Mr Max Izakaya Restaurant

The interior feels and looks like a seasoned izakaya bar which in total contrast with the exterior. The food was very tasty and all the flavors were very balanced. It’s a popular and a small place so be ready for some wait and arrive early. Kitchen closes 30 mins before the posted time, so arrive early.

To say I was blown away by this place is an understatement. On the outside, it looks like any run-of-the-mill place to get some good Japanese food. But inside, you are treated to an absolute spectacular time. I was taken here for my birthday by a friend. We got here at 530, and it was already almost an hour wait. The wait was absolutely worth the time though. All of the food was fresh and delightful. The service was prompt, curteous, and fast. My head spun with how quickly the kitchen worked to get out such amazing food so quick. The atmosphere inside of here is jovial as well. An absolutely wonderful place to kick back with friends over a Sapporo & some Takoyaki. Make it a point to come here. Immediately.

I almost drove away coming up to the modest store front — a mistake I never would have appreciated. Food, service, atmosphere… have I mentioned the food? I ordered ramen, (off menu) fish collar, and the chefs trio appetizer — I’m still debating whether to ignore the physical boundaries of my stomach to order more… I’m coming back and telling nobody to keep the crowd at bay (except my friends on Google). Well done.

Very authentic; my expectations were very high because this is a popular place. The octopus balls are all that and more! They were so good and would have been happy with just those. They have great flavor. The chicken karaage didn't have the flavor I hoped for, nor did the tempura. It was fried well, but it definitely needed the soy sauce. The blue fin sashimi was good. The pudding was a miss for us. We couldn't figure out the sauce on the bottom. The service there is fantastic. There's so much going on, but our server was very attentive. The food comes out quickly. There's a line around the whole building before opening. We lined up 30 minutes early. They do get people served quickly, especially at the counter.

Excellent authentic Japanese small plates/tapas in an intimate setting. Staff were wonderful, we tried about 8 different menu items and all of them were fantastic! Definitely recommend the curry, ramen and takoyaki. Be sure to get there early, they only accept reservations for groups of 5+ and people will be lined up outside 15 minutes before opening even on a week night.

A tiny restaurant that serves authentic Japanese food. They only serve dinner, and it’s very hard to reserve a table. But if you walk in early, you can sit at the bar where you can watch how your foods are prepared. The waitresses are very polite and thoughtful. Due to my liver disease, stage three liver fibrosis, I can hardly eat anything. However, watching my son and my wife ate their food was very enjoyable!

This place is such a hidden gem! The ambience is so authentic and the chefs cooking right in front of you was the cherry on top for me. The foods it self were outstanding. Definitely try the KOBE beef skewers, Karage with sweet and sour sauce, and the Shoyu Ramen. I definitely will be returning to try more of the fish items. As they were cooking all the fish looked so fresh.

Mr Max’s is a must go to!! Make reservations and take the time to go, it is well worth it! The service is phenomenal and so is the food. We will definitely be going back whenever we are in the Dallas area.