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Be the first YellowBot user to review KenichiInformation from the business
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Kenichi, a hot Austin restaurant in the warehouse district, is the premiere spot for Contemporary Pan Asian Cuisine & World Class Sushi. The outstanding menu includes the freshest fish & sushi available and a variety of steaks & wild game including Kobe beef & Texas-raised Sika Deer.
Kenichi is one of the hippest, most energetic scenes downtown & is the proud recipient of the Wine Spectator Award ... more
Kenichi is one of the hippest, most energetic scenes downtown & is the proud recipient of the Wine Spectator Award ... more
Tips About This Business
When to Go
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Stop in for happy hour every Tuesday through Friday 4:30pm until 6:30pm and Sunday through Monday 4:30pm until 10pm.
What to Drink
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Kenichi tempts with more than 20 different kinds of sake, some served warm, some cold. You'll see many a patron (including the likes of Sandra Bullock and Lance Armstrong) doing sake bombs.
Editorial Reviews from the web
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In Short Kenichi is nothing if not a scene. Couples on dates and small groups of business folks, and Austin hipsters make up the clientele, and everyone is dressed to the nines. The contemporary Japanese interior features some great details, like minimalist Japanese ceramics on the tables and sprays of wild grasses separating the sushi bar from the dining room. The Aspen roll, with smoked ...
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blackbookmagus
We're not saying this is the haute spot where another women wooed Ryan Phillipe away from Reese Witherspoon. But he was in fact spotted noshing here while in the hood filming a movie. Choose from sushi and sundry other Asian concoctions, some with Texas flair. Japanese cowboy steak, anyone? The sake selection is reputed to be the largest in the state, and the wine list is nothing to snort at.
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austin360
By Dale Rice American-Statesman Restaurant Critic June 28, 2001 The energy is palpable. Perhaps not at the level of Sullivan's or P.F. Chang's. But the electricity is there, emanating from the trendy people. In casual dress that wouldn't be fashionable if your next-door-neighbor wore it to the convenience store. Bu.... More
Other Reviews from the web
OOOOHHH!
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I come to sit at the bar for happy hour and sit at a table with my family. We all love it. The sushi chefs are great and Kiyomi is so much fun when he is in town! I celebrated v-day and my anniversary at Kenichi, and it was unbelieveable. Just a really enjoyable time. Highly recommended. Best steak in town, (try the spicy butter with it!) Kenichi rocks my face!!
Great Bar, Bar Staff, and hot spot!
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Great bar atmosphere and bartenders! Recommend for a "hot spot" to hang out and enjoy excellent drinks and food!
Highly Recommended!
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I highly recomend Kenichi. They have great food, a great location, great environment, and they create an all round wonderful experience for thier customers. The bar is exceptionally outstanding with its fun atmosphere and fantastic drinks. I was also very impressed by the bar staff. They were fun, energetic, and service was prompt.
Pros
+ environmet, drinks, bar service
Pros
+ environmet, drinks, bar service
WORST SUSHI in the city by far....DON'T WAIST YOUR MONEY!!!
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This place is a JOKE!!! The ONLY thing going for this spot is the bartenders who greeted me instantly when I approached the bar and made me some fine drinks. The food is sub par, sushi is bland, when I arrived there was some rude blonde who claimed she was the manager too busy texting on her cell phone to seat us. The music that is played is terrible, the surroundings were dirty ( chopsticks, napkins ...
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Best Bartenders in Austin!
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Great spot on Monday nights for Sushi happy hour prices. Bartenders make great drinks and are always friendly. Sushi is fresh and the selection is creative. I highly recommend it!
Can you say sake any one??
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the best place in austin to eat great sushi and taste sum very fabulous sakes. To start the bar staff getts four stars on there knowledge of different types of sakes and they are always ready to guide you threw the menu and make sure your drinking and dining experience is one you will not forget, trust me with the wonderful smiles and kind attitudes you can believe that if you have never had sushi ...
