Karaoke is an American-modified word derived from the Japanese words “kara,” meaning empty, and “okesutora,” meaning orchestra. Originally a fad for Japan’s wealthy upper class, karaoke has since become associated with intoxicated girls belting out Celine Dion and Whitney Houston songs at smoke-filled bars. Today, though, many Asian establishments have made karaoke accessible. Karaoke fans today have many options, from bare rooms to posh bars.
Yuan Clubhouse
You can’t miss DIYuan’s flashing purple awning or the crowd of excited customers standing by it. DIYuan sells itself as a nightclub—only a red velvet rope and a muscular bouncer are missing.
The venue’s interior is black and white, and staffers communicate using headsets. They order songs in English and other languages for clients, since patrons have difficulty tracking down specific tunes. Songs are arranged by many categories, including new songs, special occasion music and song genre.
Rooms are spacious and decorated with modern red leather couches, marble tables and even have private bathrooms—a rarity in karaoke establishments. Prices here are also higher: small to VIP rooms range from 60 to 110 dollars per hour, with one person in a small room and up to 40 people in a VIP room. There is a daily 30 percent discount from noon to 7:30 p.m.
The menu is very similar to Monster KTV’s, with distinctly Asian food, hot and cold bubble tea and sandwiches. Guests also don’t pay for food unless it exceeds the cost of their room.
Unlike most other karaoke places, DIYuan offers membership cards for 73 dollars. They come with 200 dollars’ worth of coupons, which can be used toward making your next karaoke experience there even more enjoyable.
“It has reasonable prices, and the sound systems and microphones are really good,” sophomore Victoria Tsang said.
133-35 Roosevelt Ave. 2nd fl.
Flushing, NY 11354
Monster KTV & Café
This is one of the largest karaoke television (KTV) establishments in Queens, so reservations are necessary. Regardless of the size of your group, rates are 40 dollars per hour for a small room, 50 dollars for a medium-sized room and 60 dollars for a large room on weekdays. Prices are lowered to 20, 30 and 40 dollars, respectively, on weekends.
Patrons can order food at no extra charge as long as its total cost does not exceed the room price. The Asian specialties offered, especially Taiwanese fried chicken, are outstanding. “I come here for the great prices, but also because the food is so great. Almost everything I eat here tastes just like I’ve had it in China,” customer Patricia Tong said. The karaoke bar also boasts an extensive selection of imported Taiwanese teas like lavender and jasmine.
Monster KTV’s décor is very minimalist. The rooms are bare, and there are no fancy light machines or trendy furniture. But if you’re looking for a bargain—and if you care more about the music than the décor—this place is for you.
The songbooks are organized by the artist’s area of origin—China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand or Hong Kong. There is also an up-to-date collection of English, holiday and children’s songs. Waitress Cindy Gin said their songs are originals, as opposed to illegal downloads, so the quality is much better.
40-52 Main St. 2nd fl.
Flushing, NY 11355
Players II Karaoke Room & Bar
Players II is the trendiest karaoke venue in Koreatown. All rooms are carpeted and cost 40 dollars per hour for up to four people, with a five-dollar charge per additional person. The rooms are much larger and better-decorated than those in other karaoke establishments. Light machines flash colored lights that change according to the tempo of the music, which is jazzier than the usual disco ball.
Players II offers songs in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, English and Vietnamese. Surprisingly, the English songbook not only includes classic ‘90s artists like the Spice Girls but also more recent music from artists like Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige.
The venue opened only a year ago so rowdy customers have not yet had a chance to carve their names into the tables or break the microphones.
There is no food menu but there is an extensive selection of beverages, from vitamin and mineral water to champagne. Sodas start from three dollars, so guests might be better off eating and drinking elsewhere before singing.
According to Players II employee Yunni Choy, the busiest hours are after midnight. “The people come here after they’ve eaten,” she said. “All they really want are some snacks.” The management plans to add package deals that include food in the next few months, just in case customers get a mean case of the munchies.
“This place is off the hook, especially because they give you free yogurt drinks before you leave,” senior Kelvin Yeung said.
34 W. 32nd St. 5th fl.
Manhattan
Ding Dong Dang Karaoke/Music Studio
Neon lights bathe Ding Dong Dang, plastic-looking shrubbery adorns its hallways and the furniture has a worn-out look. It may look like a tacky, tropical Asian-fusion tourist resort—but this karaoke venue’s prices can’t be beat.
“We are cheaper than any other place,” Manager Kang Hee O said. It is three dollars per hour for up to four people and five dollars for each additional guest. There are small, medium, gold and VIP rooms. The latter two have a projection and television screen. All the rooms come with two tambourines and a slightly battered disco ball.
Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and American music is offered with the standard, inefficient code selection system. This method of ordering songs requires the customer to flip through thick catalogues of songs to find the code of the song he or she wants to sing.
No food is available and outside food is not allowed, but free chips are served with beverages—perhaps as compensation for the pricey three- to four-dollar Korean specialty drinks.
The best thing about Ding Dong Dang is its lack of pretension. There is no ambiance—mismatched furniture is this place’s trademark—but the prices more than make up for its deficiencies.
32 W. 32nd St. 6th fl.
Manhattan