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Koji Sake Lounge

4 star rating
based on 117 reviews

Categories: Lounges, Restaurants  [Edit]

48 S 1st St
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 287-7199
  • Hours:
    Tue-Wed 6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
    Thu 6:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
    Fri-Sat 6:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
  • Price Range: $$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street, Garage
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: No
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Good for: Late Night
  • Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
  • Happy Hour: Yes
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
  • Coat Check: No
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117 Reviews for Koji Sake Lounge

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Photo of Fraulein C.

Elite '08

57

236

Fraulein C.

Santa Clara, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 08/30/2008

Happy Hour 6-9...yum food. Lychee martini, plum cosmos, rising sun...my faves. Tried the flavored sake (pear, raspberry and coconut)....I prefer the raspberry. Tempura veggies, calamari, french fries tossed in some spicy seasoning...worth a try. A lot of FRIED stuff, but not bad. Coming here two or three times a month when i need to sit down and relax...good times.

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  • 5 star rating 06/26/2008

    I'm just happy that they have a place that serves SAKE. Where in downtown SJ do they have a… Read more »

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Photo of john-michael c.

Elite '08

122

438

john-michael c.

Santa Clara, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 08/30/2008

How to celebrate this weekend?

Why?
Why you ask?
Shit, why not?
.
.
.
but if you really must know...a  number of things...to celebrate someone's birthday....a reconnection.....out of town brother visiting......a whole slew of things....but seriously why not? But if that weren't enough.....and I had to just pick on reason....simply because it's the first weekend off I've had in nearly forever.

So as I said.......where to start a new tradition of HHC - HAPPY HOUR CRAWL....so I remembered an oldie...but a goodie....where else other than koji's? Called a few people....walked my ass over there and let the fun begin. Nothing to crazy...just having a good time, as it should be.

Have fun out there!
;D

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  • 5 star rating 05/09/2008

    I heart Koji Sake Lounge.

    It's kind of odd, I didn't think anyone was thinking about going to this,… Read more »

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6

69

Samantha R.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
08/30/2008

I dig this place. It's a nice smaller chill spot to kick back with some friends. The atmosphere is nice, goes well with the theme of the trendy sake lounge, and there is a lot of seating for groups. If you get a large bottle of hot sake and a large sapporo its 17 bucks--makes 5 sake bombs!! Thats legit.

And they make some tasty mixed drinks too. I recommend trying some new variations on drinks (for example the white rabbit...its like those white rabbit candies) though the one I did not like was the "Bloody Mary." I don't think this qualifies as a bloody mary...they made it with sriracha instead of tabasco and then sake as the main alcohol (obviously not too powerful of a flavor...more subtle). It was undrinkable. Not in the usual "too strong" or "too sweet" kind of way...just "too gross." And I love sriracha!! boo disappointment...

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11

82

Vince T.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
08/27/2008

Love this place.  The drinks are on point, the space is small but crackin, and the clientele that frequents are pretty good looking.  If I didn't have to promote then I would frequent this place a whole lot more.

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3

80

jerry h.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 08/25/2008

Place is still crack a' lackin.

Consistent and cool. Yet classy and calm.

I still seduce women here. The lighting jumps me up 2 pts.

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  • 5 star rating 03/01/2008

    Hella-chill & classy lounge. So clean and no surfaces here are bar-sticky..

    You can actually hold a… Read more »

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Photo of Kerry T.

 

8

27

Kerry T.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
08/24/2008

Kinda of relieve the see this type of place downtown.  During a night of bar hopping in downtown San Jose, we ran into Koji Sake Lounge.  Everyone bar/lounge seems similar until you reach Koji.  The lounge isn't very big but it gives off a nice vibe.  A sake bomb is a change from the everyday shots.    Overall I would return here again to try the food because it smelled pretty good.

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47

75

Valerie P.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
08/03/2008

This place never disappoints me!

