Sometimes, it’s not enough to have a song in your heart. Or even on your lips. You need it in the ears of your closest friends… and maybe even a barful of inebriated revelers. That’s why we’re compiling a list of the best spots where you can go to sing the karaoke Los Angeles crooners so crave.
Cafe Brass Monkey
Address: 3440 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Who’d guess as you approach this unassuming Wilshire office building that it houses one of the best places for the kind of karaoke Los Angeles spotlight stealers adore? Sure, it may look like a ski chalet. But the only downhill action happening at Cafe Brass Monkey is when someone grabs the mic after a few stiff drinks. From its full service menu to its even fuller service songbook, this unassuming spot more than earns its place on our list. That being said, Brass Monkey isn’t exactly a well-kept secret. Plan for hour-long wait times on weekends!
Rosen Karaoke
Address: 3488 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005
The first thing you need to know about Rosen Karaoke is that the front door is in the back. Once you’ve cleared that hurdle, you need only follow the neon lights to a good time. Acting as one of those spots for private karaoke Los Angeles wallflowers prefer, Rosen is low on public spectacle. Rooms need to be rented in advance through the business’s package system which often includes drinks and food. But that food is well above the standard set by Los Angeles karaoke studios. And Rosen’s sterling service can turn shy first-timers into bonafide masters of the microphone. Rosen Karaoke also has its own parking lot which is a godsend in Koreatown.
Break Room 86
Address: 630 S Ardmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Once you hand a drunk person a microphone, it’s hard to be discreet. Yet Break Room 86 has maintained its mysterious secrecy as Koreatown’s hidden karaoke bar with a decidedly ‘80s theme. If the song selection doesn’t reflect it, you’ll find it in walls plastered with cassettes, records and, of course, plenty of neon. You can reserve one of the four private rooms in advance or take your chances in the communal karaoke room. But even if you’re not entranced by the karaoke Los Angeles extroverts queue up for, there’s plenty to do at Break Room 86. That includes watching period-appropriate music videos, playing vintage arcade games, or just sipping one of their surprisingly delicious cocktails while vibing with the atmosphere.
Boardwalk 11
Address: 10433 National Blvd #5, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Boardwalk 11 is one of the few Los Angeles karaoke bars on this list to break the trend of being located in Koreatown. A clear beacon for karaoke Los Angeles westsiders can enjoy on a work night, its Palms location and casual vibe forge a winning combo for the karaoke-deprived half of the city. So what can you expect from Boardwalk 11? Well, it’s a bit of a dive but sometimes that’s the secret ingredient to karaoke greatness. Throw in a full menu, shockingly good drinks, and thousands of songs, plus a constantly evolving playlist, and you’ve got a legitimate classic. It’s also surprisingly spacious for a karaoke dive. They fire up the mic every night at 8pm, giving you plenty of time to choose which Cheap Trick song you’re going to butcher.
The Venue
Address: 3470 Wilshire Blvd b1, Los Angeles, CA 90010
And with that, we’re back to Koreatown for The Venue; a sleek and chic Los Angeles karaoke bar. One of the coolest features of The Venue is its lucky 13 private rooms, each unique in size and decor. Some of its rooms can even accommodate up to 50 guests imbuing this karaoke studio with real “company Christmas party” potential. Those in constant search of karaoke deep cuts will be thrilled to learn that The Venue uses both YouTube access (via tablet) and a 100,000 song karaoke machine so you can choose without compromise. Well, usually. Just be ready for a bit of financial Tetris. Hourly rates and drink minimums vary depending on room choice and number of guests in your party.
Max Karaoke Studio
Address: 333 S Alameda St #216, Los Angeles, CA 90013
If you don’t have a big karaoke budget, then Max Karaoke Studio may be more your speed. Tucked away in a Little Tokyo mall, this karaoke studio offers a decent variety of private room sizes. But this one’s a cheap date: no alcohol on premises, no flashy decor… just straight action. And by action we mean your group, a microphone, and an immense song selection. If you adore karaoke but don’t necessarily need all of the dressing that comes with it, Max Karaoke delivers.
Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge
Address: 3680 Wilshire Blvd B-02, Los Angeles, CA 90010
On the other hand, if you’re not too worried about the song selection but demand a ‘grammable moment, Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge has the panache you want. Here, you’ll find the kind of karaoke Los Angeles influencers crave… you know, the type you can see as much as hear. Of course, that Instaglam-worthy decor of the 37 private rooms comes at a price. So, pick the comprehensive package that your wallet agrees with and make sure your phone is charged. You can also take comfort that Pharaoh validates parking for the connected parking structure. And in Koreatown, that’s a heck of a silver lining.
The GasLite
Address: 2030 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
The GasLite offers another karaoke dive for the westsiders, but it’s a dive with history. Yes, this is actually one of the oldest bars in Santa Monica, though they don’t tend to highlight it. Rather, they’re content to sling laidback beverages with a side of free popcorn and a microphone. One of the drags about doing karaoke in Tinsel Town and its surroundings is that it seems everyone can belt out a tune like a professional. The GasLite’s most endearing trait is that they don’t really seem to venerate golden pipes. As long as you’re digging yourself, they’re supportive. So, karaoke wallflowers, here’s your invitation to bloom.
The Good Nite
Address: 10721 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
The Valley is well-represented by their sole entry on our list of spots for the kind of karaoke Los Angeles nightlifers demand. Expect cheap thrills, cheaper drinks, and wall-to-wall karaoke when you step into The Good Nite. No false advertising with that name! There are plenty of regulars at this spot but the MCs are friendly enough and the audience is anything but judgmental. If you’ve been to The Good Nite’s sister bar, The Offbeat, you’ve already got a preview of the vibe. But for the uninitiated, expect big fun on a small stage.
