The World’s Only Michelin-Starred Brewery Is Bringing Its New York Sushi Restaurant to Austin
Moody Tongue Sushi opens a residency at The Cafe at The Loren Hotel Austin on July 2, serving à la carte sushi, beer and martini pairings
Beginning July 2, Moody Tongue Sushi — the New York City restaurant from the world’s only Michelin-starred brewery — will launch a seasonal residency inside The Cafe at The Loren Hotel Austin, bringing an elevated sushi, beer and martini experience to the city through October 2026.
Available Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m., the limited-time concept transforms the hotel’s lakeside cafe into an intimate evening destination centered around à la carte sushi, beer pairings and a curated martini program. The residency also marks Moody Tongue Sushi’s Austin debut, making The Loren the only place in Texas where guests can experience the concept.
“We’re so excited to partner with Moody Tongue, because both of our brands are built on the idea that the details matter, and that the most memorable experiences come from genuine craft and intentionality,” says Michael Chin, General Manager of The Loren Hotel Austin. “Moody Tongue approaches beer the way we approach hospitality, and bringing Moody Tongue Sushi to Austin this summer felt like a natural fit. There’s truly nothing else like this experience in the city right now.”
Redefining beer and fine dining
Founded in Chicago in 2014 by cousins Jared Rouben and Jeremy Cohn, Moody Tongue Brewing Company has built an international reputation by approaching beer with the same precision and creativity typically reserved for fine dining. Rouben, a graduate of both the Culinary Institute of America and the Siebel Institute of Technology, trained in several Michelin-starred kitchens before turning his attention to brewing. His chef-driven philosophy focuses on balance, aromatics and flavor designed to complement food rather than compete with it.
That philosophy has earned widespread recognition. Moody Tongue remains the only wholesale brewery in the world to receive a Michelin Star, appearing in the Chicago Michelin Guide every year from 2021 through 2025. Its New York City restaurant, Moody Tongue Sushi in Manhattan’s West Village, has also maintained Michelin Selection status since opening in 2023.
Sushi, beer and martinis
For its Austin residency, Executive Sushi Chef Hiromi Iwakiri will lead the kitchen, bringing more than 25 years of Japanese culinary experience and continuing the program he has overseen since the restaurant’s New York debut. The seasonally inspired menu highlights premium Japanese seafood alongside locally sourced ingredients, with offerings ranging from maki rolls and nigiri to hand rolls and small plates.
Standout dishes include the Sesame Salmon Maki Roll with scallion, sesame seeds, sesame oil, ginger and cilantro; the Torched A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye Hand Roll with garlic, breadcrumbs and wasabi horseradish cream; and the Spicy Tuna “Sushi Taco” finished with Calabrian chili spicy mayo, sesame and scallion.
The beverage program is equally intentional. Guests can pair dishes with Moody Tongue’s acclaimed beers, including Toasted Rice Lager, Daidai Pilsner, Juiced Lychee IPA, Orange Blossom Belgian Blonde and Allstar Peach Sour, or choose from a menu of specialty martinis ranging from bright citrus and lychee-forward cocktails to savory Blue Cheese Olive and classic Espresso Martinis.
“This residency will be such a fun homecoming for me,” said Moody Tongue Co-Founder Jeremy Cohn. “I am originally from Houston with family throughout Austin and the Hill Country, and I understand the deep appreciation for great beer and great food in the great state of Texas. We can’t wait to share more of what we do in Austin.”
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