Who doesn’t love karaoke? We sure do! Luckily for us, West Los Angeles is home to some of the best karaoke bars in North America. To help you pick the right one, we have curated a guide to West L.A.’s finest karaoke bars. Gather your friends and check out these lively venues for a fun-filled night spent socializing, indulging in delectable food and drinks, and belting out your favorite tunes. 

Rosen Karaoke by Pharaoh, Koreatown

Rosen Karaoke by Pharaoh, located in the center of Koreatown, is an upscale karaoke experience that takes the traditional concept to the next level. Boasting 20 private rooms with state-of-the-art sound systems, neon lights, a party atmosphere, and an extensive library with thousands of songs from diverse genres, this venue is my go-to venue for a special occasion. Furthermore, Rosen Karaoke serves delectable multi-cuisine dishes along with a full bar menu. I ordered the Fried Chicken Wings ($25), and was very impressed. It was perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. Rosen Karaoke by Pharaoh is also perfect for when you have out-of-town visitors, as it features aesthetically pleasing interiors. 

Karaoke Bleu, Sawtelle

Karaoke Bleu is an inviting watering hole and karaoke bar in the Sawtelle neighborhood. It features retro-themed, blue interiors, an excellent sound system, and a diverse range of karaoke tunes. I love this laid-back venue for its consistently good service, lip-smacking craft cocktails, and enthusiastic crowd, providing a great atmosphere for singing your favorite songs. Karaoke Bleu has a group of regulars typically perched at the bar. Don’t be intimidated by them. They are just karaoke enthusiasts patiently waiting their turn. 

Cafe Brass Monkey, Koreatown

Established in 1971, Cafe Brass Monkey is an iconic Koreatown karaoke venue with a quirky dive-bar ambiance. Well-loved for its enjoyable karaoke evenings, specialty craft cocktails, and extensive food menu. It’s a Koreatown favorite of locals (including celebrities) and tourists. The restaurant and bar’s expert culinary and beverage team whips up American bar food and cocktails at affordable prices. I tried the Chicken Burger ($10), which comprises a fried chicken patty topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mustard, and mayonnaise. It was delicious—crispy on the outside, and soft and juicy on the inside. Moreover, the quality of singing at this bar blew me away. The Brass Monkey offers a memorable karaoke experience where you can belt out songs amid supportive crowds. 

The GasLite, Santa Monica 

If you’re a karaoke first-timer or get easily intimidated by pros, check out GasLite in Santa Monica. This dimly lit, no-frills karaoke haven is perfect for amateurs and shy singers. You don’t have to be a great singer here, the crowd is very encouraging and will cheer you on. The GasLite is frequented by an exceptionally diverse crowd, including college students, aging hipsters, and locals. This relaxed karaoke bar also offers happy hour specials from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. 

Moreover, the GasLite is the famous venue where singer Jewel went undercover and sang one of her songs in front of an unaware audience in disguise. She later made their day by revealing her identity. You can see it unfold in this Funny or Die video.

The Backstage, Culver City 

A local hangout for over eight decades, the Backstage in Culver City is a popular karaoke gastro bar with a rock ‘n’ roll soul. Legend has it that the Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz decompressed at this bar while shooting the movie across the street at Sony Studios. Featuring charming wood-paneled walls, a good karaoke audio system, friendly staff, a majestic bar, and an impressive food and drinks menu, this bar is a karaoke paradise. The Backstage is visited by aspiring and seasoned singers along with karaoke amateurs. I ordered their highly recommended Famous Mac & Cheese ($8.50). It lived up to my expectations. It was satisfying and worth every calorie. With some liquid courage and encouragement from my friends, I thoroughly enjoyed singing some of my favorite songs at The Backstage.

Photo courtesy of Cafe Brass Monkey.