When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Karaoke DUET 53
Why Karaoke DUET 53 is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Karaoke DUET 53, located in the basement at 900 8th Ave in Manhattan, New York City, offers a vibrant and exciting destination for friends looking to enjoy a night out filled with music, drinks, and good company. This stylish karaoke bar is known for its private and clean karaoke rooms, which cater perfectly to groups looking for an intimate yet lively environment to sing their favorite tunes. With a vast music selection spanning multiple genres, guests can easily find songs to suit any style or mood, enhancing the overall fun and interactive atmosphere. The venue features a full bar serving an excellent variety of drinks in a casual setting, making it simple to relax and enjoy the evening. The ambiance is complemented by attentive staff and a welcoming vibe that encourages guests to let loose and make memorable moments with friends. Reservations are recommended, especially on busy weekend nights, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience. Karaoke DUET 53 also observes a 21 and over age restriction, requiring ID and proof of vaccination, which adds to a safe and responsible nightlife environment. Conveniently located near 53rd Street and accessible by street parking, this karaoke lounge is a favorite choice for special occasions, casual meetups, and late-night entertainment in the heart of New York City.
Here's what people think of Karaoke DUET 53
As of recent, Karaoke DUET 53 holds a 4.4-star rating based on 908 reviews.
Customer reviews for Karaoke DUET 53 generally highlight a positive overall experience, as reflected in its 4.4-star rating from over 900 reviewers. Many users appreciate the cleanliness and private nature of the karaoke rooms, which are noted for being well-maintained and equipped with individual microphone covers — a detail that has gained importance especially in post-pandemic times. Patrons consistently praise the extensive song selection, which caters to a broad range of musical tastes, and the ease of ordering drinks through a convenient barcode menu system. Positive reviews often mention friendly and helpful staff, a great value for the price, and a fun, lively atmosphere that's ideal for both small groups and larger parties. The venue’s full bar and casual yet stylish environment further enhance the experience, making it an attractive spot for birthday celebrations, corporate events, and casual hangouts. On the other hand, some negative reviews cite that the venue can become quite crowded during peak hours, leading to longer wait times despite reservations. A few reviewers mention occasional noise bleed between rooms or less attentive service on extremely busy nights. However, these drawbacks appear to be relatively minor compared to the overall satisfaction expressed by most guests. In summary, the reviews indicate that Karaoke DUET 53 is a highly recommended karaoke bar offering great music, a welcoming environment, and good value, making it a popular and dependable choice for an enjoyable night out in Manhattan.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
J M
Karaoke 53 – Fun, Affordable, and Worth It! My good friend and I recently spent a spontaneous day at Karaoke 53, and it turned out to be such a fun experience! There wasn’t any special occasion—we both just love to sing and wanted to hang out and catch up. We booked a private room for 2 hours, and it was $17 per person, which was still a great deal for the amount of fun we had. One of the nice perks is that you’re allowed to bring your own food, so I ordered some takeout from a nearby Chinese restaurant. While you can’t eat or drink inside the actual karaoke room, we were still able to enjoy our drinks beforehand, and the staff was friendly and accommodating. The song selection was impressive—tons of choices across different genres—and the staff quickly helped with any technical issues or song concerns. We basically turned our session into a two-hour concert, laughing, singing, and making memories. It was also a great way to reconnect with my friend since we hadn’t seen each other in a while. Overall, Karaoke 53 gave us a great time at a fair price. If you love to sing, catch up with friends, or just let loose for a couple of hours, I highly recommend it. We’ll definitely be back!
Madiyar
I’m extremely disappointed with the way we were treated at Duet 53. We ordered 6 bottles of soju during our karaoke session, finished 4, and had 2 bottles left over. These were served opened by the staff. When we tried to take the unused bottles with us - which we had paid for - the staff insisted it was illegal to do so and that it would jeopardize their liquor license. Fair enough, if that’s the law. But when we suggested pouring the remaining alcohol into our own personal bottles instead (not leaving with the bar’s containers), they still refused and became confrontational. To make matters worse, they called security on us for trying to take what we paid for - not being loud, not being rude, just calmly asking questions. It was humiliating and completely unnecessary. The staff handled the situation poorly, lacked professionalism, and treated paying customers with no courtesy. We left the place feeling disrespected and frustrated. It’s a shame because the karaoke setup itself was decent. But this experience left a bad taste - literally and figuratively. I would not recommend this place if you care about customer service or fair treatment.
Xanthochroic
A masterclass in how to repel customers. I called Karaoke Duet 53 to inquire about booking. After a few rings, they didn’t just let it ring out — they declined the call on purpose. No answer, no voicemail, just a cold, intentional hang-up. That tells me everything I need to know: they don't care about customer service, basic respect, or even pretending to run a professional business. If this is how they handle a potential paying customer, imagine how they treat you once they’ve got your money. I wouldn’t trust this place with a dime. Absolute joke of an establishment — avoid at all costs.
Leonard
A pretty good karaoke experience. They had a good list of artists and songs...not every every songs but they'll have your favorites. $35/hour for smaller groups. There is a phone on the wall to order drinks which is dangerous. We spent over $50/person. But was worth it to change up from the clubs/ bars. 21+ only.
Helen Marte
The service sucked. The guy working there looked like he was being held at gun point while at the front. We came happy and laughing and he literally killed the entire vibe. I ordered a margarita and they straight up gave me no ice in my drink just mixer and tequila. I literally had to go ask for ice. FIRST AND LAST TIME COMING HERE. HORRIBLE.
