The drinks were awesome! I got so drunk. The music made me dance, until I couldn't dance nomore. The crowd was filled with all different kinds of  people. The bartender really made some good drink. I love how the DJ played a mixture of different music. He  really killed it. I love this place. The smoke machine added to the atmosphere. Im going back for sure. This is the damn spot. Its like a bar/ mini club ! lol U gotta try this place. Hope to see you there.......It's free to get in, but we payed $9 for parking. Thats's not bad at all!
Review Source:The fun atmosphere in Kai is unique all of its own for historic downtown club goers. Step into the blue spotlight and enjoy dancing and drinks at this fun little hotspot. Dance floor is decent sized and there is usually space to find a spot to call your own for the night. The DJ booth houses the videos of the music they play - and yes, you can rock til the wee hours with some of your 90's favorite tunes.
The only downside- and the reason for the 4- not 5 stars is the smoke machine. It was blasting me and my friends directly in the face...we had to move further back. Otherwise, it was a great time. I love the bubble-themed look behind the bar and the bartenders were super awesome all night. Drinks were good and my feet were killing me from all the dancing my pals and I did that night - a pain i do not mind enduring for great music and great time with my friends.
Try this place on for size. You might find it is exactly what you need...and currently they do not charge cover...so just pay for parking right now!
I gave this place a star for ambiance alone. Â Its a cool looking place with exposed brick and some artistic decor. Â The good stops there. Â We went in here on a Thursday night and decided to skip Tobacco Co. and give this place a shot. Â Big mistake. Â It was empty and we thought well at least we have the place to ourselves....ughh. Â That only meant we get an untrained bartender/waitress who didn't know the difference between fried oysters and oysters rockefeller, what type of fish was on the menu or any other question. Â The happy hour menu was only about 10 items. Â The food came from Sam Miller and I was really shocked at how bad it was. Â Tasteless all around. Â How can you get fish and chips wrong? Â My oysters rockerfellar were gross, watery, super gritty with the cheese floating. Â Then the waitress forgot to place my order. Â It was the first order. Â All around bad...just keep walking.
Review Source:I went to Kai to catch up with my sister. The bouncers at Kai were cool and down to earth. The bartenders were nice and attentive. The drinks were tasty. The Red Bull bombs were on special that night. The DJ(lady) played a nice mixture of music. I really enjoyed the music at Kai.There's a nice size dance floor, if dancing is your thing.Kai has a waterbar but it wasn't working.Kai was pretty laid back. I ordered the appetizer tacos. The tacos did not have flavor. The appetizer was priced reasonable.Parking can be a hassle depending on time.Kai is good spot to have some drinks and dance. I would return to Kai.
Review Source:Loved the bartenders, dug the dj, hated the smoke. I get that using a smoke machine is supposed to add to the club-y atmosphere, but I have just never been a fan. The smoke was on some kind of rotation, which I never did figure out (if I had, then I would have strategically avoided the dance floor by the dj station every time a fresh burst of smoke was unleashed).
Other than the smoke, Kai's a solid spot for dancing and drinks. It won my vote from the get-go when my friends and I strolled on by on our way to dinner. As the tail end of our group passed Kai's entrance, one of the employees ran out and told us that if we came back after dinner we would all get a free shot. Sold. You don't have to say "free shot" to me twice*. It probably helped that one of my friends was decked out in bachelorette gear (it wasn't too obnoxious, I promise, just a sash and mini veil).
Kai's connected to Sam Miller's, so if you want a draft beer (like my new fave, Hardywood Singel) the bartenders grab pours from next door. It's an interesting set-up, really, but it seems to be working well for them.
I must admit that dive bars are usually more my scene than nightclubs, but I did enjoy my experience at Kai and certainly wouldn't be opposed to visiting again on another girl's night out.
*sidenote: We were actually given shooters, not shots, but tequila is the only true shot I'll take at this point in life so I was more than fine with it. Plus, free always = :)
It has the money put into it to be an awesome place to have fun with friends and dance. Lighting pretty amazing and the lit up bar is very cool. It is pretty loud so it's hard to talk to friends or the bartender. Music and lights are great for dancing but no one seemed to be doing so. This bar has been pretty empty most times we came. Drink prices weren't too bad and we were given 3 free shooters for no reason (which was very nice but they did not have a lot of liquor in them). I feel like this will be a bar that won't get enough business to stay open but would awesome if they got more people to come.
Review Source:This is a cool place the look is new to the area .  As for the jimmy b guy who talked  about the over charges well maybe he needed to look at the  card rules banks  have  authorization  fees  and theses things may occur from your bank .  I feel if you have a  problem with your charges discuss it with the merchant  but do you really have to post it.  I have had great service from the whole staff . Got a problem let  them know . Best place I have ever been  had great time  new years
Review Source:Located right in Shockoe Bottom, you can't miss the blue glow emitting from the door. Â The music they play is pretty fun, though I've yet to really see people let loose and take over the dance floor in the few times I've been here. Â The best bartender is definitely the busty blonde with glasses. Â We call her Bernadette (though I'm certain that's not her name at all). Â She makes a MEAN drink.
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