Here's something maybe you didn't know about karaoke culture: It's considerably more involved and nuanced than most anyone outside of it knows.
For example, were you aware that, same as there are karaoke bars that aim to attract laughably bad singers, there are some that draw stunningly good, as well as some that try to land right in the middle of that scale, as well as some... times a thousand?
There are. So with this list, we've compiled a piece from each of the karaoke rainbow. There are nice places and trendy places and suburban places and gay places and more and more. Your favorite spot get left off? Leave it in the comments. And remember, it's "You're an idiot," not "Your an idiot."
6. The Usual
The Usual is a perfectly serviceable bar in The Heights. It is located on the outer fringe of the Washington Corridor, standing in enjoyable contrast to its neighbors' pomposity. There is a) no dress code; b) no cover and c) an emphasis on beers, specialty and otherwise.
I suppose someone might be able to argue that this is the one interchangeable addition to the list, but that doesn't mean it isn't deserving. Matter of fact, that might kind of be the reason that it belongs. It is perfectly bland and perfectly palatable. Just good people having good fun singing badly, as the karaoke gods intended.
5519 Allen, 281-501-1478, Web site
5. Mo's Place
Yes, let's everyone give a hand to Mo's Place, the only* suburban bar to rate on any Best Of list in the vast history of Best Of lists. Mo's, run by the hyper-affable Mo Jeloudar, a Persian man with a genuine appreciation (and understanding) of cowboy culture, is the ultimate in Katy nightlife, so it stands to reason that they'd dominate the karaoke market out there too.
Expect hearty crowds and tomfoolery on the microphone. You might luck your way into a proper performance, but you'll more likely find yourself among the masses, laughing and cringing and laughing again as an accountant stumbles through Prince's "Purple Rain."
*Probably not the "only," but you get the point. It doesn't happen a lot.
21940 Kingsland, 281-392-3499, Web site
