Hit these bars ahead of the holidays for killer cocktails with a side of karaoke.
Who doesn't fancy taking to the stage to give your best rendition of Taylor Swift or Frank Sinatra when you're out on the town for a night of drinking? Indeed, one too many old-fashioneds or spicy margaritas can make even the best of us think we've got the talent and the looks to play to an audience of thousands, even if it's just a crowd of ten and the bartender wanting to ring last orders.
If you're looking to polish up on your performance ahead of the holidays, these are the best karaoke bars, from the bright lights of Dubai to the dive-bars of Argentina.
Bam Karaoke Box, London
@bamkaraokebox.uk
Opened in London's Victoria in 2024 – hot on the heels of outposts in Paris and Madrid – Bam Karaoke Box has no less than 22 themed booths for sound-proofed singing, alongside a cocktail bar, live music stage and outdoor terrace. It's all set within the uber-chic surroundings of a Parisian-style townhouse – albeit with neon signage and mirrored walls – while there are plenty of bells and whistles such as in-room recording, social games ('Name That Song', anyone?) and playlist curation. Noughties-style bottle service is available in your booth, otherwise cocktails such as negronis, espresso martinis and mojitos are served at the bar, plus bites like salmon tartare, smash burgers and chicken schnitzel. A stellar line-up of weekly events rounds things off, including an open-mic night for those who want to show off their singing prowess to more than just good friends.
Ms. Kim's, New York
@ms.kims.nyc
The latest raft of karaoke bars is serving up excellent fare alongside private booths to get the cool kids flocking, such as at Ms. Kim's in New York's NoMad neighbourhood. The bar and lounge does a roaring trade in Korean and Japanese food – think soy chicken wings, shrimp biscuits and California sushi rolls – washed down with signature serves such as the Pear Planet: pear vodka enriched with a herbaceous and sticky rosemary syrup. The karaoke rooms are as chic as the rest of the space with smart booths and large screens, dressed in a pared-back palette.
Bar Mordecai, Toronto
@barmordecai
Step into the surreal at Bar Mordecai, a Toronto cocktail and karaoke joint with interiors inspired by old-school hotel lobbies, albeit through the eyes of iconic director Wes Anderson. Amidst dark and decadent surroundings over two floors, you'll enjoy an Iberian-inspired menu of small and large plates – cauliflower fatteh and batata harra bravas versus slow-cooked lamb shank and whole grilled branzino, for example – as well as contemporary takes on classics in the drinks department: the margarita shakes things up with papaya- and chilli-infused agave, plus cardamom bitters. The jewel in the crown? Four subterranean karaoke rooms themed around specific musical eras, the largest of which can accommodate you and 19 of your most raucous pals.
Karaoke Kan, Tokyo
Ever since the release of Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson flick Lost in Translation in 2003 – yes, that long ago – movie buffs and music fans have been flocking to the Shibuya Udagawacho outpost of this karaoke chain. Specifically, it's room 601 in the annex building you'll need to request, which is where filming for the scene between the two Hollywood stars and their fictitious posse took place, the mesmerising skyline of Tokyo playing a supporting role of arguably the most Instagrammable (and recognisable) karaoke backdrop in cinematic history. Drinks are basic but brilliant: fruity cocktails, cold beers and sweet teas.
La Uat, Buenos Aires
@lauatbar
If it was acceptable in the '80s, it's certainly acceptable at this Buenos Aires speakeasy-style drinking den: its whole vibe is inspired by the neon-lit kitsch of everyone's favourite era. Dedicated karaoke nights sit happily alongside DJ sets that attract hipsters, creatives and musicians beneath a glittering disco ball. The pisco sours are on-point, while expertly made G&Ts sit alongside ciders, beers and classic cocktails.
Cohiba, Goa
@cohibagoa
Karaoke Sundays are the crowning glory of this hip and happening party spot in Candolim, Goa, which is supported by live bands, DJ sets and reggae Fridays. At the bar, it's all about the Indian Summer, made with vodka, red bell pepper, elderflower, passionfruit, lime juice and orange juice – while there's a small but perfectly formed food menu that takes its culinary cues from around the world. Perfect for soaking up fruity concoctions – and for giving you that all-important Dutch courage to take to the stage.
Le Baron, Shanghai
@lebaronshanghai
Leading the charge on Shanghai's legendary karaoke scene is Le Baron, which has been open since 2014 and, rather tellingly, also has hotspots in New York and Paris. There's always drama at the blink-and-you'll-miss-it entrance, old-school bottle service at the reservations-only tables and a crowd of well-dressed models and moguls on the late-night dance floor. Amidst the all-red décor, you'll find a trio of KTV lounges – including a 'kitchen', 'bathroom' and 'bedroom' to mimic the look of an apartment – with a reassuringly expensive drinks menu peppered with champagne and house cocktails.
The Room, Dubai
@theroomdxb
Arguably the swankiest of Dubai's karaoke spots, The Room on Bluewaters Island combines a chic lounge for dinner and drinks as well as a series of slick singing rooms just down a softly lit corridor. The predominantly red-and-black decor is teamed with plush leather and velvet upholstery, while the sophisticated fusion food coming out of the kitchen nods to Uzbek, Eastern European and Mediterranean cuisines. Dress up, look the part and, if you can, sound it too.
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