I usually go here during happy hour for the $5 cocktails and sometimes the weekends  I like this place because it doesn't get too crowded.  The cocktails have sake in them...hence the name.

My favorite drink here is the White Rabbit, which has coconut bits at the bottom. All the other drinks are pretty good such as the Samurai...very strong and cucumbery. There are some drinks that have an acquired taste such as the bloody geisha..which is pretty much the same thing as a bloody mary.

The calamari is good here if you're ordering small pltes.

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12

19

Steven L.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
07/19/2008

I like to go here with friends on Wednesdays, because thats Sake Wed. night. The sake is half off, which does make it cheap for sake. I would avoid some of the cocktails, all made with sake instead, and also renamed such to reflect japanese-esque culture. Bloody Mary = Bloody Geisha. Sangria = Zengria. Do not fall into the allure of intriguing drink names, as I did.

I recommend buying sake by the bottle, and some appetizers such as the nori fries and ahi tuna.

This is a relaxed place to hang out with friends, and even moreso on wed nights because it seems like my group is always the ONLY one there. Sometimes we roleplay that we own the place.

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Photo of Aimee C.

 

7

39

Aimee C.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
07/23/2008

Chill spot.  Not too loud or obnoxioius, like some spots in downtown SJ.  Appetizers were okay.  They had some crazy wasabi guacamole that we were trippin out on for a while.  Edamame hummus?  Yes, we had that too.  I'm not a huge sake fan, so maybe the 3 star review is somewhat unfair...  The prices seemed a little high; I later found out this tiny little bottle of sake my table kept ordering cost $16 a pop... whew!

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Photo of shen b.

 

11

70

shen b.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
07/04/2008

I'm only a fan because I'm a sake fanatic. the prices are ridiculous though. They got help from an excellent sake expert up in the city.
The mood, is okay, and the service provided is excellent. The girls are great, and the old chef made excellent dishes. I haven't been there since he left. The crowd is pretty mixed, and it's interesting. Definitely recommend the sparkling sake, it's the best on the market. But just a tip, you can go to Mitsuwa (on Saratoga)  and get a bottle of it for half the price. I also recommend that if you're really into sake, or getting into it, search for sake tasting events all over the bay, and absolutely check out TRUE SAKE up in the city  in Hayes Valley. Beau is an absolute gentlemen and can direct you in the right direction (the expert who helped with Koji's menu) and drink on, drink on! Sake is awesome but the buzz is even better! ;)

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Photo of Victor C.

Elite '08

91

219

Victor C.

Fremont, CA

4 star rating
Updated - 06/23/2008

I like this place...

I've probably come back 3-4 times since I first came and reviewed it.

Always mellow, never too crowded.

The sake cocktails are a "tad" on the pricier side (especially given it's location in downtown SJ), but I guess it keeps the "typical downtown SJ" crowd at the other places.

The bartender's super nice, which is always a plus.

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  • 5 star rating 09/30/2007

    Good place to chill, have a drink, and carry conversations...

    Went to Koji on a Friday night with a… Read more »

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Photo of Linh T.

 

2

44

Linh T.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
06/22/2008

Absolutely great spot for happy hour!

Pros:

~~calamari with dynamite sauce - the sauce is what makes this dish so f'in good!

~~$3 asahi and $8 house sake - 'nuff said

~~comfy couches

~~lychee martini

~~happy hour is from 6-9pm!  yippee!

Cons:

~~only one bathroom stall!

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Photo of Joon Y.

Elite '08

218

224

Joon Y.

Fremont, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 06/15/2008

Yamnit, this place is just so chill, it's awesome. Music's an eclectic mix of house, trance, hiphop, soul. No, dance floor though, so if you're going to dance it's limited to 'a drink a two step.' =( Price isn't too shabby. Try their lychee martini, *in fobby accent* "It's goot.

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  • 4 star rating 01/25/2008

    The Goods:

    Attractive Staff.

