Your Scene, Your Song

Not interested in your standard karaoke bar? In this city, you can find the right song list and the right setting.

Add Comment

By E. J. Samson

ShareThis

Hip Hop Karaoke at Rothko
116 Suffolk St., between Rivington and Delancey Sts.; 212-475-7088
Wannabe rappers show a flair for spitting lyrics at this beat fest where the ever-expanding song list gains cred from a D.J. mixing tracks behind you. Newcomers needn't worry, this isn't Showtime at the Apollo: instead of heckling and booing, the good-time crowd will shout back lyrics when in doubt.
• Suggested Song: "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G.
• First Friday of the month
• 10pm
• Free

(Photo: Eric Fusco)

Live Band Karaoke at Magnetic Field
97 Atlantic Ave., between Henry and Hicks Sts.; 718-834-0069
The term karaoke is Japanese for "empty orchestra." Who cares? Bunnie England & The New Originals have helped Magnetic Field edge out Arlene's Grocery and its Rock and Roll Karaoke as the place to cover rock standards.
• Suggested Song: "Feel Like Making Love" by Bad Company
• Every second and fourth Thursday
• 8pm
• Free

(Photo: Kareem Black)

Karaoke Killed the Cat at Pianos
158 Ludlow St., between Stanton and Rivington Sts.; 212-505-3733
Creator-host Chris Ehrmann gets his crowd amped with his onstage antics: stage diving or banging the gong—for percussion, not judgment. Furthermore, he and cohort Matt Coats energetically back-up all participants, which may be why celebs like Benicio del Toro, Andy Milonakis, and the Williams sisters have all stopped by.
• Suggested song: "Africa" by Toto
• Mondays
• 10pm
• Free

Punk Rock / Heavy Metal Karaoke at Lit
93 Second Ave., between 5th and 6th Sts.; 212-777-7987
Since their weekly residency at the Continental has come to an end, the PRHMK band is now touring various rock dens throughout the city in order to give hard rockers a chance to channel their inner Ramone.
• Suggested song: "Last Caress" by The Misfits or "Banned in D.C." by Bad Brains
• Tuesday, May 16
• 9:45pm
• $5

Sid and Buddy Karaoke at Galapagos
70 N. 6th St., between Wythe and Kent Aves.; 718-782-5188
If you need accoutrements to counteract your caterwauling, Sid and Buddy, two out-there performers, have foam cowboy hats, inflatable guitars, assorted wigs, and even attachable beards. Prop comedy meets performance art.
• Suggested song: anything goes
• Sundays
• 10 pm
• Free

Still Haven't Found What You're Looking For?
Check out our complete list of more than 50 bars with karaoke.