About Maru Karaoke Lounge
Maru Karaoke Lounge is a two-story (3rd & 4th floor) nightclub and karaoke lounge in Midtown Manhattan’s Koreatown. Opened in 2004, Maru occupies over 6,000 sq. ft. of sleek modern space (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ) (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). It blends an upscale cocktail lounge with private karaoke suites. The venue is known for stylish design – glass walls, LED-lit tables and polished concrete accents give it a contemporary feel (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ). Inside, you’ll find a full bar serving classic cocktails and an extensive bottle list, plus seasonally inspired small plates and Asian-inspired snacks (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ). Signature features include six sound-proof private karaoke rooms (each with top-of-line equipment and thousands of songs in multiple languages (www.tripadvisor.com.ar )) and ample lounge seating around a dance floor. Maru’s ambience has made it a Koreatown staple – one local guide notes you can “dance the night away and sing your hearts out” in this “bi-level lounge” (101-karaoke.com ). As the official website puts it, Maru “embodies the true essence of New York City nightlife” with a “luxurious nightlife experience” (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). It has earned a reputation as one of the premier upscale karaoke bars in NYC.
Events and Programming
Maru operates nightly as a karaoke club and event venue. From Sunday through Thursday it stays open 6 PM–2 AM, and on Friday–Saturday 6 PM–4 AM (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). The main draw on any night is karaoke: guests select songs and sing in private sound-proof rooms (bookable by reservation) while a live DJ or house music plays in the lounge. On weekends and holidays a resident DJ takes over the main lounge area, creating a club-like atmosphere (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). In addition to regular karaoke nights, Maru hosts special themed parties and holiday events. For example, annual highlights include a Halloween costume party in late October, a festive Thanksgiving karaoke party, and a legendary New Year’s Eve bash with a DJ countdown and complimentary midnight champagne toast (www.marukaraokelounge.com ) (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). Maru also runs big promotions like Black Friday specials – e.g. “50% off your entire bill” on food/drink/karaoke on that day (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). The club is also available for private events. It’s popular for corporate holiday parties, birthdays, company team-building and school functions; the versatile bi-level layout and built-in sound/DJ system mean they can cater to large groups (www.marukaraokelounge.com ) (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). Essentially, Maru offers a hybrid nightspot experience – most nights it’s open to the public for karaoke and dancing, while weekdays can be booked out for private events. (Notably, Maru had a temporary pandemic closure but relaunched in early 2021: a February 2021 “Valentine’s Weekend” reopening and a June 4, 2021 “3rd-floor returns at full capacity” announcement show it resumed full operations post-COVID (www.marukaraokelounge.com ).)
Tickets and Booking
There are no traditional tickets or cover charges at Maru. It functions like a nightclub/restaurant, so generally you pay only for food, drinks, and room rentals. There is no advance ticketing site – instead, guests secure a spot by reserving directly with the club. Because of limited capacity and demand, reservations are strongly recommended (and often required). Maru currently takes reservations online or by phone (212-273-3413) – walk-in availability cannot be guaranteed. The reservation page states “online reservations ONLY until further notice,” meaning in practice you shouldn’t rely on door admissions (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). For private karaoke rooms the pricing is as follows: 1–6 people pay $60 per hour, plus $10 per additional person (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). (Each room requires ordering food and drinks.) For example, a group of 8 would pay $60/hr for the first 6 plus an extra $10×2=+$20/hr, for a total of $70/hr. There are also package deals: a 2-bottle & 2-platter package for up to 8 people ($530) or a 3-bottle & 2-platter package for up to 12 people ($790) (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). Keep in mind Maru enforces a standard two-hour minimum for any room reservation (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). If you need to cancel, note their policy: canceling less than 24 hours in advance or failing to show incurs a $40 fee (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). Otherwise, rooms can be booked and modified up to one day ahead with no penalty. In summary, the best strategy for popular nights is to book well in advance (especially on weekends or during holiday events), pre-pay or provide a card as required, and expect to meet the room’s minimum spend on food/drinks.
