Private karaoke rooms should always be dark and dirty?stained cushions and rickety tables make screaming off-key into a microphone seem perfectly natural. Which is why Venus Karaoke in the International District is the perfect setting for your next songfest. Sure, their equipment crashes every once in a while, and occasionally your song selection won't come with any lyrics. But the place stays open until 4 a.m. on weekends and has an impressive list of songs for English speakers, including some surprises like a couple of raunchy 2 Live Crew numbers. Technically, Venus only allows alcohol if you get a permit first, but they aren't exactly checking bags?just be discreet and you should be fine. There's also a sign posted that says food fights are allowed for a fee ($50). Whether that is seen as an invitation or a warning is entirely up to you.?Suzie Rugh