Akai

  4.2 – 226 reviews   • Cocktail bar

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Chic speakeasy accessed via the kitchen at Musume or the side door marked with a Japanese symbol.

Akai 75201

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Reviews

Derek Amos
Came for Valentine’s Day. Reserved a table, knew there was a “minimum” but didn’t know how much. I asked the server and she was oblivious that we were at a reserved table. Found out it was $150. Service was incredibly slow. I asked for recommendations to which she provided none. I picked a juniper gin drink, didn’t like it. Sent it back and got a bourbon drink I liked. They charged me for the drink I disliked, whatever, I get it. Ask for the bill after waiting a long time for her to come check on us. She stands at the POS with another woman for about 5-7 minutes looking at us intermittently, I’m guessing bc I brought up the minimum. She delivers the bill and it was a $150 base, not a minimum. So I spent over $200 for 3 decent drinks. If you’re going to charge a $150 base for a speakeasy table, at least be able to recommend or even explain the crafted cocktails. Not worth the money at all. Glad we left when we did because they let in a loud bachelorette party who ruined the vibe of a “speakeasy”. Decorations were cool, but they’ve really missed the mark. Will not come back.
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REI Justin
Me and my friends and had a great time at Akai, their cocktails were very tasty, the atmostphere was good. Our host, Holly, was very accommodating, energetic, and professional. We’ definitely comeback.

Tips for those visiting this place on their first time, come around 9ish so you can get seated, because they can get very busy.
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Letty Fuentes
A super cool place! Intimate and fun! Next level cocktails at the hands of the wonderful bartender, Michael! Would definitely visit again! Great place to visit after a symphony concert!
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William Bailes
They let in a loud, large, all pink cowboy hat wearing bachelorette party into a “speakeasy” on Valentine’s Day.

Trying to enjoy a drink with my partner on Valentine’s Day, and in comes a loud crowd of women constantly “woo” screaming and when we wish to leave we’re charged the $150 base fee for a reservation for drinks.

I would’ve enjoyed more drinks if this place knew where “speakeasy” got its name. You’re supposed to have an intimate moment on Valentine’s Day and be able to SPEAK EASILY.

On Valentine’s Day of all days, what were you people thinking.
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Briana Ziino
Definitely has potential.
Areas for improvement: bathroom isn’t watched over too well, the soap was empty at the time,stuff on the floor.
Got an area to sit in and the waitress forgot to give us the dice to roll for one of the cocktails. The bartender got flustered when we asked for four drinks , mind you the place is not packed and he got the drinks wrong twice.

Music was nothing special more like EDM house. The finish out of the speakeasy is cool but that’s about it. My friend musume and the apps had it going on but the entre he got a omekase and it suckkkkked compared to others in Dallas , you can tell the fish has sat out in the fridge and the waiter recommended not ordering some items which he was probably right.
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Mister Blackbird
So I came here the other night.. After being a huge fan of Akai pre-renovation. What it was and what it is now is just sad to see… It is just a cringe-y Tiktok influencer nightclub now.

First of all, why is there a line in the middle of the restaurant with a doorman for a speakeasy? That’s different… But I didn’t know about the renovation by then. The doorman was hostile to people ahead of us in line and behind us. Seemed to ignore us and just waived us through after waiting ages… Come to find out when we do finally make it in… It’s turned into a crappy soulless version of what it was before. Its for the forward-facing-camera-in-mini-dresses-“Come with me to check out this…”-influencer-crowd. The drinks have suffered. They ruined the vibe of the place with a glaring LED screen, its no longer vibe-y and laid back anymore. Its a lame nightclub. The only saving grace is that they are keeping their cocktails under $20… For now.

Bartenders were rude, the crowd vibe was weird, and there is nothing laid back or speakeasy about this place. I imagine it was just busy since its close to the holidays, cause I can’t imagine coming here otherwise. Its just… Bad. 0/10. Third ‘experience’ type place I’ve been to in the past year that’s pivoted to this type of environment and it is absolutely one of the worst examples and will likely be closing with the rest before long.

Note, all the historical positive reviews are mostly pre-renovation in November 2025.
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Ragan Zimmerman
Came in to eat with some friend last night a little before 10 PM. It was pretty packed at the front, but restaurant seating was empty. I guess people were waiting to go back into the speakeasy part and it was packed shoulder to shoulder with no organization. It’s Friday night and they’re busy, that’s great! That’s a good thing. BUT this kid came up front and started picking people that could come in or not. Again, it’s busy, they have to turn people away, awesome! Business is great!

There was a group of people in front of us, and we overheard this kid telling them they “don’t fit the aesthetic we’re looking for. Haha yea guys not tonight, you need to try a little harder.” Their outfits and appearance looked on par with everyone else, but this kid laughed in their face and told them to leave. After they left we overheard him say “haha ya no fugos”

It was really gross and sad to hear. We decided to leave a few minutes later.
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Ade Ade
I and my friends had an incredible experience at Akai, thanks to our bartender Mike!
He was super knowledgeable about the menu and crafted the perfect cocktail for us. Mike’s recommendations were perfect for what I was in the mood for, and his friendly vibe made the hidden atmosphere even more special. If you’re looking for a unique night out, definitely check out Akai and ask for Mike!
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Priscilla Gonzalez
Love this place… the speakeasy vibe of it makes this one of my favorite places in Dallas. The cocktails are to die for. When I first got there I wasn’t sure what I wanted so I simply asked the bartender to make me something refreshing. When I tell you that Michael delivered! He delivered… he made me the yummiest well balanced cocktail I’ve ever tasted. Will definitely go back for more. Not to mention how sweet and amazing he was to means my husband. Hubby loved his espresso martinis! will most certainly be going back, and asking for Michael on my date nights. He was the best, made my experience that much better
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Stacie M. Johnson
5 Stars –
Outstanding Experience!
I had Kai the absolute pleasure of being served by Micheal at Akai, and I can confidently say he is one of the best bartenders I’ve ever encountered. His attention to detail, warm personality, and top-tier hospitality made the entire experience unforgettable.

Not only were the drinks perfectly crafted, but Micheal’s genuine energy and professionalism elevated the atmosphere. He made everyone at the bar feel seen, welcomed, and taken care of. It’s rare to find someone who balances skill, service, and charm so effortlessly.

If you’re visiting Akai, do yourself a favor and sit at Micheal’s bar—you won’t be disappointed. Thank you, Micheal, for making the night exceptional!
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