Genji

Howdy, Houston night owls and food adventurers! Are you searching for a Japanese restaurant that offers more than just a meal, but a whole experience? Look no further than Genji, a unique spot in West Houston that effortlessly blends delicious Japanese cuisine with an energetic karaoke bar atmosphere. It’s a place where you can satisfy your cravings for fresh sushi and savory beef tongue, all while belting out your favorite tunes. Genji stands out as a go-to destination for a fun night out, a casual late-night bite, or simply a friendly gathering with good food and even better company.

Genji has carved a niche in the Houston scene by offering a casual, pub-like environment where the food is solid, and the entertainment is plentiful. While some might come primarily for the karaoke, they quickly discover that the culinary offerings are far from an afterthought. With a menu that spans from delightful sushi and fresh sashimi to savory beef dishes and classic Japanese appetizers, Genji ensures that your taste buds are just as entertained as your vocal chords. The restaurant prides itself on being a welcoming space, often open late, making it a perfect spot for those looking for a lively ambiance after hours.

What truly makes Genji special, beyond its dual identity as a restaurant and karaoke bar, is the palpable sense of community and friendly service. Patrons often mention the attentive staff and the overall relaxed vibe that makes everyone feel right at home. It’s a place where memories are made, laughter flows as freely as the drinks, and good times are always on the menu. For Houstonians seeking an informal yet exciting Japanese dining experience with a side of singing, Genji is certainly a landmark worth exploring.

Conveniently located in the bustling Westchase area of Houston, Genji is easily accessible for residents across the greater Houston area, especially those in and around the Westheimer Road corridor. You'll find this vibrant spot at:

11124 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042, USA

This prime location places Genji within a lively commercial district, making it an ideal destination for various occasions. Whether you're planning a fun-filled evening with friends, a late-night craving, or a casual dinner, its spot on Westheimer Road ensures ease of access. The area typically offers plentiful parking, which is a significant convenience in Houston, allowing patrons to arrive and depart without hassle. Being situated on such a prominent thoroughfare means that Genji is a well-known and easily reachable spot for locals looking for a unique blend of Japanese cuisine and entertainment.

Genji offers a diverse menu of Japanese cuisine, complemented by its popular karaoke bar, making it a multifaceted destination for dining and entertainment.

• Japanese Cuisine: The menu features a wide range of Japanese dishes catering to various preferences.

  • Sushi and Sashimi: Genji offers a selection of fresh sushi and sashimi. Popular rolls include Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Crunchy Roll, G Roll (spicy crunchy topped with salmon), Philadelphia Roll, California Roll, Rock'n Roll (shrimp tempura), Spider Roll, and more. Sashimi options like sliced tuna, salmon, and squid are also available.

  • Grilled and Fried Appetizers: A variety of starters are available, such as Takoyaki (baked wheat balls with octopus), Calamari (deep-fried squid), Gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings), Chicken Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Edamame, and various skewers like Yakitori (grilled chicken) and Gyutan (grilled beef tongue).

  • Main Entrees and Rice Bowls: Cooked dishes include Chicken, Steak, and Salmon Teriyaki, Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlets), Sukiyaki (beef and tofu in soup), Tempura (shrimp and vegetables), and Yakiniku (sliced tender beef). Rice bowls like Ten Don (shrimp tempura), Gyu Don (sliced beef), and Una Don (eel) are also offered. They also have unique items like Curry Omu Rice and Omurice (ketchup fried rice covered with egg).

  • Noodles: While not explicitly detailed, noodle dishes like Tempura Udon have been mentioned, indicating a broader Japanese menu.

• Karaoke Bar: Genji is well-known for its karaoke offerings, providing a fun and interactive entertainment experience.

  • Public Bar Area Karaoke: The restaurant features a casual karaoke public bar area where patrons can sing their hearts out. The sound system, including microphones, is noted for its quality.

  • Private Karaoke Rooms: While possibly limited and first-come, first-served, Genji offers private karaoke rooms, perfect for more intimate gatherings or parties.

  • App-Based Song Selection: The karaoke system reportedly involves installing a karaoke app on a phone for song selection, offering a modern and convenient way to choose tunes.

  • Late-Night Hours: Genji is known to be open late, making it a popular spot for post-dinner entertainment or late-night food cravings, often open until 2 AM every night of the week.

• Full Bar Service: The establishment also features a full bar, offering a range of alcoholic beverages to complement the dining and karaoke experience.

What truly makes Genji a distinctive and appealing choice for Houston locals? Here are some of its key features and highlights:

• Unique Combination of Japanese Cuisine and Karaoke: Genji stands out as one of Houston's premier spots that seamlessly blends a Japanese restaurant with a lively karaoke bar. This dual identity makes it a fantastic destination for an entire evening of dining and entertainment in one location.

• Quality Food for a Casual Setting: While known for karaoke, the food receives positive remarks, particularly the sushi and beef tongue. Customers note that the food is "great," "delectable," and "satisfying," providing a solid culinary foundation for the fun atmosphere.

