Just like I did, everyone goes for the easy joke. The impersonation. We all do it. The first time I walked by the place, I said it too. In my best Schwarzenegger voice, I said it, "It's Not A...Deli". I giggled, and then I walked past. But the other night I realized that every last Friday of the month, people are SUPPOSED to come in and do their own impersonation for it is KARAOKE NIGHT at Queen Street West's "It's Not A Deli."

It's not quite as much of a coup as, say, The Gladstone Hotel's Karaoke Nights, however, it has its own je ne sais quoi - a certain something. Their song list may not be as large as some, but what it lacks in size is made up by the enthusiasm of the crowd.

It has been a while since I've been to a place with such extreme walks of life, and personally, I think that's what makes it such a great time. Goths and Ravers in the back, aging not-so-fashion-forward Parkdale residents in the middle, and a fabulous group of trannies in the front.

Not a moment was lost when my friend and I were rushed into the establishment by a friendly face leaning out the door asking us to "come in and sing a song!" Never have I felt like such a pseudo-celeb after belting out a crowd-pleasing Madonna favourite. So, if you want a boost to your Star Search ego, It's Not A Deli is the place to go. No matter how bad you are, you'll be a raging success. Fully licensed.

Last Friday of Every Month
It's Not A Deli
986 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M6J 1H1
416-532-4748