Review: Karaoke Cave (karaoke review series 2)

I never thought I'd find myself hidden away in some kind of back room or basement in some party doing of all things KARAOKE, but these days, instead of hidden poker rooms, I'm in hidden karaoke rooms.

Ok, not quite.

But that's what Karaoke Cave feels like.

The crowd is generally young, generally in their early 20's.  Most likely students from the neighboring NYU and New School campuses.  They check for ID at the door on Fridays and Saturday nights, so come at the ready, because John, the bouncer, although a pretty nice guy, will not let you in because you "look" like you're over 21.

The drink prices are actually reasonable, which makes sense why you see a lot of college kids here.  The song selection is the same as in Pulse Karaoke and at the Watering Hole, so if you know their book, you know this one.  Always check on their blackboard on beer specials though.  They offer shots and beer specials every so often, so it's always worth a look.  All alcohol orders will get you a free song ticket.  All song tickets by themselves, however are $1 a piece.

The food can get confusing.  For their menu, it depends on the restaurant upstairs.  Before 10PM, the menu is based on whichever restaurant is presently residing in the space.  In the time I've hung out at The Cave, it's changed twice.  Now it's a Korean restaurant, and the offerings aren't bad and they do have vegetarian options for those who are.  If you don't know what something is, ask the bar staff and they'll help you out.  After 10PM, however, it's standard bar food - wings, fries, etc.

Now for my aficionados out there...

• The sound bounces off the walls, since there's little insulation in the bar area.
• There is no stage, so no focal point, if you're into such things.
• You can get them to pitch shift your songs.
• They do offer a Japanese and Spanish song selection, for all you linguist out there.
• If you ever choose to sing "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago, the track is faulty, seriously.

One more thing...this place is NOT wheelchair accessible.  Despite the ramp at the entryway, to get in or out of The Cave requires an additional flight of stairs inside that you must walk down to reach the place.

Go ahead and sing your heart out!