This is a fun and interesting find! My fiancé and I took a day trip from DFW to Austin to explore and relax. I found this place the night before and loved the idea of the combination of Texas and Japanese flavors. We were not disappointed. You're greeted at the front by the hostess and are asked about any food allergies or sensitivities which was great because my fiancé has gluten intolerance. You're escorted to your table and sat down with wet towels to clean up with. Our waitress, Lauren, was an absolute joy. We went pretty early so it wasn't super busy so she was able to spend a bit more time talking with us and making us feel welcome and explaining how they operate. She confirmed with us about any allergies or sensitivities and promptly provided a GF menu. All in all we ended up trying two different sake from their phenomenal list as well as one of their cocktails. We ended up trying about 4 dishes plus dessert. Everything we ate was as delicious as it was unique. One thing I particularly enjoyed was when they bring your food to the table they explain the dish and how best to eat it as intended by the chef to get the full experience out of it. To sum up, the drinks were amazing, the food was unique and delectable, and the service from Lauren was an absolute delight. We will most definitely be back and recommend this place to our friends if they plan on coming to Austin in the future.

+3

Everything was phenomenal. Server was nice and detailed and had recommendations and all of them were fantastic. imo the brisket was OK but quality was definitely good. Cornbread taiyaki and their takoyaki were just amazing.

Love the concept. I challenged myself with the raw octopus which was interesting, weird but not really reccomended. Everything else however was outstanding, the bbq brisket, Japan style is great (I always thought that brisket and miso would be a great match), and even the cornbread was fantastic. The atmosphere is well crafted and it's definitely a nice place for an easy mid-week dinner with friends

+1

Honestly a great Asian/Texan fusion, they did a solid job using Japanese ingredients without destroying them. As an Asian American my favorite thing was eating texas bbq with white rice here. Yellowtail collar was our favorite thing, would’ve tried the tuna collar except they sold out. Imo eating family style works best for the portion sizes, price and portions also pretty good totaling about $50/person. Minor food critiques: Generally on the salty side, and brisket at 9pm was on the drier side (miso bbq sauce made up for that)

Although the wait was initially long even though we had a reservation, the food and service was excellent. Atmosphere was very nice too. The servers were very friendly.

We had a great dinner here. Really interesting food but I didn’t understand it had a bbq focus before we went. We really enjoyed our dinner nonetheless and really liked the cornbread and tuna guacamole.

Flavor: A Service: A Cocktail: B Solo dining: C What an experience! Unique flavors at every turn. Even as a not-the-most-adventurous-eater, I loved all of it. Take some server's recommendations and get a slew of plates for your table to share. We finished with the brisket bento box and made many delicious "tacos" but couldn't finish it all!

+2

If you are looking for a totally unique experience and are adventurous with food, look no further! Everything was delicious, presentation was fun, service was friendly. Everything was wonderful! I was here 2 years ago and was excited to come back. We have high expectations on food and were very impressed and excited for every dish. I was still dreaming about the tofu pockets, had to get them. People are pretty ruthless on reviews here. It is tapas style and you pay for quality and thoughtful food. If you want cheap and quantity, go to Whataburger. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. Thank you to your team for your creativity and vision. Currently looking at Bento boxes online so we can recreate Japanese BBQ at home 🤔

Wow! I saw this restaurant on "Somebody feed Phil". It could stand on the Barbecue alone, but when you add the Japanese influence, it takes it to a whole different level. If you're ordering cue, be sure to add on the Bento box, it made for an incredible experience.

+6

We had a reservation for two and on a busy last Friday night. Our service was excellent by Logan. He made perfect recommendations and the food was out of this world ! Great food and experience and would recommend to anyone visiting or living in Austin !

This is the best Japanese smoke house restaurant in Texas. The food was delightful and the staff is a solid team. You have to try everything in their menu. We went all out for two people and did not go past $170, including tip. I highly recommend their Hot Pocketz.

+3

Kemuri Tatsu-ya is a renowned izakaya-style restaurant blending traditional Japanese flavors with Texas-inspired barbecue techniques. This unique restaurant boasts a distinct fusion of smoky, savory, and umami-rich dishes served in a lively, retro atmosphere. The décor is eclectic, mixing Japanese izakaya aesthetics with Texan touches, featuring lanterns, neon lights, and rustic accents. Menu highlights include items like smoked brisket ramen, pork belly skewers, and unique creations such as guaca-poke, showcasing the restaurant's inventive spirit. atmosphere. Kemuri Tatsu-ya offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that celebrates cultural fusion and culinary innovation. Instagram: eatwithjarco

+2

Fun restaurant with great food! Fusion japanese and texan that works! Don't miss the grilled edamame, wagyu skewers, brisket and the fresh avocado and lotus salad.

+2

Total fusion place of all the best things. Great raw bar, great cocktails, and we really enjoyed Tucker as a server. Super knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Also appreciated the bar recommendations as we were leaving. A must stop for a unique dining experience in ATX.

Delicious from beginning to end! Definitely an experience I would repeat. Service was friendly and attentive, waitress took the time to explain the dishes and drinks plus how ordering food worked. I will say, the Peachy Cheek skewers are some of the most delicious and tender pieces of meat I’ve had.

+2

Highly recommend the brisket Tsukemen which is was such a unique fusion of Texas style bbq flavors and traditional Japanese dipping ramen. Blast of flavor with tender brisket and chewy noodles. The brisket dish was also incredible and the perfect blend of fat and meat. Cornbread and karage were just okay. Our friends loved their hamachi dish. Overall great vibe and friendly staff. The fly situation in Austin is a nuisance but the restaurant has a cool table fan that shoos away the pests.

This place awesome! I don't have the perfect word to describe the feeling that I got walking into this restaurant. The decor, the smell, the lighting.. that feeling like you walked through the front door and allnof a sudden you are in a Japanese video game, stopping at an inn along the way of the quest that you are on, for supper and drinks.. especially with the weather in Austin today, being currently 24 degrees outside. I enjoy my dining experience so much that I just forgot to take pictures after the first few dishes arrived. I NEED to go back again, and again and again and again...... the food is freaking delicious! Highlights: The Brisket, Smoked Tuna, Kara-age Chicken, BBQ Tsukeme, Hot Pocketz. We ordered so much more, but I was just enjoying the heck out of the evening, forgot to the more pictures.. there will be next time!

+3

Absolutely incredible. Went on a date and enjoyed every bit of it. It pretty much sealed the deal for us too that we want to go to Japan next winter. Definitely go here. The music was on point too👌🏽

This place was impressive. Masterful fusion of Japanese and Texas BBQ flavors. Food, service, and atmosphere will not disappoint. The artwork, decor, and music really create a unique vibe. Overall a very immersive, social (amongst your own group), and high quality dining experience.

