By Jessica Sattell

For many, karaoke conjures thoughts of dive bar contests or that machine begrudgingly pulled out for office parties. Perhaps belting your favorite ballad in the shower is a great way to sing the blues, but the thought of a repeat performance in front of the general public may just make you lose your voice. No need for performance anxiety at Rock Box, Capitol Hill’s chic answer to the pastime synonymous with Japanese pop culture. Inspired by the extremely popular pay-by-the-hour karaoke box establishments all over Japan, this beautifully designed club featuring 11 private rooms, a large party room and a full bar opened late last year in the Pike-Pine corridor. It is quickly rising to the top of the neighborhood’s nightlife to-dos. Enjoy a cocktail and some inspired fusion small plates while you peruse the phonebook-sized song guides for tunes in over a dozen languages, find your muse, enter your selection, grab a microphone and go.  Private rooms accommodate up to about 15 guests and 35 or more for the party room. To ensure that your entourage can eat, drink and sing to your hearts’ content, it’s highly recommended to call ahead for a reservation.

And don't forget to order their yummy food and drinks! Food menu are served until midnight. (Photos by CC Yaguchi)

Cicken katsu sliders Fried chicken with guacamame, cucumber and spicy mayo on essential baking ciabatta. $7.5	Spam musubi Seared SPAM with japanese style omelet pressed with rice and seaweed. $5

Blood orange shiso mojito vodka, x-rated blood orange liqueur, fresh mint, fresh japanese shiso, fresh lime, sugar and soda muddled. on the rocks. $8	Hello kitty creamy martini shochu, malibu coconut rum, coconut puree, pineapple juice and cream, shaken and strained into a sugar rimmed glass topped with coconut shreds. $8	Sake sangria japanese sake fused with traditional spanish sangria and plum wine. $7.75

Rock Box - Karaoke rooms and bar
1603 Nagle Place, Seattle,
Tel 206-302-7625.
Info: http://www.rockboxseattle.com