Kenichi

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419 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701

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(512) 320-8883
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Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
Kenichi - Austin, TX
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Reviews
( 89 )
( 18 )
( 15 )
( 24 )
( 54 )

Best

not bad.. really not that bad

Worst

I would not come back here. My boyfriend made reservations for us and when we got there the place was empty except for a few other couples and they sat us in the back by the dri...

Fabulous Food & Fun 9/8/2008

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. I mean some stuff is traditional but some items are just creative and delicious. I love eating, drinking & people watching here, such a diverse crowd. Plus the staff is awesome, super friendly & knowledgeable about their restaurant - let your server guide you through your dining experience like I did and you won't be disappointed. Pros: Creative Food, Atmosphere, Awesome Staff, Full Menu At Bar Cons: Always Busy, Not Open For Lunch more
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Fabulous Food & Fun 9/7/2008

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. I mean some stuff is traditional but some items are just creative and delicious. I love eating, drinking & people watching here, such a diverse crowd. Plus the staff is awesome, super friendly & knowledgeable about their restaurant - let your server guide you through your dining experience like I did and you won't be disappointed. Pros: Creative Food, Atmosphere, Awesome Staff, Full Menu At Bar Cons: Always Busy, Not Open For Lunch more
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Very Disapointing! 9/7/2008

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 hour. The Hostess was sarchastic when I inquired after 30 minutes as to the status, then finally we were sat in a tiny row of jammed tables inches apart from other noisy disappointed guest. What followed was a lengthy wait for our waitress,(more than 15 minutes!), then even longer for our drinks which were incorrect. Our Sushi was warm and over an hour to recieve. The kitchen food was mediocre, and nobody paid attention to the fact that it was our anniversary. What good is making reservations if they aren't going to be honered. The Staff and Managers seemed more interested in their own conversations then tending to the guest! Our table maintenence was riduculous! I was completely embarrassed that I took my wife here to celebrate our anniversary. Do yourself a favor, look somewhere else for sushi! We won't be back, Mark Cons: Too snobbish and not caring about customer service! more
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A Blast!! 9/3/2008

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 to see us too. This is one of the reasons we come here. Definately the place to see and be seen. There were six of us and we trusted in our server to order all our food for us. He brought out such an amazing variety of food. Some ribeye sliced up for us family style. Sashimi that was to die for and all kinds of different rolls. All that was recommended was perfect. We did some Sake toasts and we all left there very satisfied and ready for our night on the town. Kenichi was the perfect start. I highly recommend this place and will be back as soon as possible. Pros: Beautiful people, delicious food, ambience more
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A Blast!! 9/2/2008

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 to see us too. This is one of the reasons we come here. Definately the place to see and be seen. There were six of us and we trusted in our server to order all our food for us. He brought out such an amazing variety of food. Some ribeye sliced up for us family style. Sashimi that was to die for and all kinds of different rolls. All that was recommended was perfect. We did some Sake toasts and we all left there very satisfied and ready for our night on the town. Kenichi was the perfect start. I highly recommend this place and will be back as soon as possible. Pros: Beautiful people, delicious food, ambience Cons: none more
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Overrated 8/30/2008

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 more
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Overrated 8/30/2008

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 more
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Don't see why busy is bad 8/29/2008

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.\r \r Now, as for some of the other things mentioned on this board, I'd have to say not only do they look as if they were written by a disgruntled ex-employee, I'd measure it was a drunk and delusional one at that. Pros: Service, Food, Natalie, Matt, Andrea Cons: Being Busy is not a con. more
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Fun atmosphere and Staff plus Great Food 8/29/2008

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-rare with Sambal butter. I went with three friends. We had a great time.\r The second time I went was a Tuesday night. It was not as busy, but still a fun atmosphere. This time I went with my girlfriend. We enjoyed a bottle of Bride of the Fox sake, which was awesome. \r The weekend trip was a party and the weekday was perfect for my girlfriend and me. I plan to visit repeatedly!!!\r \r Pros: Friendly service, great food and sake list more
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Thank you Kenichi 8/28/2008

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. more
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Fun atmosphere and Staff plus Great Food 8/28/2008

