Let’s dive into East Austin’s own Kemuri Tatsu-ya with Foodgod. We’ve got the ultimate guide to all things Japanese and BBQ cuisine.
So you think you know fusion? Think again, sugar. Kemuri Tatsu-ya takes the word to dizzying new heights.
Nestled in the eclectic cradle of East Austin, this culinary haven is the divine offspring of Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto. Recognize those names? Well, you should!
They’re the talented chefs who turned Ramen Tatsu-ya into a household name. At Kemuri Tatsu-ya, they've orchestrated a menu that marries the relaxed, shareable atmosphere of a Japanese izakaya with the deep-smoked allure of Texas BBQ.
At this point, if you're not checking the map to find out how to get to E 2nd St in Austin, there's something seriously wrong with your foodie instincts!
You walk in, and it's like crossing into an alternate universe where Tokyo and Austin had a love child, and its name is Kemuri Tatsu-ya. The welcome strikes a hard-to-hit note directly between “irasshaimase” and “howdy y’all,” which is seriously challenging and so worthwhile.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya weaves together these two seemingly disparate cultures so seamlessly you’ll start to feel like they were always meant to be together. And we haven't even started talking about the decor yet.
Stalwart daruma dolls share shelf space with quintessential cowboy hats. A dash of Texas here, a sprinkle of Japan there, and suddenly, you're in a place that's genuinely neither and both at the same time. Whether you opt for indoor or outdoor seating, you'll find the venue bursting with vibes that are hard to replicate.
These aren’t the kind of drinks you nurse while scrolling through your Instagram feed. Nah, these are the stars of their own show. We're talking about a cocktail menu with shochu, whiskey sharing the stage, and sometimes even the glass.
The fact that Japan has a whisky scene that matches up to and, in some bottles, overcomes the stalwarts of the UK and the American South is another indication that Japanese and Southern food is meant to be.
Take the Matcha Painkiller, for instance. It's not just any cocktail! It’s a head-turning, soul-warming drink that you’ll want to give your full focus with an elevated mixture of Soba Shochu, Navy Rum, coconut, fresh pineapple, and the titular matcha.
And let’s talk about Puff Puff Pass, shall we? This eye-catching sipper is served in a ceramic pufferfish bowl and meant to serve two — but you might not want to pass that to the next person so quickly; that’s how good it is. You'll want to Instagram it, Snapchat it, and maybe even write a haiku about it.
Let's not get it twisted; Kemuri Tatsu-ya doesn't hold back on its small plates either. Sharing is fundamental in an izakaya setting, but the selection here takes it to a stratosphere of flavor you can only get in East Austin.
Meat lovers, brace yourselves! Brisket meets beef tongue in a parade of skewers that are as delightful as they are diverse. From miso-marinated scallops to marbled meatballs, it's like Tokyo's bustling food stalls teleported right next to a Texas barbecue pit.
Oh, and can we take a moment for the Hot Pocketz? You might think you know hot pockets, but these babies are leagues apart.
With the perfect crispy-to-gooey ratio, the insides are a savory explosion of smoked gouda and brisket inside an incredibly soft and tasty tofu pocket. Let's just say you’ll want more than one and won’t want to share.
For the seafood fans, Guaca-poke is the dream you never knew you needed: a euphoric marriage of Asian and Mexican flavors. And if you're ready to gobble something extra saucy, don't skip the chili cheese takoyaki. These Japanese octopus fritters pack a wallop of Texan flair and are ideal companions to the Puff Puff Pass cocktail.
For those who are like, "been there, eaten that," let's delve into the Chinmi section of the menu. Described as rare tastes, the choices here are your culinary equivalents of truth or dare. Navigating these selections is a trip — literally!
Kemuri Tatsu-ya has gamified the experience by grading the weirdness factor of each offering with the faces of famous people, ranging from the utterly mild Kenny G to the explosively wild James Brown.
Whether you're feeling mildly adventurous or want to take a walk on the wild side, the Chinmi menu has something for you. From crispy ray fin to fermented soybeans, if you're open to testing your palate, then darling, you're in for a ride.
Are you a fan of food on sticks? Who isn't? But these aren't your run-of-the-mill skewers. These are yakitori and kushiyaki creations grilled over a mix of traditional binchotan charcoal and Texas wood. Talk about the ultimate match-up! They’re so good we couldn’t pick just one, so we tried them all.
First, get a bite of the Thigh & Scallion skewer. Chicken paired with spring onion is no new dance, but when it's seasoned with sansho and garnished with cilantro, it's an entirely new groove. It's the kind of flavor sensation that could only come from East Austin's finest.
Then we have Beef in the Heart of Texas. Honey, this skewer pumps life into glazed beef heart with a side of smoked dry-aged beef tare, charred herb miso, yuzu, and garlic. If you've ever wondered where Japan meets Texas in culinary matrimony, it's right here.
Moving on to the Chicken in the Nest. This delectable option features a Texas heritage chicken meatball alongside a koji soy-cured egg. Topped with chicken skin furikake, it’s a meatball experience you never knew you needed, but now you won’t want to live without it.
Hotate is a scallop lover's dream. Grilled scallops are accompanied by squash and saikyo corn brulee. Add pickled corn and wakame to that, and you've got yourself a seafood spectacle worthy of both Tokyo and Austin.
Last but never least, let’s talk Beefy Shrooms. This skewer features dry-aged ribeye and koji butter-marinated black pearl mushrooms. Complemented by a curried kabocha puree and topped off with nutmeg crema and togarashi pepitas, it’s the pièce de résistance in a line-up of skewered masterpieces.
You didn't think Kemuri Tatsu-ya would let you go without a tantalizing dessert experience, did you? But we're not just talking about any run-of-the-mill pecan pie here.
Imagine the Southern classic reimagined with a touch of yuzu — citrusy, tart, and oh-so-global. It's like a lemon meringue decided to backpack through Japan and came back as a world traveler.
And let's gab about the roasted banana pudding for a moment. Forget the regular old pudding you’ve known.
This dish elevates your nostalgia with miso caramel, blending the sweet, nutty, and umami flavors in a way that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without it. It's the perfect ending note for a place where Texas barbecue and Japanese izakaya cuisines live harmoniously on the same menu.
Oh, honey, you'll want to make an entrance when you arrive at Kemuri Tatsu-ya. Situated on E 2nd St in the heart of East Austin, this locale offers both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for soaking in the ATX atmosphere.
Reservations may be hard to snag, but fret not — the place mostly rolls out the red carpet for walk-ins. A waiting line? No problem!
Their outdoor bar ensures your thirst is quenched and your spirits are lifted while you anticipate your table. It's the ideal spot to start your Japanese-Texan food adventure.
If you want a true pro tip, make sure to show up early for Munchie Hour, where you can get half off of all munchies and items from the chinmi food menu and half off on cocktails. This magic hour takes place between 5 and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, so you have plenty of opportunities to grab a bite at a bargain.
Still here? Well, what are you waiting for? Glam up and head to kemuri-tatsuya.com to get all the deets. Scope out the map and drool over the specials that'll make you want to dash to East Austin this instant.
Whether you're a fervent food aficionado or just a curious diner looking to broaden your palate, something at this dining hotspot is screaming your name. Don't you dare miss out on one of Austin's best new restaurants that shows the very best of Texas and Japanese cultures coexisting in a culinary wonderland.
Get moving, darling — your table at this Japanese Texan izakaya is not going to wait forever!
