Austin To Open Its First Izakaya

Known as a Japanese pub, the izakaya is one of the most popular bar trends in the Far East. The red lanterns and delicious one-of-a-kind Asian flavors that come from these fantastic eateries are an exciting new dining trend that anyone in Texas culinary schools should be excited about, as Austin is getting its very own izakaya this month called The Dojo.

Set to open this July in the former Tokyo Steakhouse space at Highway 183 and Burnet Road, The Dojo is expected to feature the signature small plates and grilled dishes that will satisfy late-night visitors as well as many students taking culinary courses in a Texas culinary school.

Austin is known for developing some pretty sensational ethnic cuisine, but hasn’t exactly paved the way for Japanese eateries in the past. Although izakayas are already very popular in several major cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, there haven’t been many ventures in Texas – until now.

“I really love the late-night crowd,” Mike “The Ramen Ninja” Elliott, one of the masterminds behind The Dojo, told Eater Austin in a recent interview. “We’re going to have sake, cocktails, just give people the room to relax.”

According to the source, Elliot is also going to be offering courses in the art of ramen. This broth-based dish may not have its roots in Japan, but it is taking the Asian culinary landscape by storm. In fact, this dish has come a long way from the popular packages that many U.S. students may already be familiar with. Elliot’s popular food truck around town called Nommin’ Noodles, which was a big hit with festival-goers at Austin’s popular South by Southwest music and interactive festival, is also a local favorite.

Students in the area should take the opportunity to visit this buzzing place to get a new taste of Asian flavors.

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