Uchibā Austin

For those in Austin, Texas, who appreciate the pinnacle of Japanese culinary artistry, Uchibā Austin offers an experience that is nothing short of "just wow!" As an izakaya-inspired concept from the renowned Uchi family of restaurants, Uchibā brings a sophisticated yet vibrant energy to the downtown dining scene. It's a place where meticulous attention to detail, innovative flavors, and exceptional service converge to create an unforgettable meal. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast of Japanese cuisine or looking to embark on a new culinary adventure, Uchibā promises a journey of delightful tastes and impeccable presentation right here in the heart of Texas.

Uchibā, loosely translating to "Uchi Bar," builds upon the celebrated legacy of its sister restaurants, Uchi and Uchiko, while forging its own distinct identity. The focus here is on a vast selection of Japanese whiskies and a menu that blends Uchi classics with unique izakaya-style offerings. This means guests can savor not only exquisitely prepared sushi and sashimi but also a tempting array of yakitori grill items, hot and cool small plates, and inventive cocktails. The commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, often sourced from top markets like Toyosu, ensures that every dish is a testament to culinary excellence. Uchibā is more than just a meal; it's a sensory experience designed to transport you to the vibrant culinary landscape of modern Japan.

Uchibā Austin is prominently located at 601 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA. This prime address places it squarely in downtown Austin's lively Second Street District, a hub of culture, entertainment, and fine dining. The restaurant's strategic position makes it highly accessible for anyone in the greater Austin area, whether they're coming from nearby offices, hotels, or residential areas.

Accessibility in downtown Austin is a common consideration for diners. Uchibā addresses this by offering complimentary valet service, which is a significant convenience in a bustling urban environment. Additionally, self-parking options are often available along neighboring streets or in nearby public parking garages. The central location also means Uchibā is easily reachable by foot for those exploring downtown, attending events at the Moody Center or ACL Live at the Moody Theater, or enjoying the proximity to Lady Bird Lake. This ease of access contributes significantly to making Uchibā a desirable destination for locals seeking a sophisticated night out without the typical downtown parking woes.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy a refined and sophisticated dining experience in their intimate yet trendy atmosphere.
• Omakase Dinner: A curated multi-course chef's tasting menu, offering a comprehensive culinary journey of the freshest seasonal ingredients.
• À La Carte Menu: A wide selection of individual sushi, sashimi, rolls, hot and cool tastings, yakitori grill items, buns, dumplings, and more.
• Happy Hour: A popular daily happy hour featuring discounted cocktails, wine, beer, and a selection of bites, sushi, and small plates.
• Lunch Service: Now serving lunch daily from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, featuring Uchibā classics, a special lunch omakase, and Tokyo shoyu ramen.
• Full Bar & Cocktail Program: Offers a vast selection of Japanese whiskies, expertly crafted cocktails, sake, and a curated wine and beer list.
• Takeout & Delivery: Convenient options to enjoy Uchibā's cuisine from home. Modifications and dietary restrictions can often be made online.
• Private Dining & Events: Ideal space for corporate events, birthdays, and other special gatherings, with options for large parties both indoors and on their patio, or even a full restaurant buyout.
• Outdoor Seating: Provides a pleasant option for al fresco dining.

