If you’re looking for karaoke in the East Bay, you won’t do better than Mel-O-Dee, located in the El Cerrito Plaza. The bar has been in business at this location since 1969 and has a loyal local following. The staff is fast and friendly, and drinks are cheap and strong, helping booster the confidence of karaoke amateurs. There are a number of great singers that frequent Mel-O-Dee, and the crowd is welcoming and kind to newbies and not-so-great singers as well. The patrons and music are surprisingly diverse – no matter your age, race, ethnicity, sexual preference – this bar is a fun and comfortable place for everyone. Karaoke runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
The retro style of the bar can’t be matched, with crushed red velvet wallpaper, dim lighting, and comfy lounge chairs around tables in the back. Mel-O-Dee has a feel that perfectly combines a local dive bar that’s cool and kitschy with die-hard, friendly regulars and a busy karaoke crowd. Lasers, lights, and smoke machines ratchet up the fun on the dance floor. If you’re not there fairly early, it can be difficult to get a song in, but even when you can’t, you’ll still have a great time listening, singing along, and joining the upbeat and eclectic crowd on the dance floor. At least once or twice a night, in between singers at the karaoke microphones, you’ll see practically the whole bar get out on the dance floor for the Electric Slide.
Mel-O-Dee does not serve food, but is located near a few quick food options and patrons can bring food in with them to eat in the bar. Wednesday nights come with free hot dogs, and Thursday is Ladies’ Night. Multiple big-screen TVs grace the walls, and Mel-O-Dee offers discounts and specials throughout the week. There are many quirky and lovable things about Mel-O-Dee, and the ambiance and fun often surprise first-timers, but the consensus is that this bar is a gem, even if it is hidden away in a strip mall in El Cerrito.
Bar Information
Mel-O-Dee
240 El Cerrito Plaza
El Cerrito, CA 94530
510-526-2131