New York’s Finest Karaoke Bars, from Glam Lounges to Late-Night Dives
From lovably no-frills joints on Canal Street and Avenue A to velvet-draped stages in Chelsea and private rooms in Koreatown with kaleidoscopic lights and state-of-the-art sound systems, New York City’s karaoke scene hits every note imaginable. Whether you’re an aspiring pop diva who craves a well-lit stage, a private-room crooner, or an “I don’t do karaoke” type who prefers to nurse a cocktail and a burger while strangers serenade one another, NYC has it all.
Above a bus pickup point in Chinatown is the aptly named Upstairs Bar. Enter what looks like a weathered walk-up, climb a narrow staircase toward a neon “OPEN” sign, and get ready for a night to remember (or try to remember—the bartenders really know how to pour it up). Inside, you’ll realize that Upstairs isn’t your ordinary karaoke dive. It has an underground energy and a vibe somewhere between the Star Wars cantina and a modern speakeasy.
There are no private rooms, no stage, no overactive light machines, and no attitude—despite drawing quite the downtown creative crowd. The setup is simple: a long wraparound bar, two microphones, lyric screens, and cocktail glasses stuffed with scraps of paper and pencils. Jot down your song request, hand it to the bartender with a dollar bill, and hope they have it—one of the simple thrills of the experience.
The song list spans popular hits in English and Chinese, while the menu goes well beyond standard bar fare. Enjoy a round of lychee martinis with small bites like veggie spring rolls and dumplings, or go big with a rib-eye steak. And yes, it’s true: Drake was once turned away after forgetting his ID—though plenty of other stars, from Azealia Banks to Lorde to Tristan Wilds, have made it past the door for their own late-night sing-alongs.
Still, the true Upstairs star is legendary bar owner Rena Cho, who says most people find the spot through word of mouth and return “because of our friendly, welcoming atmosphere.”
59 Canal St #2F, New York, NY 10002; T. (646) 559-0098
Baby Grand is one of New York’s most beloved karaoke bars—a cozy, music-first haven that’s as hip as it is homey. Once tucked away on Lafayette Street before closing during the pandemic, its new Orchard Street location features two stages, signature cocktails, and glittering chandeliers. Modeled after the intimate karaoke bars of Tokyo, Baby Grand still keeps the focus on what matters most: the music.
There are no private booths here, just a small, stylish room where anyone can grab the mic and sing in front of a red velvet curtain. Even the bartenders sometimes take a turn between pouring drinks and cheering on the crowd. Regulars swear by its welcoming energy—the kind of place where first-timers quickly become part of the family. On Tuesdays, the energy amps up with live-band karaoke, giving guests the chance to perform with a full backing band and live out their rock-star dreams.
“The greatest city in the world deserves the very best karaoke bar,” says co-owner Joey Park. “What sets us apart is our ethos. While most karaoke bars treat it as just another attraction, we see karaoke as a grown-up version of make-believe. And as with any form of play, it’s only as fun as it is believable. That’s why we emphasize a quality guest experience. Our amazing staff encourages the best from everyone, creating a supportive, joyful community of singers night after night.”
Baby Grand’s new space still has that same charm—just with a bit more shine.
210 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002; T. (917) 675-7579
Planet Rose is a psychotically fun and quirky gem on Avenue A. Expect some aspiring Broadway divas and plenty of fearless folks belting out classic stadium rock anthems with rafter-reaching pipes that may or may not be on key. Also, prepare for the frequent bachelorette and birthday parties.
There’s no stage or private rooms here, but the theatrical, welcoming atmosphere feels like a zany cabaret singer’s living room. Other out-there features include colorful lights, zebra-print furniture, glowing neon roses, and retro guitars hanging on red walls. Wireless mics allow you to stumble all over the roomy bar while getting your American Idol on in front of an audience of strangers.
From ’50s doo-wop numbers to today’s Top 40, there’s plenty to choose from in the jam-packed songbook. Arrive early for happy hour deals and a crowd that only gets rowdier as the night goes on. The frenetic, friendly energy is infectious—so much so that you’ll never want to leave. Promise.