Seating and Layout
Maru’s layout is split across two levels, each with its own bar/lounge area and karaoke rooms. The 3rd Floor (entry level) has the main bar and a lounge area with booths, sofas and high tables. There is also a (modest) dance floor space with disco-style lights in the center. The 4th Floor has additional seating and often DJ booth or dance area on big nights. In total, six private karaoke rooms line the perimeter (both floors combined). The rooms vary in size: smaller ones seat up to ~6 people comfortably, while the largest (as indicated by their 12-person package) can hold around 8–12 guests (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). All rooms have flat-screen monitors, seating against the walls, and Katyokara karaoke machines capable of thousands of songs. The rooms are soundproofed, so you can sing as loudly as you like with no echo into the lounge. General admission/lounge areas have additional standard table seating and stools. The vantage points are straightforward – from any seat or corner of the lounge you can see the DJ and bar. Acoustics are good for a bar; the DJs and karaoke machines are professional-grade, so music is loud and clear. Some guests seeking a quieter spot may want to sit near the back corners or on side sofas, away from the speakers. In terms of ticketing, there is no VIP section per se beyond the private rooms. However, on busy nights some attendees treat the private rooms themselves as “VIP” areas. Side note: as a modern club, Maru has no assigned theater-style seats – it’s all high-top tables, couches and standing areas – so “best seat” is just whichever spot has a clear view of the DJ screen or most convenient table for your party.
Getting There and Parking
Maru Karaoke Lounge is at 11 West 32nd Street, on the corner of 6th Avenue, in the heart of Koreatown (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ). Because it’s midtown Manhattan, public transit is usually easiest. The closest subway stops are 34th Street station (Herald Square) and 34th Street-Penn Station. From Herald Sq you can catch the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W lines – just exit onto 6th Avenue and walk south one block. From Penn Station you have the A, C, E trains (8th Avenue) or the 1/2/3 trains (7th Avenue); those are a longer walk east but still under 10 minutes on foot. Bus service also covers the area: the M34 (crosstown) and M4/M5 (north-south along 5th) stop within a block. For drivers, street parking is extremely limited. Surrounding the venue are metered spots (typically 2-hour parking, and very scarce at night) and a few parking garages (e.g. at 6th & 31st St or 8th & 28th St). If you must drive, pre-book a garage space (via apps like SpotHero) to avoid circling. A better plan is rideshare or taxi: you can be dropped off at 11 W 32nd St (the corner of 6th Ave), but beware rush-hour congestion. (For late-night return, note that some subway lines run 24/7; for example, the A/C/E trains go nonstop on 34th Street; take the B/D/F/M overnight on 6th Ave if still running.) In practice, the neighborhood is very walkable – guests often pair Maru with dinner at any of the Koreatown restaurants on 32nd Street – so you may not need parking at all. Ultimately, the address and cross-street locating is key, since taxis and apps will find it easily (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ).
Inside the Venue
Expect a high-energy nightclub vibe inside Maru. The entrance opens into a dimly lit lounge with modern décor. By the bar you’ll typically hear pop and club music (or sound-check from the DJ booth). Security is professional and will check IDs at the door – remember Maru is strictly 21+ with proper ID and dress code (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). Once inside, coat check is available (menus or hanging area near the host stand) – in winter coats and large bags are usually stowed behind the bar. The bartenders mix classic and creative cocktails all night, and you can also order polished small plates and shareable dishes (many Korean or Asian-inspired, like dumplings or spicy pork strips) to eat at your table. TripAdvisor notes Maru’s gourmet style, highlighting “seasonally inspired small plates” and “friendly service” as part of the appeal (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ). Drinks include a curated list of liquors and soju – indeed, Maru’s Koreatown location means there’s always bottle service and soju on menu. During karaoke sessions in your private room, staff will circulate to take orders and serve drinks. Restrooms (clean and well-maintained) are on each floor near the back lounge. The lounge has free Wi-Fi (ask the host for the network). Tech-wise, the sound system is top-notch: each karaoke room’s audio comes from a Bose-style soundbar and console; the main lounge DJ setup is industry-standard. Phones and cameras are welcome (the vibe is festive), but professional video rigs are usually not allowed. From opening time (~6 PM) the scene is more casual and conversation-friendly; later at night the music ramps up significantly. Guests especially remark that staff are accommodating – for example, private room transitions are made smooth by “efficient and friendly staff” who queue up your next track (101-karaoke.com ). In short, inside Maru is a VIP lounge feel: trendy lighting, spacious booths, high-energy music and a stocked bar minden. Be prepared to have fun and sing – that’s the whole point.