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I agree, overrated!!!
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I agree in the fact that it is overrated and the snobery is worse than the folks dining at the counrty club on Sunday. Sushi is okay, but majority of the time it comes out warm and not very fresh tasting.
This city has way too many options for great sushi!
Pros
+ It has sushi
Cons
- price, attitude, and taste
This city has way too many options for great sushi!
Pros
+ It has sushi
Cons
- price, attitude, and taste
Very Disapointing!
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After just moving to Austin from Seatle, It was recommended that my wife and I try Kenichi. What
I found from the moment we walked in was a very busy restaurant, which was a good sign.
However, after making reservations over a week in advance and telling the hostess on the phone
it was our 10th anniversary, we were snobbishly told to grab a drink at the bar, where we waited
for more than an ... more
I found from the moment we walked in was a very busy restaurant, which was a good sign.
However, after making reservations over a week in advance and telling the hostess on the phone
it was our 10th anniversary, we were snobbishly told to grab a drink at the bar, where we waited
for more than an ... more
Fabulous Food & Fun
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I have been going to Kenichi since it first opened...over the years I have watched this restaurant continue to stay busy - maintain its party atmosphere and even up it a few notches. But one thing is for sure, the food has gotten better and better over the years. The chefs seem to experiment with new ingredients and techniques - constantly trying to create new dishes that tantalize your senses. ...
more
A Blast!!
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My girlfriends went to Kenichi this past Saturday and had soooo much fun. Yes, it was super busy, but we didn't expect anything less on a Saturday; in the warehouse district and after a game. We hung out at the bar and had some fabulous sake cocktails. The bartenders there ROCK! Got a booth by the window which was awesome. We got to people watch and we were dressed to the "T" and wanted everyone ...
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Overrated
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Took my husband there for his birthday. We went early because we knew about the crowds. The service was okay but my husband said a place in Round Rock had better Sushi for half the price. If you have to eat at a hip place I guess this might be it for you, otherwise save your money.
Pros
+ Nice looking people, nice atmosphere
Cons
- price
Pros
+ Nice looking people, nice atmosphere
Cons
- price
Don't see why busy is bad
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Kenichi is great! I, for one, don't see how others can pan them for being too busy; seems more like a sure sign of a great place to me. My husband and I are long time converts, and it is admittedly a very bustling atmosphere. I'd tell anybody who's afraid of the crowds to get over it, or get your butts in earlier. Whenever you go try the daily specials, get some sake, and relax.
Now, as for some ... more
Now, as for some ... more
Fun atmosphere and Staff plus Great Food
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I have been to Kenichi twice lately and both times were great! The first time was on a Saturday. The place was electric - a lot of energy and friendly people. The server said that what they recommend is family style. We had course after delicious course alternating between sushi items, such as the Austin Style sashimi, and hot food. Everything was great, but my favorite was the Ribeye med ...
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Thank you Kenichi
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After a pretty bad experience at Kenichi, I wrote the general managers and they rectified the situation by awarding us a gift certificate. Very pleased with their response.
Way to Overrated
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Way to overrated. Went there for my birthday. Nothing special. Food was ok. Large In-Crowed. Way too busy.
Pros
+ Great for downtown
Cons
- Drinks horrible, food could be better, Too much noise
Pros
+ Great for downtown
Cons
- Drinks horrible, food could be better, Too much noise
kenichi = good
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so yes, its always busy here....isnt that a good sign? i will not lie the place is full of beautiful obnoxious people, but YOU ARE DOWNTOWN arent you? if you want a sushi restaurant that has a zen garden or nice atmospheric music...DO NOT GO HERE. if you want a restaurant that is fast paced, fun, and energetic...kenichi is the place. NOT to mention the food is great. it caters to everyone. the waiters ...
