Aki Of Japan

For those of us in the Illinois area, especially around Third Lake, the search for an authentic and memorable Japanese dining experience often leads to a delightful discovery. That's precisely what you'll find at Aki Of Japan. This local gem has built a sterling reputation for its vibrant hibachi grill experience, a diverse sushi menu, and a level of service that truly sets it apart. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a family outing, or simply craving high-quality Japanese cuisine, Aki Of Japan promises a meal that's both delicious and entertaining.

Aki Of Japan is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive culinary journey. Many patrons, even those who have frequented numerous hibachi establishments over the years, consider Aki of Japan to be among the best. This is due to their unwavering commitment to excellent food quality, surprisingly high service levels, and a team of staff who are consistently friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is often described as a "great team atmosphere," indicating a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish. From the moment you're seated to the moment you leave, you'll feel the dedication to making your visit special, evident in gestures like the staff singing "Happy Birthday" and bringing out complimentary treats for celebrants.

With rave reviews praising everything from their "golden shrimp" and "sushi special" to generous portions and the fact that "new owner and it's even better," Aki Of Japan has clearly resonated with the local community and even drawn admirers from as far as Chicago. It's a testament to their continuous efforts to provide an outstanding Japanese dining experience right here in Third Lake.

Aki Of Japan is conveniently located at 34500 US-45, Third Lake, IL 60030, USA. This prime location places it directly on US-45, a major highway, ensuring excellent visibility and easy accessibility for residents of Third Lake and the surrounding communities throughout Illinois. Its position on a main thoroughfare means that whether you're coming from nearby towns, Great Wolf Lodge (as noted by a customer), or simply passing through, finding Aki Of Japan is straightforward.

The restaurant's presence on US-45 generally implies ample parking availability, a significant convenience for diners. This ease of access contributes greatly to its suitability as a local dining spot, allowing patrons to enjoy their meal without the hassle of searching for parking, especially during peak dining hours. Its strategic location makes it an ideal destination for various occasions, from a planned family dinner to an impromptu lunch. For anyone in the Illinois area seeking a top-notch Japanese dining experience with excellent accessibility, Aki Of Japan in Third Lake stands out as a clear choice.

Aki Of Japan provides a comprehensive range of Japanese dining services, combining the excitement of hibachi with the artistry of sushi and other traditional dishes. Their offerings are designed to cater to diverse tastes and ensure a satisfying experience for all:

• Hibachi Grill Dining: The centerpiece of their offering, where skilled chefs prepare your meal on a sizzling grill right before your eyes. This includes a wide array of protein choices such as chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, scallops, and lobster, often served with soup, salad, hibachi fried rice, and stir-fried vegetables and noodles.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: For sushi aficionados, Aki Of Japan offers a rich selection of fresh sushi and sashimi. This includes classic rolls (e.g., California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philadelphia Roll), nigiri, sashimi, and specialty rolls, ensuring a wide variety for different preferences.
• Appetizers: A diverse range of hot and cold appetizers to start your meal, such as Edamame, Gyoza (Japanese dumplings), Tempura (lightly battered and fried vegetables and/or shrimp), and various sushi bar appetizers like Usuzukuri and New Style Sashimi.
• Kitchen Entrees: Beyond hibachi, they offer a selection of cooked entrees from the kitchen, which may include Teriyaki dishes (Chicken, Beef, Salmon), Katsu (deep-fried breaded cutlets), and various Tempura entrees.
• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Hearty Japanese rice bowls topped with meats, seafood, or vegetables, such as Chicken Teriyaki Don, Beef Teriyaki Don, and Tendon (tempura shrimp and vegetables over rice).
• Noodle & Ramen Dishes: A selection of noodle dishes, including Stir Fried Noodles (Soba or Udon with choice of protein) and Ramen noodle soups like Nabeyaki Udon Noodle Soup and Cha Siu Ramen Noodle Soup.
• Soups & Salads: Traditional Japanese soups like Miso Soup and Clear Soup, alongside various salads including House Salad, Seaweed Salad, and Spicy Crab Salad.
• Full Bar Service: Likely offers a selection of beverages including soft drinks, and potentially beer, wine, and Japanese spirits, though specific alcohol offerings are best confirmed directly.
• Special Occasion Accommodations: Known for accommodating special events like birthdays, with staff singing and providing complimentary items (e.g., pineapple).
• Takeout & Online Ordering: Provides convenient options for customers to enjoy their favorite dishes from the comfort of their homes.

