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Akai

3.8 (58 reviews)
Closed • Closed

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Recommended Reviews - Akai

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Huaqing L.

A fun speak easy experience. Space is not very big. Love the red color design. Drinks were very good.

a dimly lit bar with red lighting
Sara G.

This spot is through the discreet kitchen of Musume, a sushi restaurant in Dallas. Located in the Arts District. I had eaten at Musume back in 2021. But I didn't realize what was through the kitchen... Damn! The dimly lit interior is adorned with oriental motifs, namely dragons. It's an alluring spot with plush velvet booths tucked away in separated sections promoting exclusivity! The bar, also covered in crimson hue lighting, has an impressive handcrafted cocktail line up. I had the Cobra Akai and it was excellent.

Adriana C.

This spot is a must. The vibes, the drinks, the music, and everything is amazing in here. The drinks are pretty strong and delicious. Start at the sushi restaurant and come back for some drinks. Such a cute spot with friends or a date night. Service is good! Espresso martini is a must!

Cobra Akai
Norma B.

Gave me everything I was looking for. Friend in town, I wrote down a few places to check out to have one drink and see the next location. This place was behind another restaurant and it was absolutely cool. The host turned me over to security that walked me out the back of the restaurant, through the kitchen (smiling faces in the back) and through the hallway and into a secret clubhouse! So awesome! The security that opened the door was so nice too! Walked around the circle layout, stopped at the bar and placed an order. Cobra Akai and East to West were ordered and no disappointment was had! We danced, had some mixed shot that sent us out the door and to bed by midnight! I recommend this place and will be back, great experience

Jem G.

During our company event, I had the opportunity to visit Akai, which offered a wide selection of Japanese-inspired drinks. I decided to try Koko, Geisha, and Cobra Akai and forgot the other one. As you can see, named based on something Japanese. One aspect that stood out to me was the craftsmanship that went into each drink. The bartenders skillfully created unique concoctions, and the attention to detail was evident in every sip. It was apparent that they took pride in their craft. Aside from the drinks, the bar itself had a lot to offer. The spacious and clean bathroom was a pleasant surprise. The decorations throughout the bar were tastefully done, adding to the ambiance and creating a visually pleasing atmosphere. I enjoyed entering through Museum, and they will lead you the way to the bar. You will be guided and will pass through the kitchen. Staff will greet you, and you will also have the privilege to see what's going on in the kitchen "behind the scene." I can bring a friend here, especially if they visit the town. Little pricey, but hey, it's a different ambiance.

Kristiyana B.

This place is a very cool speakeasy, hip crowd and a nice vibe. It's more of a chill place to get drinks and enjoy music nobody was really dancing. The drinks are great and the service is quick.

Precious Jade
Anika A.

This is a very classy yet low key speakeasy/lounge. The owner of Musume (Ken) actually recommended that we stop by after dinner. He even personally walked us through the restaurant over to Akai (they're pretty much connected) which was pretty sweet. I absolutely loved the vibe inside. The room is dimly lit with red LED lights and the music was pretty good and matched the ambiance. The waitresses were attentive and helpful when we needed them. I was in the mood for a light drink that wasn't too sweet or fruity so I order the Precious Jade which is sake infused with cucumber water, vodka, hibiscus and a few other ingredients. I really liked it + it was the perfect light cocktail after eating sushi. The drink itself looks pretty cool too. With gratuity included my friend and I paid about $32 for our drinks, which wasn't too bad. There were plenty of other really cool drinks the bartenders made so I would definitely come back here.

Speaking easy at the speakeasy.
Chase L.

Easily one of the best speakeasies in Dallas (Hence why I only have one photo of the bar itself). Hidden behind the active kitchen in an unsuspecting restaurant, mention the name of the speakeasy to one of the staff and they can direct you where to go. Say hello to the hard working kitchen staff on your way to a secluded room with a red door. There, you'll enter an entirely new atmosphere where a red dragon and intimate lighting look down on you from the ceiling. The bar is a wonder in itself as the attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable bar staff chill your glass with liquid nitrogen so you can enjoy an ice cold cocktail in one of the most entertaining and unique ways in Dallas. Hint: if you like bourbon or espresso martinis... this is a GREAT spot. (They have a mocha flavored espresso martini that will blow your mind) This place is not incredibly large but great for groups of 4-8 people. They have horseshoe style lounge chairs to fit a semi-large group. Very comfortable and exciting environment hidden away from the real world to go and enjoy some great drinks with your favorite people or significant other. I HIGHLY recommend a visit to this location if you're into speakeasies.

Marlon T.

