After six years of making nights memorable, AKAI, the legendary speakeasy in Downtown Dallas’ Arts District, has reopened with a striking new design. The six-figure renovation, created with The Design Agency from California, brings a sultry, immersive vibe inspired by Los Angeles nightlife.
Guests enter through AKAI’s secret door in Musume’s kitchen and are immediately drawn to the gold-gridded DJ booth, plush velvet seating, a sweeping 15-foot serpentine banquette, and intimate VIP and lounge spaces. A custom 25-foot black marble bar, dramatic chandeliers, projection-mapped walls, and warm amber lighting set the tone for a night of style, music, and fun.
The cocktail menu is just as inventive as the space. Think sesame oil–fat–washed Japanese whisky, lychee-lemon caviar pearls, and smoked lapsang tea syrup, alongside one of Dallas’ largest Japanese whisky selections. Pair that with curated wines, champagnes, and bottle service options, and it’s easy to see why AKAI remains a nightlife destination.
Open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m.–2 a.m., AKAI is perfect for intimate nights or full-capacity events up to 160 guests. As co-founder Josh Babb says, “Every detail—from the DJ booth to the marble bar—was designed to captivate and inspire. We can’t wait for guests to step through our hidden doors and experience AKAI’s new energy.”
For reservations, call 214-898-9751 or visit AKAI at Musume.
