Canary Hut Pub on Burnet and, almost directly parallel, on Metric, a place called Canary Roost. Try organizing an outing with half the party already slightly inebriated, attempting to get to Canary _​_​_​_​_​_​. There’s going to be a heartache that night.
So let’s say you all figure it out and eventually end up here. It’s not bad. They had a $ 3.25 Long Island special, and I can confirm that we all felt special after drinking it. The waitress did not skimp, and she was really friendly. That might also have been because the bar was nicely empty. And the karaōke stage was MINE — I mean, ours.
Kind of divey, with some interesting characters sprinkled throughout. Mostly it’s just nice folks looking for a fun night, singing old favorites like Bye, Bye, Bye, along with other classics. Killing Me Softly. Piece of My Heart. Tik Tok. Here, have a shot. You’ll understand better. You can haz the mic.

During a recent bar hopping adventure for a friend’s birthday we stopped in here. The drink prices are very reasonable, and the place has decided to walk the line between neighborhood bar and dive bar. I wasn’t worried about being mugged, but I’ve relaxed in more comfortable places.
The guy running the karaōke show was just south of mediocre, but people were having fun. That’s what counts, right?
I wouldn’t go here by choice, but if I were with a group of friends that wanted to stop in I wouldn’t complain.