"Akai, which means “red” in Japanese, does its name proud with red-on-red decor starting with a red graphic wallpapered entrance that drinkers access via the kitchen escorted by a staff member. Once inside, revelers will find a room that holds about 100 people, decked out in more red decor including plush velvet banquets, a samurai mural on the back wall by local artist Jerod “Dtox” Davies, and a red lit-up ceiling installation. The bar area, decked out in red tiling, serves up a menu of 10 Asian-inspired cocktails for $15 and under like the Cherry Blossom with vodka and whipped egg white, plus more cocktails infused with Asian ingredients like sake, soju, wasabi, green tea, and pear liqueur, alongside a robust sake menu. For those hesitant to trek through the restaurant’s kitchen, Akai is also accessible from a door on Crockett Street bearing a Japanese symbol, but according to a Musume staffer, revelers need a dinner reservation at the restaurant to get in. Akai serves up drinks Thursday through Saturday 8 p.m. to 2 a.m." - Alaena Hostetter
