LA SPOT; SEATTLE, WA
The coolest karaoke spot is La Spot in Chinatown!

By Fred Umayam

Just south of downtown Seattle and east of Safeco and Qwest Fields, Chinatown has been the mecca of Asian stores, shops, and late-night restaurants for many years. Recently the city administrators changed the name of the community to the International District, because it is so true to its name. There are establishments owned and operated by Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino and more, all within a one mile radius. Many of these establishments sell products or provide services that you don't typically find in the greater Seattle areas.

With all the sporting events that happen throughout the year at the two sports fields, both Pioneer Square and the International District reap the benefits of the after-event crowds. Many people know about the numerous restaurants in the area, but only a few know that the karaoke industry is alive and well in the International District.

Now there is a reason for all of you karaoke enthusiasts come and visit the International District. La Spot is located at 664 S. King St. Tel: 206-223-0123. Owners, Kyle and Hong, have converted this former restaurant into one of the hottest night clubs. Decorated on the outside with bright neon signs, it's hard to miss their large banner saying that they have karaoke seven nights a week. Come in early, relax and order some drinks from Laura or Jennifer. The karaoke show begins at 10pm to close, seven nights a week.

As you enter La Spot, there are two pool tables that greet you on the left. Just beyond the tables is the bar with all the spirits imaginable promptly delivered with a smile. Chad, the weekend KJ arrives around 10pm. As quickly as he arrives, the music starts thumping and bumping. From the bar, you can see through the open window to the huge dance floor and the control booth on the far wall. You can see Chad as he is setting things up and organizing his karaoke rotation. As you walk towards the dance floor, you can feel the bold sound filling the room as people start to come in and get situated in the spacious seating area. Right above the control booth is a wall that works as a large screen for the video projector. You look all around thinking, wow, this place is pretty big inside! But wait, there's more!

Off to the side of the seating area are stairs leading you to a private loft that has a wrap-around sofa, a large oval coffee table and a huge flat screen TV. From the loft, you have an overhead view of the seating area, dance floor and control booth. This loft is used for groups of 6-10 people. As the KJ announces the next singer, you can sing from the loft with a cordless mic and see the words scrolling on the 50" flat screen. What a great way to spend the night singing your favorite songs with your close friends like you're in the comfort of your living room!

If you have lots of close friends, there is yet another private room for large parties of 30 or more people. The large private room has an open window that you can stand next to and see everything that's going on in the private loft, seating area, dance floor and control booth. Please call 206-223-0123 for reservations.

What a place, what a venue! I love it, and I strongly invite you to check out Chinatown's best kept secret, La Spot!

Private Loft II

Big Screen

Overhead View

Private Loft