Genji Japanese Restaurant
| Address: | 11124 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042, USA |
| Phone: | +1 713-780-0827 |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 7PM–2AM 7PM–2AM 7PM–2AM 7PM–2AM 7PM–2AM 7PM–2AM 7PM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
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Mark Wang
Genji has been here in Houston for the longest time and it used to be further down on Westheimer towards Galleria area. But from what I know is that the owner of that lot wanted to demolish the area (which is now a bank with drive thru) and kicked all the tenants out. I think it was a very good move for Genji as this square is known for the Japanese supermarket and its good to see another Japanese establishment in this square again. First, this location is much bigger than the original location, and the higher ceiling helps too as it feels much more roomier. The bar area is also much bigger and theres definitely more tables, seats, and private rooms for people to use. As always, the staff responsiveness depends on how busy the place is. Normally every weekend is very, very busy. There has been weekends Ive been to where the place is not packed at all. A lot of times my friends and I would get the private room because all you need to do is order enough monetary value of food and drink, you dont have the pay the room rental fee. When you have a group of good friends who does sake bomb and have late night food, it is definitely worth it. The food menu hasnt change and its definitely worth the price. Especially this is the place where you can get your late night craving of omu-rice, egg omelette covered over Japanese style fried rice. Then of course, if you crave sushi, they do have good amount of rolls and nigiri. Other food I would highly recommend is the beef tongue, sushi, and pretty much everything is good when its late at night and good price for it. For one, this location is much closer to where I live which is a good thing for me, and its much bigger and less ghetto feel like the previous location is also a plus. I can definitely come here every weekend but your throat can only sing so much before it gives out.
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Stephanie Portillo
Foul odor. Server failed to bring my food. I asked for chicken teriyaki and she brought me steak teriyaki. It took FOREVER for her to come service the table. I had to call her every time I needed something. Server said she wouldnt charge for one of the many mistakes, yet still charged me. She had put my food on someone elses plate, so I informed her of the mistake (I still didnt have any food to eat) and she responded by letting me know that she would get me another order and not bathe me for it. When I reciebed my bill, I noticed she charged me for what she said she wouldnt charge me for. She also charge another order of the same meal to the couple! Who puts someone elses food on someone elses plate? The manager NEVER came to resolve the issue. She never came to pick up the check so I had to take it up front. After I paid, the manager then asked "what happened" TOO LATE DUDE. NO FREE REFILLS. No one greets you at the door. I hope I dont get sick. Dont go.
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Antony Ma
A delightful little gem just on the outskirts of beltway 8. I have been frequently visiting Genji for over 10 years now. Some of my favorite appetizers are the gyutan(grilled beef tongue), sunagimo(grilled chicken gizzards), chicken karaage(Japanese style chicken nuggets) and Teba Gyoza(Stuffed Chicken Wings). These are great little appetizers that go great with your drinks. If you want a more filling meal, I would suggest the yakisoba, yakiniku, steak teriyaki or Special Omu Rice. Also their drinks are really cheap compared to most bars and other places. BEWARE! It gets really crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, so if you want a room or large table, you should show up early! Otherwise, its pretty much seat yourself and they usually at most have 2 to 3 waitresses on staff so you just need to be patient on the busier evenings. Karaoke generally starts around 9-10pm. This is to let the familys have a quiet dining experience before the karaoke begins.
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Eric P.
I have been here maybe a dozen times. I have really enjoyed most of the food there, and I *love* the private rooms. Me and eight or nine friends get a room to ourselves for drink and merriment and we dont have to share the karaoke machine with anyone! You can sing like ten times in an hour! One time I *did* under-tip (because I was a bit drunk and wasnt thinking) and the owner *did* point that out, but he was not asking me to tip anything unreasonable, just industry standard for the service we received, and as someone who works for tips myself I have to say I can absolutely understand his position and I applaud a boss who looks out for his employees like that! Ive rarely had mistakes made to any of my orders and when I did, they were resolved promptly. Yes, if the place is packed it will take a little longer for service to get to you but man you have KARAOKE to keep you busy!
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Marina G
Good food, drinks, and decent kareoke. Would score higher if I didnt get nagged at for not leaving a tip for a waitress who came to our table maybe twice with reason. Then was scolded even MORE when I apologized for coming back from Japan (they dont tip there) and DID give a tip, but it wasnt enough to their liking. We were just looking for kareoke places, not some uptight restaurant. The waitresses nicely presented themselves, but I feel clearly unwelcomed by the man I assume is the owner. Sadly will never go back after that attitude and the guilt tripping and naggung for more money.
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Sarah Iozzio
I had the gyutan (beef tongue) and spider roll. Both were tasty but more of a bar food quality than a glossy sushi joint. Its got kind of a dark, basic bar atmosphere, which isnt necessarily a bad thing. I recommend this place if youre hanging out with friends, especially if youll be drinking. Not really a date atmosphere kind of place, and I felt a little awkward eating alone, but its not going to stop me from stopping by and trying some of the unique menu items I havent seen at other Japanese restaurants.
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Kathleen Green
Heard this was a fun place for karaoke, but havent had a chance to try that out yet. My husband & I did go here for dinner though, & unlike the other reviewer, we did not think the food was good at all. Prices were affordable, which might be why the food was disappointing. The tempura was mushy, the meat on the kabobs was sparse & there are no refills on soft drinks. And even though the food came out quickly, the service was slow.
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Eric Gartner
My favorite late night stop since the 90s (When he was on Fondren). My personal favorites are the saba shio (salted mackerel), spider rolls, and the omurice (giant rice omelette). Karaoke in the main room usually starts at 9pm to make it a little more family friendly from 7pm. The private rooms are karaoke all the time. He also has a full bar and the bartenders can make just about anything.
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Travis Redd
Prices are really reasonable but by far the worse sushi I have ever had. Gas station sushi is better. The house dressing for the salad is watered down teriyaki sauce. Egg Drop soup is Swansons chicken broth with a heavily peppered fried egg. Good drinks. If you are drunk then it might be better but doubt it.
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Katherine Benton
I love the food! Use to go there all the time but moved away. I gave it 4 stars because I remembered all the smoking inside and if thats not the case anymore Id give it a 5 star. Really goo traditional foods. Love the curry the squid the chicken the dumplings.... I could go on and on!
