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7 Bamboo
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 3 pm - 1:30 am
Fri-Sat 3 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
281 reviews for 7 Bamboo
Review Highlights
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"Swing on by and sing your heart out." In 8 reviews -
"This place is classic, good-time all around awesomeness." In 31 reviews -
"Lots of songs to choose from for only $1.00." In 91 reviews
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281 reviews in English
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Review from erika r.
San Jose, CA
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
this place is pretty much a "hole in the wall" karaoke bar, it's characteristics reminded me of scenes you would see on tv where 1 person sings to the whole crowd and everyone sings along and i have to say it was pretty fun because most of the songs that the singers picked were 90s and everyone seemed to know the chorus at least. in addition there are tv's and projectors of the lyrics ... it felt a little cramped when we first got in, but after people started leaving it was actually a decent size--located in japan town..
at the bar i ordered a melon ball, but the lady serving drinks didn't know what was in it so i told her and she seemed pretty generous of the amount of liquor she put in the glass. a downfall was that they served watered down coke (from my friends' experience). i would think the bar would be essential to the karaoke, to diminish the fearfulness in performing to a room full of strangers haha -
Review from Omar C.
San Jose, CA
1/28/2012
Not impressed with having to pay to sing...they charge a dollar for songs that the computer has on file and two dollars to download songs that thet don't have. This is a popular dive bar in Japantown that is loaded with kitch and has a backdoor main entrance. Service was not particularly fast and the space itself is cramped and fills up quickly.
For all that is written on their website and all of the word-of-mouth compliments that I have heard, this place was a major let down. -
Review from Alex B.
Bamboo 7 is a fun place to karaoke with a group of friends. I've been here quite a few times for birthday parties and such. It is a great place to people watch, or sing your heart out if that's your cup-of-tea.
Why 3 stars? The place gets crowded and smelly by 10pm. If you're here for a party or other event, you're pretty much stuck shoulder-to-shoulder with other patrons until 2am. -
Review from Katy L.
Fremont, CA
4/13/2012
I LOVE 7 Bamboo. Its a small, hole in the wall karaoke bar in Japantown in San Jose. The service there is awesome, I love Kim!! She knows all of our names by heart, and even knows what we like to drink. Either I have a bar problem, or she has a wonderful memory!
I run around with a group of friends that love to sing, and actually CAN sing, so it only makes sense that we frequent 7 Bamboo. Its great for chatting and goofing around with your friends, and great for that on-stage stress relief of singing in front of strangers. With enough sake bombs, yes, you DO sound like Beyonce.
The prices are perfect, and I actually dont feel like I'm poor by the time I go home. I highty recommend trying this bar out if you love to sing and love to have fun. Show up in your jeans and a tshirt or your heels and fake hair, but you'll probably have a better time in your flip flops. -
Review from Christine H.
San Jose, CA
12/29/2011
A cute little karaoke bar that is owned by 2 cute old Asian couple!
I came a little passed 9pm on a Wednesday night for some drinks after eating Japanese hotpot across the street. I was pleasantly surprised how many people were there and how lively the crowd was, considering its a weekday and it was only 9PM! Everyone was just sitting back on the sofa booths drinking their beers, chatting & laughing with friends, and watching others sing karaoke and dance on stage. This place is small and intimate, dimly lit and has a full bar.
It was a new atmosphere for me. I'm not much of a singer and I don't go kareoking. But i'll definitely come back and watch others pour their hearts out. -
Review from R R.
San Jose, CA
3/12/2012
Ahhhh 7 Bamboo.... your genorous pours with Jack Daniels makes me a fan, additionally, when you mix in a good crowd who sings along with your horrible rendition of "Moves like Jagger" and "the Zephyr song", it makes it even better. I totally dig this place, really chill, yeah it gets crowded, but everyone is really cool and no one is trying to get in your face. There's a guy (I think he's a regular there), every time I go, he's got a different instrument, bongo drums, tambourine and last time cowbell!!!! Yes! Don't think I didn't make him get up on stage with me!!! I did and we rocked! (Ok , he did, me.. no so much...I am sooo not the next American Idol)
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Review from R Lanier D.