How to reach Karaoke DUET 53
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Why Karaoke DUET 53 may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Karaoke DUET 53 with your friends? If you are looking for a fun, lively, and memorable place to gather with family or friends, Karaoke DUET 53 in New York City offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable social outing. This vibrant karaoke venue appeals to groups who love music, laughter, and a bit of friendly competition. The charm of Karaoke DUET 53 lies not only in its extensive song selection catering to all musical tastes and languages but also in its private karaoke rooms that give you and your group your own space to sing your hearts out without distractions. With a welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and high-quality sound equipment, time flies as you enjoy your favorite tunes. The spot is especially popular among those who want to celebrate special occasions or simply want to bond over music in a relaxed, affordable, and clean setting. Whether you're introverted or outgoing, the place offers a comfortable environment that encourages everyone to participate, laugh, and create lasting memories with friends and family.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Karaoke DUET 53? The core activity, of course, is karaoke singing in private rooms equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems. This setup is ideal for groups who want to sing together or take turns without waiting for a public stage. You can choose from an enormous library of songs across genres, so everyone—from pop and hip-hop fans to rock enthusiasts and oldies lovers—can find their perfect tune. Beyond singing, the venue has a well-stocked bar offering a range of beverages, perfect for toasting and keeping the energy high throughout your gathering. While no outside drinks are permitted, the venue’s drink prices are noted for being reasonable, ensuring that refreshments enhance your experience without breaking the bank. The rooms are spacious enough to accommodate large parties or intimate groups, making it an excellent spot for birthday celebrations, corporate events, or casual hangouts. Moreover, attentive and helpful staff are on hand to ensure your experience goes smoothly, from setting up the room to assisting with equipment or drink orders.
Why is Karaoke DUET 53 ideal for group meetups? First, the private room concept offers exclusivity and intimacy—key for groups wanting to feel comfortable and relaxed. Unlike noisy open mic bars or crowded karaoke stages, your group controls the pace and song lineup, so everyone has a chance to shine or cheer on their friends. The venue is spacious and clean, ensuring that large groups can fit comfortably without feeling cramped. Additionally, the accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible facilities, make it inclusive for all friends and family members. Booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred room and time, but the process is streamlined and customer-friendly. The place stays open late—often until 4 AM on weekends—making it perfect for long celebrations that extend well into the night. The atmosphere is designed to enhance socializing, with excellent acoustics, lighting, and a lively vibe that turns any meetup into a joyful event.
What specific amenities does Karaoke DUET 53 offer to enhance your group experience? Besides private karaoke rooms equipped with easy-to-use, high-quality sound systems and microphones, they provide telephone ordering services that allow you to order drinks directly from your room without interruption. This means less time waiting and more time enjoying the party. The venue accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards as well as NFC mobile payments, making transactions seamless and convenient for groups. Although they do not serve food, the bar provides plenty of tasty drink options to keep the festivities going. The location is accessible via public transportation in Midtown Manhattan, which adds convenience when arranging group logistics. Staff members are known for their friendliness and professionalism, often helping accommodate special requests or even assisting at last-minute bookings. Together, these conveniences create an environment where your only focus is fun and connection.
How does Karaoke DUET 53 compare to other karaoke venues? Its 4.4-star rating from over 900 reviews reflects strong customer satisfaction in areas such as cleanliness, sound quality, and staff service. Patrons often praise the roomy private spaces that differentiate it from typical crowded bars. The affordability of room rental and drinks is another standout feature, especially given the prime New York City location. Unlike many karaoke bars where you have to compete for the microphone on a public stage or wait in a long queue, Karaoke DUET 53 allows entire groups to enjoy singing at their own pace without pressure. The venue’s strict policy against outside drinks can sometimes be viewed as an inconvenience, but it ensures a safe and controlled environment for all guests. Overall, its balance of quality, price, customer service, and atmosphere makes it one of the top choices for social karaoke in NYC’s competitive entertainment scene.
What is the best way to plan your visit to Karaoke DUET 53? To maximize your experience, it’s wise to book your private room in advance, especially for weekends or special events like birthdays or corporate parties. The venue is open Sundays from 2 PM to 1 AM, and from Tuesday through Thursday from 5 PM to 2 AM. Fridays and Saturdays offer extended hours until 4 AM, providing excellent opportunities for late-night celebrations. Arriving on time helps ensure you enjoy your full reservation without feeling rushed. Since parking can be tricky in Midtown Manhattan, using public transport or rideshare services is recommended when organizing group travel. While food is not offered, nearby dining options make grabbing a meal before or after your karaoke session very convenient. Communicating with staff ahead of time about any special requests or group needs can greatly enhance your night out.
Why should you consider Karaoke DUET 53 for your next family or friend gathering? Its combination of private rooms, diverse music options, a lively but comfortable environment, and attentive service makes it a one-stop destination for social entertainment that suits various group dynamics. Families find it welcoming and safe, while friends love the bonding experience over shared music moments. Whether you want to belt out your favorite song, cheer on someone else, or enjoy casual conversation with drinks in between performances, the place adapts to your group’s mood and pace. It’s especially well-suited for milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate team-building, with staff support to help customize the celebration. The venue is unique in how it balances affordability with quality, so you get a top-notch experience without excessive costs. Ultimately, Karaoke DUET 53 makes group gatherings fun, easy to organize, and memorable for everyone involved.