It was 6:00 p.m. on a Friday night, and I had just gotten home from basketball practice. My stomach was growling, the fridge was empty, and my family and I couldn’t decide what to eat. That’s when my sister suggested Blue Akai. I quickly changed my clothes, and soon enough, we were on our way, excited to see what the restaurant had to offer.
Stepping into Blue Akai, I immediately noticed the clean, dimly lit interior and the detailed designs decorating the walls. The restaurant is divided into two sections: a Tex-Mex area bustling with TVs and a bar-like atmosphere, and a calmer Japanese sushi lounge area, perfect for a date night. No matter which side you choose, you can order from both menus, a clever way to please every type of customer. The atmosphere felt welcoming, energetic, and versatile all at the same time.
To start, our table was served warm chips and salsa. The chips were light and crisp, though a bit plain in flavor. Still, they were comforting and perfectly set the stage for our meals.
For entrees, we dived into the sushi lounge menu. I tried their shrimp tempura roll, salmon roll, and a special off-menu Fireball roll was on the house. The shrimp tempura roll was fresh and flavorful, with the crispiness of the shrimp complementing the soft avocado and cucumber. The salmon roll was simple yet satisfying, and the Fireball roll surprised me. It was larger than your average roll and layered with a seasoned vegetable mix that reminded me of coleslaw but with a more complex flavor. Each bite was fresh, filling, and enjoyable, making it clear that the sushi at Blue Akai is made with care.
Dessert was a first-time experience for me: churros served with chocolate, caramel, and whipped cream. I found the flavor interesting and rich; almost buttery, it wasn’t exactly to my preference. But it was fun to try something new, and it also added a sweet ending to my night.
Service throughout the night was polite and attentive. Our waiter was friendly and helpful, though slightly slowed by other tables as more guests were entering, which is understandable on a busy Friday evening. Prices were fair, too: $10 for the shrimp tempura, $8 for the salmon roll, $9.95 for the churros, and the Fireball roll was free since it was on the house. Considering the freshness, portion size, and quality, I left feeling that the meal was worth every penny.
Blue Akai’s blend of sushi and Tex-Mex, combined with its dual atmospheres, makes for a unique spot in Englewood. Whether you want the excitement of a lively bar setting or the calmness of a sushi lounge, the restaurant offers both without lowering the quality of its dishes. I would recommend it to families, friends, or anyone looking for a versatile night out with plenty of flavorful options. After our visit, I left full, satisfied, and already thinking about my next trip back, maybe to even try more of their Tex-Mex menu.
Blue Akai
23 E Palisades Ave, Englewood, NJ, 07631
(201) 541-0600
