Everyone loves a good karaoke bar.

I went to Jeff’s Bucket Shop back in the day and it was your typical karaoke bar.

I sang a song or two for my friend’s birthday party and went home after. I had a good time, but I wasn’t running to the office on Monday to tell my coworkers about my night.

When I visited 8.2.0 at the Music Factory back in February, let’s just say that it was the topic of my water cooler talk at work that Monday morning.

I went with a bunch a friends and was impressed by what 8.2.0 had to offer. Two bars, a pizza shop, an arcade, hidden library I have yet to find (because it’s a secret) and its own designated karaoke room.

Here’s why 8.2.0 is undoubtedly the best karaoke spot in the city

(1) It’s a designated karaoke room. The separation between the bars and the karaoke room help to keep people engaged with music because, let’s face it, if they’re in the room, they love karaoke.

(2) High quality equipment. I’ve been there three times now and there’s never been a technical hiccup. They have almost every song you need and their equipment allows them to pull up YouTube if the song isn’t in the database yet.

(3) The layout. The stage is raised and there’s a TV above the crowd so the singer is always looking up, as well as a TV behind them so the crowd can see them killin’ it or hitching a ride on the struggle bus. And they offer three VIP booths for you and your friends’ special occasion.

(4) THE HOSTS. This is always make or break for me, as the emcees have to keep the flow going and the energy high. Melyssa and Samantha are local actresses and they bring it each night. Prior to the festivities ramping up, they give you the rules for the night, which include no booing and most importantly, do not drop the mic! They do a great job mixing today’s hits in between singers, singing duets with shy guests and adding a comedic spin where they can.

The night always starts out with some low-key vibes but when late night rolls around, it turns into a complete party.

My friends and I are in always in the group in the front row, dancing and singing every word along with the person on stage. When Melyssa and Samantha mix in some 2005 jams from my college days, it’s lights out from there.

My first visit, I did my go-to, NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” because I sing 40% as well as Justin Timberlake but know 100% of the chorus dance.

Last time, I was asked by a friend to join her for “What’s your Fantasy?” by Ludacris. Let’s just say that memorizing the lyrics from 8th grade paid off.

Welp. Learning the lyrics as an 8th grader in summer 2000 paid dividends in 2017. Hope I made you proud @pfcarney33 #LUDA 🎥 @melyssious @iamsamanthapeel @820clt

A post shared by Dodge (@aaron_dodge) on May 28, 2017 at 5:38am PDT

I know Charlotte has a few karaoke options like Jeff’s Bucket Shop, Noda 101 and Hattie’s, but they can’t compete with the layout and energy of 8.2.0.

So, what are you waiting for? It costs $1 per song to sing, so grab your friends (and some dollar bills) and head to 8.2.0. this weekend. I’ll be there too. The question is, should I sing NSYNC or Ludacris?

Easy answer… BOTH!

8.2.0 is located at 820 Hamilton Street and open 5 p.m. to midnight Tuesday and Wednesday and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

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