    Unique Sake Drinks.

    Good Music.

    Chic/Sexy decor.

    The Bads:

    A little stuffy… Read more »

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Photo of Natalye S.

 

26

263

Natalye S.

Petaluma, CA

3 star rating
07/06/2008

The ambiance here is super nice, but I was unimpressed with the sake.

To be fair, I've never been a sake fan, but I was hoping there would be a little more bite to my drink. For $7, the plum sake was delicious, but not very alcoholic. It was more like drinking fruit juice, and I'd rather spend my $7 on a pint instead.

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Photo of Alex C.

 

199

38

Alex C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
06/17/2008

Grab a drink or two before your main destination here....it's the place before the place you end up for the night.  

I recommend drinking White Lotuses and munching on the panko calamari.

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Photo of Pachi C.

 

23

85

Pachi C.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
06/13/2008

Food: N/A
Service: Good
Price: Great

Hidden gem in downtown San Jose!

I've always wanted to try the Lychee Martinis so I finally tried my first one at Koji.

I was not disappointed. They top it off with a piece of real lychee fruit.

Perfect alcohol + syrup content.

Cute lounge that is not too busy on a Thursday night. Great place to chill with friends without having to scream at the top of your lungs so they can hear you (maybe some slight raising of voices). Can't say that for VIVID next, door though. :p

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Photo of Mark'stine H.

 

3

37

Mark'stine H.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
07/06/2008

Great place to bring friends on a chill day... Came there on Thursday and there was only one waitress so we had to wait longer than I would expect. Food was good. Sake bombs were good. Place is nice but kind of small. Overall nice place!

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Photo of angela m.

 

2

1

angela m.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
08/15/2008

the selection of sake is top choice. the menus have short but concise descriptions of flavor, which is really helpful. i've tried almost all the mixed drinks from the list and have never been disappointed. my personal fave is the white rabbit. i recommend their lychee martini also. not too sweet and full of syrup, like other places.

the food selection is also great. i'm a huge fan of their spam musubi and calamari. this is probably one of the best places in the bay area to grab spam musubi. be sure to hit up happy hour!

it's a small spot, but a good place to chill if you manage to grab a seat. friendly waitresses and bartenders, unfortunately, the service tends to be pretty slow. the bottle prices for sake are a little expensive, so happy hour is definitely a good choice if you don't want to blow all your duckets in one spot.

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Photo of Aileen A.

Elite '08

407

96

Aileen A.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
05/15/2008

A really low key and chill place. Our party rolled in around 10, which is a good idea, since it got crazy busy after 11. So if you've got an entourage, comply with the early bird special.

Ambiance is blue low lights and minimalist furniture. Waitresses are super cute. Restrooms are in the back left btw, for all you who have tiny bladders such as I! Singles only, no stalls :(

I had some sake, but i was stuck on the cocktails to remember. So here they are:

1. Lychee martini: OMG soooo good. Sweet, and with just enough liquid courage to hit the spot. I had two of these. $7

2. White Rabbit: sounded good, tasted good. Interesting colors. White with pink on the bottom. I don't know why, but it reminded me of those yogurt japanese drinks except with alcohol. If you don't like coconut, this is not for you.

3. Pineapple-tini. My friend had this, and she didn't like it at all. Maybe if they put salt in it a-la margarita style, it would've tasted alright. If you like dirty martinis or salty dogs, this might be for you.

Small plates:
You gotta have some of that  grilled pita bread with edamame hummus dip. I strongly recommend!!!!

We were here for quite awhile. We weren't ordering alot of drinks, but the waitress was super hospitable even if it started getting crowded and people needing tables. Never did we feel rushed. Go here!

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Photo of Tina N.

 

30

148

Tina N.

Santa Clara, CA

3 star rating
06/15/2008

Website is quite deceiving. This place looks really classy and super nice on the website but venue... not so much.