Aki Of Japan distinguishes itself through a combination of its culinary excellence, engaging atmosphere, and strong customer service, making it a highly-rated destination in Third Lake. Here are some of its key features and highlights:

• Top-Tier Hibachi Experience: Consistently praised as "one of the best" hibachi restaurants by experienced diners. The "great show from the chef" combined with excellent food quality provides an engaging and memorable dining event.
• Exceptional Food Quality: Customers frequently highlight the "excellent food quality." From the hibachi entrees to the sushi, the freshness and taste are consistently noted as superior. One reviewer specifically mentioned the "golden shrimp" as tasty and the "sushi special" as great.
• Surprisingly High Service Level: Reviewers are often "surprisingly" impressed by the service, describing the staff as "friendly and attentive." The presence of a "great team atmosphere" ensures a smooth and pleasant experience.
• Generous Portions: Customers appreciate the substantial amount of food provided, with hibachi entrees including soup, salad, rice, stir-fry veggies, AND noodles, noted as "a ton of food and all good."
• Accommodating for Special Occasions: Aki Of Japan goes the extra mile for celebrations, with staff singing "Happy Birthday" and offering complimentary pineapple for birthday guests, creating personalized and cherished memories.
• Fresh Sushi Offerings: While famous for hibachi, their sushi receives praise for being "fresh" and a "special." The diverse range of sushi and sashimi options caters to all preferences.
• Consistent Quality Under New Ownership: A positive highlight is that despite a "new owner," the experience is "even better," indicating a continued commitment to excellence and potentially improvements.
• Variety Beyond Hibachi: The extensive menu includes not just hibachi and sushi but also a wide selection of appetizers, kitchen entrees, donburi bowls, and noodle dishes, offering something for every craving.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The welcoming atmosphere and accommodating nature of the staff make it an excellent choice for families, as evidenced by a customer visiting for their son's birthday.

While specific daily or weekly promotions for Aki Of Japan are best confirmed directly with the restaurant, many popular Japanese steakhouses and sushi lounges in Illinois offer various deals to enhance the dining experience and attract repeat customers. Based on typical industry practices and review insights, here are potential types of promotions or special offers you might find at Aki Of Japan:

• Lunch Specials: Many Japanese restaurants, especially those offering both hibachi and sushi, feature value-driven lunch specials. These could include smaller portions of hibachi meals at a reduced price, or sushi combo deals. Their online menu indicates various sushi sets and lunch bento options.
• Birthday Perks: As evidenced by customer reviews, Aki Of Japan makes birthday celebrations special, with staff singing and providing complimentary items like pineapple. While not a discount, it's a valuable added touch for celebrations.
• Takeout/Online Ordering Deals: If they partner with online ordering platforms, there might be occasional discounts or free delivery promotions for orders placed through those services. Their website highlights an "Order Online" option, suggesting online specials could be possible.
• Seasonal Menu Items: Restaurants often introduce seasonal dishes or limited-time offerings that showcase fresh, in-season ingredients, attracting diners looking for new culinary experiences.
• Happy Hour: While not explicitly listed on their website, many Japanese restaurants offer happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers, which could be worth inquiring about directly.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current promotions, happy hour details, or special events, it is highly recommended to contact Aki Of Japan directly at (224) 541-4489 or check their official website if available. This ensures you get the latest information to plan your visit.

Ready to experience the exceptional hibachi and sushi at Aki Of Japan? Here's how you can get in touch or find them:

Address: 34500 US-45, Third Lake, IL 60030, USA

Phone: (224) 541-4489

Feel free to call ahead for reservations, especially if you plan to visit on a busy weekend or for a hibachi table, as they can get quite popular. Their friendly staff will be happy to assist you with any inquiries regarding their menu, hours, or accommodating special occasions.

For the residents of Third Lake and the broader Illinois region, Aki Of Japan stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended Japanese dining destination. Its comprehensive appeal is rooted in its ability to deliver on multiple fronts: top-tier food quality, engaging entertainment, and outstanding customer service. Locals seeking a memorable culinary experience without traveling far will find Aki Of Japan to be an ideal choice.

The restaurant's dual specialization in both thrilling hibachi and fresh, expertly prepared sushi means it caters to a wide range of preferences, making it perfect for diverse groups and families. The consistent praise from customers, highlighting the "excellent food quality," the "great show from the chef," and a staff that is "friendly and attentive" and works together as a "great team," solidifies its reputation as a reliable and enjoyable establishment. The fact that it's a go-to for special occasions like birthdays, complete with staff singing and complimentary treats, further enhances its appeal as a community-centric spot.

Furthermore, its convenient location on US-45 ensures easy access and ample parking, removing any accessibility hurdles for diners. The generous portions and the overall value provided, particularly with the inclusion of multiple sides with hibachi entrees, contribute to a highly satisfying meal. Aki Of Japan is more than just a place to eat; it’s a vibrant, welcoming hub where locals can celebrate, gather, and indulge in authentic Japanese flavors and entertaining culinary artistry, solidifying its place as a true gem in the Illinois dining landscape.

Aki Of Japan

34500 US-45, Third Lake, IL 60030, USA