Studio

• Hours: Daily 10pm-5am
  Price: $$$ $$, $$$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards, cash
• Attire: Casual
  Features: ATM
  Alcohol: Full bar
• Parking: Meters, Valet

Description

This spot was our 2003 "Best Karaoke" Bar. Studio let's their often belligerent guests let loose and have fun. There's no cover to enter but in order to belt it out you must buy a drink. Not much has changed since the days of '03, so here is word for word the reason they became our top pick: This is a weirdly cool place. The dim lighting, black paint peeling off the walls, and wobbly stage decorated by guitars, horns, and drum sets sit in stark contrast to the bright and busy milieu just outside on Collins Avenue. The portraits on the wall pay homage to recording stars of yesteryear, Elvis, Dean, and Frank among others, but the spotlight glares mostly for young hipsters prodded into belting out popular tunes as recent as 50 Cent's "In Da Club." The best time to visit is in the wee hours of the morning. You'll hear the strained crooning even before you enter; that's when hopped-up club hoppers usually drop in to see if they can be an American Idol, even if it's just in front of friends and barflies. Speaking of American Idols, last year's runner-up, Justin Guarini, is a regular there. He likes to show off and without Kelly or Simon around, he's always the best in the room. The true draw, though, are the drunken buffoons who muddle the spelled-out words to "Red, Red Wine." Don't be afraid to get up onstage. You might sound as good as you do in the shower. Ronnie, the Regis look-alike at the helm of the PA system, takes requests -- but don't be pushy, he can be a little impatient with rabble-rousers.