SARDO’S GRILL & LOUNGE
A few words: porn-star karaoke. Every Tuesday night the regulars at Burbank’s beloved, closequarters karaoke institution are elbow to implant with the demimonde of the adult-entertainment industry, performing a different kind of oral aria than their day jobs require. Every other night, Sardo’s is more party than bar, populated by showbiz-industry blue-collar types who reveal surprising American Idol-grade pipes. 259 N. Pass Ave., Burbank, 818- 846-8126; sardosbar.com
BOARDWALK 11
The spacious, faux-classy, supper-clubby environs and spotlighted stage of this strip-mall sensation in Palms provide the perfect venue for everything from cabaret showstoppers to High School Musical standards to full rock-god renditions before an eclectic audience of martini-quaffing Westsiders. For the late-night crowd? Yes. For the stage-fright crowd? No. 10433 National Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-837-5245; boardwalk11.com
BACKSTAGE BAR & GRILL
On the surface Backstage says “dive bar,” but the sheer joy of unadulterated SUI (singing under the influence) permeating the place transcends its sketchier elements (as does the delish bar menu). No one here is surreptitiously auditioning to be discovered—it’s all about everyday Joes unleashing their inner Beyoncé after a couple of pitchers of PBR. The vocals aren’t pitch-perfect, but the fun vibe always is. 10400 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310-839-3892; backstageculvercity.com
CAFFE BRASS MONKEY
An antidote to the private rooms that dot Koreatown, the always-packed, cozily cramped quarters here keep karaoke communal—you may find yourself singing Sonny to a total stranger’s Cher. It’s for everyone from amped amateurs to a sometimesstarry crowd (rumor has it a certain handsome rock star bought 25 shots for neighboring birthday celebrants after taking the mike). Family Guy creator and karaoke enthusiast Seth MacFarlane (who sings impeccably, Sinatra style) explains why Brass is the gold standard: “They always treat us right.” 3440 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 213-381-7047; cafebrassmonkey.com
