Top five karaoke bars

Voicebox

2112 NW Hoyt St.

Pan-Asian fun is on the menu, including varieties of sake mixes and interesting food like cheeseburger dumplings. Not having to hear strangers sing is both a pro and a con. Private rooms rent for $4 an hour on weeknights and $7 an hour on weekends, with special rates for groups of 10 or more. Groups can emcee a list of over 12,000 songs in a clean, spacious and well-decorated room. 

Alibi

4024 N Interstate Ave.

With funky lamps, neon hula girls, island masks and tiki torches lining the interior, Alibi sets a fun atmosphere for a night of karaoke. The wait can get long on a busy night, but with comfortable lounge-style seating and stiff, cheap drinks, this isn’t a problem at all. 

Boiler Room

228 NW Davis St.

A standard karaoke bar, nothing that’s going to leap out, but a good enough time. The drinks are pretty cheap and not shy on the alcohol, but this is always a good idea for a karaoke bar. There are a couple pool tables for distraction and a small area of outdoor seating is nice when you need a breather. On weekends they charge a cover and the place can get packed like a can of sardines.

Suki’s Bar and Grill

2401 SW 4th Ave.

Cocktails are made with a healthy pour and the food is cheap and decent. The song list is great and the Kareoke Jockey named Dick is as entertaining and knowledgeable as it gets. Some nights they have open mic along with karaoke, which is always good for a laugh. The space isn’t the biggest, but it usually doesn’t get too crowded. There’s a pool table and other standard bar fare inside as well. Note, however, that the smells that permeate this place can be concerning. 

Chopsticks III: The How Can Be Lounge

535 NE Columbia Blvd.

How can this place be so much fun? The songs are good, the drinks are cheap and all the customers are there to party. That pretty much sums it up. The staff is friendly and you’ll hear a wide selection of songs from a varied customer base, which just means everyone is welcome.  There’s a nice patio for smokers, complete with Asian décor and bamboo shoots. But be warned, it is very much a dive bar.