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GOLDEN GAI Cocktail Club – Can You Keep A Secret?

Wakuda’s hidden lounge evokes the excitement of Tokyo’s thrilling underground…

UPDATE 12/6/24GOLDEN GAI COCKTAIL LOUNGE has announced its festivities for New Year’s Eve:

Golden Gai Cocktail Club, the intimate drinks destination at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas inspired by the iconic neon-lit alleys of the Golden Gai bar district of Shinjuku, Tokyo, invites guests to ring in 2025 with an elevated New Year’s Eve celebration. The evening will feature live entertainment, a champagne toast at midnight, Michelin-star-quality bites, handcrafted cocktails and stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip fireworks display.

Starting at 10 p.m., guests can reserve seats inside Golden Gai Cocktail Club, which will include standing-room-only access to the venue’s outdoor terrace to view the midnight Strip fireworks show. Golden Gai New Year’s Eve options include:

  • Indoor Lounge Tables: $300 food and beverage minimum per person.
  • Highboy Tables: $200 food and beverage minimum per person.
  • Barstools: $150 food and beverage minimum per person.

Guests 21 or older may make reservations online here, by calling (702) 665-8592 or emailing Peter Lee at plee@wakudajapanese.com. For more information, click here.

Original article begins here:

“Meet me inside Golden Gai at half past midnight. Bring the package and make sure you aren’t followed!” You head down a neon-lit alleyway in Shinjuku’s notorious bar district, where danger and intrigue lurk in every corner.

The circular entrance to WAKUDA Japanese Restaurant beckons you inside. Slip between a pair of dark curtains hanging inconspicuously to one side of the corridor, and you’ve arrived at Golden Gai Cocktail Club, the latest high-end lounge at Venetian/Palazzo.

In recent years, Venetian Resort Las Vegas has launched several successful cocktail destinations, each with a distinct flavor. Famed mixologists have been at the forefront of Juliet Cocktail Room, Electra Cocktail Club, and Rosina Cocktail Lounge. It’s only natural that existing restaurants would desire a share of the market. What better way than to create their own intimate cocktail clubs?

 Screenshot from venetianlasvegas.com

Known for blending French techniques into his Japanese cooking, Chef Tetsuya Wakuda is the recipient of a two-star Michelin rating. His namesake restaurant in Palazzo is unmatched only by its counterpart in Singapore. They’re described as places that “capture the tension between traditional and modern Japan through cuisine, design, and art.”

Despite being separate from Venetian’s Cocktail Collective, Golden Gai (pronounced “guy”, not “gay”) shares a common element with those popular lounges: renowned bartender Sam Ross. The New York mixologist is known in Las Vegas for his creations at Electra, Rosina, and former The Dorsey. His protege is Luis Lopez, who serves as Beverage Director for Wakuda’s intimate new lounge.

Luis Lopez (second from left) at ROSINA (Vegas Unfiltered Archive Photo, 2017)

Wakuda‘s physical design and operations have been rendered by 50 Eggs Hospitality Group (Yardbird, Chica). They’re collaborating with The World’s 50 Best Bars to bring unique experiences to Golden Gai Cocktail Room. So, you can expect excellence not just on standard evenings, but during special pop-up events.

Photo by Stardust Fallout via Facebook

With less than a dozen tables, Golden Gai highly recommends reservations. An outdoor terrace, heated during cooler evenings, affords a spectacular view of the Las Vegas Strip. Dark woods and subdued lighting within create an atmosphere of mystery, intrigue, and cultural authenticity.

Atmosphere is an enormous part of the neon-drenched Shinjuku Alley experience. Golden Gai is adorned with artwork from artist Shohei Otomo. His paintings and sketches convey the struggle between traditionalism and progress, depicting cyberpunk rebellion and the hyper-realism of anime.

Graphic courtesy of WAKUDA via Facebook

The ability to honor Japan’s heritage, both modern and traditional, is reflected in the ingredients of Golden Gai‘s exquisite beverage creations. Seasonal influences combine with nods to nature, yielding cocktails featuring crisp Fuji apples, luscious Japanese musk melon, and Wakamomo peaches.

Photos via The VOX Agency

The drink menu is divided into categories like “Citrus Forward & Bright,” “Refreshing,” “Boozy & Direct,” and “Dessert.” Non-alcoholic drinks such as “Summer In Japan” are energized with fruity ingredients, while “Omakase Chef’s Coffee” will warm you with coconut, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

BY THE GLASS

Expect the best selection and an expansive list of sake, champagne, and wines. Each has been chosen to represent “global excellence and rare finds.” Whether by the glass or bottle, connoisseurs and casual guests will find something to please and impress. Here is the selection available at press time as provided by THE VOX AGENCY:

BY THE BOTTLE

CHAMPAGNE

Photo by Stardust Fallout via Facebook

If a nine thousand-dollar bottle of Krug Brut Rose isn’t your typical selection for an evening on the town, that’s just fine. Golden Gai serves an excellent selection of Japanese beers, priced from $8 to $15 at press time. The featured vodka seltzer, at only $16, is Suntory-196 Lemon.

The foods served within Golden Gai‘s little sanctuary are separate from WAKUDA‘s menu. They’re described as “small Japanese hand-helds and sumptuous bar bites, craveable delicacies with bold, sought-after flavor twists.”

Selections range from Jidori Chicken Nuggets and Lobster Crispy Rice (4 pcs) to Crunchy Fried Fish Sliders and Wagyu Foie Gras Handrolls, Taco-style. All are Michelin-star quality.

The atmosphere of GOLDEN GAI noticeably changes as evening turns into night. Lighting and music evolve, with DJs taking over at 10 pm.  So whether you’re out for an intimate date, stylish business conversation, or late-night excitement, let GOLDEN GAI COCKTAIL ROOM be your secret destination. Dress to impress, and enjoy a taste of Shinjuku.

Join us at our Lounge and Terrace starting at 5 PM, where all ages are welcome until 10 PM! Enjoy our specially curated small bites and signature cocktail menu to get your night started right.

At 10 PM, the energy intensifies with live DJ performances, turning the Lounge and Terrace into a 21+ destination. Join us for exclusive late-night seating:

Sunday and Monday until 11 PM (Lounge Only)

Tuesday to Saturday until 2 AM

Make Reservations HERE

 

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