The crew behind the Karaoke Camper is looking to trade in their wheels for four walls in downtown Evanston, with plans for a brick-and-mortar spot called Anthem Karaoke at 1707 Benson Avenue. The proposal calls for six private rooms, each themed to a different music decade, plus a bar serving cocktails, wine, and local beer. Co-owner Brook Lieon said the team is still working through lease negotiations at the site and has not set an opening date.
Lieon told WhatNow the idea for a permanent home grew out of steady demand at pop-ups and private events. The concept sticks with the decade-by-decade setup the team has been testing, with six private rooms tailored to different musical eras. "It's actually quite high," Lieon said of the demand, noting that the Karaoke Camper, which launched two years ago as a mobile operation, quickly became a regular presence at birthdays and local pop-ups.
Downtown Spot Near Transit
The proposed location sits in Evanston's downtown business district just north of the CTA's Davis Purple Line station. The CTA lists Davis station's address as 1612 Benson Avenue, a transit link that could make Anthem Karaoke an easy stop for riders coming from both Evanston and Chicago, especially for after-work meetups and weekend outings.
Private Rooms, Local Brews and Partnerships
The planned bar program includes a rotating cocktail menu, a wine selection and drafts from local breweries. Lieon told WhatNow the team hopes to feature neighborhood brewers such as Saint Errant. The outlet also notes the storefront currently houses a Papa John's and that Buffalo Joe's sits nearby, a combo owners say could help funnel late-night and game-day foot traffic toward the new spot.
There are no plans for an in-house kitchen, but Lieon said partnerships with local food vendors are on the table as the concept evolves. That could let guests belt out ballads and still keep the snacks coming without Anthem taking on full restaurant operations.
From Pop-Up To Permanent
Moving into a permanent space would let the team expand booking options beyond the mobile camper and offer private celebrations in sound-isolated rooms instead of open-air setups. That shift is aimed at everything from birthday parties to corporate outings, all without forcing guests to serenade the entire bar.
For now, fans of the camper will have to stay tuned. Owners are sharing updates, including any official opening timeline for Anthem Karaoke, on the Karaoke Camper Instagram account at @karaoke_camper.