Sunnyvale, CA
3/1/2012
Visited on a Tuesday night. Dive bar. Management was nice. Drinks moderately priced $$. Karaoke is fun. You actually pay per song. Its starts a 1.00 but if you want to skip someone, you'll pay like 3.49. It seems to have regulars who are fairly nice but sing horrible and very very often. The plus is, it a dive bar, and you can have fun with your friends. The negative is the que for song can be long; it can be pretty pricey and the regulars are really awful singers with terrible selections that will test your patience.
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Review from Lynda T.
San Jose, CA
11/12/2011
If this was established in 1984 then I have been going here since I was a toddler!
Dive-y as you can get.
Drunk crowds - almost always get spilled on
When I was 21 - I frequented Bamboo 7 with friends and siblings. My eldest turned 21 - and we took her here as a tradition.
Suggestions - don't arrive until after 10pm. Drink shots until you puke. Sing your heart out...no one cares how bad you sound - just as long as you have passion. -
Review from Vi T.
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
$8 for a hiball glass haphazardly filled at LEAST half-way with alcohol + some brave souls wailing their lungs out = WINNING. They don't do fancy cocktails, but a stiff vodka-cran won't get any complaints out of me.
This is the second time I've been here and I can honestly say it's a great spot to just chill. Sing or don't. You'll have an enjoyable time either way (and you can quote me on that). I think songs are around a dollar or so, which beats paying the hourly rate for private rooms if you don't intend on getting too serious with it. Probably sound like I'm gushing, but I reaary reaary rike this place... :D Yay for karaoke! -
Review from Monica F.
We came here early enough to get on the list and be on stage 3 TIMES!!!!
This place is for the singers. you know..those naturally gifted with a talent to sing...and sing wonderfully... AND the vocally challenged, but shameless (ME).
It's who the F cares....if you get yourself out there and sing on stage and look like a sexy hot mess.... People will clap and not just plainly clap..but Cheeer!!! and all of a sudden..you feel like Lady Gaga or a simple person unleashing the diva within...
This place is a great outlet for those who want to sing for fun, sing for bitterness (break-up), and just sing to show your talent off, and sing just because you want to!
The crowd here is amazing...and the bartenders too.....
the crowd will totally sing with you...and come up to the stage with you...give you high fives..and if you're lucky...even buy you a drink....
there's a mini space for those who want to bust a move...(the drunktards)..
ahem..like myself and my girls....
if you're just a little shy....uhmmm.. you're in for a treat. But i swear..with a few shots...you'll see yourself hogging the mic and never letting it go.
Super duper Fun place!!!!Listed in: ROTD baby!!!!
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Review from Jason N.
Fremont, CA
8/20/2011
Okay folks, here is my (long-overdue) review for 7 Bamboo Karaoke Lounge.
First off, there's parking on the street, but there's also parking in a small lot behind the bar (ignore the "Private Property" sign; that only applies to daytime hours). There's also a small lot on 4th Street just southwest of the 'Boo.
Try your luck parking in the back lot first since you can only enter the 'Boo in the back (but you can exit in the front when it's time to leave). Have your ID ready, 'cuz you gotta be 21 or older (it is a bar, after all).
Once you're in you can grab / save your seat, then (if you or someone in your group plans on singing) you head on over to the bar and ask one of the bartenders for a "Song Keyfob" - it's a small blue chip with small black numbers on it that you can attach to your key chain. The cost: $2 with $1 song credit. To those of you who still have the old song card - you can ask them to transfer whatever $$ you have left on the card onto the keyfob.
Then you head on over to the kiosks and scan your keyfob on the black pad at the bottom of the screen. Follow the (touch screen) instructions and get your pic taken on the webcam (your pic will be displayed on the wall when you sing - more on that later). Then you'll be asked to create a 4-digit pin and enter a Screen Name (you'll need to remember your pin# - you'll be asked for it whenever you want to sing). Once you've entered all of your info you can search for a song.
