Girls' night out: karaoke

Sing while getting a manicure at Nail Fetish

Watching “American Idol” with your girlfriends makes for a decent girls’ night in, but why spend another week watching David Archuleta steal the show when you could be in the spotlight? Grab a few girlfriends—and the nearest microphone—and belt it out at one of these spots on your next girls’ night out.

Nail Fetish
Any girl who wants to shine when she holds the mic better have amazing nails to boot. So naturally, we were thrilled when this West Town spot decided to kill two birds with one karaoke-manicure event. The concept launched just a few weeks ago and already it’s attracting a steady crowd of gals—mostly college students looking for an alternative to a boozy night at the bars and locals unwinding after a day at the office. Here’s how it works: Before, during or after your manicure, grab the mic and belt out a tune. If you sing one song, you get $5 off the price of your manicure (regularly $25). Sing another and get $5 off a pedicure (regularly $35). It’s a multitasker’s dream—and the manicures aren’t bad either. Choose from OPI and Essie polishes, or go for Zoya, the ultra-hip, durable polish made without toluene, formaldehyde or other stinky chemicals. Bonus: You can browse the salon’s jewelry and accessory collection while you wait for your turn at the mic.
When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays (Click for event details and photos.)
Cost: No cover

Lincoln Karaoke
With 7,000 songs, cheap drinks ($5 cocktails, $3-$4 beers) and free cake for anyone celebrating a birthday, this year-old Lincoln Square spot is packed at all hours of the night. There are 14 private rooms of varying sizes (the smallest accommodates four crooners, the largest holds 20), so you don’t have to worry about jockeying with strangers for position at the mic.
When: 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 7 p.m.-5 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Cost: $25-$35 per hour, depending on group size

Blue Frog Bar & Grill
What this tiny karaoke bar lacks in class it makes up for in kitsch. The River North spot mixes karaoke, board games (Chutes and Ladders, anyone?) and drinks, and the result usually is a rowdy, competitive crowd that’s all about leaving their day jobs behind and letting it all out.
When: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday; 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday
Cost: No cover

Jedynka Club
Wiggle into your shortest skirt, put on your flashiest top, park your shiny new Mercedes out front and you’ll fit right in with the young, hot, European crowd here. If you’re among the first 10 people to sing on karaoke night, you get $20. Win the weekly karaoke competition and go home with $100. Polish songs are all the rage; if you don’t speak the language, Madonna is always a hit.
When: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday
Cost: No cover

Karaoke Restaurant/Yeo Woo Sai
Once you get over the suede pastel couches and the mirrored walls at this popular West Rogers Park spot, you can sit back and sing your heart out in a private karaoke room. Be warned: Drinks are super pricy. Instead, order some food from the adjoining Korean restaurant, Yeo Woo Sai, to be delivered to your room.
When: 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-5 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Cost: $25 per hour for one room, up to six people; $5 more per person for additional occupants

[ Danielle Braff is a Metromix special  contributor. ]
metromix@tribune.com