+6

My experience here was amazing! I came with a large group so we had a fixed tasting menu. This menu was so robust with an incredible fluctuation of all types of food across their menu. We got the full experience. I HIGHLY recommend the pesto edamame (best I have ever had). The next must is the make your own hand rolls - we had brisket and this flavor burst was out of this world good. The atmosphere here is also 10/10. I have recommended many people to go here and they have all came back saying it was better then they expected!

+6

Really enjoyed the Japanese BBQ fusion flavors. Karaage was incredibly good, perfect crust. Wish it came with an aioli of some sort instead of hot sauce. Wasn’t overly impressed with the hot sauce. Hot pockets were very unique, perfectly balanced. Really enjoyed the ribs, perfect Smokey flavor and the yuzu crema was a nice touch. The Boat / chefs choice was a perfect mix of Smokehouse options. The brisket was stellar but the standout for me was the pork belly. BBQ eel was good but was ultimately overpowered by the rest of items. Chicken wings were solid but nothing special.

This place is a must visit! A beautiful atmosphere and amazing food. A local gallery owner recommended this restaurant, and it did not disappoint. We were lucky enough to get seated in the room with the kitchen in a very comfortable booth. Our waiter was really friendly and knowledgeable and highlighted quite a few dishes. The corn bread, brocollini, brisket and burnt ends were all top notch. The sting ray jerky was unique, with a sweet taste.

+6

Overall great food and drinks! Come for their happy hours on weekdays before 6:30pm, especially with a big group so you can try everything. Our group made it for happy hour and basically bought out the whole happy hour menu. Very worth it. I loved the unusual dishes with exotic food whereas my friends liked the more typical appetizers. Drinks were really good and fun! I'd want to come back and check out their other food options that aren't just appetizers or happy hour.

+6

Seen it on IG, my boy posted it in our foodie group chat. I was down here for work and had the time, so I checked it out. Definitely a must go. This place is amazing. The food is crazy 🔥🔥 in my opinion. Japanese American fusion. My server/bartender Cassie gave me some great recommendations and everything was spot on. It was a little pricey, but well worth it. If you like Japanese food, definitely go check them out. The atmosphere was great, the staff was super friendly and informative, explaining the dishes as they brought them out. Just great all around.

+4

Before you go, there's something you must know: you need a reservation for this place. The check-in process is a bit unique—you do it outside the restaurant at a traditional Japanese food stand. To the left there's a computer where a staff member occasionally comes out to help you check in, which seemed to confuse a lot of people. The first thing you notice is that the atmosphere here is 10 out of 10, truly incredible blend between a Japanese bar and a typical BBQ joint. We were seated outside at picnic tables, but the two other areas inside were equally charming. This barbecue and Japanese fusion spot is absolutely out of this world. The smoke flavor in the skewers is prominent, especially in the dry-aged beef—my favorite. Oh my goodness, the flavor is so incredible that you could eat it without any sauce, and it would still be amazing. But when paired with the sauce purée, it gets even better, and the butter melts on your tongue. The cornbread was also very good, very cute in the shape of Taiyaki. However, the pork wrapped around scallions was a bit odd—the scallion flavor was overpowering the meat. But the Hot Pocketz? Absolutely amazing—crispy with just the right amount of cheese inside. The only downside was that it was a little hard to get the staff's attention because it was so busy, but overall, the experience was fantastic.

+2

One of the best meals I have had in my life! We ordered so many dishes and all of them were amazing. • Taiyaki cornbread • Ton Maki skewer (pork and onion roll) • Tsukune skewer (meatball; chicken with an amazing, very unique soy and egg sauce) • Beefy Shrooms skewer - dry aged beef, pearl mushrooms • Hot pocketz • Takoyaki • BBQ Boat The standout was the dry aged beef skewer. That might be the best thing I have ever tasted. $14 for one skewer but it was so worth it! The BBQ boat is a steal. Perfect for two, or even three, people. You get everything - wings, pork, brisket, and eel. The pork, wow, perfectly melt-in-your-mouth goodness. And the brisket was fantastic; I’m not usually a brisket fan but this one was really special. The eel roll was great too, not too sweet. Overall we really enjoyed the unique flavor pairings. So creative and it just all worked. Cool atmosphere, very cozy and eclectic.

+2

The food was great. Fast beverage selection. Reservations are recommended as the place can get quite full. A must visit in Austin. A very interesting take on Japanese Texan fusion. Service can get a bit slow if the restaurant is full.

+3

Had a great time here! The vibes were lively and the whole place looked super cool. We got the bbq boat as a bento box which I think was super worth it price wise! The eggplant was also super great as were the cornbread tayaki!

I just visited this restaurant for the first time to take my partner to celebrate his sober-versary. I made a reservation on OpenTable and included that note in the comments section. As soon as we arrived for our reservation, the host greeted us warmly, noting that he was excited for us to arrive because he had a particular table ready for us and wished my partner congratulations on his sober-versary. It was a nice subtle thing but meant a lot to him. My partner is culinary-trained and used to cook/chef for some of the local higher-end restaurant groups years ago before moving into corporate work so he was particularly excited to eat here. It did not fail to satisfy! The food was perfect (I even tried the BBQ eel and it was really good, which is saying something for me as a non-adventurous eater). My partner geeked out about the food and the combination of tastes. We recommend the BBQ Boat for sure. The service was incredible; our server was congenial and humorous and a good reader of people (we are introverted people but enjoy good conversation and jokes). Even other servers joined in on some of the jokes (around how to "correctly" open a Japanese soda). Also, they ran out of an item that we had ordered and immediately, the manager (presumably) came over and let us know and comped a dessert, removed the item, and apologized. We didn't need to complain (we wouldn't have really because at that point we were full). The server additionally brought us another NA drink on the house. According to my partner, that is the exact right response from his industry experience. The atmosphere was perfect for our personalities - I really like history and local history especially so the historic pictures of local Austin and Texas were a nice touch mixed with Japanese media. There is so much space and we want to go back just to sit in different areas. Anyway, it's great and this non-adventurous eater with a culinary-trained partner highly recommend Kemuri Tatsu-Ya!

Service was slow for responses and coming around to check in. Had a reservation and still waited quite awhile. Food and atmosphere were amazing. Recommend everything for taste. Bento was probably not worth the additional cost. For food we got Kara-Age Chicken, Guaca-poke, Wagyu Shortrib skewer, Chili Cheese Takoyaki, BBQ Eel with the Bento box addition and Hotate. For drinks we got Matcha Pain Killers and then a DIY Grapefruit Sour.

