What a very beautiful bar. When I entered the place, I was immediately transported back to my time in Japan. The service and the drinks were amazing, and the bartender was very skillful. Every time he made a drink, it highlighted his artisanal skills. If you are looking for a cocktail place, head to Gaku! It will be your new go-to place if you are looking for a craft cocktails. Tip: If you are a fan of mojito, you have to try theirs. It was extraordinary! read more

Shocked at how much I liked it. $10 cover charge is kind of rough and almost deterred me from staying and I'm happy it didn't. Got the recommended Gin & Tonic along with an Emerald, and I liked both. Hidden in a random strip mall, the atmosphere was pleasant and relaxing and the staff was all friendly. I haven't been, but I'd imagine if I go to Japan I can find cocktail bars there that match exactly what this bar is. A bar straight out of Japan. Even the staff, and a good majority of the clientele the night I visited were Japanese. I definitely can see myself coming back here next time I'm in the area. read more

Service is 10000/10!! Staff was so patient, knowledgeable, friendly and hilarious! We ordered a bunch of different cocktails but for some of them, I don't recall the names: - Sidecar 5/5 fruity and sweet - Singapore Sling 5/5 - Highball - forgot how that one tasted lol but in my notes I wrote "good if you like Japanese whiskey" - Old Fashioned 4/5 sooo strong - Gin and tonic 5/5 refreshing - Whiskey Sour 3/5 not my thing - Secret 5/5 lycheee - Pasao 5/5 fruity, orangey - Manhattan 3/5 like an old fashioned but stronger, I didn't like the taste of that one Yes, there is a cover and then you pay for additional hours BUT it's so worth it, I loved the ambiance and the crowd wasn't obnoxious. It was so great we stayed for about 3 hours! read more

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I had high expectations for this place based on its description and reviews. However, I left feeling a bit disappointed. It's a Japanese speakeasy in Gardena in a random strip mall. There is a cover charge of $10 per person for the first hour, and then $5 for each hour after up to $20 max total. So after the third hour there, there's no further cover charge. They don't have a cocktail menu. The bartender can basically make any drink you want. Our server suggested the gin and tonic which my friends got and I opted for a whiskey sour. We liked our drinks but it wasn't anything spectacular or out of the ordinary. Just a standard gin and tonic, and a standard whiskey sour. It was smooth and well made but considering that there is a cover charge, I expected the drinks to be phenomenal or for the vibes to be really amazing. However, I felt that the place was overall a bit lackluster. It didn't look particularly nice inside. Kinda reminded me of an old restaurant with a few tables and chairs. They had Halloween decor up and were playing Halloween music or random 80s music. I also wished the lighting was a little darker or it would have been nice if they had live music or a live DJ. Just some things I hope the owner will consider since they're charging a cover as if it's a club or exclusive lounge. We all felt like the place wasn't worth $100 (including tip) for just 3 drinks. Parking: free in plaza lot read more

Gaku - Whiskey sour - Bars Near Me - Gardena, California

This is the best Japanese bar in town! Fun to bring friends and family especially for karaoke night. Drinks are great and so is service. The owner was very accommodating. Will return! Agree with other reviewer- just like Japan. read more

Great service. Fun comfortable place to be at. Bartender takes good care of you. Excellent service

The bartender and the staff here are all good people. Genuinely the friendliest people I have met. The drinks are amazing. I would drink here everyday if I could haha. read more

Their service is almost unbelievable. They are so nice and kind. I will come here again and again. The ambience is beautiful. I was so happpy i came here and i found it . Highly recommended read more

My favorite bar of all time! The cocktails are amazing. I always order a whiskey sour. After coming here whiskey sours at any other bar do not taste the same! They don't even come close. So exquisitely crafted. Yagi-san is the most amazing legendary bartender. The bar itself is low key and relaxing. But the people here are the best part. Every single person here is full of joy and laughter. You will not find this kind of vibe or drinks anywhere else. I almost don't want to write this review so that this place doesn't get too popular. The best of the best !!!! Thank you Yagi-San and the rest of the Gaku bar fam! read more

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Great bar with a fantastic ambiance, reminds me of cocktail bars in Japan. The highballs here are fantastic and I would highly recommend!

Classic Japanese bar and lounge tucked away in an unassuming strip mall. Made an amazing highball, Manhattan, whiskey sour. The bartender is extremely respectful and amazing at his craft highly recommend read more

Gaku - Manhattan - Bars Near Me - Gardena, California

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Wow what a memorable and great experience I had here, thank you to the wonderful bartender that was serving. I am absolutely grateful my friends and I walked here looking for a bar on a weeknight. This is a Japanese style bar, different than your regular bar this a lounge that is great for a quality detailed than your normal cocktail and the ambiance is awesome for socializing or going on a date or to come have a drink yourself. Will make the greatest drink to your absolute liking at your preference. Very kind, friendly, and attentive staff, once again thank you very much. read more

Gaku - Dirty martini, acidic - Bars Near Me - Gardena, California

You can taste the love in each drink. I recommend the lychee martini and the espresso martini.