My wife and I have been to several Karaoke bars all over the Bay Area and 7 Bamboo has BY FAR the best song selection. They just implicated a new system where if they don't have the song you want but is available you can download it (it costs on average $2.49 but you get a $1 credit). Takes about 60 seconds (or less) to download a new song. Then the new song stays in the system for next time.
You can also "bribe" yourself up on the list, starting at $0.29 per slot (the price goes up the more slots you want to advance).
The list of singers / songs is prominently displayed on the wall via screen projection (with song titles and times), so you can see exactly what people will be singing, and (more importantly) when you'll be singing next.
This is my favorite Karaoke bar, no others come close.
NOTE: I give a review of 4 stars (instead of 5) for one reason and one reason only. Unfortunately, every time we go there, people smoke RIGHT NEXT TO the back door (as opposed to 20 feet away), so the (second-hand) smoke drifts into the bar and makes it seem like they're smoking right next to you. And for non-smokers like my wife and myself this is a big drawback (and has resulted in our early departure on more than one occasion). One suggestion would be for the owners to install a fan (pointing downwards) right above the back door... -
Review from Ari S.
Fremont, CA
10/11/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The Bamboo of Seven's!!!
Do you like to sing, a place with amazing energy, a place where you no doubt will always have a good time? Well this is your last stop!!!
7 is an awesome small Karaoke bar with plenty of parking on the street and in the parking lot.
The Bartenders are the owners and they are great people never have any complaints about them. The bouncer is awesome too. It's a very friendly place and everyone is always having a good time! There's no doubt you wont go here and love it.
Decent prices on Drinks
plenty of parking
good vibes
fun times -
Review from Laura B.
Danville, CA
10/8/2011
Oh my... Judging by the prior reviews I expected something very different! San Jose, you clearly need to visit some other Karaoke bars to know what deserves 5 stars, and what, ummm... doesn't.
1st, walking into the place was fairly scary, 2nd, walking in, I stuck to the fraternity like dirty floors and 3rd, the sound system was (putting it nicely) sub-par!
We expected the drink prices to be high, but with $10 for a beer and $14 for a vodka cranberry (crazy), the wait to sing (at 9:20pm) being 75 minutes, the sound system being so poor, and the crowd being so loud we could only hear the screamers, why bother staying?
Won't be going back to this place... although I will give a star for the HOTT drunk chick dancing in the front. Maybe she's there every night, which would explain the high ratings, but I can't imagine anyone giving this filthy place anything over 3 stars. -
Review from Jeremy N.
6/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Is it just me or does everybody call this place "Bamboo 7"? It actually sounds catchier that way.
I love this place because its a real Japanese bar that serves Sapporo and Asahi in giant bottles and tiny little beer glasses. The bartenders/owners are old japanese guys; cool and stoic.
And then there's the Karaoke dude. Who is this nerdy skater punk type of dude. He made this program which is the most efficient ever seen. It has a big projected list that shows all the up coming songs, and singers so there should be no repeats. It tells you how long until your song is up, so you know when is a good time to run to the taco truck. And it cycles through songs so smoothly so you dont have to deal with the drunkards mumbling on stage asking what song they chose. It also favors first time singers and ranks based on how often you have gone up.
The crowd is pretty awesome too. Usually younger college types who knows what songs are good, who knows when to just dance or when to get crunk. All in all awesome place to be any night. But come on Friday nights for live back up tambourine guy. -
Review from E M.
San Jose, CA
7/17/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Best karaoke bar. Period. Whether you can carry a tune or not, you will be cheered on. Factor in big-ass bottles of Sapporo or Asahi, along with stiff drinks, and you have yourself a fantastic time!
Victor (one of the 'Boo's regulars) will provide background instrumentation to your song if you're so inclined. Robert, the bouncer/KJ, is a blast to talk with.
This establishment is a microcosm of SJ's J-Town. College kids, aging hipsters, and middle aged couples all getting together to rock out! -
Review from Ricos Mami J.
