Tucked away in the back of Papercut, the award-winning East Austin bar, a brand-new sushi concept called Konbini is quietly preparing to open its doors. The official launch is planned for early fall, but lucky locals don’t have to wait that long to get a taste.
Starting Wednesday, July 23, Konbini is previewing its menu daily as a pop-up inside Papercut. Just walk in during bar hours, grab a drink, and order straight from the Konbini team. No reservations. No exclusivity. Just good sushi and even better vibes.
Konbini is being led by Chefs Michael Carranza and Danielle Martinez, the duo behind MICHELIN-recognized Tare, and the idea here is pretty bold. Traditional Japanese sushi techniques meet the flavors of Coastal Mexico and Central Texas, all in a casual, late-night setting that feels more like an art house than a restaurant.
The menu will rotate frequently and lean heavily on seasonal ingredients. One night you might get madai or kanpachi topped with bright citrus or chiles. Another night, you might be trying A5 Wagyu or a marinated maguro zuke with a smoky glaze. There’s no script, and that’s kind of the point.
According to Chef Carranza, this is “choose-your-own adventure sushi.” It’s meant to be unfiltered. Fluid. And more about the energy than strict formality. Which makes sense, considering you’re eating it in the back of a cocktail bar that also functions as an art gallery.
Drinks from the papercut bar will pair with Konbini’s food, but there’s also a separate drink list just for the sushi side. Think infused highballs, Japanese whisky, and a sake list curated by Carranza and Martinez — both of whom are certified sake sommeliers. That’s not a flex. It just means they know what they’re doing.
Visually, the Konbini space is bright, a little strange, and totally different from the bar it’s attached to. There’s art. Color. A little chaos in the best way. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, even though the food definitely could if it wanted to.
The official launch is expected in early fall, but these Konbini preview dinners are happening now — every night at papercut until the doors open for good. Whether you’re deep into the sushi world or just curious about where Austin food is going next, this one’s worth watching.