Nearby Amenities
Maru sits at the center of NYC’s Koreatown, so pre-show dining and post-show bars abound within walking distance. On the same block (W 32nd St) and adjacent avenues are countless acclaimed Korean restaurants: from Korean barbecue (e.g. Jongro BBQ, The Kunjip) to modern spots (Danji, which has a Michelin star) to casual cafés (Hipjib, etc.). One block over in either direction are more ethnic eateries (Japanese ramen shops, American diners, etc.). For pre-game cocktails or appetizers, the neighborhood has a few Asian-themed cocktail lounges (like Brick Lane, or 37 Steakhouse) and standard bars on 6th Ave. If you plan a full night, consider having a meal at a nearby restaurant or grabbing appetizers next door – Maru’s food menu is good but limited to bar bites, so many guests eat in Koreatown first. If you’re staying overnight, hotels near 32nd Street include the Lotte Hotel (5th Ave), the Renwick (30th & Broadway), and several chain hotels near Herald Square (the New Yorker, Hilton Garden Inn). The Empire State Building area (35th St) is just a few blocks north as well. As for getting home late: tipsters advise that city subways in Manhattan run overnight, so you can walk a few blocks to catch a train. Taxis and rideshares easily queue up on W 32nd or nearby, even after bar close. Just keep in mind Midtown finishes service around 2-3 AM on weekdays and 4 AM on weekends – plan your return accordingly. Overall, Maru’s midtown location means you’re never far from city amenities: shopping (the Garment District), other bars/clubs, and or hotels/back to the subway on any side street. Many karaoke-goers simply hop on a train at Herald Square and reach attractions or airport shuttles within minutes.
What Makes This Venue Special
Maru stands out by combining New York nightclub polish with the fun of Korean karaoke. Its signature elements include the spacious private singing rooms (uncommon for Manhattan karaoke venues) and the sleek club ambience. Unlike divey karaoke bars, Maru’s design and service are upscale – for example, the website boasts “modern opulence” and one local review gushes that Maru “reigns supreme” as a party spot (101-karaoke.com ). The venue has even gained pop culture fame: it was used for on-location filming of the HBO drama Succession (Season 4, Episode 2) (101-karaoke.com ). Visitors also note the uniquely Korean-American culture – soju shots, K-pop hits, and Korean cuisine mixed with Manhattan nightlife – which you won’t find many places in the city. Musically, Maru’s song library is enormous, with hits in English, Korean, Spanish, etc., so all guests can join. Economically, it anchors Koreatown’s entertainment scene: by drawing large party crowds, it supports neighboring bars and restaurants and keeps the block lively into the early morning. For artists, Maru offers professional sound and DJ gear, plus the cachet of singing in a “top karaoke bar” (101-karaoke.com ). In sum, both regulars and one-time visitors call Maru a landmark “karaoke lounge unlike any other”, where the combination of high-energy DJs, cocktail bar, and private karaoke rooms creates an unforgettable New York party experience. It’s a place celebrated in local guides as the “ultimate karaoke lounge” in Koreatown (101-karaoke.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Maru is on the 3rd and 4th floors of a building. It does have an elevator for guests, so limited mobility visitors should contact staff in advance to confirm access. The rooms are wheelchair-accessible once on-site, but do note entrances and narrow passages. Staff have stated they will accommodate ADA needs if notified (best to call ahead).