San Jose, CA
1/10/2012
I don't go to karaoke bars often, so this was the first in a long while. went for new years and it was fun to have someone sing and then start counting down 1 minute to midnight. good energy from everyone....i didnt sing becuase I had no idea what song to do, but it was fun watching.its a very cute bar with an old feel to it.
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Review from Lisa N.
7/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The back entrance is a little scary. I would'nt come there or go through the back door alone. It's a little sketchy in my book. I don't understand why they can't have us enter through the front! It's only used as an exit!
They are always crowded! It's $1 a song. It's owned by an older asian couple who are the "bartenders" lol. Call her "mama-son"!!! I didn't like the fact that we got jipped! We were overcharged, but didn't notice until after we had left! 3 beers for $30? I think not! They are only $7 each!!!
We have to check our bill twice the next time we come!
The Karaoke-ing is fun! They have newer songs which is a plus. A lot of other places don't have the newer songs, but this place sure stays updated! I Would come back again with a group of people! -
Review from Ken B.
Groveland, CA
1/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the place to come when you are ready for all your karaoke dreams to come true.
You arrive at the 7 Bamboo. Dammit, it's closed. No, wait, there's a sign that instructs you to go around the back. As you walk through the alley and round the corner, you wonder if you just stepped into the seedy, grungy domain of a Chinese food restaurant back door area. But it's not, and you find the door, and walk into a small, casual bar with two elderly Japanese bartenders and a spattering of 20 to 50 somethings throughout.
To sing, you buy a card from the bartender. He doesn't understand what you're saying very well, so, first, he offers you an empty glass. You shake your head, no, then you make a motion as if you're writing your name on a piece of paper. He nods, asks you how many, and you give him a 5iver. It's a buck a song. He quickly returns with your ticket to stardom.
After a drink or two, you steel up the courage to scan your card at the karaoke kiosk. Pick a clever name, or not, no one will notice. You search a moment for a number that is certain to bring the house down, to make them feel your inner pain, to get them to see the beauty that is inside you.
Once you've keyed in your selection, you walk back to your table, certain you've made one of the most serious mistakes of your life. But, you're committed now. There is no turning back.
You watch the list of singers and songs closely, because there is no announcement when it is your turn. You get up, or you don't, the show will go on without you. Before you know it, it's your time to shine.
Standing up on that stage, the bright lights in your face, you reach for a last swallow of your beer. Suddenly, a wave of panic surges through your brain as you wonder if you zipped your fly after that last trip to the bathroom. Too late to check now.
The orange squares start to disappear on the television screen, and your karaoke debut is imminent. The last square disappears and you force air out your throat and over your vocal chords:
"It must have been cold there in my shadooooowwww...."
the crowd cheers for you. Your inner awesomeness is now on display for the whole club to soak in. In fact, you may be completely unaware, but your coming-out Karaoke performance is being streamed out onto the world wide web.
"to never have sunlight on your face..."
OMG you're doing it. Your voice doesn't sound quite right, a little constrained because of nerves.
"You were content to let me shine, that's your way..."
As you make your way through the song, staring intently at that monitor, making sure you hit all the words, you're certain the crowd is riveted. Perhaps you've even brought them to tears.
As you belt out the finale..
"YOU ARE THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS..."
you wait with a pregnant pause, place the microphone back onto the stand. You're not sure what to expect at this point. Perhaps they're too moved to respond to what they've just seen here? Suddenly, from a corner of the bar, you hear someone clapping. Your face cannot help but reflect the surge of pride you feel within. Someone clapped. For you. Congrats, bro, now you're hooked. Welcome to karaoke 7 Bamboo style. -
Review from Lynn R.
San Jose, CA
1/3/2012
Grab a friend and hit the town.... Japantown that is. Don't be mistaken by this small venue, big fun is literally lurking around the corner ( enter by the back door). Fun and friendly ppl. Load up a profile and add credits to your card. Average $1 per song. They have 2 touch screens to add your queue. Hurry and put them in cuz it fills up quick. There is a projection of who's up and their song ( also the amount of times that song has already been sung).