+3

Came here for dinner during a quick day trip to Austin on a Friday. Made reservations a few days in advance. It was fairly empty when I arrived around 5p, but was quickly completely full by 6:30p. Service was great from our primary server to all the food runners. It's an Izakaya restaurant, so ordered about 15 dishes and a few cocktails. The drinks were fun and unique from the Grapefruit Sour that you juice the grapefruit yourself to the Matcha Pain Killer that's served in a Maneki-Neko glass. For the dishes, ordered many different items as they are made for sharing. They were small portions, but plenty enough to share. I couldn't even begin to say which was best or give a recommendation. I'd say be curious, open-minded, and adventurous in trying everything. Most were traditional Izakaya items, but there were also unique dishes and fusions. Highly recommend coming here if you're in Austin. Great food and service.

+6

Enjoyed an early dinner shortly after Kemuri Tatsu-Ya opened since we didn’t have a reservation. Very engaging waitstaff; explained the menu items to us. We mentioned that we had watched the “Somebody Feed Phil” Austin episode where they were one of the featured establishments. They’ve gotten busier since then. There are several dining areas. Not much to look at from the outside where most of the dining takes place. Because it’s winter, there were plastic “walls” to keep the cold out and plenty of heaters to keep the diners warm. A variety of food and drinks to choose from. We were well taken care of from hostesses to waiters to servers. Menu items are served and priced as small plates meant to share. For the two of us, it was recommended we get four or five items. I’m not a seafood or sushi fan, so we steered clear of that. The fish-shaped corn muffins, fried cucumbers, and broccolini were delicious. So was our chicken skewers. My husband had a cottlefish skewed he enjoyed. We shared the beef brisket plus a bento box, and then finished off with the banana pudding. He had a gin cocktail and I had a Kirin. Highly recommend Kemuri Tatsu-Ya for your special occasion or just a nice adventurous dinner combing the best of Japanese and TexMex cooking.

+6

Holy WOW!! Amazing, unbelievable food!! Just fantastic! So many interesting skewers and smoked bites. Service was attentive and friendly, and everything was so delicious I felt like I could hardly walk when I left. I particularly enjoyed the ray cartilage, the chicken hearts were cooked perfectly, smoked mackerel was tender and perfect and the uni on beef brisket was equally delicious and insane. The menu offers lots of interesting sake choices, and the staff was really knowledgeable about them. Dynamite experience.

+6

Oh Em Gee!! This was one of the best eating experiences from any place I've had the chance to try in Austin. Never would've thought about Japanese BBQ Fusion, it was amazing!! Thank you Johnny for the great customer service and recommendations!!

+2

When you walk up, it smells delicious and smokey. The atmosphere is super cozy and well decorated. Our service was pretty good. Our waitress did a great job explaining the concept. The staff works together which makes it nice. The food comes out fast. The meal is unique and delicious. The brisket was fantastic! It was sooo moist. I loved all the pickle varieties.

+5

Delicious japanese dishes with creative Texas flair, truly fun fusion cuisine. Fun cocktails. Staff was very helpful, friendly and accomodating. The tables are super close together and the space is incredibly loud, but in a cheerful way.

We've been thinking about trying this place for a while and it was worth checking out. We had a blast with all our dishes, especially the sashimi and collar. Our sake and cocktails were awesome and the desserts were delicious. It's a must-try if you're looking for a place to take your friends or out-of-town guests. High-quality food and a unique spot in Austin. We'll be back.

+6

We ordered the 6-course special. It was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Every single dish was super savory and flavorful . Highly recommend the cornbread and the ribs. The Japanese whiskey was a nice touch. Loved the vibes. The 90s hip hop playlist brought back good memories. Our server Julian was such a gem! He made everything easy to order and gave us the best recommendations

+1

I really enjoyed our meal at Kemuri Tatsuya! The food was totally unique, dishes consisted of Japanese ingredients and flavors but with the smoky, umami, and richness from Texas bbq. If you like heavy, savory, rich flavors, this is the restaurant for you. S-tier: Chashu (extremely tender, smoky, and deep umami flavors), wagyu short rib skewer (very tender, rich, & smoky, perfectly seasoned and charred), hot pocketz (if you like savory flavors, you will LOVE this. The fried & melted cheese, chopped brisket, and smoked jalapenos paired very well with the slightly sweet tofu to create a very comforting bite), banana pudding (lots of caramelized flavors, loved the buttery crisp cookies on top that contrasted texturally with the soft cream & bananas. This was insane) A-tier: Ribs (fall apart tender with great flavor, but didn't blow me away like the chashu), brisket dipping ramen (very well executed tender and fatty brisket, thick noodles with a great chew, but the reduced pork broth was a bit too heavy and one-note for me), beef tartare (super savory and paired well with the tempura seaweed crisps it came with, could've had more beef for the amount of seaweed and price though) B-tier: Smoked chicken wings (good seasoning that was mild and slightly sweet and came with a great vinegar foward buffalo-esque sauce, but the wings weren't cooked super well and were pretty chewy/sinewy) While I loved the food here, I would say the value is not great for the amount of food you get. Would recommend for a novel food experience or special night out to enjoy small bites and the immersive atmosphere, but a bit too expensive for a regular spot

Went to Kemuri Tatsuya last week and had a great first time! I am a lover of all the tatsuyas so I had to see what this michelin star was all about. Let me tell you it did not disappoint! The restaurant itself is a super cool modern Japanese American bbq style feel in decor, tables, and energy - with hip fun music playing as well. They have a little bar out front where you can grab a drink while you wait. Highly recommend reservations because they get booked out every night! Our server Jackson was awesome, he was extremely knowledgeable about menu options and we loved every dish he suggested. Of everything the matcha drink was to die for, and so was the Japanese bbq boat, I could have had several more of those - and make it a bento box with rice and seaweed! So yummy! The Asian inspired bbq flavors were so delicious. I left already wanting more. Can’t wait to come back. Thanks to Jackson and the Kemuri team for making our experience a great one!

What a terrific spot! I had been in Austin from out of town 2x a month for several months late in 2025. I stumbled upon this gem and made sure I ate there at least once per visit to Austin. First, the food is crazy good. Mostly served in smaller portions…tasting menu style. This allows more choices to enjoy. The Texas bbq/Japanese menu is innovative and fun. From the starters to skewers to classics and then smokehouse choices there are too many winners to single out. All fish is super fresh and the meat is smoked and grilled to perfection. Much Japanese whisky on the menu but my favorite is the Neko-Jita Martini. The most impressive aspect of this restaurant is the service. From the loud “WELCOME” voiced by the servers upon entering to the caring and guiding hands of each server to help you with your food/drink choices. I must single out Ireland and Tucker for their heartfelt kindness during my last visit. They were so kind, they rekindled my belief in what hospitality as an art, not just a job, is all about. The manager too (sorry, I did not get his name) was thoughtful and generous. Hats off to a fabulous place to visit for so many reasons. I will be sure to get there again…even make a special trip from the east coast to do so. Thank you Kemuri Tatsu-Ya!!

swaroop krothapalli

Kemuri Tatsuya is an absolute must-visit. The fusion of Japanese and Texas BBQ is genius, and every dish, from the brisket to the ramen, is packed with flavor. The lively, energetic atmosphere makes it a great spot for a night out. 10/10 would recommend. Don't miss the banana pudding at the end.