The idea is great: a sake lounge? Really cool idea. I had the white rabbit cocktail. It was alright. Didn't really taste any flavors in it though! We also had the 3 sakes infused with fruit essence. 2/3 were good but one of them was really gross - forgot which one.

Edamame was good, can't really mess that up, but it had salt AND pepper. Pretty good when you're buzzing : )

I never go to downtown San Jose but I really wanted to go to this place after reading all the good reviews. I wasn't so much disappointed in the place (although, it wasn't as nice as it appears) or the drinks (they were okay) and the atmosphere would have been great except the crowd here was kinda random. No wait - REALLY random!!

Service was good though, they were all very sweet. I might stop by if it was to pre-drink or to hang out with a friend or 2.

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Photo of Amélie P.

 

461

413

Amélie P.

Foster City, CA

4 star rating
05/09/2008

I came here after the Farenheit Elite Event, and I think besides two other people (Candice and Rob), I was the only white person in there.

Which. Is. AWESOME.

I have an appreciation for sake because I grew up Japanese. You see, when I was a wee youngin, my brother and I were over at Chizu's house all the time--she made us rice balls with tasty treats stuffed inside (omg I'm craving her cooking right now as I write this), and cooked us japanese food, and spoke to us in Japanese, and gave us little Japanese trinkets for our birthdays/holidays/Girl's and Boy's days, and even used some sort of special Japanese massage trick to calm us down when we would get too hyper (no, it wasn't the Vulcan "put you to sleep" trick).

She was like a second mother to us, and when I was 5 or 6 years old I walked up to a police officer and said, "Mister Police Officer, if my parents get a divorce, can I move in with Chizu?"

Of course, my parents have the most loving relationship (after 23 years together), and even said they would sooner put us up for adoption than ruin their marriage (I love my family), but that never really stopped me from asking.

Rob and I were running a tad late. And by a "tad" I mean there was about a half an hour/20 minutes left of the event because we were too busy lazying it up around the apartment and had to stop by my house to change clothes (I can't really be seen in sweatpants and a tshirt, now can I?). We grabbed our Elite Hoodies and Perci invited us to Koji Sake Lounge for some after-party party.

We walked a couple blocks through downtown SJ as I soaked up what would have been my college life had I made the choice to go to SJSU--filled with crappy bars and restaurants, a "wild" social scene I tell ya.

Arriving at Koji's, we realized that the night had yet to begin as the only people in there were fellow Yelpers, already starting their drinking (of course, by start I mean at that particular location--Omar was trashed by then, I think. HAIII OMAR!). Rob looked at the tasting menu and we ordered the Sparkling Sake and dug into the Edamame someone had so graciously ordered beforehand.

It was DELICIOUS! The whole time we stood around, arguing something about Audrey Hepburn and me scrolling through Rob's iPhone frantically trying to prove Candice something, and talking about random things. Honestly? Hand me a drink and I'm going to forget most of the things that went on. Haven't you seen me at DYL?

The decor was smooth and contemporary chic, the dark finish on the hardwood floor and bar blended perfectly with the overall vibe, and was dimly lit to provide an outstanding ambience of modern Japanese social settings. (Can you tell I don't normally describe decor? Because that was terrible).

Oh, and I've never been to Japan (heyyyy Patrick! You have enough room in that suitcase to fit me?), but if I had I'd probably think it was nowhere near here what it is there. Then again, Chizu moved back to Tokyo when I was 9 and I've been without rice balls ever since, taking my knowledge of Japanese language/culture/etc with her.

However, she did start working for a magazine, and sent us a copy of which I am now in the February 2008 issue of.

If I ever happen to even THINK about wanting to go to San Bore-se, you will most likely find me here.

Konichiwa, bitches!

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15

14

Shane B.

Brisbane, CA

5 star rating
06/13/2008

I finally got a chance to go to Koji's again yesterday. I have to put my .02 cents out there. In four words "I love this place". I used to be considered a regular when I worked near the place. Happy hour or better yet happy hour + Wed specials will leave you feeling very sake fuzzy. Beware! Sake creeps up on you.

