There’s nothing quite like karaoke: The energy. The off-key vocals. The ’90s throwbacks. Grab a mic and get in on the magic, whether your jam is Bee Gees, Britney or “Bohemian Rhapsody.” These venues offer great sound stages, shareable snacks and liquid courage in the form of adult beverages.
Ballston Local
Monthly, Last Fridays | 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Head to this neighborhood watering hole on the last Friday of each month for a few hours of lively music with a supportive audience. The 2023 Best of Arlington winner (Trivia Night) has a song catalog of just about any tune you feel like performing, plus a menu filled with comfort foods and craft cocktails. // 900 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
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Cafe Tu Ah
Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
This vibey Annandale spot offers karaoke “open mic” nights twice a week, as well as rentable private rooms for karaoke most nights. The venue also regularly hosts DJs, such as local spinning artists DJ Abstract and Drastik, and a menu of Korean food, including kimchi fried rice and yogurt soju. // 7117 Columbia Pike, Annandale
Freddie’s Beach Bar
Nightly | 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Known for live music, drag shows, beach blanket bingo and bottomless brunch, this Crystal City institution also hosts karaoke every night of the week. Keep tabs on the latest Freddie’s happenings, as karaoke sessions tend to precede and follow other events on a given night. Get there early to catch the tail-end of daily happy hour specials, running from 4-7 p.m. // 555 23rd St. S., Arlington (Crystal City)
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Glam Karaoke
Nightly | 5 p.m-2 a.m.
Book a private room for you and your friends ($40-$60 an hour) at this karaoke spot near The Block food hall, and enjoy the comfort of a small audience as you belt out the hits. Snack on bulgogi fries and spicy wings, pop by the bar (which serves drinks such as smoked old fashioneds) and take advantage of happy hour specials from 5-8 p.m. // 4369 John Marr Drive, Annandale
Highline RXR
Monthly | Saturdays, 7 p.m.
Each month, Highline RXR hosts Capital City Showcase’s Comedy Karaoke Trivia Funtime show, essentially a fusion of the area’s best bar games. Over the next few months, catch comedians Griefcat, Jon Yeager and Danny Rouhier, among others. Thirsty? Sip any of 40 beers on tap or a signature cocktail (we’re eyeing the Kentucky mule), and pair it with fried pickles or parmesan truffle fries. // 2010 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
L.A. Bar and Grill
Fridays & Saturdays | 8 p.m.
This roughly 17-year-old dive bar hosts karaoke two nights a week and serves a wide array of pub foods, including Philly rolls (stuffed, deep-fried wontons), jalapeno poppers and bacon burgers. Grab a pitcher of beer, a marg or a green tea shooter to loosen up those vocal chords. // 2530 Columbia Pike, Arlington
MusicBox Karaoke Lounge
Nightly | 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Offering the “ultimate party night,” this Falls Church lounge offers karaoke nightly, with rentable party rooms for parties of 1-25 people ($35-$100 per hour). No need to have dinner beforehand; the Asian fusion menu features favorites like takoyaki and bibimbap bowls, as well as a bevy of cocktails. Wednesdays are ladies nights, featuring live music and one free cocktail per female patron. // 2980 Gallows Road, Falls Church
Punch Bowl Social
Daily | Hours Vary
Book a karaoke room at Punch Bowl Social for your crew ($35-$45 per hour), and dive into the fully loaded menu, with options such as queso, skillet pull-apart rolls, low-country crab dirty fries, chicken ‘n’ waffles and affordable canned beers (including $5 Hamm’s and Yuengling). After your three minutes of fame, hang around for some Connect 4, bocce or shuffleboard at his sprawling playground for adults. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1180, Arlington (Ballston)