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Review from Carole R.
Union City, CA
3/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is pretty cool. This was the first non private karaoke place I've been to. I was scared to sing so I didnt sign up for any songs but later changed me mind after some drinks.
When you get here, put down some songs right away cuz spots fill up fast. And if you miss your chance, look at the computer at the end of the night because spots might open up if people don't do their song.
The drinks here are good. I was getting crown and cokes and they were standard price but had a good amount of crown. My friends and I got pretty drunk and started singing with strangers. Definitely fun times. I've been wanting to come back since. -
Review from Sylvia D.
2/13/2011
Gotta love a dive karaoke bar. I've been here often enough to recognize some of the regulars. Most of the folks who take hold of the mic are awesome performers, but everyone is an entertainer.
The place gets packed by 10 pm on a weekend so arrive earlier if you want to garner a table and seats. It only costs $1 per song and the song-selection is all computerized by touch screen. Try drink up and conjure up your bravery by 10:30-11:00 or else the playlist will be maxed out for the night. If you love hearing the sound of your own voice, they fairly give reasonable priority to those singing their first song of the night. Even if you're too self-conscious or not tipsy enough to take the stage, it's still way fun to sit back and sing along with the entire bar.
Some discoveries: I heard one of the best/unknowingly great karaoke songs here - AC/DC's Dirty Deeds. Soooo freakin' awesome. I also learned that I have a weakness for Weezer karaoke. Mmm mmm... Too bad those karaoke boys were younger and I'm not a cougar. Rawr? Meow...Listed in: I Heart JTSJ
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Review from Hevad Y.
Fremont, CA
3/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a Dive Karaoke Bar, so expect the drinks to be cheap and the entertainment to get better when everyone gets sloshed.
They have hot sake sitting in a heated container which is one of the main reasons I come here. Get a Karaoke ticket bar code card from the nice folks behind the bar for singing and try to get your songs on early before they close.
ONLY ONE WARNING. CLOSE OUT TABS OR CASH.
Some folks tried to act like my friends credit card on tab was their card and charge their $200+ tab on his. He caught them in the act. Being classy as he was nothing happened, but be for warned. We talked to the bar keep and he says it has happened once or twice before. -
Review from Amy R.
San Jose, CA
4/3/2011
Oh honey, just no. Want to pay for unfiltered San Jose tap water? Want to squint at 10 year old karaoke equipment riddled with Windows errors? Do you enjoy ordering a mixed drink only to end up with a $3 soda?
This only begins to detail our night at 7 Bamboo. I realize this is a dive bar that caters to their regulars, so I guess I'm a hater, but I can't imagine coming back here.
We showed up around 9PM, were greeted by a bouncer, who was friendly. No cover, and the karaoke works on a pay-per-play system ($1/song.
Turns out every.single.table/booth/chair had been reserved, despite the place being empty, so we were told by an employee that we could sit at the bar, but later got shoo-ed away, as they wanted to keep the bar open. Only our group was told this, rather than the four dudes watching and screaming at baseball. Why is baseball on at a karaoke bar and why are people screaming at it? These are the mysteries of 7Bamboo.
The biggest mystery, however, is what kind of crappy karaoke system they are running. The songs do not have the melody included, so unless you are singing a classic, or you have the bass beat to TLC's Waterfalls memorized, you're going to be struggling through your song. At least six people went up, tried to manage it, got frustrated and sat down. Seriously, Karaoke Revolutions would be a better experience. The DJ didn't show up until right before we left, so there was no control when someone didn't sing a song, or if there were technical problems (hint: there were). Oh, and the little plastic card you get when you sign into the system? Too big to fit in a standard wallet. Yeah, it's a super anal-retentive complaint, but come on.
You know how rum quality is determined by reverse naval rank? Like Sailor Jerry beats Captain Morgan and so on? Well this place is serving up rum that out-grosses Admiral Nelson. Does Fleischmann's make a rum? For $7, I don't expect Mt Gay, but come on, Bacardi or the Captain can't cost that much more.