I came here with a couple of pals who are regulars to this bar. I'm not sure about the hostess part as detailed in other people's reviews, but the 4 of us enjoyed our time here. I think this bar caters towards its regulars, so truth be told, I don't know if I'd come here without my pals who could navigate me into the world of this bar. Anyways, that being said, I just have to say that this place hands down makes the best gin and tonics I have ever tasted in my life. The bartender is an artist and genius. I actually heard from another Japanese restaurant in DTLA (bar sawa) that their bartenders are trained from the main bartender at Gaku. Hence, just know this man is legit and a true gem. So honestly... my rating is based solely on his cocktail making abilities. He's a true master! read more

Japanese hostess bar. Ambiance was inviting, and the Gin and Tonic was a standout. Bar charge begins at $10 for the first hour, followed by $5 for each subsequent hour. Overall, a distinctive experience worth trying. read more

Gaku - Gin and Tonic - Bars Near Me - Gardena, California

I was craving an authentic Japanese Highball like the ones I've tried in Japan and this place did not disappoint. Their Gin and Tonic and Moscow Mule are tasty as well. The bar tenders are very polite and you receive the same level of service サービス ‍ you get in Japan. Keep in mind there is a $10 cover charge plus $5/hr charge. I went inside with a T-shirt and felt underdressed, so dress business casual or better. If you want some high end cocktails, in a classy bar, check it out. -ロドちゃん read more

The best drinks in town and nice service. The place could use some remodeling though, the carpet needs to be changed and walls painted.

Overall my experience here was nothing short of excellent! Food and drink really hit the spot plus the owners a really cool guy checking up on us read more

I go to this place couple times but I really love this place!! Bar tender guy Yagi-san is best bartender I have ever seen and I am sure you will love all drink he makes. He will never disappoint you and he does very best to each customers and drink he makes I usually sit on the bar and it is easy to make friends or chat with anyone who sit on the bar There are also booths that girls will serve you drinks They have bars and booth and also karaoke room too You will have so much fun there Service is good, people are so awesome Bar charge is $10 and drinks usually cost about$10-13each You will love this place I am sure!!!^_^ read more

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Gaku is a Japanese hostess bar. Yeah, this is where you all raise your eyebrows and ask, "You mean....*gulp* prostitution?" It's nothing like that. It's basically a place where you get bottle service, and a couple of girls will sit with you, make small talk and prepare your drinks as soon as your glass gets low. You know how people are always trying to find someway to reduce the time it takes to grab a drink, wearing stupid beer bong hats and the like? Well, this is the solution...and believe me, pretty girls generally trump beer bong hats every time...unless you're an idiot which you're not. Are you? Now, I do have to say that it is pricey and generally runs me about $100-150 per person for an evening. Last time I went with my pal Ed, he got pretty smashed after we had finished a bottle of Johnny Walker Black. As we walked outside, the manager was talking to some cops and reassuring them that no one will be allowed to drive drunk. With perfect, drunken timing, Ed runs up behind her, picks her up and twirls her around while singing, "Wheeee!" The cops didn't find it as hilarious as I did. The service is excellent. Prices are cheaper than most bottle services. And, the girls are friendly and attractive. Oh, and if you prefer a cheaper evening, sit at the bar and let Yagi-san the bartender mix up one of his specials. The man is an artist. read more

I decided to check out a few bars in the Torrance area and we ended up here. We just sat at the bar and didn't look for any hostess services. The bar tender had decent pours on the scotch however, wasn't really chatty or friendly. When we left, we were a little drunk so they offered us water on our way out. This is usually done as a gesture of courtesy at other places however, apparently they counted that into my final bill as well. I signed for $79 but my statement says they posted a charge of $82. So either they charged me $3 for 2 mini-sized bottles of water or they misread 79 as 82. Either way, I wouldn't come back here again. read more

This place is okay, for a married man with a daughter, this place is so watered down compared to hostess bars in Asia that coming here felt like going to a local bar. I don't know why they call this a hostess bar, this really should be more of a 'talking' bar because that's all you really do here. You just talk, and the ladies pour drinks for you. That's it! I was drunk by the time I left this place, I remembered it being fun, and expensive, so no I wouldn't come back. Nothing beats the places in Asia. read more

this bar allows guests to smoke inside, i mean, at the bar. BIG NO. girls are not like "hostess". just drink with us without any manner. I heard the bartender is awesome. i didn't see someone who really enjoys infront of him. i'd try next time if there will be "smoke free" read more

This place has a great bartender who serves good drinks. Price is kinda high though.