219 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009; T. (212) 388-1060
If you know the East Village, you know Sing Sing. The karaoke bars—yes, there are two locations about a ten-minute walk apart—are still going strong as the neighborhood’s most infamous, perma-packed spots. The original St. Mark’s location is fun and practically an EV institution at this point, but we suggest hitting up its Alphabet City offshoot, which has a bit more personality. In other words, it’s an East Village dive—loud, sticky, and gloriously unpretentious.
Think shots of Fireball and many a “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Think bathroom walls vandalized with permanent markers and plastered with stickers. Expect vibrant pop-art murals, framed music posters, and the ambiance (and sometimes scent) of a lively basement bar, attracting a crowd of indie rockers and biker-jacket-wearing types.
Tip: If you’re visiting on a weekend and want to avoid the chaos in the bar area, we recommend booking a private room in the basement well in advance. Expect a waiting list—we’re pretty sure one out of five downtown New Yorkers has celebrated at least one birthday in one of these rooms.
The songbooks are massive, sometimes sticky from spilled drinks, and frequently updated with the latest hits. The microphones may or may not be screechy, but most won’t notice or care. This one’s for those who like it loud. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
81 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009; T. (212) 674-0700
Tucked along a quiet stretch of West 26th Street, Sid Gold’s Request Room gives karaoke a glow-up. The Chelsea spot reads like a glamorous, atmospheric piano lounge, with a crowd that actually listens and regulars who sing their hearts out at the baby grand. By the time you’ve finished your first martini, someone’s crooning a torch song, the pianist is vamping like it’s 2 a.m., and you’ve decided to stay for “just one more.”
Founded by nightlife veteran Paul Devitt (of Beauty Bar fame) and musician Joe McGinty (formerly of the Psychedelic Furs), Sid Gold’s is NYC’s only live piano karaoke bar. Here, the pianist plays your song live while you stand under the light and turn the bar into your stage. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is, where a power ballad can hush the room and a deep cut can bring strangers together. You’ll leave hoarse, happy, and madly in love again with the city.
165 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001; T. (212) 229-1948
Karaoke goes cosmic at Space, Koreatown’s most surreal, Instagrammable sing-for-your-life destination. Step into a fluorescent sci-fi fever dream, where a lively, glowing main bar feels halfway between a Seoul nightclub and a spaceship lounge, and sleek private rooms come alive under ever-shifting LED lights that sync to the beat. Every surface seems to glow, and every corner begs for a selfie—it’s a trip before the singing even starts. Each room is outfitted with studio-quality mics, crisp acoustics, and an almost endless song list spanning languages, eras, and guilty pleasures alike. Space is its own little universe, where everyone—from karaoke aficionados to bachelorette-party screechers—comes together. And for one night, the flawless sound and flashing lights make everyone feel like a full-blown pop star.
Between songs, sip the signature Space Margarita (in variants like lychee or watermelon) or order a sangria pitcher, and graze on sliders or a vibrant fruit medley. You’ll leave this neon-drenched K-Town playground ready for an encore.
28 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001; T. (212) 594-7755
Some legends never die; they simply relocate. After closing its original location in 2015, this beloved karaoke dive in Chinatown made a triumphant return in 2019, reopening five blocks away on East Broadway, between Market and Catherine Streets. Winnie’s comeback is thanks to the same family behind the cult favorite: matriarch Winnie Mui and her children, Jaime and Teddy, who wanted to revive what Jaime once referred to as “a Chinese Cheers.” The new Winnie’s holds onto that familiar, communal spirit while adding a few modern touches. The red booths are back, karaoke is now computerized, and chandeliers made from the bar’s old laserdiscs shimmer above the stage as a nostalgic wink to the past.
The atmosphere is as lively and welcoming as ever, with regulars and newcomers alike belting out everything from Cantonese classics to Whitney Houston ballads until 4 a.m. There’s a rose-gold mic onstage, a crowd that cheers like family, and the return of the legendary Dragon Punch: a mix of eight liquors and three juices that’s sweet and dangerously drinkable. At Winnie’s, everyone’s welcome, whether you can actually sing or just know how to have a good time. Expect to stay longer than planned.
58 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002; T. (212) 431-8396
WORDS Alex Catarinella