Karaoke in NYC

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 7/8/08 at 4:14pm

Hi all. I appeal to the most knowledgeable NYC forum I know.

My coworkers and I are meeting a female friend of mine and her coworkers for karaoke tomorrow (Wednesday), but we don't have a place yet.

Most of the searches of online were unhelpful, and searches of this forum yielded more piano bars, places featuring drag queens, etc.

What we're looking for:
- Something in midtown/Union Square, preferably (but not required)
- Something decently mainstream (not a tourist trap, but not a drag queen hangout either)
- I'd like some Broadway selections, but most will probably go pop
- Cheap drinks, preferably no cover
- No private rooms/"japanese style"--our group probably won't be big enough for that to be worth it
- Conducive to socializing--it's partially a matchmaking event

Suggestions? Thank you!
Updated On: 7/8/08 at 04:14 PM

[Calvin]

Posted: 7/8/08 at 4:17pm

This is New York. Drag queens ARE mainstream.

I know a place in Inwood that would fit your bill, but I it's usually difficult to convince people to cross the 60th parallel, I know all too well!

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 7/8/08 at 5:51pm

Haha, I'm afraid some of my friends don't have the parkas to endure weather that far north

Anyone with ideas?

[clever name]

Posted: 7/8/08 at 7:55pm

Isn't there a place right in Time Square with the big screen out front? Or is that place too tourist trappy?

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 7/8/08 at 8:02pm

There are some places in the 30s but they all have private rooms. You could do Sing Sing on St. Mark's and just hang around the bar.

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 7/8/08 at 11:28pm

Does St. Mark's have a similar $1.50/song offer at the bar? The website only talks about the private rooms.

Japas seems to have the per song charge in the main room.
Updated On: 7/8/08 at 11:28 PM

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 7/8/08 at 11:55pm

Yes, you can pay for single songs at the bar.

[jeniferrenepatricia]

Posted: 7/9/08 at 3:24am

Go to Iggy's Bar on 2nd avenue between 75th and 76th street. I went there last month, and had a fabulous time. The crowd is mixed- I'd say anywhere from 25 to 55. Everyone is just there to have a good time, no one is rude when someone is on stage singing. They also serve food- check out the wbesite-www.iggysnewyork.com. It's a great place....

[CJR]

Posted: 7/9/08 at 9:31am

Awe, I love Pieces on Christopher and Gay (no, I'm not kidding).... but you said not a lot of drag queens LOL

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 7/9/08 at 11:57pm

^^^ Pieces looks fun but the website says it only does karaoke on Tuesdays

Any other karaoke non-private room suggestions? What's the consensus?

[Calvin]

Posted: 7/10/08 at 12:13am

Pieces definitely does karaoke on more than just Tuesdays, unless something has changed.