An upcoming karaoke spot in Crystal City hopes to open later this year.
Interior construction is underway at Lantern Restaurant & Bar, which expects to open toward the end of this year, according to a county staff report for the Arlington County Board.
Inside the restaurant at 320 23rd Street S., a “Lantern” sign can be seen affixed to the hostess stand, but ladders, lumber and other construction equipment currently fill much of the space.
According to plans, Lantern will feature several private karaoke rooms in addition to one main stage for “traditional” karaoke.
The space has sat vacant for nearly a decade following the closure of Matsutake Hibachi Steak and Sushi in 2014. Lantern will join a variety of storefronts at the address, including Bowlero, an urgent care clinic and a liquor store.
The County Board is scheduled to weigh the renewal of the restaurant’s live entertainment permit at its July 22 meeting, which would allow Lantern to fulfill its karaoke plans. County staff, noting that the permit has not yet been utilized, recommend that the Board approve the renewal.
A request for comment sent to Lantern’s owner went unanswered by publication time.