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Best Sushi and More
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I just ate at Kenichi on Tuesday, and I am quite the sushi aficionado. I absolutely loved everything I had. I loved the Lonestar Roll, Blake Roll and Japanese Bagel. Also, the hot apps are fabulous. Please try the black cod app. It is something I have been craving the last few days now. The service was so personable but professional. I recommend sitting at the bar and asking for Gary. Loved it. Loved ...
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Too much hype! Worst sushi !!!
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My husband and I went to Kenichi a couple months ago for the first time to try their sushi. Mainly because it was recommended to us and also it had good reviews. It certainly did not make a good impression. When we first walked in, it was really crowded, but we were able to get a table, unfortunately next to the most annoying and obnoxious couple. The tables are all next to each other, even at the ...
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Most exciting dining experience in years
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Went to Kenichi last Thursday night, what a way to start the weekend. The place was dark and full of energy. Both the sushi and the hot food was wonderful, especially after taking some recomendations from the staff, who were fun, interesting and extremely knowledgable. The chef's prepared some of the most aesthetically pleasing, harmonious dishes-definetely give the specials a shot! And don't ...
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Average Sushi
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Kenichi has better kitchen food than sushi. True art of sushi is in making the tofu, but they buy their's already made. The restaurant seems hip, but when you look closer: the chairs are chipped and torn. They charge a lot for their food, but they don't know how to upkeep their restaurant. I recommend Uchi's (Owner Tyson Cole was trained by the owner of Mushashino's) or Mushashino's (service is ...
more
Stellar service, okay food
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It had been awhile since the last time I went to Kenichi, but a few friends of mine and I were able to squeeze in without a reservation a couple weekends ago, so we decided to grab a quick bite to eat before heading out to the clubs. My friends and I all agreed that though our waiter was attentive and made great suggestions, the sushi was flat in appearance and took forever to make it to our table ...
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Bad Food
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I went to the place for the 1st time to do a birthday celebration for my girl friend last night after hearing from family and friends how great the food is ... unfortunately, the food was not worth the charge. I mean, it didn't taste horrible but it wasn't the quality that I thought it would be since the place is known to be great!! In addition, the pictures on the company website look pretty good ...
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Expensive tasteless food...Where is th service?
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I am guessing that Kenichi gets its business from business travelers and out of towners who dont know any better...This place would be out of business if it was not for where it is located. I went there one evening and we were sat at the sushi bar which is right across from where the waitresses get the drinks. It was very inconvienient because they were reaching over our shoulders and over our food ...
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Good Food paired with Poor Service
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Recently went to Kenichi and was torn after my experience there. Although we were seated promptly at the sushi bar for a Saturday night, I was not impressed with the wait staff took 20 mintues just to take our drink orders. The waitress then showed up and did not even bring me a drink. After she brough my friend a drink, she left and didn't come back for another 20 mintues. On top of forgetting ...
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not great
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I wouldn't recommend this restuarant - having made complaints about service in the past I've had no satisfactory outcome though i have contacted the manager and owner.
lotsa fun!
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We had a reservation last nite. We arrived early and we were blown away by how busy it was. After some cold sake we were shown to our seats. I love the energy of this place! Great food, sushi and music. Everybody was having such a good time, i don't know what has kept me away from Kenichi for so long. I ate the 8 oz filet, and had the kitchen slice it for me, it was incredible. We will be ...
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Consistiently inconsistient
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I love Kenichi and will always recomend it to people looking for some great sushi downtown. Over the last few months there has been a large turnover of the staff and of the service as well. I've had some major events there with my family, friends and business but lately it seems like even with days in advance I can't get a decent reservation and if I do the service at the tables is questionable. ...
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zagat
My first visit to Kenichi was for Dallas' recent Restaurant Week. We opted to add items from the regular menu. Outstanding: wild boar potstickers; dynamite shrimp; salmon skin rolls; and miso cod. Less than satisfactory was the lamb chop which was 2/3rds cold fat with my request for it to be prepared medium rare. This is a must see venue with great service and exceptional food. I will return.
