Private Room Karaoke and Spicy Cocktails Fly into River North Tonight

Warm up those vocal chords, Chicago: Blind Dragon, the swanky karaoke lounge, officially opens today in River North in the basement of the Found Chicago hotel. The brand debuted three years ago in West Hollywood and ownership tweaked the formula for the Midwest. The Chicago iteration eschews tiki for extravagant large-format cocktails mixed with Asian ingredients. Small plates will also eventually be available.

The karaoke rooms can be reserved giving Chicagoans a refined spot for group gatherings. Given the proximity to corporate offices, it’s conceivable HR directors are licking their chops. Did someone say team-building activity?

Blind Dragon is the first Midwest project for the H.wood Group, an LA nightclub powerhouse founded by John Terzian and Brian Toll. They’re also opening a restaurant inside the Chicago hotel. A spokesperson promised more details soon on Mason, a new brand with planned locations in Santa Monica, California, and San Francisco. Found Chicago will also welcome a coffee bar called Mason&Mason. Blind Dragon has locations in LA and Scottsdale, Arizona. H.wood has worked with designer John Sofio (Built) on many projects including Blind Dragon Chicago.

See if Blind Dragon can breathe some fire into River North nightlife starting today.

Blind Dragon, 613 N. Wells Street inside the Found Chicago hotel, open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday to Friday, secure karaoke reservations by calling (312) 643-0449.