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Up All Night at Geisha House

12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, October 15, 2009

JENNIFER KYLE | UP ALL NIGHT

These days it seems like Dallas nightlife venues want to do it all. A lot of clubs have happy hours serving appetizers (two clubs in the area do an entire buffet), and more restaurants are putting in bars and lounges.

Most Dallasites I know spend their Friday or Saturday night like this: dinner at a nice restaurant, drinks at a bar or pub and then dancing at a club, depending on the mood of the group.

There are places, however, where you can get all of this in one stop. One such spot is Geisha House. Located on the ground level of the Gables of Villa Rosa high-rise, it has a Tokyo-inspired tavern that doubles as a dance club, plus a restaurant. The two entities are completely separate, so although you are in the same location, you'll feel like you have ventured to two separate venues. The scene: To the right of the main entrance is the Roppongi Bar. It is modern with red chairs and couches to lounge on. The expansive bar is at the center of the room. The restaurant's wooden furnishings and wall hangings make it feel more traditional than the bar.

The vibe: There were lots of singles in the bar. Couples lingered on the sizable patio, which is romantic and boasts an Uptown view, plus you can hear what the other person is saying. Not always the case in the bar area.

The music: On Mondays in the bar, they have Steve Nice spinning hip-hop during the commercial breaks of the NFL game. Friday and Saturday, you'll find one of the 12-inch Pimps in the booth spinning dance and house.

What people are wearing: Ladies wear everything from sexy dresses to jeans and flirty blouses. Guys are in jeans and nice shirts. The atmosphere here is ornate, so dress to impress, or you'll stick out like a sore thumb.

The smoke factor: There's plenty of space to walk around outside and smoke. There are fountains to sit around near the valet stand.

The drink: Sake. They have page after page of choices on their drink menu. Being a sake novice, I had to ask the server to suggest something mild. She suggested "Demon Slayer." Hmmm ... the name doesn't sound like something for the faint of heart. I was sure I was drinking apples mixed with paint thinner. My friend, however, thought it was excellent. Don't worry, fellow sake-haters, the martini menu is extensive, too.

The food: The menu is packed with tasty Japanese-fusion creations. Share the Geisha Blossom to start – tempura jalapeños stuffed with crab and cream cheese topped with eel sauce. If you like sushi, the Geisha Cracker roll is a fave among regulars. It combines tuna, crab, mayo and a spicy garlic sauce. If you're not into fusion cuisine, the steaks and lobster could compete with any steakhouse in the area.

Parking: There's free valet at night and a designated parking area for restaurant/retail guests, in case you forget some singles for a valet tip.

Seen/heard: A girl who was trying to channel Madonna circa 1985. She had on a black dress complete with shoulder pads and panels of lace, what seemed like endless strings of long pearls, and, yes, stacks of bangle bracelets. The ponytail was slightly to the side, too. Perhaps she had taken the '80s fashion revival to the extreme.

The bottom line: Here you'll find unique drinks, exotic food, luxurious surroundings and a happening patio. It's excellent for a first date or celebrating a special occasion.

Details

Geisha House. Roppongi Bar is open Sunday through Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dining area is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 2600 Cedar Springs. No cover. 469-248-0640. geishadallas.com.


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