Think...B4 going to Kenichi
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austin360
If you are considering having dinner at Kenichi, I would suggest you re-consider. I have never been as embarrassed as I was on Saturday in my life! I hosted ten friends here in Austin this past weekend to showcase our great city - they have never been in Austin. I planned a first class affair for them. I called and made reservations for the corner window booth at Kenichi one week ahead of time. I ...
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Bad service, average food
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I took 2 of my our of town friends there because of the location and atmosphere...what a MISTAKE!!! The service was terrible, they forgot my dinner and did nothing about it and it took 2.5 hours for 3 of us to eat. I will never, ever, ever go back to this place.
Plus, they serve their sushi almost warm, its disgusting!
Pros
+ It downtown
Cons
- Bad food, bad service all around, always too busy ... more
Plus, they serve their sushi almost warm, its disgusting!
Pros
+ It downtown
Cons
- Bad food, bad service all around, always too busy ... more
GREAT FOOD AND STAFF
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I've heard alot about kenichi trough friends but never had a chance to actually try it. I was kind of skeptical after reading certain reviews .But let me tell you it was a great experience ,we sat at the sushi bar where we were treated like superstars. I asked the chef to make us something off the the menu as i was told to do, and one of the dishes that sticks out in my mind was a tuna sashimi ...
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zagat
delcious food all around, beautiful decor, and amazing service. try the sea bass and the ribeye
Service ruins the experience
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austin360
The service at this restaurant is Terrible! Not only are they slow but the waiters do not know the menu or the kitchen. We waited for an hour and a half for our sushi and then when he brought it, he told me they didn't make one of the things I had ordered...didn't tell me and didn't offer anything else. It was an expensive, 2 hour waste of time. The place is cool and that is about it.
Fantastic as usual.
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Absolutely the best sushi and scene in the downtown area. We've been twice in the last two weeks, and have always been treated superbly at the door, at the table, and by the chefs. My boyfriend and I constantly recommend Kenichi to all our friends. Try the sashimi specials, and order a steak with chili butter...mmm...
Pros
+ Steaks, Fish, Service
Cons
- We can't go everyday :(
Pros
+ Steaks, Fish, Service
Cons
- We can't go everyday :(
Top Knotch
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I walked in and the first thing I noticed was how packed it was! Right when I thought there was no way I was gonna get a table here, a manager greeted me and told me there was a small wait but that he would buy me and my friend sake for having to wait. I thought this was an awsome start to a great night. My waiter was awsome too. The waiter impressed us so much that we just let him bring the best ...
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not impressed
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i went to Kenichi last night with 4 other people. We had all heard only good things about it, so when Uchi had an 1.5 hour wait at 7pm on Wednesday we decided to try Kenichi. We were disappointed. I just moved to Austin from the gulf coast of Florida and I haven't been very impressed with the sushi selection in austin. Very boring rolls that are usually very overpriced. Uchi is the best in austin ...
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Questionable
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I'm a big believer in restaurants that serve great food with minimal fanfare. This seems to be the opposite of what the proprietors of Kenichi had in mind. This sushi restaurant is located in the warehouse district of Austin, and features a dimly lit room, loud music and bartenders with attitudes. I mean, I like bringing together flavors from different cultures, but this whole "Asian-Fusion" category ...
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Sushi is like grocery store sushi
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The decor is stylish and hip. The sake mojitos were good & we had a great waitress. However, the food is mediocre at best. MY guess is that the sushi "chefs" have little training - they spend more time joking with each other than preparing beautiful food. The sushi is plain and bland - little decoration, interesting sauces, or flavor. At over $100 for 2, I expected much much better. For rubbery ...
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Don't bother
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The decor is the only good part. The food is ok at best and highly overpriced. The servers are unfriendly and extremely slow. It's impossible to get anything from the server (it's also always someone different everytime something is delivered) especially a drink. In the three times I've been there my food was never checked on by a server and I ALWAYS had to flag someone down to get a drink. It ...
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