Newsstand: November 23, 2009
The Making of a Medley
The Daily Photoist: November 23, 2009
Televisualist: A Kinder, Gentler Televisualist
Transit City and Transit Cities
Snappy Answers runs every Saturday afternoon. Send your questions, be they tough or trivial, to snappyanswers@torontoist.com.
Hi Ms. Snappy Answers,
I was just wondering where I could find a nice, affordable karaoke place in the downtown core, one that has private karaoke rooms?
—Kwara
Hi Kwara!
"Nice" isn't really our thing here at Snappy Answers. But affordable? Totally. Lunchtime survey says: XO Karaoke (693 Bloor Street West, at Clinton; 416-535-3734). There are around 15 private rooms (sizes and prices vary depending on how many friends you have, but you'll never have to pay more than $10 each), all liquid-courage licensed and rec-room furnished (no joke, you never want to see those in daylight). The machines have more power-pop schlock than a bar mitzvah deejay; better still, there's a dizzying selection of awesomely bad Korean music videos.
Toronto karaoke expert Jonah A. Libster (proof that there really is a blog about everything) says XO Karaoke isn't all that and strongly suggests you "review the serious karaoke boxes from the motherland of Karaoke, Japan and other karaoke boxes in the northern GTA." But there's something wrong with sentence: "northern GTA." Besides, what the hell is "serious karaoke"? We say, sneak in a 26er (drinks are... we forget how much, but too much to pay for Hepatitis B in a plastic cup), belt out some Britney, and get your money's worth in future wedding slideshow photos.
For those who like their embarrassment public, go to the Gladstone's Melody Bar on Fridays for the city's most (deservedly) famous sing-along. Or try out Tattoo Rock Bar's new Live Karaoke, every Tuesday with a full backing band, and make all your Debbie Harry dreams come true.
XO,
Snappy Answers.
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XO is def awesome.
XO is okay...but the thing is, it's pretty much your only option if you want the private-room style of karaoke. So compared to the alternative, it's great. Of course, you can buy your own machines these days or play Rock Band.
Funny enough, me and my friends go to XO often, but last night we went up to Twister at Yonge and Finch. "Nice" place and it's all digital and stuff. Jonah A. Libster is right: You'll have to go north of Bloor if you want the Japanese experience. If you're into that scene, there are some great ramen and bubble tea options in the area.
As for sneaking in booze, they know about that scam, so be careful. Twister claims there's a $100 fine if you're caught with contraband hooch.
Isn't there a new private-room style place on Bloor right next to Rocco's Plum Tomato? I've only ever been to XO, but it looks like a similar vibe.