Brady Sant

Wow. I stumbled across this place on accident but I was blown away. Truly an exceptional dining experience. Walked in on a Friday night and had a short, but expected wait. Immediately, I was impressed by the ambiance and unique atmosphere inside. Once seated, our server Sam was attentive and gave so many helpful and genuine suggestions. When I say that he went above and beyond, I truly mean it. Pulled every string to ensure that we had the best time while dining. I used to be a server and was way better than I ever was. We had a full view of the kitchen as they prepared each dish and found ourselves discussing the way that each dish seemed to be prepared with care and passion. I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve said that. We ordered the guaca-poke, karaage, and sashimi trio. So good. Every item on the menu was so unique and inventive, it was hard to decide what to choose. One of the chefs, Daniel, was incredibly friendly and explained every item so clearly to us. Between Sam, Daniel, and the rest of the staff, this was one of the best food service experiences I’ve had. Oh, and all for under $100. I don’t know how everyone isn’t talking about this. 10/10, 5 stars, compliments to the chef. I will be back.

I was invited to Kemuri and was surprised at first—it looks like a hole-in-the-wall from the outside, but it’s spacious and full of character inside! The service was amazing: friendly, knowledgeable, and super attentive. The food is creative and delicious Japanese fusion—fun, flavorful, and far from ordinary. It’s not fancy, but it’s cozy and perfect for a fun night out. Only downside: it’s pretty dark inside, though I got used to it quickly. Definitely going back!

+1

This restaurant serves good food. The cuisine is a blend of Japanese and Texas bbq blended together to create flavours. The service is a bit slow. The pickle plate was served in the end with the check. Good drinks and shareable tapas style plates makes you order a lot of things from the menu so that you can try a lot of dishes which is good. Overall, a nice, cozy restaurant with a great vibe, drinks and food.

+6

I recently visited Kemuri Tatsu-Ya with a group of 12 people, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience! Every dish we tried was absolutely delicious, with unique flavors and impeccable preparation. The skewers were a standout, and my personal favorite was the chicken wings—simply divine. The banana pudding was also a big hit with our group. The portions are smaller, but that’s part of the charm. It allows you to sample a variety of dishes, which is perfect for food lovers. The atmosphere is ideal for hanging out with friends, and the service was exceptional from start to finish.

+1

Keith Donovan

Best food experience I have had in Austin. Just straight sublime! The staff were so down nice and our server Anthony was absolutely amazing. The atmosphere was so unique and chill. I would visit this place once a week if it were closer to home. Thank you for such a phenomenal experience!

B E

Might be one of my new favorite eastside spots. We got the charred edamame as an app and 3 different skewers. Must get the beef w/chimichurii i have been dreaming about it ever since! Scallops skewer was delicious. Cant wait to go back

Beyond amazing. The food and drinks. The service. The atmosphere. Everything 10/10. The menu is so unique and the combo of flavors really reminded us of our recent visit to Japan. Everything we ordered was a standout. You won’t find anything else like it here. Don’t think, just book!!

Kim Baker

I haven’t been to Kemuri in years. It’s far (especially in traffic). But we went on a date night and wow, how I miss this place! They’ve enclosed the back patio now so it’s nicely cooled - no more sweating our butts off when we eat. They did shrink the puff puff pass (maybe costs have just increased too much for them) but the flavor is still great. There is mezcal in it now (I can’t remember if the old version had it). It wasn’t overly smoky and was well balanced. Of all the dishes I had, which were very delicious, my favorites were all the funky dishes and the grilled fish collar. There is something so fragrant about their grill - it seeps into the fish. So good. The funky dishes included jellyfish salad, squid marinated in its own guts, tako wasa, and monkfish. If you’re even slightly adventurous, try them all! It’s so fun to try flavors that typically aren’t in American cuisine. I can’t wait to go back to Kemuri - it is such a fun dining journey.

+6

Ravi A

Two of my favorite foods are takoyaki and unagi and when I saw they had some Texas fusion versions of these two I had to order them. And they were the best two things I had. The seaweed shooter and taiyaki cornbread were also up there. I couldn't stomach the eggplant dish but my mom loved it so it's probably good just not for me. The rest was good.

+4

Abigail Silva

We went to celebrate my birthday and really enjoyed the experience. The place is different, cozy, and very welcoming. I loved the décor and the service was excellent — our food came out quickly. Everything we ordered was delicious, and we enjoyed every dish. I would definitely go back and highly recommend this restaurant. Just a tip: if you’re visiting on a weekend, make a reservation.

+6

Kyler Nyhagen

Very high quality fusion of BBQ and Asian cuisine. Honestly, everything I tried on the menu was fantastic. Bar tender was quick to make sure my order was taken and my water was full! If you just can only get one thing, get the hot pocketz. They're incredibly tasty and filling!

Christopher Brand

Dude, mind blowing food. This is the best fusion restaurant I’ve ever been to. The brisket by itself is simply amazing. Get the barbecue boat. Get the pickled turnips. The barbecue sauce was awesome. The cornbread fish thingies killed! The vibe of the place seems like something out of a Tarantino film. I loved my experience here.

Jenny L

Welcome to Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, where the vibrant flavors of Japanese ramen and skewers meet the bold essence of Austin's BBQ scene! If you’re a fan of delectable meat and savory noodles, this is the ultimate destination for you. Picture this: succulent, perfectly smoked meats that melt in your mouth, paired with ramen noodles that transport you straight to the bustling alleyways of Tokyo. And don't miss out on their unique banana pudding with matcha—it’s an unforgettable treat that perfectly balances sweetness and earthiness. I can’t wait for my next visit to explore the menu.

+6

Honestly, I'm shocked this place only has a 4 star on yelp because it may be one of my new favorite spots in Austin. The server was super attentive and friendly. We had so many questions since it was…

Honestly, I'm shocked this place only has a 4 star on yelp because it may be one of my new favorite spots in Austin. The server was super attentive and friendly. We had so many questions since it w…

Great spot for food and drinks with fast service. Loved the vibe and decor. Highly recommend the fish collar, tebasaki, and dipping ramen.

Great spot for food and drinks with fast service. Loved the vibe and decor. Highly recommend the fish collar, tebasaki, and dipping ramen.

