Most of our staff members live in New York, and in our ongoing series Gotham Insider’s Guide, we’re opening the vault and sharing favorite secret places throughout NYC. In this edition, our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated a list of 7 of the best upscale karaoke bars and lounges to visit right now in New York City (NYC), including our favorite top spots in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
What are the best upscale karaoke lounges in New York City (NYC) right now?
As COVID-19 cases in New York City plummet and with 75% of the city’s population vaccinated, New Yorkers are entering a new phase of normalcy. Mask mandates were recently lifted and as Mayor Adams said, “We are open for business and New York City has its groove back.” Amen to that!
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Now may finally be the right time to return to one of our most beloved and cathartic activities. That’s right, I’m talking about karaoke.
The best upscale karaoke bars and lounges to visit right now in New York City (NYC), including our favorite top spots in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The music died early in the pandemic after a report warned about how the virus spread from one singer to infect 87% of the choir’s members. Karaoke was rightly deemed one of the more risky activities. Hollering into a shared mic, “Girls just wanna have fun!” seemed off-key in more ways than one.
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If you’ve been waiting patiently for a safer time to sing your heart out, it’s here. In celebration, we’ve rounded up 7 luxurious karaoke lounges in New York City. How do we define luxurious? These are the places that not only have chic décor and impressive audio (so you sound like Adele) but delicious food and bar offerings. And, of course, for true karaoke connoisseurs — robust song selections so you can belt out that obscure show tune you sang in your high school’s musical.
Gather up your crew and – as RiRi once famously sang – please, don’t stop the music.
7 luxurious karaoke lounges best right now in New York City
1. Maru Karaoke Lounge (11 W 32nd St.)
For a quintessential Koreatown experience, you’ll begin your night by walking into an unassuming commercial office building, going up a freight elevator, and all the while wondering if you’ve got the correct address. But once the doors open, it’s clear you’ve come to the right party.
Luxurious karaoke lounges in New York City including Brooklyn and Queens: Maru. Courtesy Photo.
Soaring ceilings and mod banquettes contribute to a nightclub feel where DJs spin under ambient lights. There are private soundproof karaoke rooms if you just want to rock it out with your known associates. Not a singer? You can still have plenty of fun being playing the role of the fan while sipping on Korean sojus and lychee martinis or chowing down on Asian-inspired comfort food like Bulgogi Nachos and Sweet Sriracha Wings.
2. Sid Gold’s Request Room (165 W 26th St.)
If you’ve got serious vocal chops (or just a lot of confidence), check out Sid’s, where you can sing with live piano accompaniment in front of an intimate audience. The vibe is sophisticated with cozy alcoves and booths, a marble topped bar, and baby grand piano.
Luxurious karaoke lounges in New York City including Brooklyn and Queens: Sids Gold’s Request Room. Courtesy Photo.
Guests are encouraged to request songs, take the mic and lead the crowd in a sing-a-long of their favorite tunes. Light bar food and cocktails, wine and beer are offered while you work up the nerve to do your best Billy Joel and Alicia Keys piano-driven hits.
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3. Ms. Kim’s (6 West 28th St.)
We weren’t the only ones craving a song during the pandemic. Korean beauty entrepreneur, Anna Kim opened this luxe karaoke lounge in NoMad in 2021 with both a communal space and highly Instagrammable private rooms.
Luxurious karaoke lounges in New York City including Brooklyn and Queens: Ms. Kim’s. Courtesy Photo.
As if swanky digs and gourmet Korean and Japanese-inspired cuisine and cocktails weren’t enough, state-of-the-art sound systems make you sound like a pro. People rave about the hostess, Drag Queen Regina and the servers who make every night feel like a fun, welcoming party.
4. Insa (328 Douglass St., Brooklyn)
You might not realize but this 4,600 square feet space which includes a 100-seat restaurant and full bar, also hosts private karaoke rooms. Choose from Korean favorites off the menu or grill your own at the in-table BBQ.
Luxurious karaoke lounges in New York City including Brooklyn and Queens: Insa. Courtesy Photo.
The karaoke rooms all have their own theme: including psychedelic, jungle, deep sea, and space (tambourines included). The smallest room holds 8 people while the largest room holds up to 22 people. You can even pre-arrange your playlist via their Karaoke playbook that connects to an app.
5. RPM Underground (246 W 54th St.)
While many of the more luxurious karaoke bars go for a chic nightclub or restaurant atmosphere, RPM stands out for its retro Americana theme. The 11,000 square foot bar and eatery also features 17 private karaoke rooms accommodating anywhere from 2 to 40 people.
Luxurious karaoke lounges in New York City including Brooklyn and Queens: RPM Underground. Courtesy Photo.
Kitschy themes include The Diner, The Avengers, Marilyn Monroe, and The Locker Room. They’re well-done and go a long way in setting a funky, laid-back vibe. Don’t be surprised if you end up singing a lot of classic rock.
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6. Lion’s Roar Karaoke House (187 Meserole St., Brooklyn)
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own private karaoke house party, Lion’s Roar is here to make it come true. The only one of its kind, this apartment space is like an AirBnb for karaoke. Guests can bring their own food and drink and set up in the fully-equipped kitchen with disco balls, of course.
Luxurious karaoke lounges in New York City including Brooklyn and Queens: Lion’s Roar. Courtesy Photo.
The sound system is state of the art and literally any song in any language is available via the YouTube library. Even the most reluctant karaoke participants will find themselves belting out a tune or two in the comfort of a home.
7. Karaoke Shout (32-46 Steinway St, Queens)
It’s fitting that Astoria should have its own luxe and modern karaoke joint with all the performers who live along the N, R and W trains. But this lounge is for everyone — with 10 themed rooms and over 30,000 songs including 14 different languages.
Best karaoke bars lounges in New York City (NYC), including Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens: Karoke Shout. Courtesy Photo.
There is a full bar but no food which just means that guests can order in their own from all the terrific ethnic restaurants Astoria is known for.
7 upscale karaoke bars and lounges best right now in New York City (NYC)
There you have it — 7 upscale karaoke bars and lounges to visit in NYC, including Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens so you can finally rock out. We’ll be singing right along as New York City finally gets its groove back!
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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