• Excellent Karaoke Experience: The karaoke setup is a major draw, with "great sound" from the microphones. The ability to sing in a public bar area or potentially in private rooms adds to its appeal for different group sizes and preferences.

• Late-Night Operating Hours: Genji is recognized as a reliable late-night spot in Houston, often open until 2 AM every night. This makes it a perfect choice for after-hours cravings or continuing a night out with friends.

• Friendly and Efficient Service: Customer reviews consistently praise the "super friendly staff" and "efficient service." This welcoming and attentive approach enhances the overall dining and entertainment experience, making patrons feel comfortable and well-cared for.

• Welcoming and Personal Touch from Owners: The presence and engagement of the owners, checking in with guests, add a significant personal and welcoming touch, contributing to the restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Affordable Entertainment: Karaoke is often noted as being "essentially free with any order" or "pretty much free if you buy stuff," offering great value for entertainment alongside your meal and drinks.

• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While sushi is a highlight, Genji offers a broad range of Japanese dishes, including Yakiniku, Curry Omu Rice, Takoyaki, and Calamari, ensuring that there's something to satisfy various palates, even if not every dish is a standout.

While Genji may not always advertise specific, rotating promotional deals, its very concept offers inherent value and "special offers" that appeal greatly to locals. The most notable ongoing "promotion" is the fact that karaoke is essentially free with any order. This means you can enjoy a full night of entertainment without paying separate cover charges or hourly rates for singing, as long as you're dining and drinking. This integrated entertainment value is a massive draw, especially compared to dedicated karaoke venues that charge per hour.

Based on customer feedback, Genji also provides:

• Affordable Food and Drinks: Many patrons highlight that the food and drinks are "cheap" or "cheaper than most places in Houston," particularly noting that bottles of alcohol are more affordably priced. This makes it an excellent option for groups looking for a fun night out without straining their wallets.

• Bottle Saving Service: A unique and much-appreciated feature is the ability to "write your name on" unfinished bottles of alcohol, and "Mr. Genji will save it for you." This is an exceptional perk for regulars and groups, offering convenience and further value.

• Late-Night Dining and Entertainment: Being open until 2 AM every night is a significant convenience, making it a prime spot for late-night food cravings and entertainment when many other places have closed.

For the most up-to-date information on any potential daily specials, happy hour deals, or specific menu promotions, it's always recommended to check Genji's official website, their social media channels, or simply call them directly before your visit. The consistent value offered through their free karaoke with purchase and affordable pricing already makes Genji a highly attractive option for entertainment and dining in Houston.

Ready to experience the unique blend of Japanese dining and karaoke fun at Genji? Here's how you can get in touch or plan your visit:

Address: 11124 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042, USA

Phone: (713) 780-0827

Mobile Phone: +1 713-780-0827

Given its popularity, especially on weekends and for late-night gatherings, calling ahead might be advisable if you have a large group or are interested in securing a private karaoke room. Their friendly staff will be able to provide details on their hours, menu, and any specific inquiries you may have, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to this Houston landmark.

For Houstonians, Genji is much more than just a Japanese restaurant; it's a dynamic and engaging destination that perfectly fits the city's vibrant and diverse social scene. Its unique blend of good food and entertainment makes it exceptionally suitable for locals looking for an experience that goes beyond a typical dinner outing.

Firstly, Genji caters to the local desire for fun and affordable entertainment. The fact that karaoke is essentially free with any order is a huge draw, offering an incredible value proposition for a night out. Houstonians love to gather and celebrate, and Genji provides the perfect backdrop for birthday parties, friendly get-togethers, or just an impromptu singing session, creating memorable experiences without breaking the bank. The quality sound system further enhances this appeal, making it a true karaoke haven.

Secondly, Genji serves as a reliable spot for late-night food and socializing. Houston has a thriving late-night culture, and Genji’s operating hours (often until 2 AM every night) position it as a convenient and comfortable place to grab a bite and continue the fun after most other restaurants have closed. This flexibility makes it a valuable asset for those with later schedules or spontaneous plans.

Moreover, the friendly and efficient service, coupled with the personal presence of the owners, fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere that resonates with Texan hospitality. Patrons feel valued and well-cared for, which builds a strong sense of loyalty and makes them feel like regulars. This personable approach is a significant factor in turning first-time visitors into repeat customers.

Finally, while its food might be described as "casual" or "average" by some, the consensus is that the sushi and beef tongue are notably "great" and "delectable," providing solid culinary offerings. This, combined with the diverse menu that includes various appetizers and main dishes, ensures that there’s something for everyone in a group, catering to different tastes and preferences. Located conveniently on Westheimer Road with ample parking, Genji offers an accessible and consistently enjoyable option for locals seeking a unique blend of Japanese dining, lively entertainment, and genuine hospitality right here in their own city. It’s a place to make good memories over good food and great tunes.

Genji

11124 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042, USA