Seattle's Best Karaoke Bars
Image: Seattle Met Composite
Forget about the classic runner's high. Nothing beats the high of killing it at karaoke. You're belting your favorite song, nailing the lyrics, and capturing the rapt attention of an entire bar. Or maybe you're giggling through key changes in the privacy of a soundproof room just big enough for a handful of friends. It's karaoke-induced elation, perhaps with a beer on the side.
We’ve found Seattle's favorite karaoke spots, or boxes in the biz. For some on this list, karaoke is their whole shebang; others sprinkle mic'd up nights into busy social calendars, so check each spot's latest updates before rehearsing your special number.
Image: Courtesy Dreamland
Dreamland
fremont
To step into Dreamland is to step into a fantasy world, from a cave-like, fern-spotted patio to the sparkling mirrors of the disco ball hallway. Perhaps best known for its sold-out drag brunches, the well-decorated spot also has monthly karaoke.
Hopvine Pub
capitol hill
Wooden booths under string lights and a welcoming crowd bring out the neighborhood pub's 1933 post-Prohibition roots (yep, it's that old). Every other Saturday night, karaoke fills the cozy joint alongside famous soups and craft beer on tap.
Hula Hula
capitol hill
Only COVID could stop Hula Hula's daily karaoke. Barring a global pandemic, the island theme goes just as hard as the karaoke at the Capitol Hill hot spot. With smoke, bubble, and foam machines on deck alongside tiki drinks, it's known to get wild.
Ozzie's
lower queen anne
Just west of the Space Needle, classic dive bar Ozzie's does it all: stiff drinks, sports on TV, pinball tournaments, trivia, live music, and, yes, karaoke every single night. From the streetside neon sign to the interior's vinyl booths, the longtime neighborhood staple is a quintessential dive with a dash of vocal fun.
Rickshaw Restaurant and Lounge
bitter lake
A neighborhood staple since 1949, Rickshaw Restaurant and Lounge recently got a full auditory makeover: New ownership revamped the sound with karaoke in mind, replacing everything from the mics to the monitors. Karaoke—and the full kitchen—is open every day of the year.
Rock Box
capitol hill
Purpose-built just for karaoke, the upscale, stylish Capitol Hill spot takes inspiration from Japan's karaoke boxes. Twelve private rooms house belt-out-loud inspiration alongside a menu of snacks and drinks from the full bar. Sips like the lychee martini, Hello Kitty, and Salaryman 2.0 ensure the Japanese influences permeate the whole experience.
Southgate Roller Rink
white center
Karaoke goes on the move at Southgate Roller Rink's skate-a-roake. The special event come around just once in a while, but singers can book a private room just off the rink every night of the week. Bigger parties can spread out in the gamer-themed room at neighboring Southgate Arcade or join the public karaoke on the bar stage three times a week, all hosted by Portland's Baby Ketten Karaoke.
Shanghai Room
greenwood
For an upbeat, energetic karaoke crowd, the tucked-away spot in Greenwood is the place to be on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. A full menu includes breakfast—yes, that'll be a French toast full stack and caprese omelet between numbers please.
4Bs
Fremont
Don't let the Monday night pool leagues and veritable trove of pinball machines overshadow karaoke at the expansive yet cozy spot right between Fremont's funk and Ballard's industry. Mics are hot Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