So the good parts? Reasonably updated song collection, you're not just stuck with 90s pop. There are also a few really entertaining regulars who know the ropes, and will put on a good show. I imagine it is an awesome place for to meet girls, because who doesn't love a guy willing to sing? That's about it.
Finally, the song-list album is absolutely caked in dirt, as are the walls and floor. I'm kind of glad my tetanus shots are up to date. -
Review from Anna D.
10/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
Weide Z. has brought 7 Bamboo up many times on Yelp and I finally got an opportunity to check out his 'boo.
Right when I entered, I saw Weide hitting the tambourine and the cowbell for the singers on stage.
A tiny little place that has a full bar and the energy in that joint is undeniable, where there's one person on stage singing and the whole room is your audience.
And then I got the midnight munchies and the MoGo taco truck was outside.
I stuffed a taco in my face and then ran back into the 'boo.
And the MoGo truck doesn't leave till 2am, but good thing I ran out of cash or else I would've overdone it. -
Review from Katrina v.
San Jose, CA
6/16/2011
The bartenders here are a nice old Japanese couple.
If you like karaoke, this place will totally make you lose your shit. If you're like me and find karaoke annoying, it's somewhere you'll only wanna go once in a blue moon.
Really dive-y, not really any other bars in the area.
Go on a weekday so it won't be super packed. On weekends it's crowded and you have to wait forever for your turn at karaoke and the Journey and Lady Gaga songs are repeated like 5 times every night.
karaoke is $1 a song -
Review from Summer S.
San Jose, CA
10/11/2011
a cute lil hole in the wall bar. I wish it was bigger though. karaoke for everyone to sing. time to sing your lungs of people!
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Review from Pixel C.
Seattle, WA
5/19/2011
I give 1 star because I'm mean. I will say the atmosphere is nice, but
I won't come here ever again. I can sing karaoke drunk in a fun atmosphere somewhere else.
Why I dislike this place:
1. Bartenders are cheap. Only fill shot glasses up to the line. If you want me to tip and spend more money on drinks and songs, then fill my shot glasses close to the rim! I have money I want to spend, but not on cheap service!
P.S The drunker I get, the more songs I want to sing=my $$$ spent on song credits! What a concept! :O
2.The staff mixed my credit card with someone elses'. They gave me a card that wasn't mine at the end of the night. That was a hassle the next morning. I don't think spending 45 minutes on hold with my credit card company was worth it.
Why I like this place:
1.Brilliant business model with their song credit cards.
2.Fun atmosphere
3.Korean taco truck right outside
Sure, I might end up here again if my friends drag me here, as a friend I honestly don't want them to spend their money here again.
I will return when:
1) Bartenders stop being so cheap with their booze
2)Bartenders will be more mindful about tabs. -
Review from Max P.
5/8/2011
I like this place.
It is not fancy or anything.
Just cool to go out with some friends and sing a long with everyone else. -
Review from Gerald C.
Burlingame, CA
9/7/2011
Great place to sing a song for a buck. However, once it's past ten, it literally will be, one song - this place gets very crowded by then, so get here early if you want to sing. Seating can also get pretty tight. Kinda small song selection, but it still has enough songs to entertain. The drinks are strong. Great sound system. Divey decor. I also dig the internet streaming. A very unique karaoke experience. PS, when Vic takes his star turn to sing Suave, you must get up and do some meringue!
Listed in: San Francisco Bay Area - the…
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Review from Steph V.
4/24/2011
Thursday nights!!!!!!
My last semester in college, I'd come here with my journalism buds and scream our lungs out. On and off the stage it was a blast! The songs do sell out fast and the selection always seems so small when you see the line up people choose to sing. It's a very small place so don't expect to find a seat if the place is already packed.
Drinks are eh, bottled and some on tap. The atmosphere is totally corny with hanging Christmas lights and strange art work, but the bartenders are really cool and the karaoke dude is chill.
