Best-of list · Occasion Guide
The best karaoke bars in New York City, from Koreatown private rooms to Lower East Side open-mic institutions. Where to sing, where to watch, where to.
The short answer
9 ranked rooms follow. How we picked is at the end of this guide.
The best karaoke bars in New York split into two categories that rarely overlap: Koreatown's private room operations and the open-stage dive bars of the Lower East Side and Brooklyn. Both are worth knowing. We have spent a significant number of evenings in both and have opinions about which is right for which occasion. This is the full guide.
The K-Town karaoke model is the best version of karaoke for groups. You rent a private room by the hour, order bottles to the room, and sing without strangers judging you. The rooms range from closets for two people to suites that hold twenty. The song libraries go deep into Korean pop, classic rock, and R&B. These are the best venues to book in Koreatown.
How we picked
The best karaoke bars in New York reward different things. The K-Town private rooms reward preparation — book ahead, agree on a set list with your group, and go in ready to commit. The open-stage bars reward spontaneity — show up, put your name on the list, and let the room decide whether you are any good.
Our single recommendation for first-timers: Planet Rose in the East Village on any weeknight. The crowd is forgiving, the drinks are cheap, and the host will make you feel like a regular before you have finished your first drink.
James has been writing about New York bars since 2009. He has performed at Arlene's Grocery three times and maintains a short list of approved songs for each venue type.
Last reviewed 2026-05-02 · The editors recheck hours and closures against current local coverage.