Age/Attire: Strict 21+ policy – no minors or underage. Bring a valid government ID every time. Follow the dress code closely: no sweatpants, shorts, flip-flops or tank tops; men cannot wear baseball caps inside (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). Basically, “dress to impress” and no gymwear – the doorman enforces it.
What to Bring: Only your ID and payment (credit card). Room reservations often require a card on file. No outside alcohol or large coolers; outside food is also discouraged. Cameras and smartphones are fine. If you have a playlist request, note that every party basically has control: Maru’s karaoke system is user-operated, so you just queue songs on the internal touch screen – nothing extra needed.
On Arrival: Plan to arrive a bit early. Doors open at 6 PM, and by 7-8 PM weekends start filling up. If part of a large group, get there at 6 PM to sign in for your reservation; late entrances may not be allowed if you reserved a room. Coat check lines can form, so expect a short wait overhead. You’ll check in at the host stand, show ID, and then you can wait in the lounge until your room is ready. There is no general admission ticketing – whether you have a room reservation or are sitting in lounge area, you “pay as you go”. Peak nights can have a lobby line, so get on it early to avoid missing your slot. Most customers find it’s worth grabbing a table near the karaoke screen in their room so everyone has a good view of lyrics.
Common Mistakes: Don’t assume walk-ins will get in on a busy night – the venue can reach capacity quickly. Also, don’t mistake it for a restaurant: food service is secondary, so order drinks/plates only as needed. Don’t arrive without an ID or you will be turned away. Lastly, the “no reservation” gamble rarely pays off on Friday/Saturday – call ahead!
Safety and Policies: Maru’s staff maintains a friendly but professional environment. Smoking is not allowed (NYC ban). They have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or overly disruptive behavior. You are expected to follow all posted rules. If you or any guest is too intoxicated, they will refuse service. Tip well – staff will keep your drinks coming in the private rooms. Finally, no covering photography (so enjoy and share your night, but remember it’s public space).
How can I reserve a karaoke room at Maru Karaoke Lounge?
To reserve a private room at Maru, you must book directly through their website or phone (212-273-3413). They do not sell tickets on third-party sites. Walk-ins are possible for lounge seating, but karaoke rooms require pre-booking (especially on weekends). The venue currently accepts online reservations only (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). If you cancel within 24 hours or no-show, there is a $40 fee (www.marukaraokelounge.com ).
What are the rates and minimum spend at Maru Karaoke Lounge?
Private karaoke rooms cost $60 per hour for up to 6 people (www.marukaraokelounge.com ), plus $10 per extra person each hour. Rooms require ordering food/drink (minimum spend). In addition to hourly rates, Maru offers bottle packages (e.g. a 3-bottle/2-platter package for up to 12 people costs $790 (www.marukaraokelounge.com )). Remember a 2-hour minimum is standard for rooms (www.marukaraokelounge.com ), and a 20% gratuity is added to all room bills.
Is there a cover charge or entry ticket required?
There is no cover charge for lounge entry at Maru; patrons pay only for what they order. If you have a private room reservation, you simply check in at the door and go straight upstairs. On busy nights, there is no general entry fee – but space is limited and admission is at management’s discretion (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). Tip: even without a room, plan to spend on drinks or snacks.
Can anyone join or are there age or dress restrictions?
Maru enforces a strict 21+ policy. Everyone must show valid photo ID at the door (no exceptions). The dress code is “upscale nightlife,” meaning no casual gym wear. The website explicitly bans “sweatpants, flip flops, shorts, cargo pants, tank tops, or] baseball caps for guys” ([www.marukaraokelounge.com ). So dress sharp. Failure to comply will result in denied entry.
What time does Maru Karaoke Lounge open and close?
Maru is open nightly at 6:00 PM. Closing time varies by day: Sun–Wed they close at 2:00 AM, Thursdays at 3:00 AM, and Fridays & Saturdays at 4:00 AM (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). It’s best to arrive shortly after opening or earlier in the evening for a table; later on, the club fills up and waits can occur. New Year’s Eve and other holiday hours are typically extended.