Ever tried sake? It was the warm stuff at a sushi bar right? If you liked it at all you've got to try the good stuff. If it tasted like warmed over turpentine, and you have to down two large flasks before it starts tasting good don't give up on sake yet. Get yourself down to this place and have one of the samplers. It comes ice cold in chilled glasses. The variety of flavors from premium sake will make it hard not to find something you like. If you still don't like it after trying these get yourself checked by a doctor. Don't worry though. You'll still be fine as they have many other tasty drinks to pick from.

The place has a great vibe to it. The people are very cool, knowledgeable, and attentive. The appetizers are elegant and quite tasty. It is definitely the best place in the bay to enjoy sake.

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Elite '08

230

119

Jaye C.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
05/09/2008

I don't frequent dtsj much, but this place is definitely up there in my list of places to hit up! Bring some good company with you (like the kick-ass SBY's I was with last night + Carol's entourage), and you got yourself fun rolled up in one venue.

The first thing I checked out when coming in here was not the sake selection, but rather the layout of the lounge - is it easy to move around? find your group? spacious enough? do i need to fight my way through? Answer: Yes, yes, yes and no! Yesss perfect, me likey!

I like having lots of breathing room and making sure I don't get groped randomly by some odd 30somethings -yes, it's happened before, and thankfully this venue isn't the overly crowded kind so I can still walk in between people without feeling like I have to be on my guard.

Cute waitresses here btw, even I was ogling at them. "Sup girl, what's your name?" Haha!

Great selection of mixed sake drinks - some are flavorful and sweet, some are dry. They have food here as well (spam musubi, edamame, fried calamari, seasoned fries, etc.). Enough room to mingle but not enough to boogie, live band on Thursday, TVs in the back for the sports fanatic.

Chill place for chill people.

P.S. Don't party foul like someone in our group did *ahem*J-M*ahem*!!!

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80

138

Randy T.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
05/09/2008

Another fun and memorable UYE, this time at Koji Sake Lounge.

So I headed down there for an alcoholic beverage or two as well as meet some more crazy Yelpers. The place was relatively small but the tables were well spaced so I didn't feel claustrophobic. There's a nice bar area in the back to order your drinks or just chill at one of the tables and a cute waitress will be happy to take your order as well.

I didn't try any of the selections of sake besides downing a round of sake bombs with my fellow Yelp comrades. I did partake in a couple bottles of Kirin Ichiban beer which were $3 that night and had a sip of some ppls cocktails which were $5. Can't go wrong with the $3 beer but the cocktails were a little light on the alcohol.

Tried some of their delectable appetizers, like the spiced fries, panko crusted calamari, and the spam musubi. All great small plates of food to help soak up the alcohol that you consume there.

As many ppl know in San Jose but apparently a couple of vehicles didn't that night, Koji Sake Lounge does not offer roadside drop-offs in front of their establishment. If you believe so, you might end up stuck behind a SJ light rail car, then backing up improperly and loudly scraping your side bumper in the process while drunk onlookers point and laugh. Yes a night at Koji can bring the maturity level of a person down to a giddy adolescent.

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5

6

Alerie F.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
05/27/2008

Great place to go to chill after a long day/week at work. Happy hour are Tuesdays-Fridays, but some Thursdays  they have (H)API hour during which the cover charge goes to the non-profit hosting the happy hour and drinks are half off and and appetizers are $5 each. This way you get to support a deserving organization while enjoying delicious drinks and fun company. Check their site for other events.

Ambiance: Upbeat music, but not techno annoying (sorry to bash the techno lovers out there). Dim lighting with ebony-upholstered sofas reminiscent of Ikea-modern design.

Favorite drink: Sakura Cosmo. Light and refreshing.
2nd fave: Lychee Martini. Sweet, and super yummy with a whole lychee garnish.

