For all of us who wished we had a melodious voice, rather than one which makes people's ears bleed, karaoke is the solution for our Broadway complex. People with awesome vocal cords who can hit a high note are also welcomed (just make sure you're prepared for the singing impaired). Eating and drinking will make this a pretty perfect outing. Below is our list of the best karaoke bars in the city!
Disclosure: Karaoke addiction is a risk. You've been warned.
Japas 38 will make you a karaoke lover whether you want it or not. They have a solid selection of songs (all the oldies you would want) and the Japanese videos that come with each song are pretty entertaining. We recommend you get the premium package (around $40 per person) which gives you a private room, unlimited alcohol and a good amount of food to share. And if you get ballsy one day, maybe you can show those singing skills in the upstairs bar with the rest of the karaoke fans. In the public area each song is $1.50 and if you manage to score more than 89 (warm up those vocal cords!) you will get a free drink.
Where: 9 East 38th St, NY
If you're looking for cool, hip karaoke then this is the place for you. Attracting karaoke die-hard fans as well as Lower East side cool kids, Winnie's is one-of-a-kind. A night at Winnie's will go from top 100 hits to Mandarin pop songs, to 1970s rock songs to more Mandarin pop. Winnie herself is likely to make an appearance on weekend nights. She's more of Mandarin pop fan. Drinks are strong (ask for the Hawaiian Punch) and cheap and you'll absolutely be signing your life away by midnight.
Where: 104 Bayard Street
New York, NY
If you want sleek, here you have it. This subterranean karaoke den, complete with flat screen TV's and swanky white and purple lighting, is not the type of place you will find your average grungy New Yorker. They don't serve beers, but lots of elaborate cocktails. However, the crowd might be the loudest one in New York. It caters to Times square tourists and midtown yuppies. A mesh of people. A mesh of drunken foreigners. It will get rowdy. Private rooms are also available with Guitar Hero and Rock Band 2 include (we told you it was swanky!) for a five-person minimum.
Where: 135 West 41st Street
New York, NY
It's all about singing at Karaoke One 7. It has hands down the best music selection of any karaoke bar in the city. Top 100, hip hop, gospel, Broadway songs, you name it. They have it. Songs in French and Italian also available if you feel so inclined. Food is not great but you are allowed to bring in your own snack from outside. But Sake selection is great and half-priced happy hour is certainly worth it. The crowd is as varied as their song list: downtown kids, young professionals and loads of international faces.
Where: 29 W 17th St # 1
New York, NY
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