Drunken Divas

[May 21st, 2008]

There are two types of karaoke people: Those who take it seriously and those who don’t. The professionals search out great sound systems and tip-friendly KJs. The more ironic crooners among us want cheap drinks, a short cab ride home and hotties to impress. Lucky for singin’ stars of all stripes, Portland has great bars for both types—and even a few joints where amateurs and old pros can intermingle without having to fight it out karaoke-style (over a duet of “Up Where We Belong”).

Chopsticks Express II 2651 E Burnside St., 234-6171. The quintessential Portland karaoke room, Chopsticks is a fun and good-humored place to sing. The bar has its American Idol-worthy regulars, though, and it’s not uncommon to wait well over an hour before taking your turn in the spotlight.

The Boiler Room 228 NW Davis St., 227-5441. This Chinatown haunt looks like an old rerun of An Evening at the Improv, and it’s not uncommon for sorority-house birthdays and bachelor parties to spoil the karaoke stage—much to the chagrin of eye-rolling bartenders. But it’s still a great place to try out new vocal tricks in front of a non-snobbish crowd.

The Alibi 4024 N Interstate Ave., 287-5335.A tiki-themed karaoke joint just off the MAX line in North Portland. You know you’re onto something good as soon as you see the retro sign, and things just get better from there.

Galaxy 909 E Burnside St., 234-5003. It’s not unusual for sweaty Doug Fir performers to hop across the street to the Galaxy after a show. When they arrive, they find a large room with plenty of cushy seating and low-key KJs who let all the bar’s patrons be the stars.

The Ambassador 4744 NE Sandy Blvd., 280-0330. One of the swankier karaoke rooms in town doubles as a subpar Chinese restaurant—that’s the usual PDX karaoke recipe, after all. But watch your mouth, ’cause the country-music-lovin’ Ambassador KJs don’t allow cussin’ on their stage.

Yen Ha 6820 NE Sandy Blvd., 287-3698.One of Portland’s finest karaoke spots, the Yen Ha is intimate and low-pressure without feeling cramped or trashy. The bar’s diverse clientele ranges from old Asian dudes singing Neil Diamond to the bespectacled bartender who kills Cheap Trick’s “Surrender.” And the food rules.