Chinatown proper has a couple karaoke bars, so if you love belting out tunes with your friends, you're in luck. But that's about it for drinking options, so if you want to follow up your Cantonese feast with a craft cocktail, head to Bridgeport to check out Maria's, or take in a punk show at Reggie's or jazz gig at Velvet Lounge. Here are our picks for the best bars in and around Chinatown.
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The lounge’s black walls and color-shifting lights feels like walking onto the set from Tron: Legacy. The other patrons, mostly groups of Chinese Americans, are supportive of all the singers, and while the karaoke control box isn’t intuitive, friendly staff and bartenders will happily walk you through the process. Want to just sing with your friends? Private rooms are $48 (prices go up after 2am) and they’re clean and cozy. The food is good, so snack on fried chicken wings, beef skewers and fries. Bonus: Pop KTV opens at 2pm, so you can kick off your night by pre-gaming here.
Sakura offers a blend of Eastern and Western karaoke, with bright colors, monitors at every booth and an energetic party vibe. Drink prices and late night snacks like spicy chicken legs and lemongrass wines are moderately priced (and delicious), and there’s a stage near the bar. For private parties, rent a large room for $60 an hour (it has its own private bathroom!) or opt for the $25 a head cover charge or a private room for $35-$45 an hour.
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