Favorite Appetizers: Calamari with their "dynamite" dipping sauce (I think it is a sort of chipotle mixture)

Where to park: parking lot between 2nd and 1st street on San Fernando, the Pavillion parking around the corner from the mentioned lot, or the parking garage in San Pedro Square (this one's a couple of blocks away, but at least you can grab a late night burrito at La Victoria after you hit the lounge). Parking after 6 P.M. is $2.

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2

8

Colleen C.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
07/01/2008

I'm going to keep it real, I'm disappointed because I read all these rave reviews about this place. We went there for my girl's b-day and the service was super slow (there were only 3 other groups there- 2 waitresses). The b-day gal got there 45 minutes earlier than everyone and ordered a bunch appetizers but for some reason our food came way before hers (I think they forgot her order). They also forgot my boyfriend's guacamole, and it took forever to get water. I can understand if the place was packed but it was well, dead...

Most of the appetizers were good though.

Spiced Fries- YUM!
Guacamole- nothing special
Calamari- very good
Spam Musubi- OK
Ahi Tuna Tartar-very good
Chicken Karaage-OK

We ordered a few bottles of sake:

Kamoizumi KomeKome- really good, sweet- the girls loved it
Wakatake Daiginjo - way stronger than the other and smooth. Loved it!

The White Rabbit was a hit too.

The place is nice, very chill, good beats but it was kinda dead.

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34

75

Tracey F.

Morgan Hill, CA

4 star rating
05/16/2008

For a sake neophyte, this place is very, very cool!

After a recent event at the San Jose Museum of Art, I suggested to Mercy, Scott and Watani that we head over to Koji Sake Lounge to try it out.  I've recently become interested in learning more about sake, so as Koji is only a block or so away from SJMA, and the night was young, I figured this would be a really good time to get my taste on!

Five stars for the good-quality, tapas-sized food, yummy sake and cool waitress that thoroughly answered all our questions and made some really good suggestions in line with what kind of other wines we liked.  I also liked the way the bar was split up into cozy little alcoves with high-backed booths, yet there was also plenty of seating along the other wall for larger groups.  This would be a perfect setting for a UYE, especially if it were to be held before Koji gets busy at 11 p.m.

But if you're an old lady like me, make sure to bring your earplugs.

Minus one star because the music got so loud towards the end of our evening that we had to shout over it to be able to talk to each other.

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Elite '08

206

375

Mercy B.

Milpitas, CA

4 star rating
05/12/2008

What a cool place to hang...

The setting is sleek and contemporary. We arrived before the crowd - a great place to relax, talk and sip sake. I noticed that as the crowd started to arrive, the music got louder. I also noticed that my voice got louder and my hearing got worse.

Listen to the waitress - she knows her sake. If you're wondering what to try, the flight samplers are good way to start. Good variety of sake and sake cocktails. Some of the cocktails sounded intriguing - I'll have to return again to sample more.

The tapas were yummy and tasty. Enough to soften the effects of the sake - but I still got a buzz (I'm such a lightweight!)

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Scott L.

Mountain View, CA

4 star rating
05/10/2008

Good place, picks up at 11pm, dead before that. Music kicks up at about 10pm even before the crowd does. Definitely not as busy as Temple Bar & Lounge down the street... nor with the short skirts and "hey look at me" tops.  

The sake's good, but not earth shattering.
The food is good, tapas size or smaller.
The waitress took her time to explain the sakes and answer any questions.

If you're looking for a mellow time, this is good. As the evening goes on you'll have to talk LOUDER.  But it's all good...

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Ayla D.

