4. Guava Lamp

Guava Lamp is an enjoyably well-dressed-but-not-uncomfortable lounge located off Allen Parkway. (They've been open since 1998, when they were in their Shepherd Plaza spot, but moved to where they are now in 2005.) It is the ideal pick for those looking for karaoke that isn't "Laugh Because It's So Bad" but also aren't interested in the "Goddamn It, Are All These People Professional Singers?" spots either.

Oh, I guess we should mention that it's generally a predominantly gay bar, but if that kind of thing is terribly important to you, why don't you just go ahead and drive your car into a wall?

570 Waugh, 713-524-3359, Web site

3. Smitty's Louisiana Sports Café

Where other places earned a spot on this list for their charming earnestness, Smitty's secured it's ranking properly. Pound for pound (or maybe voice box for voice box), there might not be a more capable collection of karaoke singers than the regulars at Smitty's Thursday night karaoke. It's a collection of classically trained, contest-winning, window-rattling badasses. Plus, given its Louisiana fare, it smells like the entire placed has been dipped in batter and deep fried, which is basically the best thing of all.

3333 Raleigh, Web site

2. Spotlight Karaoke

Spotlight Karaoke is a karaoke institution. It is tucked into the corner of a Westheimer strip center, surrounded by a rotating lineup of cafes, medical specialists and more. It's been there for more than 12 years, earning itself a sparkling reputation among those looking for karaoke madness. It's big (holds 250 people) and it's pretty enough (it's no upscale lounge, but it's certainly closer to that than a dive bar). Weekends are beyond packed and private rooms are booked well in advance, so act accordingly.

Note: There is a second location in Midtown (2700 Milam). It's not as excellent, but it gets the job done. That makes this one Khloe Kardashian, I suppose.

5901 Westheimer, 713-266-7768 Web site