Finding the perfect Las Vegas karaoke spot for every type of singer and non-singer

Thu, Jul 10, 2025 (2 a.m.)

Karaoke is an unavoidable pastime, especially in Las Vegas where tourists and locals alike participate to either lose their dignity or claim their moment of fleeting fame. This act of vocal mimicry isn’t about good singing. It’s about the uninhibited and often embarrassing freedom of absolutely butchering a song in the name of fun. Whether you’re drowning in soju courage in a private room or performing in a bar full of people who couldn’t care less, it’s cathartic. 

Karaoke started in Japan in the early 1970s. The word itself, a blend of kara (empty) and okesutora (orchestra), perfectly captures the essence of the act: It’s a stripped down, barebones performance with your voice supported by nothing but a backing track. What started in late-night backrooms quickly became a global phenomenon, eventually seeping into cities like Las Vegas.

From the dive bars in Chinatown to the glitzy casinos that pretend they’re too fancy for this kind of thing, karaoke is everywhere. But who are you when you step up to the mic? 

There’s the guy who actually knows how to sing and commits a little too much. Those types earn standing ovations and probably some thrown cash for their trouble. Then, there’s the rest of us, the ones that some friend, co-worker or acquaintance talked into singing after a few stiff ones. We’re sweating through our worst rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” trying to convince ourselves we’re having fun while the crowd winces in painful silence. And let’s not forget the person who shows up and instantly knows they’re the headliner of the evening. No drink needed; they just grasp the crowd with their unflinching stardom. 

There are many moving parts to a great karaoke experience. This list should help you decide where to hang when you need to belt out a tune. 

For the bar-room baritone: Dino’s Lounge 

A mainstay of Downtown Las Vegas since 1962, Dino’s Lounge isn’t just one of the city’s oldest dive bars, it’s a beloved karaoke destination with deep roots. The no-frills, 24-hour bar features a permanent stage prominently located near the entrance, making it impossible to miss the action. Whether you’re a regular or just passing through, Dino’s offers a nostalgic, no-judgment space to grab the mic and sing your heart out well into the wee hours. 1516 Las Vegas Blvd. South, dinoslv.com. 

For the private room singer: J Karaoke

Looking to switch up your typical night out? Head to Chinatown and explore the private room options at J Karaoke. This popular spot offers a variety of room sizes to suit groups of all kinds, along with curated menus of drinks and small bites that can be ordered directly to your room. With a robust selection of songs and the comfort of privacy, this venue is ideal for birthday parties, low-key celebrations or a spontaneous night of fun. 3899 Spring Mountain Road, 702-586-1142. 

For the Strip songbird: Smelly Cat Karaoke

Part tourist attraction, part musical fever dream, Smelly Cat is one of the newest karaoke joints where the main character syndrome hits hard. Nestled in the Grand Bazaar Shops, this place doesn’t charge a dime to get up and perform. Simply hand over your three-song wishlist, wait your turn, and soak in the show. Emcees wield crowd participation signs like traffic cops, stage props encourage theatricality, and if you’re lucky, a live band might join you. You don’t come here to be subtle. You come here to be seen. 3619 Las Vegas Blvd. South #100, smellycatvegas.com.

For the sloppy serenade: Cat’s Meow 

Located above the glowing madness of Neonopolis, Cat’s Meow is karaoke’s answer to Mardi Gras. It’s loud, messy and fueled by a 2-for-1 happy hour (5-8 p.m.). Drinks are served up fast and loose and once the mic gets passed around, it’s all over. You’re either singing, dancing, or shouting along until that 2 a.m. lights-up moment hits. This isn’t for the timid. It’s for the brave, the buzzed and the beautifully unhinged. 450 Fremont St. #201, catsvegas.com

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