Kings of karaoke
Locals take the stage during a karaoke performance at Kajun"s Pub in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)
Whether you prefer Nirvana, Nas or Nine Inch Nails, karaoke is the opportunity to step into the shoes of your favorite artist. You don"t necessarily need perfect pipes, but you do need self-confidence to work the crowd.
Kajun"s Pub: Every night from 9 p.m. until 3 a.m.
Feel like belting it out? These spots hit all the right notes.
Kajun"s specializes in accessibility. Whether it"s a holiday or a Wednesday, the party never ends, as the 24-hour pub remains open 365 days a year.
Patrons can browse the enormous karaoke library, containing over 50,000 songs, via the touchscreen sign-up system or on their smartphone. Groups can easily handle epic classics, like Queen"s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” on the large stage.
Stop in next door to Italian pop-up Arabella Casa di Pasta for handmade pasta paired with fragrant sauces, like lemon-infused shrimp piccata fusilli.
Little Tokyo Small Plates & Noodle Bar: Every night from 9 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.
This Japanese eatery offers guests two ways to enjoy karaoke. Adventurous diners can take the stage in the restaurant"s main dining room. If you"d prefer to sing with friends in your own lounge, Little Tokyo also provides private party rooms accommodating groups of all sizes.
The menu features traditional Japanese fare with local flavor. After your best rendition of the Frozen soundtrack, warm up with a steaming bowl of udon noodles, or dig into signature sushi creations like the Big Easy Roll.
Igor"s Buddha Belly Burger Bar: Every Tuesday and Saturday from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m.
This uptown neighborhood joint multi-tasks as a burger bar, laundromat and billiards hall. Locals come in to satisfy cravings for Cajun burgers, while scrolling through unconventional karaoke selections, including picks from Dr. Horrible"s Sing-Along Blog and The Book of Mormon.
Buddha Belly"s traditions are as eccentric as the characters that walk in, as patrons celebrating birthdays are routinely serenaded in Polish.
