Bar+ Karaoke Lounge — Restaurant in Toronto

Last night, my friends and I (a group of four Black women) went to a karaoke bar to celebrate the last night of the Blue Jays World Series game. When we arrived, the hostess told us the bar was fully booked and that we needed a reservation to come in. So we stepped downstairs and waited quietly on the staircase for about ten minutes to figure out where to go next.

A little while later, a large group of about eight white men came in. I asked them if they had a reservation, and one of them said no. Despite that, they went upstairs and were allowed in right away without any issue. My friends and I then went back upstairs to ask why they were allowed in when we were told we couldn’t come in without a reservation.

The hostess, an Asian woman, said that people had canceled because of the Blue Jays’ loss, and that’s why they were able to come in. As I was leaving, I said, “Oh, I guess it’s because they’re white and we’re Black.” She quickly responded, “Oh, don’t make it about race it’s not a race thing.” Then she said, “I didn’t know you guys were still downstairs. If I knew, I would have let you back up because people didn’t show up after the game.”

But here’s the part that really stood out to me: right after she said, “Don’t make it about race,” suddenly there was space for us. They magically “found” a room for karaoke after telling us they were fully booked. So if they were truly full, how did they suddenly have a room available the moment I brought up race? It didn’t add up.

We ended up paying for the karaoke, but honestly, I regret it. The whole situation felt uncomfortable and discriminatory. It felt like the moment I mentioned race, they tried to fix things to cover themselves. Whether they realized it or not, the way we were treated as a group of Black women compared to that white group was unfair...

Saturday September 14, 2024 - My last time ever with Bar+ karaoke. The short haired Asian woman there acts super bossy towards customers. Hey I don’t know whether you’re the owner or staff, but don’t treat me like my mom or like you just had a bad day alright? I took my team at work here for a corporate social hangout, my bf and I hang out there couple of times, just so you don’t say I’m a nobody from thin air who’s trying to throw a random bad review. My bf tried to make a reso and he got an email, thinking it was the email confirmation. I know for sure twice we came we made a reso on the website so i got confused why this time we aren’t secured a room and should we book on the website next time then. Instead of explaining to me what we got wasn’t a confirmation, you treat us like those who are giving you a hard time, you talked back straight to the client saying you don’t like that i made a question. Don’t work in service sector anymore mam, that nasty attitude of yours won’t get you very far. The whole singing experience was wrecked. I had to go to washroom to calm myself down from the shock. Have I ever experienced being talked down as a customer? Hell no!

If you read this review by any chance, good. Shame on you and damn your attitude. We dont care how many customers you get, you don’t deserve the reputation you’ve built and the good ratings on google.

I’m not taking this review down. And we won’t...

I have been going to karaoke here regularly for the past few months. Karaoke Bar + Lounge is one of THE BEST karaoke spots in Toronto. Having done lots of karaoke in Japan and Korea after living overseas for years, that is definitely high praise. The staff is always kind, bubbly, and super helpful. Service is prompt and always with a smile.

The song selection is the best part. They of course have all the new North American songs that you need. But even better, they have tonnes of obscure tracks--even obscure Japanese songs! The best part is, they have a request system and they're really good about it. I requested a few songs on a Wednesday and they were there on the Saturday!

If you've been to karaoke in Korea and Japan and know how down pat they have their karaoke over there, this is the only place in Toronto that comes close. Shidax or Jankara could learn a thing or two from these guys. This place is that good.

The only thing I would improve is that not every song has an accompanying music video to it like they do in East Asia. With no music video, you'd get lyrics on the screen but just some generic background. Not a deal-breaker at all but something worth mentioning. But I'm sure that if you emailed them about it, they would update the song to include an accompanying music video.

If you're searching for karaoke spots in Toronto, don't waste your time with other places. Come here. No other place...