Kemuri Tatsu-ya

Chef/owner Tatsu Aikawa — the man behind Ramen Tatsu-ya — is known for melding the food of his ancestors with that of his hometown, and at Kemuri Tatsu-ya he takes it to the next level. Branded as a "Texas izakaya" and housed in an old barbecue joint, the restaurant serves up traditional Japanese bar fare but with a Southern spin: cornbread taiyaki; brisket bento hand-rolls; and guaca-poke are just a few of the fusion favorites. In typical izakaya fashion, the food is designed with drinking in mind — so be sure to sample something off the innovative cocktail menu, which is heavy on flavored shochu, sake, and both Japanese and Texas whiskeys.