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-rare with Sambal butter. I went with three friends. We had a great time. The second time I went was a Tuesday night. It was not as busy, but still a fun atmosphere. This time I went with my girlfriend. We enjoyed a bottle of Bride of the Fox sake, which was awesome. The weekend trip was a party and the weekday was perfect for my girlfriend and me. I plan to visit repeatedly!!! Pros: Friendly service, great food and sake list more
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Don't see why busy is bad 8/28/2008

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 of the other things mentioned on this board, I'd have to say not only do they look as if they were written by a disgruntled ex-employee, I'd measure it was a drunk and delusional one at that. Pros: Service, Food, Natalie, Matt, Andrea Cons: Being Busy is not a con. more
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Thank you Kenichi 8/28/2008

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. more
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Way to Overrated 8/28/2008

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 more
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Way to Overrated 8/27/2008

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 more
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kenichi = good 8/23/2008

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 are very knowledgeable with the food menu and sake/ wine menu. they do not just recite the words. everyone is very friendly and helpful. do not be surprised if you have more than one waiter helping you. the steaks are awesome. sika is heavenly. the sushi is great. happy hour on sundays and mondays all night on food and drinks is well worth the wait. Pros: friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable waistaff. great food Cons: it can be very packed equalling a long wait. but its not a HUGE place more
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kenichi = good 8/22/2008

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 are very knowledgeable with the food menu and sake/ wine menu. they do not just recite the words. everyone is very friendly and helpful. do not be surprised if you have more than one waiter helping you. the steaks are awesome. sika is heavenly. the sushi is great. happy hour on sundays and mondays all night on food and drinks is well worth the wait. Pros: friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable waistaff. great food Cons: it can be very packed equalling a long wait. but its not a HUGE place more
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Best Sushi in Austin and so much more 8/22/2008

I had a wonderful experience at Kenichi last Saturday. My friends came to visit me, and I wanted to show them a great time and a great meal. We had the Japanese Bagel Roll and the specialty roll, the T Money Roll. Both were exquisite and refreshing. George is the best sushi chef in town. I often come in and sit at the sushi bar and watch him work his magic. We loved the eggplant dishes and I can't say enough about the black cod that is marinated for 72 hours! Fabulous! My friend's loved their experience and found the food innovative and absolutely delicious. Go there...I promise you will love it. Pros: Delicious sushi, hot appetizers and fabulous service more
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Best Sushi in Austin and so much more 8/21/2008

I had a wonderful experience at Kenichi last Saturday. My friends came to visit me, and I wanted to show them a great time and a great meal. We had the Japanese Bagel Roll and the specialty roll, the T Money Roll. Both were exquisite and refreshing. George is the best sushi chef in town. I often come in and sit at the sushi bar and watch him work his magic. We loved the eggplant dishes and I can't say enough about the black cod that is marinated for 72 hours! Fabulous! My friend's loved their experience and found the food innovative and absolutely delicious. Go there...I promise you will love it. Pros: Delicious sushi, hot appetizers and fabulous service more
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Too much hype! Worst sushi !!! 7/12/2008

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 booth area. People that kept passing by kept bumping my husband's back, he kept ducking people through out the whole time we were there. And I couldn't move once I sat down, or i would bump either person that was next to me. Kenichi is not the best restaurant to eat sushi nor sashimi grade food. The tuna sashimi we had tasted and looked like it was sitting out, it was dry and it tasted like it was spoiled. The rest of the sushi and sashimi we had was just as bad, and overpriced. So to wrap things up, WE DO NOT recommend this restaurant at all, it has BAD FOOD, BAD SUSHI AND SASHIMI, and it's OVERPRICED!!!! more
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Menu for Kenichi


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Owner Message

  • 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 of Excellence for its impressive wine & sake lists. Kenichi also recently received the prestigious Zagat Award.

    Kenichi's fabulous sushi & bar Happy Hours are available Sun. & Mon. 4:30 to close & Tue.-Fri. 4:30 to 6:30. And join Austin's wine expert, Greg Steiner, at Kenichi's new Sake Wine Dinners-a divine four course meal served with exquisite sake.

Editorial

  • 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...

  • 7/13/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Sun-Wed 5:30pm-10pm Thu-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
  • Payments: Visa, Discover, Master Card, American Express, Diner's Club
  • Neighborhoods: Downtown
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