7 Bamboo usually closes shop around 1:30a but it's always a good time for sure. If you're looking for something new to do just a few blocks down in Japan town, try this place out. You never know, you might actually like it! Plus, there's no cover charge, so if you discover it's not your thing take a walk back downtown.
BONUS!: Mogo BBQ was parked outside of there this past thursday. Yum! -
Review from Jeziell B.
San Jose, CA
4/12/2011
I never thought I would go up and sing in front of a bunch of strangers, but lo and behold, I did. I guess it's just something about this place, makes you feel comfortable enough to get down with the karaoke.
Went on a Thursday night and it wasn't crazy crowded but there was definitely a young college crowd there. Drinks aren't too crazy priced, but you can probably get cheaper drinks during happy hour around other japan town spots.
Also, when I went there, someone busted out with a tambourine!! I don't know where it came from, but it was definitely something entertaining.
As far as the "performers" there, it is definitely a mixed bag of nuts. There are some really good singers and some who just get down with it, some who surprisingly don't need the lyrics for a complicated rap song, and people like me who are the worst singers ever, getting down. Don't expect me to be a karaoke master just because I'm flip! Contrary to popular beliefs, not all flips sing good. Haha. Don't judge me! NO SHAME!
It's just that kind of atmosphere. If you're looking for something a little different but still chill, this can be your spot if you choose. -
Review from Brian D.
Brea, CA
12/21/2010
Who comes here to chill? You come here to be drunk and be merry along with other drunk and merry folk.
The first time I came here, it was dead and slow, and I thought to myself, damn...this place is pretty ghetto and seems kinda shady (especially from the outside). But the drinks were moderately priced and they were flowing, so came the need to sing...because, as an Asian, its in your blood
And when you get up on that dinky little stage and do sing your heart out, that's when you know...everybody's gonna have a good time, the night is going to be crazy. -
Review from Brooke S.
San Jose, CA
2/13/2011
7 bamboo has it all.. A decent bar, karaoke, cool people, and a killer song list to choose from. By cool people, I also mean that the douche level is pretty low here. For the most part, it's a bar filled with people just wanting to have a good time.
I moved down the street a couple of months ago, and I've been trying to come here as much as possible. How could I not? What other people are saying is definitely true though, regarding seating. Bamboo is a lot more well known than I think anyone assumes.. On weekends, it's PACKED, being really the only place open in japantown past like 11.
I've been here a good handful of times;myself and a friend, and also with large groups. No matter what, I've never had a bad experience. I never thought of myself as much of a karaoke person, but this place proved me wrong. -
Review from Charvelle N.
Salinas, CA
The stars aligned and all was right in the world when i walked thru the doors of "the boo". the first time i came was on a thursday night. amazing people!!!! i walked in the door and some hotty was singing Tom Petty and I was in love. The walls decorated for halloween like my 9 year old's class room, but with so much character i couldn't help but love it. After a few stiff drinks, i was singing my heart out and did an impromptu duet with a harmonica player and even a duet with the hotty tom petty singing guy. so much fun.
Friday was super busy. the wait for a song was about 30mins, but i didn't even mind because the karaoke stars were so good i didn't feel the need to get up and make a fool of myself. My friend was banging the cow-bell all night long.
There was an awesome version of some spanish song sung by weide z! that was my fave! there were bongo solo's and tamberine's a jingling. The energy is off the charts.
a million extra stars for the mogo taco truck across the street. soooooo yummmmmmy! Im going to be making myself a regular at both the bar and the truck :)
happy camper. -
Review from Kristi D.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 2/6/2011
While I previously loved this place I do have to remove a star for a couple of things!
- They have upgraded to a computerized song-selection system. While this is superior to just writing your song on a piece of paper and assists with insuring everyone gets a turn to sing, it slows down the selection process. I suggest they still have books to browse so that people can get ideas of the songs they wish to sing prior to going up to the computer. Or put it up online. This would decrease the waiting time while people have to take up to 10 minute each to pick their song.
- It's very difficult to hear yourself sing if you do not have a powerful voice. They need to raise the mic volume or monitor from the old DJ booth.
