Opening alert

Ramen Tatsu-Ya prepares to bowl over East Austin this summer with new shop

In Austin, Ramen Tatsu-Ya is about to become a triple threat. According to a release, a new location of the beloved noodle shop is opening this summer at 1600 E. Sixth St., the former location of Kuneho and Qui.

The news was first teased in March, when reps confirmed that owners Takuya Matsumoto and Tatsu Aikawa had signed a lease at the space. The new location will be the first ramen shop of its kind located in East Austin.

The menu will bring all the Tatsu-Ya favorites to the east side, including the cult tonkotsu original ramen and small bites like sweet and sour Yodas (Brussels sprouts with apricot vinegar and curry) and Korokkaaayyy (Japanese croquettes with chashu and house katsu sauce).

In addition to beer, wine, and sake, the upcoming restaurant will also have a full bar with a craft cocktail menu designed by beverage director Michael Phillips. To take advantage of the surrounding neighborhood's nightlife scene, the new location will also offer extended late hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

For the space, the owners worked with frequent collaborator McCray & Co. to put an Austin-meets-Japan stamp on the original building designed by A Parallel Architecture. Tokyo street artist ESOW has been drafted to create new murals, which will replace Kuneho’s Peelander-Yellow murals. Works by Xavier Walker, Ross Loftin, and Mila Sketch will also be displayed.

The new location will be the fourth shop for the owners, including a Houston outpost which opened in November 2016. In addition, the team is working on what appears to be a new concept at 7301 Burnet Rd. Although details are still forthcoming, the name listed on the mixed beverage permits is Dip Dip Dip Tatsu-Ya.

A rendering of new East Sixth Street shop.

Courtesy rendering

A rendering of new East Sixth Street shop.

openings

Can I Kick It?

Top Austin brewery kicks off new sports club with volleyball and soccer

Photo by Traverse Photography

Meanwhile Brewing Co. has new reasons to visit.

Even Austinites who don't drink have plenty of reasons to visit Meanwhile Brewing Co., and now there's another for volleyball-lovers. The brewery has set up brand new sand courts, ready for the launch of the new Meanwhile Sports Club. The club will organize both volleyball and soccer games, so there's always someone to play with.

Sand volleyball games will be divided into teams of four or six, with the first games starting the week of January 6, 2025. Soccer teams will be five-on-five, with play beginning the week of February 3.

Teams will be in it to win, but the short "seasons" will avoid triggering commitment issues at just six weeks long. At the end of each season, the club will host a championship game for the chance to win a $200 bar tab.

Soccer field at Meanwhile Brewing Co. Austin The soccer field is right next to Meanwhile's resident food trucks.Photo by Traverse Photography

The brewery recommends that teams sign up together to increase the likelihood that everyone gets a chance to play. The leagues do accept free agents, but availability constraints mean that no one is guaranteed a spot. Multitalented athletes can increase their chances by signing up for both sports, but should choose different days so games don't conflict.

For those who maintain that beer — and not running — is still their favorite part of visiting a brewery, there's always opportunities to spectate. Meanwhile's South Austin grounds are well-stocked with brews, cocktails, and food trucks. Plus, there's almost always an event going on, from flea markets to movie screenings.

Registration for volleyball is open now and closes December 19; registration for soccer opens December 1 and closes January 16. The team fee is $675 for the first two weeks of registration, and increases to $725 later. Meanwhile Brewing is located at 3901 Promontory Point Dr.