If you really want to experience the Korean culture, karaoke (noraebang) is the pastime where food, drink and song come together. In Koreatown, there’s a variety of places ranging from the American wail-in-front-of-strangers style to the more traditional private-room option that many Korean-Americans prefer.
3488 W. 8th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90005
213.387.0469
Most Fitting Theme Song: “Paradise City” – Guns N’ Roses
Consider this the gold standard for karaoke studios. Rosen Music Studio offers 33 private rooms so only your friends can “appreciate” your rendition of the Backstreet Boys. Add a full menu featuring fried dumplings, spicy chicken wings and Korean barbecue skewers — plus a full bar — and you’ve got your own episode of American Idol.
3240 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
213.381.3388
Most Fitting Theme Song: “Big Pimpin’” – Jay-Z
Palm Tree represents what people are calling new Koreatown — which is to say it’s chic and upscale yet relatively affordable. It still retains the essential Koreatown adventure, so be prepared to encounter language barriers and cultural differences. If you get past them, you’ll have a trifecta of excellent sushi, sake and song all in one place. Private rooms are available for karaoke, complete with drink service and all the karaoke standards. Note: the address is Wilshire, but the entrance is on New Hampshire Ave.
3440 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90005
213.381.7047
Most Fitting Theme Song: “Brass Monkey” – Beastie Boys
Despite its modest and somewhat out-of-place log cabin furnishings, Caffé Brass Monkey is about as fun as you can get, and the energetic crowd always wants more. This place is one of the best dives in LA, and the only one where you might be singing in front of Hollywood celebrities such as Matt Damon, Courtney Cox and Ben Stiller. The only drawback: you only get to sing once, so go for the atmosphere, the fun crowd and possible star sightings.
