Tiki Tatsu-Ya
9 Apr 2023
Tiki Bar
Tiki Tatsu-Ya
Austin, Texas, United States
Tiki Tatsu-Ya is a long-awaited tiki bar and restaurant in South Austin, Texas, that opened October 4th, 2021.
Owner is Tatsu Aikawa, who owns several restaurants in town including neighboring Ramen Tatsu-Ya, and was inspired to open a tiki bar by his brother Shion. Aikawa emphasized tiki's long tradition of incorporating Asian elements, and the heavy influence of Asian cultures on Hawaii. The drinks program was initially led by Cory Starr (previously of Chicago tiki bar Three Dots and a Dash) for the first six months. Cory has since moved on to the Mai-Kai in Ft. Lauderdale. The initial beverage program was formed along with Tatsu-Ya beverage director Michael Phillips and Tatsu-Ya sake sommelier Bryan Masamitsu Parsons. In addition to tiki drinks, there is also a tiki-inspired menu, with Japanese flavors and dishes strongly represented. The bar is housed in the former Backbeat space, right next to Ramen Tatsu-Ya's South Lamar shop.