The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to local food — some of Austin’s most famous restaurants are sisters.
It’s no wonder there are so many repeat chefs and restaurant groups all over the local MICHELIN Guide and James Beard Awards, because it runs in the family. There are tons of “sister” concepts all over town, so let’s talk about a few groups.
Uchi, Uchiko, and Uchibā
One could argue that these restaurants — helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole — are not just sisters, but triplets. You’ll find similar dishes at each, although the specials showcase each spot’s unique flair and Uchibā is the only one of the three that serves lunch.
Fun fact: Uchiko was mentioned in the song “Multi-Love” by Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
Suerte, Este, and Bar Toti
This restaurant family keeps it close, as all three locations are less than 10 minutes apart. Executive Chef Fermín Núñez (an alumnus of Uchiko’s kitchen) started his culinary journey by opening Mexican restaurant Suerte in 2018 and Mexican seafood restaurant Este followed in 2022. Now, they both come MICHELIN recommended.
Bar Toti is the youngest, opening in 2023 on the same plot as Este, where it shares a garden for fresh produce. Try this: Bar Toti’s muhammara made ATXtoday’s list of the best dishes in town.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, Tiki Tatsu-Ya, Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-Ya, and DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya
If the Uchi restaurants are triplets, the Tatsu-Ya restaurants are half-siblings, because they’re all so different. Started by Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto, Ramen Tatsu-Ya has been a staple since it opened in 2012.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s success (with six locations in Austin and one in Houston), has led to the creation of MICHELIN Bib Gourmand izakaya restaurant Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, MICHELIN-recommended shabu-shabu restaurant DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya, hidden island-inspired Tiki Tatsu-Ya, and patio bar Domo Alley-Gato.
Josephine House and Jeffrey’s
If you’re a vino enthusiast, these restaurants are for you. Originally opened in 1975 and renovated by MML Hospitality in 2013, Jeffrey’s is a fine dining restaurant in Clarksville where Austinites can enjoy dry-aged steaks, a 58-page wine list, and caviar service. Right next door, you’ll find Jeffrey’s sister, Josephine House, where they offer a more casual twist on her brother’s New American menu, plus brunch.
Try this: Both restaurants offer 50% off bottles of wine on Sundays.
Odd Duck, Sour Duck Market, and Barley Swine
You can get lost in Barley Swine’s deep beer list and rotating menus.
Photo courtesy @barleyswine
Brothers and lifelong Austinites Bryce and Dylan Gilmore originally opened Odd Duck in 2009 as a “farm to trailer” food truck with a vision of using only local ingredients. The team lists their food sources on their website, and has earned a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction.
Bryce expanded the vision to Barley Swine in 2010, which went on to win a MICHELIN star last year. The restaurants’ third sibling, Sour Duck Market, arrived in 2018.
Which other restaurant families would you like to see on this list? Let us know.