Santa Clara, CA

3 star rating
05/27/2008

I came here with some friends, my first sake experience EVER. I love the decor, although it could have used more paintings on the walls. We came a little before 11pm and it was almost dead, but that was ok, it was our first stop of the night, and I hate crowds. We had the whole bar to ourselves, which was great since I got to see the huge variety in sake. Beautifully presented and an even more wonderful taste! I had the White Lotus, which had dried cranberries in it. I loved the crisp taste, and sake won't get you insanely buzzed like some alcohol. This seems like the kind of place that you come to try new  flavors. Only the open-minded allowed. Can't wait to feel the vibe when it's packed.

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Elite '08

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Mikey U.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
05/02/2008

Koji Sake Review: The Remix!
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5 Stars!!

I hadn't been to Koji since the end of last summer.
But last night's One Year Anniversary Party rejuvenated and reiterated everything I liked about it!

The stylish interior remains group-friendly, but can also be intimate; many a couple can be found cozily snuggled up, an island unto themselves in a room full of people...

The ambiance remains attractively hip yet unhype'd.  Even on this night (1 year anniversary), the place got busy, but still comfortably uncrowded.  Plus, their music selection is usually dope... neo-soul, quiet storm remixes, hip-hop anthems, bouncy r&b... dopeness!

Either at the bar (Liz is STILL the bombdiggy bartender!) or in the lounge (oh, that hapa girl is THE cuteness!), service is a matter of excellence!  Smiles and winks, witty one-liners, quick drinks and fast talk.

At the center of this posh operation, Kathy and Tony(?) are two of the coolest down-to-earth business owners I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.  Not found at the sidelines managing from afar, these two set the standard for service; themselves meeting, greeting, hosting, serving the patrons of their establishment...

After a drink or three, I built up the courage to cross the room and say "hi" to a couple of yelpers I had met once before but was too shy to approach... Sabrina A and Zak W, thank you two for being so cool to me!!!

And I must retract my statement that you can't get too buzzed on sake...
Yes... yes you can.  Yes you can.
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...oh, the waitress... so so cute!  =)
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(original review: 08/29/2007)
4-Stars

This is one of my more favored spots to hit up downtown, I stop off here any night that brings me within walking distance of it...

The decor is minimalist-chic and very accomodating to groups.  As well, the music and ambiance totally lend itself to conversations (... I'm older now... I like talking with people...).
The barstaff themselves (Liz in particular) are very helpful and attentive.

And yes, like most of the other reviews here, the fact that the place isn't patronized by that "bay-bay-bay" crowd is probably the most appealing characteristic!

Now mind you, Koji isn't particularly a drinker's bar; you'd need some deep pockets to get hammered here.  But then again, if that's your intent, then go elsewhere.

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Elite '08

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Tiffany W.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
07/27/2008

Finally I went to Koji for the first time this past weekend. I knew about Koji before they opened up when I saw job postings on Craigslist. Ever since then, I wanted to check it out since they offer sake, and there's not really any other place downtown like it.

This past Thursday, my friends and I all ended up going to Temple, and someone mentioned sake bombs, so we all went over to Koji, had a couple of them, and then back to Temple. So since I didn't get to stay too long, I went back last night.

I like the inside of Koji a lot. The front is all couches and lounging area, definitely a great place if you want to just have drink and sit and chat with friends. The people in here aren't all loud and crazy and wasted. But not a place to go to if you want to dance. So far, I've tried their sake bombs, lychee martini, and zengria. The sake bomb is $16. It comes with one sake pitcher ( I don't  know what they're called ) of hot sake, and one big bottle of Sapporo. And then from there, you can split it up however you want. The first night, we split one order between 7 people, which turned into one round. Last night, there was just 3 of us, so we were able to have two rounds each and then one shot left.  Aside from the sake, I really like thier Lychee Martini here. Yeah yeah, it's not that strong, but I'm a sucker for lychee martinis, and theirs is good here. As for the zengria, it's just okay. I actually am not too crazy about sangria with sake.