Great spot for food and drinks with fast service. Loved the vibe and decor. Highly recommend the fish collar, tebasaki, and dipping ramen.

Great spot for food and drinks with fast service. Loved the vibe and decor. Highly recommend the fish collar, tebasaki, and dipping ramen.

service was exceptional, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy , warm vibe and plenty of seating options. We had a reservation and went on a Tuesday night for dinner. The place was co…

Service was exceptional, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy , warm vibe and plenty of seating options. We had a reservation and went on a Tuesday night for dinner. The place was co…

Service was exceptional, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy , warm vibe and plenty of seating options. We had a reservation and went on a Tuesday night for dinner. The place was co…

This place was phenomenal. From the vibes to the food, the atmosphere was unmatched. The service was top notch as well, I felt as though it was very attentive despite the restaurant being absolutel…

Service was exceptional, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy , warm vibe and plenty of seating options. We had a reservation and went on a Tuesday night for dinner. The place was co…

It reminds me of a restaurant down a small side street in Tokyo. The wine was amazing. \n\nOur waitress Kathy was fantastic and made great suggestions. \n\nThe food was absolutely amazing.

OMG! What a great spot! During our recent visit to Austin for the F1 USGP, we decided to take a detour off the bbq Circuit. Their Japanese/Tx Izakaya fusion menu was amazing. They were out of the B…

The entire menu is amazing!!! bbq boat is delicious. The ribs are very tasty. Puff, puff pass drink is delicious. Not one dish disappointed.

This was on a list of places to go in Austin and it was pretty easy to make reservations on OpenTable. We arrived 20 minutes past our reservation because there was a sudden road closure on the br…

Fun and quirky atmosphere. Creative dishes. Amazing drinks. Warm and genuine staff. One of my new favorite date night spots!

This place is so fun! It's kind of hidden with limited parking but is so much bigger inside than you expect it to be. It has a mix of Japanese and American decor, very different. \nThe menu is fun …

What a cool place! Plenty of nearby street parking. It was fun to walk all the way through the restaurant to the back where all the staff greeted us as we walked through. The service was excellent.…

Some things are meant to go together and some things aren’t - this form of Japanese and Texan BBQ fusion just works so well and it isn’t just the food - the ambience the service the drinks menu - e…

Some things are meant to go together and some things aren’t - this form of Japanese and Texan bbq fusion just works so well and it isn’t just the food - the ambience the service the drinks menu -…

Some things are meant to go together and some things aren’t - this form of Japanese and Texan bbq fusion just works so well and it isn’t just the food - the ambience the service the drinks menu - e…

Would highly recommend this place. A really inventive fusion of Japanese and Texan. High quality ingredients, served in a funky Izakaya setting. Service was good. Overall a great experience.

Would highly recommend this place. A really inventive fusion of Japanese and Texan. High quality ingredients, served in a funky Izakaya setting. service was good. Overall a great experience.

The “catch line” at Kemuri Tetsuya is “East Meats West”. And that they do. I went there with family one rainy night. We used an Uber, there was limited parking in the area. We were served a ser…

Met a couple to reconnect for the evening. From entry to exit, this place rocked. Very interesting menu which is a fusion of bbq and Japanese with a bit of Texana thrown in. Loved the cornbrea…

We arrived in a bit of a rush and the team were amazing and getting out our AMAZING food in record time- the service was incredible. Overall an incredible , charming and friendly atmosphere, and t…

We arrived in a bit of a rush and the team were amazing and getting out our AMAZING food in record time- the service was incredible. Overall an incredible , charming and friendly atmosphere, and t…

Who would have thought that TX BBQ and Japanese food would work so well together? Like those little cornbread fish? Or the BBQ octopus? Overall great ambiance and excellent food. Worth a repeat wit…

Who would have thought that TX bbq and Japanese food would work so well together? Like those little cornbread fish? Or the bbq octopus? Overall great ambiance and excellent food. Worth a repeat w…

Been hearing about Kemuri for a bit now, so I figured it was time to pop in. Tried a few items off the happy hour menu (half off by the way!) The Kara-Age chicken was probably my favorite meal there! The hot poketz and the takoyaki were also pretty good. The match painkiller and the kurakura came in these really good glasses! Definitely a spot to check out if you’re looking to try something new.

+5

The place has a great feel and we were treated very warmly by our server. I'm not big into red meat so my favorite was actually the fried pickles. 😅 The drinks were fun as well!

Great food! Everything I ate was delicious. We ordered the edamame, fried pickles, ceviche, cornbread that's shaped like a fish! Brisket was very very tender. One order of brisket is 2 slices so make sure to order enough. Corn ribs were very tasty. Chicken in the nest was good but only comes with one skewer. It's meant to be family style. Food was good just seemed pricey for what you got. Drinks were strong though!

+1

Fair warning: most of the seating is outside, so you'll get some flies and be subject to the daily temp. But it's covered, they have heaters and fans, it's fine. And the food is absolutely worthwhile. Amazing staff, great cocktails, delicious food.

+4

Came on time on a Friday night as a group of three with a reservation but still had to wait 10 minutes to get seated - which shows you how popular this spot is! They were unfortunately out of the hot pockets so we just got a bunch of skewers and other small pages. My favorite were the chili cheese octopus, pork belly scallion rolls and the mushroom skewers.

Izakaya style pub offering a Japanese/Texas style fusion of food and drinks with an atmosphere mirroring that theme. Staff is pretty friendly with food runners offering advice on how to truly enjoy the food ordered. Prices are pretty average for the portions, food taste and quality however was hit or miss as some things came out amazing while others were either too tough to chew, or incredibly salty to taste. That being said the originality of some of the dishes is absolutely impressive, and the low lighting offers a cozy atmosphere to enjoy your food at night. Overall a fun experience of you're looking for something unique in Austin.

+6

It was our first time at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya and we had a good experience. First off, the parking lot is tiny compared to the size of the restaurant. If a spot is not available, you will need to find street parking. Our table was ready as soon as we arrived. Many reviewers said there's typically a wait, even with reservations so I was pleasantly surprised that on a Friday night, we were seated immediately. All items were tapas portions and come out when ready and meant to be shared. We ordered a variety of items to have a bit of everything. The kara-age chicken, chili cheese takoyaki and hot pockets were the highlights. The avocado lotus and the brisket were also good. The skewers are very disappointing. Overall, we had a good meal and it was something different for Austin. I'll go back but I wouldn't say I would want to go back immediately.

Don’t let the outside fool you, it’s really spacious inside!!! The service is incredible, they are knowledgeable and super attentive. The foods are creative and fun Japanese fusion. Came for group dinner with omakase menu. The only raw seafoods we had were the tuna poke, wish there had been some sashimi or sushi in the set! The only minus here is that some food is very salty to me.

