Genji has been here in Houston for the longest time and it used to be further down on Westheimer towards Galleria area. But from what I know is that the owner of that lot wanted to demolish the area (which is now a bank with drive thru) and kicked all the tenants out. I think it was a very good move for Genji as this square is known for Daido Japanese Supermarket and it's good to see another Japanese establishment in this square again.
First, this location is much bigger than the original location, and the higher ceiling helps too as it feels much more roomier. The bar area is also much bigger and there's definitely more tables, seats, and private rooms for people to use. As always, the staff responsiveness depends on how busy the place is. Normally every weekend is very, very busy. There has been weekends I've been to where the place is not packed at all.
A lot of times my friends and I would get the private room because all you need to do is order enough monetary value of food and drink, you don't have the pay the room rental fee. When you have a group of good friends who does sake bomb and have late night food, it is definitely worth it. The food menu hasn't change and it's definitely worth the price. Especially this is the place where you can get your late night craving of omu-rice, egg omelette covered over Japanese style fried rice. Then of course, if you crave sushi, they do have good amount of rolls and nigiri.
Other food I would highly recommend is the beef tongue, ramen, and pretty much everything is good when it's late at night and good price for it. For one, this location is much closer to where I live which is a good thing for me, and it's much bigger and less ghetto feel like the previous location is also a plus. I can definitely come here every weekend but your throat can only sing so much before it gives out.
My worst experience in 'foody' Houston.
The atmosphere is dominated by a noisy TV and a mix of chlorine and toilet odurs, everthing else than fresh and comfy.
Food was horrific: Sashimi is just deep frozen, calamari tempura too and the fried noodles could have been from a random vietnamese street food stall.
It seems the owner doesn't invest anything in the location and runs it just as a cash cow - by idling bored behind his bar and watching TV.
The new location is a bit farther than the old location for me, but the environment is definitely better (from a hidden hole in the wall to an updated normal restaurant/bar/lounge setting).
I'm not a singer, so KO is not for me, but the food is definitely a must try. Â Yakiniku (thinly sliced beef dish) and tempura shrimp w/ Ramen are the top of my list but tons of other options on the menu. Â If not, there's always the bar.
I think it's probably the few Japanese places in Houston owned by Japanese people.
Ahh... Genji. Great place for karaoke and great food. Genji used to be on Fondren and Westheimer but they have moved to a bigger location which is Westhiemer and Wilcrest area. They still have the same furniture but it is a lot bigger, more rooms, and bigger seating area.
If you come here hungry, you must try their grilled beef tongue, curry omi rice, and drinks. Yum! Just thinking about it is making me drool. Hehe
Oh Genji! From Fondren, to Westheimer, to even closer on Westheimer! No one has an issue following you around for some great food, drinks, and karaoke. Aside from the obvious visit to drink for hours on end, we've actually been on occasion just to have dinner (imagine that).
They have great authentic Japanese food - curry, grilled beef tongue, shishamo, udon, chicken skin... everything has been tasty. I did notice the takoyaki seemed undercooked in the center, but hopefully that was a fluke.
They have beer and drinks a plenty, and watch out for those "special drinks" - they seem all fruity and innocent, and then you're knocked out on your ass. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything.
Japanese comfort food + hennessy = win
This new location is alot roomier than the old location, although the decor is very much the same. The food and alcohol flows just like it always has, and the location may be slightly better.
I get the Yakiniku and chicken karage. My favorite dishes here by far.
This by far is my FAVORITE PLACE IN HOUSTON
I used to go to the previous location, further down westheimer solo.
It is one of the only places I regularly frequent solo.
The staff is super nice, there are even more rooms at this new location, cops are around to mediate the peace, parking is a bit more tricky but definitely feels safer.
There are a few new menu items like takoyaki and special omu rice :)
This location has been busy every time I've gone minus like two days ever since they debuted this location.
PS Korean and Chinese machines are not in the lobby anymore. ONLY in the private rooms. The smallest room I think is 30/hour.
If you get rooms, the way the room rate works is FOR EXAMPLE if the room is 60/hr but you spend 60+ in food and drink it's the total versus 60 plus however much you spent in food. The food and drink you buy go towards the room rate. So eat and drink a lot!
ALSO THEY HAVE COMCAST
I watch Rockets games here :3
The books are updated but not like every week or something.
So if you heard it on the radio last week, they probably won't have it just yet.
Some Janet Jackson and Mariah songs are not there but the selection is still pretty good. examples, Janet Jackson's 'Again' and 'Let's Wait A While' granted the latter probably wasn't the most popular song evar. and Mariah's 'Fantasy.'
Prices are good and food is tasty.
They have a range of hot and cold sakes, Japanese beer, specialty house cocktails (one of which I am highly suspicious that Cafe 101 copied for their drink menu), wine, and of course- tons of Vodka, Cognac *Hennessy,* and Japanese liquors. You should try Hibiki- it is delicious. Definitely a sipper.
There is something for everyone as far as variety of food and drink.
They just recently installed a pos, so there may still be some kinks. Be understanding. They did everything by hand for so long. When you get your receipt and can't find certain items by the menu name, that item may not have a button yet.
Be nice to your servers and the owner. He's a super cool guy.
Sometimes early in the evening families come for dinner.
Every once in a while you'll have a kid singing, 'twinkle twinkle little star,' with mom but it doesn't happen all the time.
Don't be the douche that makes the kid cry.
Let them sing and have fun too.
I used to visit the old Genji's, but I haven't been back in about a year until I heard that they had moved.
The new location is beautiful and spacious, with plenty of private rooms for singing or dining, and the new bar area is a lot nicer. The food and the drinks are the same, so they remained consistent in that respect.
Why just 3 stars? Well, I go there to have fun with karaoke, and their karaoke system in the main room is really starting to show its age. It's also a lot more disorganized than I remember, with songs being missed and the mic not being passed to the right tables.
Hopefully they were just having an off-night, and the next time I go they will have worked out the kinks and it will be more fun, so I'll update my review then.
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