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Kemuri Tatsu-ya

$31 to $50

Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 45 times today

Experiences are available.

Hot spot
Innovative
Lively

Japanese izakaya and Texas barbecue are arguably the two best cuisines to enjoy while
drinking. Recognized by the James Beard Foundation and named one of the best restaurants in
the U.S. by Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, GQ and more, Kemuri Tatsu-ya offers a mash-up of the
two, plus an excellent selection of booze—including a ‘whisky bible.’ Guests are welcomed into
the space with an enthusiastic “irasshaimase!” from the staff. The experience only gets better
from there with creative dishes like Taiyaki Cornbread, Brisket Tsukemen and Guaca-Poke.
Bright, tiki-style cocktails, including super-chilled Toki highballs cranked out from a machine, are
an essential part of the experience. Reserve a table today to get a taste of this iconic Austin
restaurant, brought to you by Tatsu Aikawa and the team behind Ramen Tatsu-Ya.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Tatsu Aikawa

From the OpenTable editors: When it opened in 2017, this MICHELIN Bib Gourmand quickly racked up accolades—including a spot on Bon Appétit’s best new restaurant list—for chefs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto’s innovative Japanese izakaya-meets-Texas smokehouse mashup. That looks like smoked chicken wing yakitori, brisket hot pockets, and chili cheese takoyaki chased with beer and whisky in a cozy, wood-lined tavern.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Japanese, Creative Japanese, Asian
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Phone number
(512) 803-2224
Website
https://www.kemuri-tatsuya.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
2713 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702-4715
Neighborhood
Austin
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access

Experiences

First Available/Priority Seating
Multiple dates available
Reservations take priority over walk-in guests. On busy days there may be a short wait even with a reservation. Table may be indoors or on one of our covered and heated/conditioned patios.
First Available/Priority Seating
Multiple dates available
Reservations take priority over walk-in guests. On busy days there may be a short wait even with a reservation. Table may be indoors or on one of our covered and heated/conditioned patios.
Hightop Bar
Multiple dates available
Hightop style counter seating. Full menu available!

What 24 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.4Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Austin
Innovative
Austin
Innovative

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Kemuri Tatsu-ya is a "fantastic" destination blending authentic Japanese izakaya with Texan flair. Guests rave about its "unique food and experience," including shareable portions and vegetarian options. The "brisket is amazing," and the atmosphere is lively and fun. A must-visit in Austin for adventurous eats and memorable dining.

24 Reviews

D
Daniel
VIP
Austin
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and excellent service. Most cocktails are on the (very) sweet side, but sake options are plentiful.
Is this helpful?
T
Tamara
VIP
Greater Boston
19 reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
My guest and I really enjoyed the mash up between Japanese and Austin BBQ cultures - great concept! Brisket was soooo tender. Even better was that we arrived at 6 pm on a Wednesday, were seated promptly and told about the Happy Hour 50% off specials. We tried the jellyfish for $3.50 - can’t beat that and it was delicious. Because the kitchen accidentally forgot to bring out the beef shroom we ordered until the end, they comped us for that without us asking. That brought the total bill for two to $57, including the very powerful Negroni and martini and 4 dishes. Eating out is generally so expensive these days, never mind places with named chefs - I am amazed that I can recommend this restaurant as a VALUE option.
Is this helpful?
J
Jackie
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very unique experience with great taste and service
Is this helpful?
M
Matt
VIP
Tallahassee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and vibes are outstanding. The Japanese Gastropub meets Texas bbq fusion does not disappoint.
Is this helpful?
K
Kaushik
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing Texas Japanese fusion place - every dish we had was incredible and the service was great too! Probably my favorite restaurant in Austin so far.
Is this helpful?
W
Wendy
Austin
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 9, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
Horrible Horrible Horrible Horrible Horrible Horrible
Is this helpful?
E
Eleanor
VIP
Los Angeles
14 reviews
2.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
This was a disappointing experience. We arrived on time for our reservation and needed to wait outside in the cold so they could attempt to sell us drinks from the bar. Once inside, we walked into a freezing room, I had to ask for the fan to be turned off. The chairs were incredibly uncomfortable and the tables were not the same size making it awkward to sit together as a party of 3. The food was good and very interesting however there was a20 minutes gap between two skewers and receiving our final course. Tables around us were piling up with food and we were sitting and waiting with only a check in and explanation about 45 seconds before the food arrived from the kitchen.
Is this helpful?
A
Ashley
VIP
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This restaurant has such great vibes! We always have fun here and the food is amazing. They did a special birthday sake bomb surprise for my boyfriend in front of the whole restaurant, which was so fun!
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It had been a few years since I’d last visited Kemuri. It was everything thing I remembered. Hands down the best place in Austin to bring out of towners. No place like it for sure.
Is this helpful?
C
Carolina
VIP
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Exquisite experience! Highly recommended we loved the nigiri and omakase as well to order dishes and the lovely presentations!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Kemuri Tatsu-ya is rated 4.6 stars by 24 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 45 times today

Experiences are available.

2713 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702-4715

Additional information

Neighborhood
Austin
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Japanese, Creative Japanese, Asian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access

Website
https://www.kemuri-tatsuya.com/
Phone number
(512) 803-2224

Kemuri Tatsu-ya

Make a reservation

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Experiences

First Available/Priority Seating

First Available/Priority Seating

Hightop Bar

Menu

What 24 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Kemuri Tatsu-ya restaurant rated?

Is Kemuri Tatsu-ya currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information