+6

We tried a bunch of the items, including the tuna collar. Some of them were pretty good, but some of them did not suit our taste. The dishes are definitely very fusion-y. I liked the fish tempura, broccolini, and corn the most. The tuna was okay but was a bit too smokey for my taste. The service was very friendly and all the food came out relatively fast.

+4

We ordered lots of food. The servings reminded me of a Tappas place. Dishes are all small, to be shared. We ordered 2, and 2 more, and on and on. The flavors are outstanding. Brisket, so so tender. 3 of us and we ordered $200 of exotic meats cooked deliciously. And the Banana Pudding..... ohhhhh, Japanese Fusion Texas BBQ FTW. Drew, our waiter did very good. Oh, no wait? Yeah, we had reservations.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya was a good experience. Th quality of the meat was exceptional, however I think the sauces were a little overpowering of the smoke flavor. Recommend ordering meats separately vs the boat option. Good service and vibe.

Unique atmosphere with a hybrid of Japanese izakaya 🏮 (inside) and Texas BBQ joint (outside). Great service! The menu is a playful hybrid of Japanese bar food and Texas BBQ. The pickled enoki mushrooms and charred edamame were delicious. The Hot Pocketz were creative and full of flavor. The Takoyaki was not the best I’ve had and I couldn’t tell there was “TX chili” in or on it. Ordered both the Wagyu and Pork Belly skewers - you can’t go wrong with Wagyu and loved the chives wrapped inside of the pork belly. However, I was expecting a thicker cut of pork belly rather than the bacon type slice. Overall, a must try!

Andrew Garcia

Went for a birthday dinner relatively later in the night. Staff didn't rush our 14 person table or try to push the agenda of leaving eventhough we stayed after closing. We appreciated that greatly. Staff was friendly and gracious, food was fanominal and flavorful, and decor/vibes were spot on. Our party tried roughly half the menu and everything was delicious!

+6

L

Fascinating Japanese-Texas fusion concept with bold flavors! 🤔 This restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience with creative Japanese-Texas fusion dishes. The menu features an impressive variety of innovative options that are visually appealing and inventive. However, be prepared for serious heat! Nearly every dish we tried packed significant spice, which unfortunately made it difficult for me to fully enjoy most of the meal 😅 The spice level was quite intense throughout the menu. That said, if you’re a fan of spicy food, Japanese fusion cuisine, and sake, this place will be perfect for you! 🍶 The creativity and quality are clearly there - it’s just important to know your spice tolerance before visiting.

+6

Mckenzie Smoak

The food was good but not something to go out my way to try. A few dishes under delivered. The portion size is small, basically bar food. You could easily spend $100 and leave hungry. The atmosphere is nice and overall a good experience.

V L

Great for groups, lots of small bites to share. The smoked edamame was incredible, loved the cornbread with sesame butter, and ordering the sake bomb for the restaurant was SUPER fun. The ribs were tender and had great flavor. We tried 6 or 7 different dishes and all of them were good. Being in front of the giant fan was the only downside, but that won't apply to most groups.

Itssofluffeh Me

We made a 6.45pm reservation, were seated pretty prompty. However, we were led to an outdoor seating area with LOTS OF flies and mosquitoes. We ordered majority of the skewers. I would recommend the scallop and wagyu skewers. We also ordered the char siew pork belly which was really good. For starters we went with the cornbread which was also good. As for the other skewers (the ones which comes in a pair), I would recommend just trying one or two of them. Some were pretty salty or heavy. Overall I would say the food is good but I felt that my dining experience was ruined by the flies and mosquitoes. I was fighting to get to my food before the flies did and fighting to not get bitten while enjoying my food. I did end up getting bitten though and having flies land on our food, cups and hands more than once. The drinks were so so. Would probably not recommend the drinks. They sound fancy but not really tasty. For the price we paid in total, I would probably have gotten a better dining experience somewhere else.

+4

Anna T

As a Japanese, I had to embrace the fusion and let go of the traditional flavors. Fried tofu stuffed with Gouda and brisket was a great food experiment. Resembled an Indian samosa. Marrow edamame = umami bomb. Mozuku shot - would have loved more yamaimo and grated. Yuzu spritz lacked the yuzu fragrance and flavor. Staff was super attentive and helpful. Loved the decor.

Elena

Cool concept with some interesting dishes. The hot pockets were probably the best. Meat was solid. Cornbread taiyaki could def be saved towards end as a dessert. Next time will try the ramen.

+2

This place is outstanding! The food is very delicious, please try the jellyfish it's amazing! And the Honky Tonk ramen was delicious during the winter storm. I also tried the milky tea and it tasted …

Austin needs more places like this! I can see why it's a popular spot and hard to get walk-ins without reservations. \n\nParking: barely a dozen spots available, mostly street parking which isn't t…

Austin needs more places like this! I can see why it's a popular spot and hard to get walk-ins without reservations. \n\nParking: barely a dozen spots available, mostly street parking which isn't t…

This fun, funky, dimly lit, Austin vibe restaurant has incredible food with incredible fusions of aromas, textures, flavors and freshness. We were two couples and it was our first time to visit. Ev…

Had the puff puff pass drink, edamame, BBQ tsukemen, the bbq boat, and the cornbread pudding. While everything tasted ok, for the most part, the portion sizes were really small for the price. The drink was aesthetically pretty, but there really wasn't much of it inside the cup due to the excessive amount of ice.

+1

Super friendly service and delicious cocktails. The Brisket Ramen 🍜 with beef broth dip was delicious. I would have loved 2 pieces of that brisket one for me and my husband as it was soooo delicious but I understand they are doing small plates This is one of my only reviews below 4 stars as usually I just choose not to say anything but with their pedigree I hope they take it in the spirit it was intended which is a foodie visiting Austin and this was ok but after visiting Uchi Austin (amazing) and having BBQ like Leroy and Lewis (wanted Franklins but too hot to stand in line during the summer). The scallop skewer had a great sear but tasted more fishy than sweet unless you had it with the whole corn kernels then that helped balance it out. The short rib skewer had a nice char. Austin is just such a foodie town with so many options it definitely requires A game all the time. We’d try again and appreciated the friendly service and chef presentation of courses.

I wanted this place to give more than what it was. It’s extremely overpriced for what it was. Service lacked a bit, which was disappointing. The vibe was nice, though the music did not match the vibe. Portion size compared to price was off- for offering a dishes that are essentially street food, it was expensive. The brisket was tasty, and was priced comparatively. I’ve had better brisket but it was on the top of the echelon. The salmon was delicious, melted in your mouth, way overpriced for the portion. The dessert was probably the most delicious thing all night.

+5

Service was fast - almost too fast. We couldn't keep up and felt a bit rushed... Considering it was Valentine's Day I would have like a more relaxed pace. The food itself was fine but not above standard for Austin

Wagyu skewer was ok and the dipping ramen had good texture. Was a bit weird with the brisket though. Desserts was delicious. Everything else was mediocre, definitely unique but for example I’d never get the hot pockets again.

+4

I have mixed feelings about this visit. I made a reservation for 7:45 p.m. and arrived right on time, but it still took about 45 minutes for our party of three to be seated. That was frustrating right from the start, especially since we had a reservation. Once we were seated, the restaurant itself was great — awesome vibe, great atmosphere, and we were genuinely excited to be there. Unfortunately, the service really took away from the experience. Our server was pretty much nonexistent, and we repeatedly had to look for him just to order, get refills, or even close out our check. A nearby server noticed our frustration and helped us out, which we appreciated — it was nice to see the staff supporting each other — but it also felt like they were clearly understaffed for how busy it was. All three of us ordered the brisket ramen. One person received their bowl first, and we were told the other two would be right behind it, but it took about 12 more minutes before the rest of the food came out. When an entire table orders the same entrée, it really should be served together. The disappointing part is that the food was amazing, and the atmosphere was just as good. That’s what makes this experience so frustrating — great food and vibe, but very poor service. At this point, I’m honestly unsure if I’d return unless staffing and attentiveness improve. This experience was very different from other locations I’ve visited, which makes it even more surprising.

Everardo Reyes

Interesting cuisine fusion between Texan/Japanese... It's definitely not for everyone but its a good concept. Service was somewhat lacking... Too much time for the food to arrive at our table, and too much time for the waiter to bring our check. Also if you come with a big appetite don't expect to get satisfied unless you come with a large budget.

+5

Malavika Kale

Overall: good food, friendly service but food service was very, very slow, not what we’d expect at a small plates restaurant. For one of the dishes we waited 50 minutes, asked the server for an update and the ultimately had to cancel as it was going to take even longer. Ambience: Upscale dive bar vibes, eclectic decor and funky seating with mismatched chairs and a unique mug that held napkins and cutlery in every table. Service: our server (Anthony?) was wonderful - polite and friendly and helped with our questions about the menu! While the service overall was good, we felt the communication in general could have been better in terms of menu items that take way longer than expected, as well as giving us an update on areas of the kitchen that were backed up. Menu: wonderfully unique menu, Japanese style tapas so you have to order multiple small plates. We got 2-3 dishes per person and it was plenty for a good meal. Drinks: we got the Jiji Negroni (it was good) and the Shukaku Moon. The Shuhaku Moon was absolutely delicious, one of the best gin cocktails I’ve tasted in a while. I could have had several of those, was considering it came in a cute, tiny glass. Vegetarian: if you’re a vegetarian, you won’t be disappointed! The eggplant (Hippie Bone Marrow - perfectly smoky with sesame, miso flavor) and the mushroom skewer (truly incredible, you might at first think they’re meat, they were so yummy) were delicious. The lotus salad was also great. And the dessert (Matcha Banana Pudding) was amazing. Food: rayfin jerky was interesting, served with a mini grill on the table; bluefin carpaccio was fresh and wonderful; the cheesy takoyaki we had to cancel after waiting almost an hour for it; the short rib was sold out which was a disappointment; the hot pockets were good.

+8

Interesting concept combining texas bbq and japanese food... but still not working for me. The taiyaki cornbread was delicious but my friends and I were not a fan of the dipping ramen. Serv…

Interesting concept combining texas bbq and Japanese food... but still not working for me. The taiyaki cornbread was delicious but my friends and I were not a fan of the dipping ramen. Service wa…

We visited for my husband's birthday with a party of five. The place has a cool dive-bar aesthetic, very dark and smoky, with dim lighting--even inside. The atmosphere is definitely bar/club-like, …

Food was OK, generally overall greasy and over use of Fish Sauce. The cornbread was good. The dining situation is absurd for the price. Rude and dismissive host staff, with a reservation, waited 15 mins to be seated in a half empty “new addition” outside on a picnic table with gutter water dripping on me and my date next to me. Luckily for him he was saved as he was rudely told to move over and move out, because another couple being seated next to us. The 5 other picnic tables around us sat empty throughout the rest of the night. I’m too grown to pay to be treated like I’m in elementary school by rude staff. Cute concept though

To be honest with you the place is very interesting but the food was very underwhelming... Each skewer costs $8-$14 for EACH. But it tasted just ok. Brisket $18 for 4 small pieces that were burned on the outside yet too mushy and too much fat on the inside. About 20% of the brisket was inedible... I was looking at this place for a while, had it saved in my favorites for over a year. I really wanted it to be as good as the reviews describe it and I wanted it to be one of our favorite restaurants that we would go back to regularly. But sadly this was a one time thing for us. Expensive dinner, barely any food, but most importantly it wasn't even good. I don't know how they have 4.5 starts🤷🏼‍♀️ Also whole they have a lot of staff members, the service wasn't good at all. And I actually had to remind the waiter about the birthday, despite the fact that I booked the reservation as a birthday celebration in advance. The waiter brought dessert, no candles, no happy birthday, nothing... But the person at another table earlier got a cake slice with a candle and a happy birthday song... Paying over $100 for a few tiny skewers I expect to have much better service and be treated a little more special than this... especially when we came for a special occasion. We chose YOU, out of hundreds of restaurants after all... The tiny desert thing didn't look very good and didn't taste good either. My husband has a big sweet tooth, but after he had a tiny bite, he pushed it away...

Yet another Austin eatery going the fusion route and the only thing they are killing are your tastebuds. Parking here is absolutely abysmal. We arrived at 5pm for a 5:30pm reservation and were lucky to snag the one remaining spot. Hostesses behave as if you rolled in without a reservation and are cold and aloof. Even with a reservation, we were seated outside in a graveled patio area, with dim lighting and a couple of fans blowing some air around (which did not solve the mosquito or fly problems). Food: Unremarkable and overpriced. The Beefy Shrooms skewer is a 5" long skewer with three of the tiniest pieces of meat you've ever seen with the smallest sliver of mushroom for $14. The brisket is $18 per HALF POUND. That’s not even including the bento box - a handful of nori sheets, a bowl of rice, two bits of pickled cucumber and jalapeño, and some other minor condiments will run you another $12. Hot pocketz was recommended by our waiter, and was a mouthful of oil logged tofu with brisket. The king salmon crudo came as a bowl full of thick sliced sashimi, sitting in a watery concoction of Michelada with a fancy name called consommé. The entire side of the bowl was covered in black pepper. $16. The one dish that was slightly elevated above all else and was actually quite good was the cornbread taiyaki - one unpretentious dish of cornmeal in the shape of a fish, served with toasted sesame butter and a few drops of local honey. Drinks: The alcoholic mixed drinks tasted just like the version with no alcohol. Service: Water and menus came out rather quickly. Our waiter was great at reciting the menu and explaining the experience of small plates (izakaya). A couple of dishes came out quickly, but as the place got busier, things slowed down. Staff were misdelivering drinks and food in our section. And we waited well over thirty minutes from the time we wrapped up our meal till we got someone’s attention for the check. Overall: If you’re going to try this spot out, head there for the happy hour (check on their site, but it was 5-6:30pm on a Thursday.) Mixed drinks, munchies and chinmi are half off. This could have been amazing Asian fusion with a light Texan flair, but sadly, the heavy Texan flavors are simply overwhelming and just miss the mark.

