Please note that I have NEVER prided myself on my singing capabilities. Never ever, ever.

Part of this stemmed from being the only form of estrogen in the Wellington Christian School freshmen tenor section. Yeah, that was me - the only burlap sack in a sea of uncomfortable bowtie/suspender combos (our outfits were almost as lackluster as my voice).

So needless to say I was a bit hesitant to jump into the vast world that is ‘drunkenly slurring off-pitch tunes’ but to this day, I’ll always remember my first karaoke song. It’s kind of like your first slow dance (K-Ci & Jojo’s "All My Life") or first beer (Labatt Blue) - you know exactly where you were and who you were with. My surroundings and company forever burned into my young, impressionable brain, it was like it was yesterday I was singing Billy Joel’s "Don’t Ask Me Why" at Harmonious Monks.

Monks, located on the corner of Old St. Augustine Road and Hartley Road in Mandarin was (thank God!) everything but my preconceived notions of karaoke. Not too many hecklers (even for me), no long waits for your second or third go at the mic or excessively abrasive "oh my God it’s my bachelorette party!!!" troupes. (I understand that it’s your last night of freedom, but don’t make it my last night on Earth. THANKS.) Monks provides an overall chill crowd and I’m always a fan of like high-energy yet mildly low-key nights with the best of friends.

If you’re over by the beach, I highly suggest Monkey’s Uncle Tavern on 3^rd Street. With a full bar service (two inside and one on the patio - yes, I’ve trekked it many a’ times) and plenty of room to puff out that chest and sing a cheesy love ballad, it’s a great place to meet, eat and drink up. Karaoke is after team trivia on Tuesday, as well as Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s usually full, so arrive a few minutes early to be first in line. Heads up, smoking is allowed inside.

Now I’d be lying to you if I said I’ve been here, but I’ve heard nothing but the best of Austin Karaoke on Beach Blvd. Not only do they have personal karaoke rooms (a la Lost in Translation) but if you get a big enough party together (roughly 20-25), you get the biggest room in the house AND can bring in your own coolers. In a regular sized room? Not a problem. Each has a red buzzer that signals a server who stops into your personal party pad to take your order. My favorite? The cost. It’s only five dollars a person, per hour. Austin is open until 2 every morning and 4 on Friday and Saturday. Call ahead for reservations. Seriously, do it.

So go ahead, clear your throat and belt one out. You only live once and with places like these all over Jax, there’s always a reason to sing.

Harmonious Monks - ?10550 St., Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / (904) 880-3040

Monkey’s Uncle - 1850 S. 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / (904) 246-1070

Austin Karaoke - 5161 Beach Blvd #4, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / (904) 399-1757

Check out these other karaoke spots around Jax too. Big thanks to the comments from fans of the "U Don’t Know Jax" Facebook Group. BE A FAN!

TSI (Downtown) - Tuesday

The Pearl (Downtown) - Wednesday

Applebee’s (St. Johns Town Center) - Thursday

The Mudville Grille (Regency) - Friday

Culhane’s Irish Pub (Beaches) - Saturday