Smith's Union Bar

Likes: Jello shots, friendly bar karaoke set up. No pressure to sing or be good at singing. Bar video games that can be played in groups.

Dislikes: It's a legit dive bar. A little claustrophobic with a long and narrow bar.

Try: Jello shots! + karaoke + cheap booze + friendly bartender + weekday/non-FF night + good group of friends.

Bottom line: Iconic Chinatown dive bar with a mixed group of regulars including scruffy bar flies, HPU pseudo-hipsters, and the young professional crowd. With it's kitschy tiki-themed interior, Smith's does not pretend to be anything it's not. Ladies might want to hop over to one of the surrounding bars to use the bathroom. Five stars for a consistently fun time.

This is the best dive bar in Chinatown, it's also one of the oldest.  There are occasionally some undesirables out front, but the staff is pretty good about chasing them away.

You have to drink to sing karaoke, but that won't be a problem if this is where you want to be!  The songs are $1 each, and you can pick them from books kept behind the bar.  Don't hesitate to ask for them if they're not out.  

Slurp some jello shots (grape's the best!) and rub elbows with an eclectic crowd.  The bathrooms are a little gross and aren't for the modest; the men's urinal is a doorless trough.

Not a place I would usually find myself on a Friday night but when First Friday comes along, you end up wherever the night takes you.  After getting some pizza and beer at JJ Dolans, we found ourselves at this fun little dive karaoke bar.  I realized that despite not really being into karaoke, it makes for an entertaining night at a bar.  Way more interesting than usual bar conversation and evasion moves.  Everyone here was in a great mood and people just passed the mike around when their song came up.  You can just sing along without the mike like I do and still have a blast.  My group just got a round of beers and some rum shots to keep us going.  Good prices and fun place, just remember cash only.  Don't be intimidated by the sketchy appearance.  All of Chinatown is pretty gross.  Embrace the meth addicts and bums and have a great time.  Smith's is a great way to end your fun night... by drunkenly singing "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey.