Search

Best 5 Karaoke Spots with Live Music in NYC

Without exception, karaoke takes any night from good to great. And we’ll do you one better: in New York, you can find live bands to accompany your smooth song stylings. You’ll get to growl like Mick Jagger for a few precious minutes while an aspiring Nicki Minaj waits for her rap debut in the wings. Below are 5 of the city’s top karaoke bars with live music.

Best Karaoke w/Live Music in NYC: Arlene’s Grocery

Arlene's Grocery

Arlene’s is the first name in live karaoke. At this funky Lower East Side dive bar, you’ll find a variety of characters in the crowd and reasonably priced drinks at the bar before you hit the stage. The three-piece band has real skill and style, whether they’re playing Guns ‘n Roses or U2. Some talented singers frequent Arlene’s too, ensuring you’ll be entertained by the patrons, instead of annoyed. You go on Monday at 10 p.m. Get those pipes ready. 95 Stanton St, 212-358-1633, arlenesgrocery.net

Best Karaoke w/Live Music in NYC: Sid Gold’s Request Room

Offering karaoke seven nights a week, Sid Gold’s has a simple set-up that works like a dream. A friendly piano player accompanies your song choice, and if you blank on lyrics, you have an iPad in front of you for reference. The Chelsea bar has a laid-back, mid-century-cool vibe and a ready atmosphere for quick intimacy with other musically inclined patrons. With decent drink prices and yummy bar snacks, Sid Gold’s will give you a songtastic night out. 165 W. 26th St, 212-229-1948, sidgolds.com

Best Karaoke w/Live Music in NYC: Printers Alley 

True to its Nashville roots, Printers Alley is all about football, beer, and country music. You’ll find a staff brimming with southern hospitality behind the bar as a band strums Cash’s “Man in Black.” Come on Saturday nights for Country Karaoke to cover your favorite hits, from Alan Jackson to Dolly Parton, with live instruments. But note that you won’t find the band on Saturdays in fall—it’s football season, friend. 215 W 40th Street, 212-419-2770, printersalleynyc.com

Best Karaoke w/Live Music in NYC: Hill Country BBQ

Hill Country is a Texas barbeque institution in Flatiron with live karaoke on Tuesday nights. Head to the basement level for some slow-cooked brisket or ribs with the legendary Mac ‘n Cheese, and listen to the band bang out hit after hit while the audience cheers on the soloist. Then take a swig, and sing your own favorite tune onstage. 30 W 26th St, 212- 255-4544, hillcountry.com/nyc

Best Karaoke w/Live Music NYC: Human Karaoke Experience at O’Flanagan's

Human Karaoke Experience

 A band with an impressive catalog of songs, the Human Karaoke Experience will have the perfect pick for your already-legendary performance. HKE plays every Thursday at this pub on the Upper East Side to a raucous and friendly crowd of music-lovers. The bar has plenty of energy and the talent of these seasoned musicians to send you to the stage again, and again… and okay, just one more Katy Perry, then you’re done. 1215 1st Ave, 212-439-0660, oflanagans.com

About the Author

Merrill Lee Girardeau lives and writes in Brooklyn.

Bringing a group to NYC? Free planning services

Let us know what you are looking for and we will try to connect you directly and get discounts.

Enter the code: 3972

More Articles