K-ways: Las Vegas' JDM Themed Lounge

Nestled a few block northwest of the Las Vegas strip, there is a hookah lounge that has become a household name among car enthusiasts in its short lifespan of just a year. Started by two friends who met in 2021 through the Las Vegas car scene with a shared love for everything JDM, K-ways Hookah Lounge (it's official name, if you ask Google Maps), or K-ways for short, has become a defacto hub for car meets, cruise launches and destination, and meet ups for friends of enthusiasts in the region.

The ambiance at K-Ways is a stunning blend of neon-lit streets of Hong-Kong and the gritty charm of Japanese garages. This fusion is no accident. Both co-founders, Jenny (@strawberryata) and Ka-Wai (@kawaigram), have roots in Hong Kong and wanted to bring a piece of their childhood home to Las Vegas. Their shared passion for JDM cars also shines through, making the lounge a tribute to the vibrant Japanese street culture they admire. The neon sign in the front window is enough to entice passers-by, but a step inside reveals the true JDM theme they've adopted for the lounge. Option magazine pages decorate the walls. Bucket seats, sets of wheels, and more are displayed up high in every corner. Iconic Japanese brand flags adorn the upper edge of the shelves. There are TV screens visible from any angle in the lounge constantly showing some form of automotive video - most popularly, old drifting videos.

The story of K-ways Lounge began in 2021 when Jenny and Ka-Wai crossed paths at a local car meet. Both driven by a passion for the automotive world and a shared vision, they dreamed of establishing a lounge that would encapsulate the essence of Hong Kong street aesthetics and Japanese garages. The result is what we have now - a vibrant haven in Las Vegas’ Chinatown that offers a slice of Tokyo’s underground vibe.

K-ways Lounge is not just another nightlife spot. It’s a celebration of car culture, a gathering place for enthusiasts, night owls, and anyone seeking a unique social experience. As Jenny and Ka-Wai proudly state, it’s the only lounge in Las Vegas where you can enjoy both hookah and soju, paired with a perfected menu of Japanese-inspired comfort foods like curry, sukiyaki, pan-fried gyoza, and gyudon bowls.

Jenny reminisces about the inspiration drawn from movies like "Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift," which fueled their childhood dreams of creating a space where car enthusiasts could immerse themselves. "As kids and watching a movie like Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift, growing up we always imagined creating a place for car enthusiasts/ friends to hang out at and feel immersed in their environment," she tells us. Ka-Wai’s experience building cars, including an S13, S14, Civic EK, and a widebody Genesis, alongside Jenny’s prized NA Miata and Rx7 FC, laid the foundation for the lounge’s authentic vibe.

But bringing K-ways to life was no easy feat. With no existing blueprint for a JDM-themed car lounge in the US, Jenny and Ka-Wai faced numerous challenges. They operated within a strict budget, personally handling most of the construction and design work. Ka-Wai drew the floor plan, and together they meticulously crafted the interior we mentioned before, including the magazine pages, flags, and parts on display.

The journey from concept to grand opening in September 2023 was a two-year marathon of hard work and dedication. Today, K-ways Lounge continues to evolve, constantly innovating with new drinks, food, and events while staying true to its original inspiration. Jenny and Ka-Wai’s story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. K-ways Lounge stands as proof that with a deep appreciation for car culture and relentless pursuit of a dream, a vision can transform into reality.

For more information on K-ways, you can visit their website at KwaysCarLounge.info, or follow them on Instargam @kwayscarlounge.

A Different Form of Art by Jose Gonzalez: Custom Classic JDM Lights

It's all in the details. A lot of our audience is familiar with Jose Gonzalez and his stunning Nissan Hako Skyline Godzilla. This was a favorite car...

Artisan Spirits Wide Body Aero For GR86/BRZ

Artisan Spirits released a render of their new wide body kit for the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ. The concept of the design is geared toward...

AE86 Dunk “Fujiwara Tofu Shop” Concept Shoe

Take a look at designer and sneaker customizer, nobrainer’s latest project. It’s a concept of a special edition Nike Dunk Low. Based on Takumi...

The Spirit of Going Sideways: Aaron Leavitt 1992 Nissan Silvia

Seeing a dream come to life is one of the most fulfilling things that can happen to a person. From the moment Aaron Leavitt saw early-2000s footage of...