Sing Your Heart Out
SYDNEY: What night out isn’t made more memorable by grabbing a mic and belting out your favourite tune? Here are some great bars and restaurants that host weekly karaoke nights.
Ju Ju
If you want an authentic experience, Ju Ju Japanese Tavern Restaurant (pictured) provides an interesting alternative to other karaoke venues. Located underground in Kings Cross, Ju Ju offers a wide selection of Japanese meals, imported beers and a stage waiting for you to serenade your fellow diners. Guests are invited to take off their shoes and sit on cushions at low tables for the complete experience. Above all, JuJu will remind you that the Japanese are the true custodians of karaoke, not girls out on Hen’s nights. Shop 301, Kings Cross Centre, Kings Cross
The Imperial Hotel
Though it’s an iconic drag venue, The Imperial Hotel isn’t just all about miming. Karaoke is held every Thursday night in the Imperial’s spacious front bar. The bar has an art-deco feel, comfortable lounges, pool tables and serves a range of local and imported beers. The Imperial also has two other separate rooms – The Cabaret Bar and an extensive dance space, The Cellar. Thursdays, 9pm (registration 8pm), 35 Erskinville Road, Erskineville.
Stonewall Hotel
Being a venue that regularly invites its audiences to participate with events like Pollies Follies, it’s no surprise that Stonewall offers weekly karaoke. The night is hosted by drag queen Maxi Shield and proves that anyone can get up on Stonewall’s glitzy stage, regardless of whether they have the vocal talent to do so. Tuesdays, 9:30pm, 175 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
The Oxford Hotel/The Supper Club
Not just your ordinary karaoke night, The Oxford Hotel promises to make every performer feel like a star. Held upstairs in The Supper Club, Friday karaoke is presented by DJ Robb Bear and co-hosted by Miss Koko D’vyne. At the heart of Oxford Street, The Supper Club at The Oxford has an impressive sound and light system, projection screens and mezzanine level seating – perfect when amateur renditions of Whitney songs become too much. Fridays, 8pm, 134 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst.
The Regent
With regular themed nights, cheap drinks and a range of sweet cocktails, The Regent is truly a young person’s bar. Located just down the road from UNSW, the Regent attracts a regular crowd of university students. Karaoke is held every Thursday night. The place also has an inexpensive food menu and is open until 4am Monday to Thursday and 6am on Friday and Saturday. Thursdays, 9pm, 416-418 Anzac Parade, Kingsford