+6

Food was great, but seating/atmosphere was terrible. Despite having a reservation for our B'Day group of three, our seating was a picnic table in an area that could best be described as their back alley - surrounded by high cinderblock walls, a metal fence and the water pipes, with lighting so dim everyone was using phones to see the menu (at least we weren't next to the dumpster...). We should have put up more of a fight with the hostess, but everyone was hungry and we didn't want to go to the back of the wait line. Shame on them for chasing $$$ over customer experience/satisfaction.

Overall, a decent experience, however will not repeat. I don’t know if they were having a bad day or what, but It took forever for them to serve us. We ordered the rayfin jerky and the bluefin tuna cold cuts. Took around 30 minutes for them to prepare 4 cold cuts of bluefin tuna, and basically ignited 2 pieces of coal for the rayfin jerky. The brisket was good in the hot pockets , but that also took around 30 minutes to arrive. Veg options came quicker. Had to cancel the order of takoyaki balls, because the server said after 50 minutes that it would take 10 more at which point I had run out of patience waiting for small plates of food to arrive. They had also run out of the short rib by 8 pm. Banana pudding was amazing. Will not repeat mainly due to the long wait times it takes for them to serve. Would have been a slightly different experience if the server had recommended us, when asked, what options people usually order or things that take longer to prepare, could have avoided those things in that case.

Lisa Ngo

Finally got to try Kemuri Tatsu-ya after having it on my to-eat list for a long time! I’ve always been a fan of ramen tatsuya, tiki tatsuya, and dipdipdip tatsuya so I was super excited. Walked in on a Wednesday late afternoon and my husband and I got seated quickly. I must say, the atmosphere was a complete vibe. We were so excited to get some izakayas, sake and have a great evening. I grew up in Vancouver BC where the Chinese and Japanese (especially izakaya) food scene is pretty big but I do feel that I tend to be very reasonable at adjusting my expectations to various restaurants based on geography and demographic. I was simply expecting tasty Japanese-Texan fusion. We made the mistake of ordering primarily from the specials menu (basically ordered 4/5 of the available dishes) including the monkfish, deviled egg, squid marinated in guts, and tako wasabi (one of my favourite dishes in general). The monkfish was fine, but it was sitting in a very salty ponzu-like sauce. Luckily I didn’t drench the monk liver in the sauce because it would’ve killed me lol. The deviled egg was unique and tasty but same problem - the sauce on the bottom was insanely salty. I made sure not to over dip the egg and carefully picked it up onto my plate, but my husband dropped his egg into the salty sauce and he simply could not finish his egg after. The tako wasabi had a few pieces just swimming in a similar, overly salty sauce which overpowered everything. I couldn’t taste the tako or the wasabi. We could not finish this. The squid in gut was the same but this was the saltiest. We had to send this one back after downing a glass of water. After being completely dehydrated due to osmosis, my husband and I drank more water and tried to redeem our evening by ordering dishes that perhaps Kemuri Tatsuya is more known for - skewers. We got the chicken thigh with green onion and these were good. Not great, just good. I think we would’ve enjoyed our experience more if we ordered cooked or bbq items but the daily specials just took us out lol. I try to give restaurants a lot of grace, and I usually have a desire to come back to try different dishes before leaving such a negative review, but our experience here truly soured my evening and ultimately ruined our date night. We haven’t felt this disappointed about a restaurant in Austin in a long time. What made it worse is that when I tried to politely express our disappointment to our waiter, he didn’t respond at all. He just took our dishes away and walked off. No attempt of verbal communication or resolution was made. This REALLY soured our mood. In the end, one $8 item from our tab was removed but for some reason that felt even more insulting considering. I hope staff can take this feedback into consideration more seriously when a customer is expressing disappointment and/or dissatisfaction with the food. No customer should leave a restaurant feeling ignored, disregarded, and ultimately thirsty as hell eating very very badly seasoned food.

We live in Denver and this has been a favorite restaurant we've been coming to for years whenever we visit family in Austin. The food and atmosphere are top notch but the reservation system is clearly flawed. We've never been seated in less than 30 minutes past our reservation time. This time we're approaching 45 minutes. A restaurant this popular should hold it self to a much higher standard. Update: Sad to say that the food quality seems to have hit a down turn as well, both in ingredient quality and execution.

I recently dined at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, and while the atmosphere is certainly intriguing, the food was a major letdown. Each skewer, tasted mediocre. The BBQ boat was a huge disappointment; it was a sampler with dry meats on a boat. The tako Wasabi tasted off, did not finish the dish. I had been eyeing this place for over a year, saving it in my favorites. Made a reservation for a large party only to disappoint everyone for choosing the restaurant.... Not reading the reviews was my mistake. The dinner portions are small, and the food quality was disappointing. The specialty drink, Pain Killer, was a cup full of ice. I do not recommend it. The tuna collar was market price, over seasoned... Overall, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya did not deliver on either BBQ/Japanese fusion food and was overpriced.

+3

Disappointing experience – Overpriced and poor quality I would never recommend this place. It claims to be Japanese-American fusion, but it fails to capture the essence of either cuisine. The Food: Most of the skewers were burnt and had a bitter, charred taste. The '48-hour sous vide' dish was flavorless and questionable in quality. Despite the exorbitant prices, the portions were incredibly small—except for the edamame. Whatever you do, do NOT order the Takoyaki. It tastes exactly like the 100% frozen ones like at a Japanese grocery store. Unless you've recently won the Powerball or Mega Millions, it is a total waste of money Service & Hygiene: The service was chaotic with multiple order mistakes and missing dishes. The servers constantly pushed expensive recommendations, likely to increase their tips. Even worse, the staff in the open kitchen appeared unhygienic, which was very off-putting. Atmosphere vs. Value: While they tried to mimic a Japanese Izakaya vibe, the atmosphere doesn't justify the sky-high prices. Save your money and go somewhere else where they actually care about food quality and cleanliness."