Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya represents a unique culinary fusion where Japanese izakaya meets Texas smokehouse in East Austin. Located at 2713 E. 2nd Street, this innovative restaurant combines Japanese flavors with Texas barbecue traditions in a fun, funky, and dimly lit atmosphere that captures Austin's distinctive vibe.

Founded by the team behind Ramen Tatsu-ya, chef/owners Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya "Tako" Matsumoto created a dining experience that reflects their personal story - Aikawa was born in Tokyo while Matsumoto is a first-generation Japanese-American, both raised in Texas. The restaurant's name "Kemuri" appropriately means "smoke" in Japanese, honoring both the smokehouse concept and the building's history as the former Live Oak Barbecue space.

The menu features an exciting array of options including:

1. Smoked BBQ meats with Japanese influences
2. Grilled skewers and sashimi
3. Creative small plates like chili-cheese takoyaki and taiyaki cornbread
4. House specialties including brisket with sesame-pecan rub and salmon collar
5. Adventurous "chinmi" (delicacies) ranging from "not funky" to "you nasty"

Recognized with a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand designation for "good quality, good value cooking," Kemuri Tatsu-Ya offers a full bar featuring Japanese and Texan microbrews, an extensive sake selection, Japanese and American whisky, an