- Bathrooms were not in very good condition and they do not have multiple stalls. They appear to be shared with a nearby restaurant and the lines are long even for the men. They ran out of toilet paper and seat covers midway through the evening.
- Someone appeared to be filming the karaoke. Where does this end up? Is there a waiver signed saying it is okay to film? I know there used to be live streaming.
Suggestion: if you come here make sure to make a reservation! It used to be first come, first serve, but now people make reservations and you will end up with a lame seat if you don't! :)
All in all this is still a great place with a wonderful and fun atmosphere but could do to improve with the items I have mentioned. :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/15/2007
This has been my first south bay karaoke experience and I highly recommend! I went on a Friday… Read more »
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Review from Mikey U.
Presumptively, there's a specific combination of nucleic acid pairings that formulates part of an "alpha helical coil" constituting a DNA chain with a chromosome at a genetic marker that resides somewhere in the vast genome map of "if you are this, then you do that" which mandates "Filipinos sing and dance".
I missed the bus. mikey = talentless and awkward = bad karaoke
Even still, if I could give this place more than 5 secksy stars I would... where else could you gather and meet with so many Yelp Legends and up-n-coming Yelp Stars, drink yourself silly, cheer on brave crooners, hear some amazing vocalists, and join in on a house-rocking "Don't Stop Believing"?
Thanks, Weide, for ever being the mastermind of 7Bamboo UYEs!
Plus, I had it from a trusted authority that there was a cute waitress there... VERIFIED! (See Cobber's review: [http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
AND at long long last, I got to meet Michael H and Jeanette Z...
*giddy* THEY'RE JUST SO AWESOME!! *giddy*
"...TALL too!", says the 5'5" stocky Polynesian...
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Took another cuddly picture with Rachel R... that girl is walking talking sunshine, I tell you... muah! -
Review from Monica L.
11/20/2008 ROTD 6/2/2009
Like...OMG....I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Seven Bamboo....where have you been all my life?!!!
Came here tonight for a post-party birthday celebration with Daniele D. I had no idea where she was taking me when we entered down a short alley into the back area where the door is. Great people here....I even met fellow Yelper Weide Z. who was singing on stage. I immediately recognized him and introduced myself. He has a fabulous voice....he can rock out the Spanish songs too! Only stayed for a short while since I have a 5am date with a treadmill but the illustrious Daniele was tearing up the stage with her voice and dance moves. I am coming back for sure!!
Hey Daniele....you and me....I smell a UYE!! (Hey that rhymes!!! =P) -
Review from Nadia L.
We came here as our first stop when out and about celebrating my girl Y's birthday and we had a blast! Thank goodness Mikey and Sarah already had a table or else we'd be stuck standing and in a place as crowded and small as Seven Bamboo you really do want to be sitting if you can.
The waitress was great- super nice and cute. Love the variety available from sake, beer, mixed drinks, etc.
I love the vibe here! So chill and it looks like everyone (huge range in age was represented) was just having a great time singing along with the person on the stage.
Extra plus? It's close to where I live! Definitely looking forward to coming back here again!Listed in: Drinks...Drinks...Drinks. .., My ROTDs
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Review from James V.
San Jose, CA
9/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Fun Karaoke bar. The Japanese beer with the singing in the dark place is great. It all just sums up to an experience of its own.
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Review from Jo H.
2/26/2010 ROTD 4/30/2010
*SUPASTAR*
(Mary Kathrine Gallagher pose)
A place where the serious and the curious can exist together in a karaoke melting pot. Just step up to the mic and belt your little heart out. Don't get me wrong, I was shaking like a leaf the first time around. I DO NOT, DO NOT sing in public. OK, I play around a bit but I don't really try to "sing". The crowd was really easy going and supportive. The crew of crazies in the corner helped too.
The system was easy to log into. Both songs I wanted were in the catalog. It's frill-less and basic. It's hard to even tell if the place is open from the outside.
So sing like you're in the shower, car, or mirror (come on you know you do it).
Four stars for a rush that's priceless. :)Listed in: Hey That's My Face!
