There Can Be Only One

There used to be stiff competition on Miami’s karaoke scene before 1998. In those dark ages, would-be singers who yearned to belt out “I Will Survive” someplace other than their shower had to seek out hole-in-the-wall bars or darkened corners of Asian restaurants for their fix. Thankfully, those days are over. All hail the reign of Kara-O-King, Miami’s busiest karaoke DJ service. Thanks to his majesty, any aspiring singer-slash-rapper can cue up Trick Daddy’s “I’m a Thug” and impress/amuse her drunken friends at a vast selection of bars and restaurants from Davie to Homestead. Wednesday nights are our favorites, because that’s when Kara-O-King comes to our fave neighborhood restaurant, Sgt. Pepper’s Café (9005 SW 73rd Pl., Miami).

Hidden amid Publix, Comp USA, and those new towering condos across the street from Dadeland Mall, Sgt. Pepper’s has already attracted a crowd for its jaw-stretching, meat-laden sandwiches and yummylicious salads (OMG, the Sgt. Pepper Salad with chicken? To die for). Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to midnight, the joint is jumpin’ with customers hungry for a different kind of sustenance — the one that only a spirited rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’” can fill. Domestic beers cost two bucks; wine will cost ya four. And there are weekly food specials. Long live the king. Call 305-670-7770 to reach Sgt. Pepper’s. Visit www.kara-o-king.com for a complete schedule of locations and events. But be forewarned: If your computer speakers are on when you visit that website, expect to be terrified by a loud video that displays past Kara-O-King performances.
Wed., Aug. 20, 2008