With sweaty palms and a weakening sense of purpose, you approach the microphone dead certain that this was the worst decision of your life.

For weeks now, you and your friends have been talking about going to an open mic night at a comedy club on the east side. It seemed like a good idea; heck, half your nights are spent sitting on a couch erupting in laughter at each other’s jokes.

But now, with the crowd’s attention laser focused on every word you say, laughter seems foreign. The five minutes of shtick you had memorized, the timing and punch lines, all seem to melt away under the spotlight.

This is why open mics are only for the bravest among us.

Whether it be singing, spoken prose, or a couple minutes as a comedian, open mics are one of the most common and popular themes of bars around Milwaukee. It gives patrons the chance to show off, (or, more likely, embarrass themselves), in front of their friends and total strangers.

If this sounds like something you would enjoy, check out these joints below:

Place: Up and Under Pub
Where and When: Every Monday, 9 p.m. at 1216 E. Brady St.
Type: For those of you with serious talent, you may want to try singing for the crowd at Up and Under. This pub claims to put on an “engaging show” each and every Monday, with a house band to play in between.

Place: The Coffee House
Where and When: Twice a month, check here for more info. 631 N. 19th St.
Type: As one can expect from a place named “The Coffee House,” this progressive shop bills itself as a “supportive” and “nurturing” enviorment for first-time performers of the acoustic and poetry reading performers.

Place: The Miramar Theatre
Where and When: Tuesdays, 8 p.m. at 2844 N. Oakland Ave.
Type: For those with the confidence to sing in big venues, the Miramar Theatre can fit hundreds. Bring all your friends.

Place: The Newsroom Pub

Where and When: Every Thursday at 137 E. Wells St.

Type: Perhaps the most difficult kind of open mic: a comedy set in front of a large group of people. Bring your A-game.

Place: Miss Katie’s Diner

Where and When: Every Thursday Night at 1900 W. Clybourn

Type: Populated by Marquette students, Miss Katie’s Diner has the most casual of Open Mic nights on Thursdays: karaoke. Oftentimes, the patrons just pass the microphone down the line, belting out the tune of their choice.

Place: Linneman’s Riverwest Inn

Where and When: Every Wednesday at 1001. E. Locust St. Signup begins at 9 p.m., show begins at 9:30 p.m.

Type: Bring your instrument of choice, this is no Karaoke bar. Your standard acoustic open mic night.