End NEW IN TOWN
SING-ALONG
Tune into your inner popstar at Blind Dragon, Scottsdale’s newest karaoke lounge
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Old Town Scottsdale is turning up the heat – and music – with its latest nightlife offering: Blind Dragon. The karaoke concept is a collaboration between Los Angeles-based h.wood Group – best-known for Bootsy Bellows, The NICE GUY, and several other popular bars and lounges on the West Coast – and Innovative Dining Group, of Sushi Roku fame. They brought on Hotel & Hospitality Group, LLC as partners, with Korey Boals (Arcadia Tavern and Bespoke Inn) taking on the dayto-day duties as the local managing partner. “The ultra-sleek karaoke lounge is slated to give Valley residents and visitors an exclusive entertainment experience like they may find in Hollywood or Las Vegas,” Boals says. “This Scottsdale location joins sister properties in both West Hollywood and Dubai.” The space itself is 8,500 square feet, and the design is striking and bold with vibrant, Asian-inspired artwork throughout, including a massive wall mural that runs the entire length of the lounge’s main bar, hand-painted by local artist Randall Hedden. And the lounge’s quirky life-size figurine of action star and world-renowned
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martial artist Bruce Lee will, no doubt, be the subject of many Instagram photo ops. “In addition to the interior’s aesthetic, guests will also be treated to a feast for the eyes with inventive and colorful cocktails and an Asian-inspired bites menu featuring bright, light tastes and a few heartier items,” Boals says. Each of the venue’s signature cocktails are $12, with the exception of their extralarge, strawberry-infused “Get Lei’d” sipper, which is $20 and served in a glamorous gold pineapple glass ($20). Don’t miss the classic mai tai, or other highlights including the Fu Manchu, an Asian twist on an OldFashioned. As for the food, the focus is on smaller bites ranging from $6 to $22 versus big portions or entrees. On the lighter end, there are the usual suspects of edamame and Asian chicken salad, while more filling fare includes a tuna poke bowl, short rib bao (a steamed bun), and wagyu sliders. But the true stars of the show at Blind Dragon are the six private karaoke suites, each equipped with multiple TV screens and audio systems (and the all-important mics!), oversized seating, private bar service, and access to more than 25,000 songs for patrons to belt out. Room sizes ranges from small to large, with varying costs per hour ($100-$200) and food and beverage minimums ($100-$200), as well as the capability of holding eight to 20 guests depending on the suite selected. Karaoke suites can be reserved in advance either online (recommended), via phone, or, if there are suites available upon arrival, they can be booked on the spot. There are also bottle service packages available in the private suites, which range from $425 to $1,000. Blind Dragon is open Thursday to Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and there is no cover charge. Blind Dragon, 7419 E. Indian Plaza Drive, Scottsdale; 480.907.5738; www.blinddragonscottsdale.com.