Anyhow, I'll definitely come back here more often. I love how it's laid back and chill. I went last night after being out at the movies and I was just dressed in jeans, a tank top, and flats, and I didn't need to worry about dressing up which is a great thing. Cause if you want to just go out and have some drinks, and hang out, this is a great place. I gotta come check out Koji on Wednesdays since I see that it's Sake Wednesday. Traditionally, my best friend and I will go to Blowfish at Santana Row, but I think I'll actually be coming here a lot more. Similar drinks and better prices, and much closer to school!

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Rex V.

Irvine, CA

3 star rating
06/19/2008

This place was dead when I went there for my friend's bday.  Usually I see it somewhat busy but Saturday night that I went, it was ridiculously empty.  We basically looked like we bought the place out.  The place is nicely furnished with a Japanese garden kinda style to it.  We ordered some sake bombs which were $5 and they also had some huge japanese beers which I don't know how much they were but looked worth it.  Due to it being empty, I have no idea what kind crowd is usually present.  So I give this place a 3 for it's nicely priced drinks.

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Serena W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/04/2008

Friend took me here for a night out. We came on a Tuesday around 10-11ish and it was pretty dead, but it was a Tuesday what can you expect?!? Regardless, we had a awesome time!

Very spacious. Very clean.

Cute and friendly bartender. ;)

Very chilled ambiance.

Great selection of sake.

Great place to unwind and chill with friends while drinking sake on them comfy couches.

Will definitely come here again. Too bad, we were too late for their Happy Hour (6pm-9pm -- Tuesdays-Fridays)! Darn! :(

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Elite '08

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144

Victoria N.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
05/10/2008

This is where my friends discovered edamame hummus and now they can't get enough of it. It's where I discovered spam and am pretty over it. It's where sake brings out the class and not the ass in people. Once in awhile there might be a drunkard, but they're usually friendly and not trying to get in your pants. This is my kind of lounge.

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Edward S.

Fremont, CA

5 star rating
08/05/2008

So this is my home on the weekends.  I visit this place, more than a regular bases.  The people there are all really great, from the bouncer, to the waitresses, to the bartenders, to the own, they are all willing to have  a few words with you.  Not to mention that they are all so beautiful.

Now on to the menu.  I will start with the alcoholic beverages.  My favorite is the Bloody Geisha.  They always make it just the way i like, with a splash of LOVE.  HAHAHAH.  As for sake, i can never remember the name of them, so i will just describe the bottle.  Thats how i usually order from them too.  I like the sparkling Sake, the sweet sake that comes in the white long bottle, the Demon Slayer...so many to list, so i will just stop there.

Now on to one of the best parts of the place, THE FOOD.  My favorite is the calamari.  The hummus and edamame dip, i was surprised the first time i had it, it was good.  Now its one of the staples of our order every night.  They recently (a few months ago) added more items to the menu and now have spam wasubi.  Nothing to rave about but good and full filing.  

This place is like my CHEERS me and my friends all hang out there.  So it just feels like home.  Why don't you come to a place where everyone knows your name.

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Elite '08

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228

Bryan K.

San Mateo, CA

4 star rating
04/14/2008

We came here after the SBay Elite Event at Farenheit Ultra-lounge... basically from an ultra-lounge to an ultra-sake-lounge.  This place is a fancy joint to go grab some drinks.  The bartender lady was both pretty and pleasant.  She was quite friendly and gave us some lichee to munch on.  She's also good for sake recommendatations.  

When things were going slow the bartender started making infused shochu's.  They have some interesting infused shochu drinks.  One is called Dragon Fire, which is a Bloody Mary rendition using jalapeno infused shochu and sriracha hot sauce.  Sounds like OUCH.

I'm a curious fellow so I asked to try the jalapeno shochu... it tasted like drinking a sore throat.  Cough.

BTW they also have food and a couple different sake flights to try.

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2

Pamela T.

San Jose, CA

1 star rating
07/31/2008

Is this place closed down now?  We tried to go tonight based on reviews, a Thurs, and they were closed, dark inside and dirty windows.  Looked kinda shuttered.

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