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I just moved to New York a few months ago. In the town I came from, there were some great karaoke bars. They weren't the kind of places where you have to rent a private room; they didn't only have karaoke one night a week or once a month; they were just friendly, laid-back bars where people would chat and drink beer, and anyone could sign up to sing. They had a wide selection of songs to choose from. Maybe I just don't know where to look, but I can't seem to find any similar places in New York. I see plenty of once-a-week places (which usually means a crappy sound system where you can't hear yourself sing and a tiny song selection) and Japanese restaurants that have karaoke, but it's just not the same. Can Gothamist offer any advice?
- A karaoke fiend
We turned to our friend Mike about this, since he is a KJ (that's a karaoke DJ) about town. Mike suggested checking out Murphguide.com for a thorough listing of the major karaoke nights in all five boroughs.
He also adds: "I would give the one or two-nights a week type places a try; the quality can really vary because it depends on the karaoke dj's, who are usually hired independently of the bar. Some KJs are really professional and some are amateurish. He'll definitely find some place that suits his tastes if he tries, and then become a regular! If you want a specific name, Iggy's on 2nd Ave and 75th St. is a really fun place and they have karaoke most nights of the week."
We'd also add that Hope & Anchor in Brooklyn has really fun and laid-back karaoke (hosted by a drag queen!) on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. But we must warn you - it can be a real trek depending on where you're coming from, typically involving a subway + bus (or cab) ride to get to Red Hook - but since you're a self-described karaoke fiend maybe you'll try it.
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Always a fan of Japas (one on 55th and one on St. Marks). They're Japanese establishments, dunno if you're a fan of this, but who better to host Karaoke than the Japanese?
There's also a Japas on 43rd.
The one on St. Mark's tends to have a really high drink minimum, so I prefer the midtown ones.
And don't forget Sing Sing on 5th and A!
I've always been partial to Asia Roma on 40 Mulberry Street in Chinatown. It's rarely crowded, relatively cheap drinks and a pretty casual singing atmosphere. The song selection is pretty good though the hip-hop selection is pretty light. But, can you argue with a soulful rendition Sweet Caroline?
yello down on mulberry has free karaoke in their downstairs lounge. i've been to grammy karaoke in k-town which has a decent selection and songs from moulin rouge! i also hear village karaoke on bowery and muse on west 26th are hot spots as well.
binny's (sp?)- just barely north of canal near the NW corner A stop. free singing all week w/ two drink minimum. If you go on sun- wed you can have the place to yourself. LOTS of songs, as fast as you can turn them in you can sing them.
How can anyone not mention Village Karaoke? It's setup with individual rooms and books of songs. I find it better than Japas because of the selections. There are a lot more variety and more modern stuff.
Also, it's BYOB, so pick up some six packs or mixers before you go.
17 - on 17th street between 5th and 6th is great. It is of the Japas mold (Japas 55 is a pretty fun place and slightly cheaper than its St. Marks brother I find)...bar as well as private rooms. It is new, has the latest songs and a pretty laid back bar scene.
mondays @ PIANOS
Only a few months in the city you think you've got it all figured out? Impossible.
How could anyone not mention PUNK ROCK KARAOKE at Arlene Grocery, Monday nights!!!
WINNIE'S!!!
It's on Bayard Street in Chinatown. It's $1 a song with a mixed crowd of serious Japanese crooners of love songs, NYU kids out to have fun and, of course, many EV hipsters. It's a great time. Plus, it's a real dive bar and the drinks are cheap.
I experienced a similar frustration in my first couple months in NYC, but after visiting over 20 k bars I found only two to return to: 208 West 4th Street in the West Village on Wednesday nights and Lucky Changes any night in the East Village.
206 has an awesome sound system, great song selection and two for one shots it's worth a visit.
If you're drunk out of your mind and deserve a truly strange k-experience goto Lucky Changs in the East Village. You can pretty much sing your guts out any night - it's comparable to fast food, only K style.
enjoy
There was a hotel in Little Seoul in Midtown, just a block or so off Herald Square where the bar had karaoke, just a drinks minimum, which my bride and I used post-reception as an entertainment for our guests. It was terrific, and across the street was a Korean buffet restaurant. Sorry, I can't remember what any of them were called, but it shouldn't be hard to find.
Monday at Pianos will rock you like a hurricane. 11pm
Here are some places that my friends and I like a lot.
Muldoons on 3rd ave and 43rd...every wed from 7-9
Giggles on 40th street bet 6/bway every tuesday
7-10