How do I get to Maru Karaoke Lounge by subway?
Maru is on West 32nd Street at 6th Avenue in Koreatown (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ). Nearby subway lines include: Herald Square station (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W trains at 34th St) just 1 block north, and Penn Station (A, C, E trains at 34th St & 8th Ave, or 1/2/3 trains at 34th & 7th). You can also walk from the 28th St (B, D, F, M) stop on 6th Ave. All of these are a few minutes’ walk away. MTA buses (M34 SBS, M4, M5, etc.) run on 5th/6th Avenues too.
Is parking available near Maru Karaoke Lounge?
Street parking is very limited (pay meters or short-term spots) around Koreatown. Your best bet is a nearby parking garage (there are garages on 6th Ave and cross streets, but they are expensive). Alternatively, use a parking app (SpotHero, ParkWhiz) to reserve ahead. Many visitors simply take a cab or rideshare. Uber/Lyft/drop-offs on W 32nd Street are convenient. Given the area is a busy Midtown location, public transit is often easier than driving and parking.
What is the seating and view like at Maru Karaoke Lounge?
Maru has a club-style layout. The main lounge on the 3rd floor has sofas, booths and tables around a central dance area; the 4th floor has more seating and a DJ booth. If you want to sing, you’ll be in a private closed room with padded benches and a big screen. For singing, the best “view” is sitting near the karaoke TV screen in your private room. In the open lounge, seats near the DJ and bar get the full nightclub vibe. Since it’s not a theater, any table or sofa near the music will work. The rooms are soundproof so you hear only the music in your booth, giving everyone a good acoustic experience.
What kind of food and drinks does Maru serve?
Maru has a full bar with craft cocktails, beer, wine and soju. The cocktails range from classic to inventive, often with an Asian twist. The kitchen offers primarily shareable small plates and bar bites – for example grilled skewers, dumplings, fries, and other Korean-inflected snacks. As TripAdvisor notes, you can expect “classic cocktails” and an “extensive bottle list” alongside “seasonally inspired small plates” (www.tripadvisor.com.ar ). Guests often order a bottle of soju or liquor to go with a platter when in a group. In short, it’s a higher-end bar menu, so plan on bar tabs or splitting plates among friends rather than entrees.
Does Maru Karaoke Lounge have Wi-Fi or phone signal?
Yes, Maru offers complimentary Wi-Fi for guests (ask a server for the network name), and cell service is generally strong in Koreatown (both 5G and LTE). Feel free to stream music from your phone or look up songs online. However, all live DJs and room tracks play through Maru’s system, so your devices won’t impact the karaoke setups.
What is Maru’s cancellation policy?
For a reserved karaoke room, Maru requires any cancellation to be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a fee. If you cancel late or don’t show up, they charge a flat $40 cancellation fee (www.marukaraokelounge.com ). No-shows without notice will incur this $40 non-refundable fee. Thus, if your plans change, call Maru at least one day before your booking to cancel without penalty.
Is Maru Karaoke Lounge wheelchair accessible?
Maru is located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the building, but there is an elevator for guests. The private karaoke rooms themselves have wide doors. Still, anyone needing ADA accessibility should call ahead to confirm access routes and accommodations. Staff are generally helpful and can make arrangements (though older buildings may have quirks). It’s best to give them a heads-up when booking if you have mobility needs.
Research has shown that Maru appeared in media like TV shows. Which shows feature Maru Karaoke Lounge?
Indeed, Maru’s stylish interior has attracted film crews. It was used as a filming location for the HBO series Succession (Season 4, Episode 2), and even featured in a TV series called “God Friended Me” (Season 1, Episode 3) (www.marukaraokelounge.com ) (101-karaoke.com ). The club’s distinctive look and upscale vibe make it stand out, so it pops up in pop culture references. While enjoying the venue, you might feel like you’re on set!