The drinks are amazing (interesting and delicious), the music is great (straight unce unce unce), the red light atmosphere is sexy classy, and the secrecy/intimacy of the joint is just fun. Located behind Musume restaurant, just tell the person up front you're there for Akai. They literally take you through the kitchen to get to the bar. I know they take reservations, so consider making one if you have a large party. They do bottle service if it's that kind of night. They pay extremely high attention to detail when it comes to their cocktails. Their ice has their logo on it, the appearances are visually appealing, and most importantly, they taste good. Drinks are like $15 each which I think is a fair price for the quality and happiness it brings. I highly recommend this joint for a date night out!

Colorful drinks.  Clockwise from the top, Tuk Tuk, Arts District, Watatsumi, Cherry Blossom
Brian Q.

I stopped by Akai after attending the symphony across the street at the Meyerson (the combo makes for a nice date night). It's super convenient because you can leave your car in the underground parking lot (which connects to the Meyerson) since it doesn't close after the symphony ends. I like the fact that Akai doesn's show up on Google maps (I mean speakeasies are supposed to be secret). When you are escorted to Akai, you'll travel through four doors, the kitchen and back hallways. It's a longer walk than you'd expect but kind of cool. The bar itself is bathed in dim red light coming from the magnificent dragon which stretches the length of the ceiling. There's a piece of wall art in the back of two fighters which reminded me of characters out of the Street Fighter video game. The crowd was diverse (reminded me of the crowd I see Bourbon and Banter) when I was there. Everything from sparkly dresses and high heels to hoodies and baseball caps. Now, the most important part. The drinks! I tried several cocktails and for my taste (I generally like Old Fashioneds and Whiskey Sours), the Tuk Tuk was my favorite - very balanced. And the Arts District high ball was a close second - you really get the grapefruit bitters as an aftertaste. I sampled two other drinks that the girls ordered but I thought both were too sweet. Their Old Fashioned has chocolate bitters which is potentially genius so I want to try that next time. I appreciate that their drinks actually have a range of prices ($10-$18) although the mode is $15. The only negative is they only serve $4 bottled water so you might want to hydrate before you get here. Akai might be my new favorite speakeasy so I'm hoping it won't get too popular.

Cool interior
Michelle N.

Super hidden bar located way in the back of a restaurant. I walked into a restaurant on the corner of the street to ask if they knew where it was at. The hostess (non interested) said there would be someone that would be right with me to escort me the way. The escort was super nice, he walked us to the back, through the kitchen, through these back hallways, to a lot of doors and then to the bar. He checked up on us quite frequently as well more than the waitress herself. The drinks were a little different, but there were so many options as well. --Shibuya Smash (3/5) - A pretty strong drink that was a fruity refreshing drink but not too sweet. This was way better than the second drink I had. --Precious Jade (2/5) - I didn't like this one. There's five spice in here and I thought it would be a different approach, but possibly delicious since the waitress recommended it. Sweetness overload and it had a bad after taste. Cool experience with okay drinks. I would give it 2 stars but one additional for the experience!

Romantic corner!
Rick B.

Totally hidden speakeasy; worth the trouble of navigating back hallways and passages! Dark and sumptuous/modern decor, with red lighting more reminiscent of Mortal Kombat than Amsterdam - creating a romantic hideasy for your dressy date-night! The house drinks are good; my wife LOVED the 'Geisha!' I stuck to my absinthe regulars, but they mixed on request with great aplomb. Friendly waitresses helped the vibe. Another winner; we'll hurry back soon!

Espresso Martini

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7 years ago

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6 years ago

It's very loud right now can you turn it down? Otherwise I really like this spot!! Please turn down the volume!!

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5 years ago

By far my favorite place in Legacy West. Service is great and the food is incredible. Great place for a date or a casual happy hour cocktail

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4 years ago

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Apothecary - Pizza bites and Cannoli

Apothecary

4.4(210 reviews)
2.3 mi•Lower Greenville
•$$

I visited Apothecary on a Sunday evening -- the left side (the original, not the side that Rye used…read moreto occupy). A low-lit lounge and bar, a space that feels intimate and yet, the music playing from the speakers (not too loud, just there) gives it an expectant energy, too. It's the kind of place you enjoy being because it feels like an experience. I'm going to have a unique, well-made drink tonight in a cool spot. The cocktail menu seems like it's updated every season or so, the bartenders/creators' names featured on the cover. Very cool. Will definitely be back.

