The Wharf’s Futuristic Karaoke Bar Looks Straight Out of ‘Tron’ | Eater DC

"Set in a 6,000-square-foot, maze-like marbled space at 730 Maine Avenue SW, Live-K feels like the Wharf’s most aggressive late-night addition with dramatic LED-lit displays, frenetic video walls, a ceiling-spanning mega-screen of darting cartoon graphics, and high-tech private karaoke portals. The Japanese-leaning menu focuses on street snacks such as takoyaki, gyoza, spicy honey barbecue wings, grilled meat skewers, beef donburi, noodle soups, truffle fries, mochi ice cream, and bubble teas, while a fast-paced beverage program uses all-batched cocktails ($16) for speedy service and offers large-format bottles ($95–$190), bottle service (including tequila options and Ace of Spades for $900), and highlighted cocktails like a white Negroni, mezcal Old Fashioned, and the Passion-K (Bacardi, falernum, passion fruit, lime, and nutmeg). Private rooms range from 10-person spaces starting at $68 (no minimum spend) to a 40-person VIP rentable for $268 per hour, with a “service” button to alert bartenders; the venue also includes a main stage for open karaoke near the bar, a live DJ Friday and Saturday nights, shiny six-foot bear statues behind the glass facade, and a row of four rare Bearbrick figurines at the glowing gold bar. Operated by Chinese-American investor Chris Zhu—whose family has long loved karaoke and who previously opened Ginza Karaoke Spot & BBQ Lounge—Live-K is family-oriented yet clubby, open Sunday–Thursday 4 p.m.–2 a.m. and Friday–Saturday until 3 a.m., with bookings available until 3 a.m. on weekends." - Tierney Plumb