Melbournes 10 Best Karaoke Bars And Restaurants
There are plenty of karaoke bars all over Melbourne that embrace embarrassment and celebrate less-than-perfect performances. Who doesn't enjoy a night out or an after-work get-together with a little Karaoke? Melbourne has a plethora of karaoke venues where you can take your night to the next level. It doesn't matter if you're terrible at it because the point is to try.
Remember that singing reduces stress and increases oxytocin and endorphins, the happy hormones, so the next time you're doing a karaoke version of your favourite song and wondering how you got there, remember the happy hormones are increasing. Have a good time by increasing your happiness quotient at these 10 Melbourne's best karaoke bars and restaurants.
Ichi Ni Nana
On all three levels of this sprawling Brunswick Street venue, you can grab a mic (which also includes Village People Hawker Foodhall and Upside Rooftop Bar). The Sing Sing Room on level one can accommodate 30 people, the newly opened soundproof Sing Song Den in the basement can accommodate 60 people, and the rooftop can accommodate 180 people.
These aren't drop-in karaoke rooms; you'll need to make a reservation in advance, and minimum spending varies depending on the day of the week. You can order Japanese canapés for $30 per person or a banquet menu for $65 per person.
Address: 127 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
KBOX Karaoke
KBOX Karaoke has one of Melbourne's most extensive song lists, with over 100,000 songs in English, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian. In one of their calorie-counting CYBERDAM rooms, you can even see how many calories you've burned. KBOX is the most technologically advanced karaoke experience you'll ever have, with disco balls, cutting-edge video technology, and a powerful sound system.
If singing in front of a crowd isn't your thing, KBOX Karaoke might be an option for you. The private rooms are ideal for you and your friends or coworkers to get a little messy while singing along to some of the greatest songs from different decades. It has everything a karaoke bar should have: disco balls, carpeted walls, plush couches, and a playlist of songs that will keep you singing until the wee hours of the morning.
Address: 52 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Rainbow Karaoke
With Melbourne's largest karaoke bar, go big or go home. The venue has 44 (yes, you read that right) private rooms, three of which are VIP rooms, each with its own themed décor. Take yourself and your friends west with the cowboy theme, or east with the Japanese theme. For the young at heart, there are Barbie and pirate-themed rooms, as well as a Chanel room for the more affluent. Basically, Rainbow Karaoke has something for everyone, no matter what their mood is.
Address: Second Floor, 206 Bourke Street Mall, CBD
Blue Moon Karaoke Bars
This small bar in the CBD has a cult-like following, with regulars from all walks of life gathering to sing and dance in a friendly and supportive environment. This isn't your typical karaoke joint, and if you don't believe us, you haven't seen the mayhem of their live band karaoke experience, which takes place every Sunday night.
When you walk out of Russell Street and through the doors, it's clear that this is more rock-show than karaoke bar – there's a real sense of theatre here, with a huge stage and lighting setup. A local performer hosts each night, encouraging the crowd, assisting with song selections, or providing backup vocals as you sing one of their 60,000 songs!
This little bar turns it up to 11 on Sundays, with a live band karaoke experience unlike any other. With over 200 classic and hard rock songs to choose from, the band gives every audience member a taste of rock stardom.
Address: 380 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
F.M. Karaoke
F.M Karaoke, one of Melbourne's best karaoke bars, takes a unique approach with their themed private karaoke rooms. Choose from modern, Roman, or Egyptian-themed private rooms, or if you dare, try your hand at free open karaoke. Your bachelor or bachelorette parties could even be held there. There are multiple languages available, as well as the latest hits and golden oldies, and it is conveniently located on Bourke Street.
Address: Shop 2, 146 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Heroes
Smoking skewers are served in private rooms with table service at this four-level South-East Asian-inspired bar and barbeque spot. For $10 per person, you can reserve one of four rooms for two hours. Two rooms can accommodate up to 12 singers, one can accommodate up to 15, and one on the lowest level can accommodate up to 25. You can pre-order drink and food packages or start a tab for wings, brisket, and cocktails when you arrive. To get the attention of the bartenders, flash the service light.
There's also "curry-oke" at the open-mic lounge on level two on the last Sunday of every month. $25 gets you curry, rice, and pickles starting at 6 p.m., and another $20 gets you a cocktail on arrival plus two more drinks. The karaoke is completely free. However, karaoke might not be for you if you can't find a song to sing among the 200,000 tracks available.
Address: 188 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Jankara Karaoke
This free karaoke bar has a sink-or-swim policy, with a song ticket for every two drinks purchased. Every night, dozens of fans take to the stage to perform their favourite karaoke songs in front of complete strangers. Does that make you feel uneasy? Don't worry, you'll be two drinks in and your nerves should be calmed.
Jankara Karaoke is an open mic and has a small stage where you can finally strut your pop star stuff. Then relax with drinks and Japanese snacks while singing your heart out in English, Japanese, Chinese, or Filipino. You can even order pizza if you don't like Japadogs.
Address: 300 Russell St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
PartyWorld
PartyWorld, Taiwan's top karaoke brand, is conveniently located in Melbourne Central and offers the latest in audio and visual at an affordable price. In one of PartyWorld's 44 rooms, sing along to English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese hits while chefs prepare an Asian meal for you and your friends. PartyWorld also accommodates special requests, with their bar manager eager to take on any challenge.
PartyWorld is Taiwan's hottest karaoke brand, and it's currently causing a stir on Melbourne's streets. There's even a team of chefs preparing a variety of Asian classics to keep your karaoke spirits high. Drinks and Asian snacks are available, as well as new and classic party-starting songs in English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.
Address: 211 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Shoya
Shoya, which is spread out over several levels, provides a true foodie experience as well as an authentic karaoke setup. First, try some traditional Japanese barbeque in the basement and ground levels. This location has smokeless barbeque tables set up for guests to try their hand at grilling – ideal for a large group.
Up to levels one and two for a more intimate experience, complete with tatami mats, world-class sashimi, and an expertly crafted sake list. Then, if your stomach allows it, move up to level three and check out one of the four private karaoke rooms to finish your night off with some singing.
Address: 25 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Strike Karaoke Bowling
With 12 lanes divided into three private areas, Strike QV is not your typical bowling alley. Furthermore, Strike QV has over 40 classic and contemporary songs, as well as a prop box full of costumes to help you get into character.
Private rooms give you the privacy to embarrass yourself only in front of your closest friends, rather than the entire building. If the singing makes you thirsty, go to the bar or order drinks to be delivered to your room. You'll be singing until your tonsils hurt and dancing until the wee hours of the morning thanks to their low hourly rates.
Address: 245 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