I tend to get overly descriptive but I'll TRY to keep this short and sweet…read more Hostesses- always have golden etiquette. Charming, polite, respectful, and pleasant to talk to. You know how sometimes you'll go to a nice place and the hostesses are catty, rude and have close to zero manners? That won't happen here! Even with their high class service, the bartenders expertise in all types of spirits, and the craftsmanship of each and every cocktail + plate. Anna was the hostess during the time i went who took my number down to add me to the wait list. She was soft spoken (welcoming with just that) and not to mention, GORGEOUS. S/o as well to Tanner for always being so accommodating and making every visit a 10/10 as well as the bartenders/cocktail peeps. if you guys are ever looking for a drink with a side of fabulous caviar, come here. enjoy the scene, the decor, and the whimsical vibes this place provides

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Apothecary - French Kissing and The Dude

French Kissing and The Dude

Apothecary - Smoked salmon tea sandwiches

Smoked salmon tea sandwiches

Apothecary - Charcuterie Board: $36

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Charcuterie Board: $36

Red Phone Booth

Red Phone Booth

4.3(136 reviews)
20.1 mi
Luxury
Full bar

About: Red Phone Booth, founded in Atlanta in 2020 by…read moreStephen de Haan in partnership with actor and whiskey and cigar enthusiast Michael Cudlitz , opened its first Texas location in The Colony, Dallas, in 2023, celebrating three years since its inception. The venue is designed to resemble a Prohibition-era speakeasy, with an entrance accessible through a rotary phone inside a red telephone booth (which actually works!). Our tour was led by Jamie, who shared his extensive knowledge as he guided us through the Prohibition Era alongside our concierge, Landon. The speakeasy features stunning floors made of 120-year-old Italian wood, beautifully decorated with art, books, and a selection of premium entertainment and spirits. Patrons can request "prescriptions," which are 2oz alcoholic shots inspired by the owner's grandfather, who was a pharmacist. Cocktails and friendly service was provided by Emma and Kyle, their services were a nod to Bob Ruede, RPB's renowned Intoxicologist, along with other award-winning bartenders recognized for their excellence in service and hospitality. Eric, the Cigar Attendant, is knowledgeable about how to properly enjoy an exceptional cigar experience. The Mafia Room is an exclusive space perfect for guys' and girls' nights, intimate events, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. While Red Phone Booth offers exclusive membership tiers with premium perks, you don't need to be a member to enjoy the Prohibition experience. If you're interested in joining, visit redphonebooth.com to schedule a membership tour. Things We Liked: Cocktails: -Lions Tail -Brown Derby Appetizers: -Shrimp Oreganata -Polpette Sliders -Quattro Formaggio Pizza Dessert: -Tiramisu Cigars -Drew Estate Tabak Dulce Corona -Drew Estate Deadwood Fat Bottom Betty Locations are nationwide with more coming soon): 5774 Grandscape Blvd, Suite 100, The Colony, TX 75056 S/O to Mike, Andri, Kyle, and the team at Red Phone Booth for an unforgettable night. Special thanks to @ for joining in on the fun and presenting a gift to The Glass Mic from her craft line, @SlayTheDae_ (IG) See for yourself! Follow @RGBGrandscape on IG for tasty offerings and updates!

Red Phone Booth is a great touch to The Colony. Not only is it a great photo op, the drinks are…read morevery well made. It is a cigar lounge so expect that. Plus, there is a dress code, so no athletic clothing or ripped jeans. I like to bring my family from out of town here and they've always liked it.

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Red Phone Booth
Red Phone Booth
Red Phone Booth

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Babou's - Back room

Babou's

3.6(41 reviews)
0.5 mi

I had been wanting to try this place after seeing the library room all over my TikTok feed. The…read moreexterior is very concealed and really leans into the speakeasy vibe, which made arriving feel a bit more exciting. When we walked in, the hostesses greeted us and seated us at the table we had reserved in the Leopard Room. Initially, we were placed at a small half table along the wall. We asked if it was possible to move, and they happily accommodated us. That particular table felt a bit awkward for conversation since you can barely face the person across from you. It might work better for someone sitting alone and people watching rather than having a full conversation. Service throughout the night was great. The staff checked in regularly without being intrusive and made sure we always had what we needed. For drinks, I would say they were just okay. They were not bad, but they also were not particularly memorable. Given the speakeasy concept, I expected a bit more creativity in both flavor and presentation. We ordered the Melting Clock Elixir, Persistence of Berries, Cotton Candy Cloud, and the Surrealist 75. As the night went on, the space became much more crowded and louder once the DJ started playing. If you are hoping to have a relaxed conversation and catch up with friends, this might not be the best spot later in the evening. From what I saw, the Library Room seems to have a nicer atmosphere for that. The Leopard Room leans more toward a lounge or club-like environment as the night progresses.

I'm not a big fan of this spot. It's probably better for the partying late night crowd but I prefer…read moreIsabelle's upstairs for a great cocktail experience. Nobody is probably great if you're looking for a late night party vibe but not so great if you're looking to have a conversation with close friends. The one thing I will also add is that the smell here is a little off. I'm not sure why but maybe it has something to do the carpet floors? It reminds me of a low end bar that hasn't been cleaned up yet -- that is it the case here, it is clean, just smells a little off!

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Babou's - Entrance

Entrance

Babou's
Babou's - Bar

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Bar

Akai - speakeasies - Updated May 2026

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