• Exquisite Omakase Experience: Highly recommended, with customer reviews highlighting it as "incredible." The omakase dinner for two, though featuring mostly nigiri or sashimi, is noted for its very tasty dishes and provides a comprehensive tasting of the chef's selections.
• "Blown Away" Desserts: The dessert menu is a standout, particularly the ice cream bar, described as "incredible," with "the best flavor and crunch." Other desserts like the Uchibā fried milk (dark chocolate, salty caramel, sweet cream) and seasonal "snows" (like crushed blackberry snow with passion fruit sorbet) are also highly praised.
• Exceptional Service: Consistently receives "amazing" feedback for service, with servers like Natalie being "10/10" – "attentive, kind, and helpful with the menu." This contributes significantly to an "amazing dining experience from start to finish."
• Vibrant Happy Hour: A "wonderful" happy hour with "the best experience," offering discounted cocktails (e.g., Subarashi, orange wine), nigiri (Bluefin Otoro Gunkan), Temaki (Spicy Tuna), and various small bites (Pork Belly Skewers, Oysters), making high-quality dining more accessible.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Dishes are crafted with fresh, premium ingredients, including bluefin otoro and aged seabream, ensuring rich flavors.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While known for sushi, Uchibā's menu extends to cool and hot tastings (like Hama Chili, 72-hour marinated short rib, wagyu dumplings, Brussels sprouts), yakitori grill items, and ramen, offering a broad spectrum of Japanese flavors.
• Sophisticated Ambiance: An "intimate yet trendy" atmosphere, described as a "culinary haven" that is perfect for romantic evenings or joyous group gatherings.
• Award-Winning Lineage: As part of the Hai Hospitality group, Uchibā benefits from the acclaimed reputation of Uchi and Uchiko, known for their innovative and high-quality Japanese cuisine.
• Signature Dishes: Specific items like the aged seabream, while good, might be subtle compared to other more robust flavors, indicating a nuanced approach to ingredients.

Uchibā Austin is renowned among locals for its exceptional Happy Hour, which provides a fantastic opportunity to experience their acclaimed cuisine and cocktails at a more accessible price point. The Happy Hour is typically offered daily from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

During Happy Hour, guests can enjoy a variety of discounted items, including:

• Cocktails: Signature cocktails like the "Subarashi" are available for around $10. The orange wine is also a highly recommended happy hour drink.
• Beer: Beers can be found for around $6.
• Wine: Wine by the glass is often available for about $10.
• Bites and Small Plates: A selection of small dishes, sushi nigiri, and rolls start from approximately $6. Popular happy hour food items include Nigari Bluefin Otoro Gunkan, Temaki Spicy Tuna, Cool Tasting Hama Chili, Pork Belly Skewers, and Oysters.

The happy hour at Uchibā is a significant draw, allowing locals to indulge in the restaurant's high-quality offerings and sophisticated ambiance without the full price tag of a regular dinner. It's a "pro move" to visit during these hours to sample some of their best offerings. While the provided information focuses on the happy hour, it’s always advisable to check Uchibā's official website or inquire directly for any other potential seasonal promotions or special events they might be hosting.

To secure a reservation, inquire about private dining, or learn more about the Uchibā Austin experience, please use the following contact details:

Address: 601 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Phone: (512) 916-4808
Mobile Phone: +1 512-916-4808

For the sophisticated and culinary-savvy residents of Austin, Texas, Uchibā Austin is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining destination. It transcends the typical sushi restaurant, offering a comprehensive and refined Japanese experience that aligns perfectly with Austin's appreciation for high-quality, innovative cuisine and exceptional service.

What truly makes Uchibā stand out for locals is the consistently "amazing" dining experience from start to finish. From the moment guests arrive, they are met with attentive, kind, and helpful service, as highlighted by glowing reviews for staff like Natalie. This level of hospitality creates a welcoming and memorable atmosphere, fostering a desire to "come back very soon." The "just wow" factor isn't just about the food; it's about the entire seamless and delightful experience.

The culinary offerings are a significant draw. While the omakase dinner, featuring primarily nigiri and sashimi, is "incredible," it's the specific highlights that truly capture the local imagination. The "best flavor and crunch" of the desserts, particularly the ice cream bar, are so remarkable they "blew away" customers. This shows a commitment to excellence across all courses, even seemingly simple ones. The diverse menu, extending to hot and cool tastings and yakitori, ensures that even non-sushi lovers can find something exquisite.

Crucially, Uchibā's highly praised happy hour offers an accessible entry point to this high-end experience. The ability to enjoy discounted, yet still premium, cocktails and bites makes a typically luxurious dining option more approachable for a wider local audience. The inclusion of validated parking is another thoughtful amenity that makes a downtown visit stress-free, addressing a common pain point for urban diners. For Austinites seeking a truly elevated Japanese culinary adventure, a perfect date night spot, or just a fantastic happy hour with top-tier food and service, Uchibā Austin delivers on all fronts, cementing its place as a premier choice in the city.

Uchibā Austin

601 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA