Mr Max Izakaya Restaurant

Really good food! Have gone a few times. There tends to be a line depending on the time you go, especially on the weekends. If available reserve ahead of time otherwise just get there early before they open to avoid waiting long. Food was simple but rich in flavor. The curry is really good! You can’t go wrong with picking one of their ramens if you tend to be indecisive. You will need to remove your shoes unless you are eating at the bar, just fyi.

3.5 stars due to the two hour wait and limited service. Food is good and the experience cool but probably wouldn’t return again. WAIT TIME - The first time we came to Mr. Max we left due to the wait time. The second time we were prepared to wait. The 2-3 hour wait is an expectation, and not a suggestion. We came shortly after open. There were two waves before us. The first wave waited 30+ minutes before open, the second wave waited 1+ hour at open and our wave waited 2+ hours. I would say the groups after us were around 1+ hour wait. So either come first or last not in between. Also, there’s not waiting area and you’ll be called when it’s your turn. You may see that the loyal customers get to jump the line. THE DRINKS & SEATING - The Ashai beer ($7) on tap and the non-alcoholic ($6.50) was delicious. The sake would be a pass for me but my husband enjoyed it. We ordered beers while we stood and waited. There’s no seating area, only the small walkway entry. We were fortunate to get a large table. You will need to remove your shoes for the tables. The bar tops do appear to be much smaller and cramped. The seating is all wood with a few thin pillows for what ever comfort you may find. THE FOOD - We ordered the seafood on the menu. The 5 kind Sashimi ($38) I’d say taste was 50/50, the salmon and shrimp were delicious while the other pieces were okay. The Grilled Squid ($8.50) and the Yellowtail Collar (MP) are a must try! The Valentines Special 3 Kind Appetizer ($18) was okay but small portion compared to the price. The Takoyaki (octopus balls $8) very good tasting and pricing. The Crispy Sushi Rice with Spicy Tuna ($13.50) was better than Nobu because the rice wasn’t as sticky but the tuna was very spicy. Lastly, the Salmon Belly Nigiri ($9 2pc) was a great way to end the meal. THE SERVICE & BILL - While waiting, we were able to order beer but don’t expect small talk with the cash register worker. While seated, the food came at a good flow but it was difficult to get service when you needed it. From asking for straws, napkins, forks and new chopsticks, the service was lacking. At times it was difficult to tell who was our server versus who is lending a helping hand. Our server was quiet and helpful while her peer was direct and not helpful. If you’re part of the community then you’ll be greeted by smiles. Otherwise, if you’re like us, one-timers, there won’t be any overtly friendly treatment. We did notice some tables were being rushed but as long as you’re ordering then you’ll be able to keep your seat. OVERALL - I wouldn’t say the taste justifies the wait. Nonetheless, the experience was priceless on Valentine’s Day. If you live close to the area and can put your name down to run errands then you are fortunate, otherwise you’re SOL. Don’t even try the online reservations because it’s booked a month out. We can say we’ve been there and enjoyed the food while loosing a few hours of our lives. The choice is yours to make, what’s your time worth(?). Funny Bit: There was a single man that walked in and was able to get a bar seat without wait. Since the bar has odd seating and there were mostly couples. On Valentine’s Day, he was the luckiest guy in the room.

Been going here for years and their food and service has always been consistent for a nice night out. I highly recommend trying any of their grilled fish. The salmon I tried recently was very flavorful and juicy. It can get pricey if you buy a lot of appetizers and sides as the portion sizes for those are pretty small. The servers are all very friendly and despite how busy the resturant is always making sure your experience is good. The resturant has a traditional Japanese style with low-tables creating a very cozy atmosphere.

Wonderful hole in the wall but not a hole in the wall. Mr max pushed out incredible food. Fun spot to come with friends but be prepared to wait. I think I waited about an hour to get a bar seat for one. But this type of place is best enjoyed with friends where you can share a meal. The fatty tuna was delicious. The chefs choice for the appetizers was great. The rice sandwich, seemed like a giant onigiri was excellent. The Taiwan ramen was perfect even on the hot summer day. If I could do it again I’d probably swap out the ramen with something smaller. Portions were right on and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Next time I’m in the area I definitely have to come back. Must try if you’re in the area. Plus the chef wears a Starbucks!

I honestly hesitated to write this because I don’t want the place getting even harder to get into, but Mr. Max Izakaya in Irving is just too good to keep quiet about. It’s a small spot, nothing fancy, but the food is incredible and the prices are super reasonable. We waited about 45 minutes for a table, and it was totally worth it. We had Tonkotsu ramen, squid legs, takoyaki (my personal weakness), karaage, and the uni omelette. Every single dish was good. No misses, no “just ok” plates. It all tasted like something the kitchen actually cares about. If you’re in the area and craving Japanese comfort food, this place is absolutely worth it.

We really enjoyed this place. Traditional Japanese small plates pub with bar seating and sunken tables. We were there at open since they didn't take reservations and were lucky to be seated right away. We ordered several items to share. The fatty tuna, pork belly, katsu curry and eel omelette were the winners of the evening.

Authentic Izakaya in Irving, Texas. They kept the real vibe, atmospheric standard and quality of food. Its never easy to find a table here, wait time would be long, but its all worth it. Better if you reserve several days ahead. Also not recommended for big groups. It's Izakaya by all means.

Excellent Izakaya quality place--both in terms of food and atmosphere. Everything comes out hot and fresh, and it's all cooked right. No more, no less. There's nifty appetizers, such as the unagi tamago and seasoned raw octopus. But, even the classic dishes like the chicken karage, shishito pepper, and ramen are knocked out of the park. All of the dishes taste exactly as good as you would imagine them in your head before ordering. And, the unbelievable cherry on top is that the food is very affordable for the quality that you get. The highlight is the ramen coming in at a reasonable $12. The tonkotsu ramen itself has all the classic toppings; jammy boiled egg, woodear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and chashu. It comes with buttery slender thin round noodles, like an exquisite angel hair pasta. However, the best part is the rich salty broth that manages to balance the richness with other lovely flavors in order to offer multiple dimensions of flavor. It's rich, yet garlicky and a satisfying creamy. It's one of the best ramen bowls in DFW, but somehow only $12. Beyond the food, the Izakaya atmosphere is unmatched. It's a spot with a nice bustling energy to it, and the service from the Japanese staff there is friendly and homely.

Wonderful service, delicious food, affordable price, will come back again and again and again! 美味しいお料理とおもてなし、本当にありがとうございました！

We enjoyed the place, food, and experience. My kids want to come back and eat again! どうもありがとうございます。

This is one of the few spots I always have to visit few times a year. Once you step into the front door, it transports you to Japan. The atmosphere and food is amazing and can't wait to come back for more. My personal favorite is their eel omelette! If you like unagi sushi, this taste way better :)

I finally got to go here after constantly hearing about this place for the last 3 years since I moved to DFW. I was so excited to try out but I think my expectations were too high. All the food tasted good, but not amazing. My favorite was their udon which I forgot to take a photo of. Everything else just felt like just okay. They don't have a lot of seating inside which explains the long wait. Their service was great and the ambience was great. Just wasn't sure if it's worth the 40 min drive. If I'm in the area I would be down to go again for sure.

Mr. Max is my all time favorite restaurant! The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for a casual meal. Takes me back to Japan I highly recommend the Tonkotsu Ramen--it's rich and flavorful, with perfectly cooked noodles. The Hot Udon is another favorite, warm and satisfying. Don't miss the beef tongue and butter octopus; both tender and delicious. The shaved yuzu onion adds a refreshing touch, and the shrimp and vegetable tempura is perfectly crispy. The service is attentive and friendly, making every visit enjoyable. If you're in the mood for authentic Japanese food, Mr. Max is a must-try!

Plan for around an hour wait if you go without a reservation - this restaurant has a really cozy atmosphere so there's not as many tables available to seat everyone at once. My sashimi was fresh and the ramen was good, too. Next time, I'd add a spice bomb for some extra flavor!

This authentic Izakaya is a gem tucked in an unassuming strip mall in Irving, Texas. With cozy tatami seating, you slip off your shoes, step up, and settle in for some seriously good eats. Known for its top-notch sashimi and flavor-packed takoyaki, this spot has earned the No. 72 spot on Yelp's national list--and it's well deserved! The grilled yellowtail with teriyaki is a must-try: tender, juicy, and just the right amount of sweetness. For something a little adventurous, the Tako Wasabi offers a punch of wasabi with raw octopus; it's a small portion but delivers on flavor. My favorite? The pan-fried squid with gut sauce--massive, bold, and deeply satisfying. Service is quick, prices are fair, and it's packed even on weekdays. I'll absolutely be back for more!

Went before they opened their new location, but Mr Max is a crazy busy for a reason. When we arrived, was told that it would be approximately a 30-45 minute wait for 2 people. Since this was a "must-try", we left our number, went to grab dessert, and came back with time to spare. We were sat at the counter but I was definitely a little jealous of the groups that got to sit at the traditional style Japanese tables with tatami. We ordered a variety of dishes including takoyaki, yakitori, and karaage. Everything was delicious. Tasty with a lot of classic Japanese flare. I do wish the karaage and takoyaki were a little bit crispier. Service was great and the atmosphere was comfortable but busy. I'll definitely have to come back again to try the other menu items. It's too bad our stomachs only have so much space!

Went here on a weekday and the wait was about 30 minutes or less. Not too bad. It is a small area and can get crowded. If you're seated at a table, you are required to take off your shoes and Indian style if needed. I was putting back on my shoes to go bathroom but the waiter had told me I can use the house slippers. I did not know how I felt just because it's been on someone else feet. Food was good. I was expecting more sushi but nonetheless still good. The beef skewers was the best!

I waited for weeks to to find a good time to write a well-deserved thorough review. Mr. Max is one of my most favorite places in Dallas. A must-go. We've been twice, and so far we've tried the ramen, curry, okonomiyaki, pork belly, karaage chicken, yellowtail, potato croquette, and beef tongue. I loved the pork belly, kaarage chicken, and ramen the most! The ramen was very rich and tasty, despite this not being a ramen-focused restaurant. Would not recommend the beef tongue--a bit chewy and bland. There are specials as well, the crispy rice spicy tuna roll was delicious, but I'm not sure if it's still available. Honestly can't wait to go back and try more dishes! The ambiance is very warm and welcoming although a bit small, so be prepared for a wait time (that is worth it). I've been on a Friday and Saturday evening around 5PM and 7PM, respectively. Both times the wait were about an hour. There's a thrift shop across the street and some boba down the street, which are good ways to kill time. There isn't really room to wait in the restaurant itself. The service is prompt and attentive though. Parking is ample in the strip mall.

Mr. Max, tucked away in a nondescript strip mall in Irving, Dallas serves up authentic Japanese cuisine. The unassuming exterior might fool you, but inside, the food is anything but ordinary. The cozy, almost dive-bar atmosphere adds to the charm, making it feel like a secret spot known only to those in the know. Absolutely get a counter spot to watch the show. We decided to order a little of this and a little of that to sample the variety they offer, and every dish was delish. The izakaya-style menu invites you to try a bit of everything. We got the salmon roll, shrimp tempura, edamame, shishito peppers and ramen! If you're looking for an authentic, no-frills Japanese dining spot, Mr. Max checks those boxes.

This place is everything everyone says it is! Amazing!!! Authentic Japanese experience. I loved it so much I want to visit Japan now. Price: Everything was so affordable! I was shocked at our bill when it came! Everything you see was $98 Vibes: The restaurant is small and intimate and has two separate areas you can sit at. You can sit at the bar type seating or at a "table" that follows traditional Japanese culture where you take your shoes off and sit on a pillow. I really wish I could have enjoyed the sit down experience, but I came around 8pm on a Friday evening and the wait was an hour and the only available seating was at the bar area. I did not see anyone get sat at the table after we came. So if you want to sit down, go at 7pm or earlier. Perfect for small groups of 4 (maybe 5) or less! Service: Everyone works together to serve you, and was so kind. Food came promptly. Food: The menu was more a la carte style so I ordered a few things at a time and staggered the meal. Everything was AMAZING!!! I don't think I've ever been to a place where every single dish is great. I'm not familiar with Japanese food, so everything was new for me except the Ramen. I don't think you can go wrong with any item off the menu. I got the Peach Chuhai, which is an alcoholic beverage, and it was so good! 100/10!!!

I really don't want to say it but... it was so mid and overhyped. Here's what we ordered: 1) Salmon sashimi (10/10) 2) Grilled squid - (if you never had squid you might like it. As someone who has this for lunch very often in my Asian household, skip this dish 3/10) 3) Tonkotsu Ramen - super water down ramen. Worst dish we had despite the glowing reviews online. Idk what went wrong...(-2/10) 4) Takoyaki - mid (3/10) 5) Beef Bowl: 9/10 would order again 6) 3 assorted appetizers chef's choice: one of the better dishes (8/10) 7) Karaage Chicken: don't be basic, skip this. Nothing special here (3/10) Service: food came out quick and the waitress were attentive After waiting for 2 hours from 5:30pm-7:30pm, my boyfriend and I were starving and at this point anything would have been good BUT we were still disappointed. That's how overhyped this place was - major lacked of seasoning...

I recently went to Japan and was missing Japanese food so I had to try out Mr. Max. The whole place made me feel like I was back in Japan. Food came out fast and fresh. The workers were so sweet and attentive. Highly recommend coming here if you want a taste is Japan.

A mutual friend recommended this spot and it delivered! The food was delicious. The flavor of the agedashi tofu was light, but amazing. I would recommend getting the 5 kind sashimi since there's a variety of fish and each kind comes with 3 pieces, so very worth the price! I would just be ready to wait a long time if you don't have a reservation. We had to wait almost an hour after arriving when doors opened. There were many people coming in later and having to wait 2-3 hours.

This place is a must try - the food was incredible. The small plates are reasonably priced and the quality is unmatched. The service was incredibly quick and the staff was very friendly. They had Japanese decor inside the restaurant and made me feel like I was in a restaurant in Japan. Loved every second can't wait to come back.

Ambience was a vibe. This was my first time in and I got more than I was expecting. The place is a bit small so service was very attentive. Food was amazing flavorful and spot on. Everything was fairly priced me and my two kids shared Edamame and chicken Karaage.to start. Both items came out, hot and steamy. The chicken Karaage was very fresh.. Then we tried the Ramen OMG great portion size. Everything about this place was spot on did you ask you to take off your shoes so be sure to wear that pair of clean socks L O L we can update. We will definitely be back soon.

Super yummy food and vibes at 10/10lol and service of course was great! The salmon sashimi was fav I've had in Texas !

Tiny restaurant in a mixed neighborhood of Irving opens its doors at 5pm on Saturdays. My husband and I went at 4:50pm determined to have dinner there. The restaurant already had a line wrapped around. By the time we went to the hostess, we were told the wait would be over 1.5 hr. Fast forward 2 hrs 10 mins, we were finally seated at the bar. We ordered and the food came one at a time, quickly. And every item we tried were absolutely delicious!! I would go more often if it wasn't as busy, but I'll definitely keep this place in mind for any occasion.

The place was busy and packed. Almost everything was good. The waitstaff was consistent and friendly. The wait was not that long if you came early and they tried their best to keep everything moving along. I ordered a lot so I'll rank them below. 1. Chicken Kaarage, 3.5/5, it was good, just lacked the crispy bite to its the chicken was juicy, a tad under seasoned. 2. Tonkatsu Shoyu Ramen, 3.5/5, it was flavorful but it lacked a depth to it and I think the shoyu overpowered the creaminess of the Tonkatsu. 3. Crispy Squid Legs, 5/5, it was delicious and flavorful. If it had a little spicy to it I think it would make it way better but that's my preference. 4. Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, 5/5, delicious. It had a good spicy to it and the rice was so crispy. I loved it. 5. Yellowtail Collarbone, 5/5, best thing I ordered. It was flavorful, juicy and I loved the dipping sauce bc it was tangy and added more depth to it. 6. A5 Wagyu Nigiri,3.5/5, it was good and tender but it lacked depth and it was one note. It wasn't nasty. I felt like maybe some kizami and some black salt would raise the bar for me. 7. Kobe Beef Skewer, 2/5, lacked a lot of flavor and did not have any seasoning the dipping sauce had no depth to it and did not elevate it. It was just a meat stick.

Amazing spot. It was worth the one hour wait. The food was delicious, particularly the yellowtail and karage and squid (pictures below). The ambiance was exquisite. It really felt being transported to a different country.

Recommend the sashimi, karage, yellowtail collar, beef skewers, and agedashi tofu. Everything was scrumptious. Finished off dinner with a yuzu cheesecake.

Finally was able to visit one of the Top Japanese Restaurant in Dallas, Mr. Max Izakaya! We got: A5 Waygu Scallop sashimi Takoyaki Kobe beef skewer Mentai cod roe & chopped cucumber Salmon sashimi Pan fried squid with gut sauce Udon noodle Everything was so delicious!

Mr. Max was awesome! The food quality was high and it felt like an authentic izakaya experience in Japan. The servers were kind and the prices feel reasonable. Only thing I'd recommend is going right when they open, otherwise it'll most likely be a decent wait.

Came here with a large group of 6 adults and 3 kids and even though it was a little tight they were able to fit us pretty well! They even had plastic forks and bowls for the kiddos to use. We came at 5:30 (they opened at 5) on a Thursday and they were super busy and told it would be an hour wait and it was definitely worth it. We really enjoyed all the dishes we ordered but our favorites were the fried squid legs, salmon sashimi, Japanese curry (would recommend getting the pork katsu to pair with it), karaage, and shrimp tempura! Service was great and their food came out so quick yet steaming hot. Can't wait till our next visit back to Dallas!

Nondescript spot named Max serving selections of sushi and cooked food. Looks like I am back in Tokyo.... Tried a few sushi pieces of tuna and salmon and yellowtail. Negiri salmon was good. Fatty but good. The tuna and yellowtail were better. Other items included Sushi Sashimi Squid Negiri Peppers Edamame Grilled smelt I recommend this place.

Some of the best Japanese food in DFW area in such a hidden low key spot. Heads up, if you want to come by this gem, you will definitely want a reservation to save yourself the pain of waiting, reservations fill up around a 3-5 days out so plan well. 2nd time I've come here and both times just blew me away. The authenticity, tradition, and food is amazing. Some standouts from my most recent visit are the Yellowtail collarbone(first time I've had it, actually so much flavor and meat) fried squid legs(so so so good, my fav item for sure), grilled shishito peppers, and the sashimi platter. The ambience makes you feel like you are not in DFW for sure haha, I will come back next time I'm in town

Mr. Max discriminates against the disabled! I arrived in my wheel chair and it was clear this place was designed not to include people like me. The food smelled great in this place, but I never got to eat any because the only two options were sitting on the floor or sitting at a bar that was too tall for me in my chair. I can't believe this place doesn't violate building codes. Even if you are able-bodied, the next time you go to Mr Max, please complain that there is no place for those in wheel chairs.

Food was delicious, hot, and reasonably priced! Service was fast and friendly. There is some bar seating and about 4-5 other tables - a smaller restaurant but fits the ambience! It's great for smaller groups of 3-4 to hang, catch up, and order some small dishes to share! They also have ramen and udon. Call to reserve for groups 4+. Would come again! Favorites were takoyaki, yellowtail sashimi, and kobe beef! Chicken karaage was also yummy!

An absolutely amazing Izakaya spot in DFW! The place is small and always busy. They only take reservations for groups for the authentic Japanese tables where you remove your shoes. If you're only a couple, you'll have a seat at the counter. I recommend coming right when they open to get a seat. I've also placed to-go orders - just be mindful of which foods are the easiest for transport. - 5 kind Sashimi: some of the highest quality sushi in the area (I jokingly think it's due to the proximity to DFW airport) and the price point is unbeatable compared to other sushi spots in the area. It's a spread of salmon, tuna, yellowtail, octopus, and sweet shrimp. They occasionally have other sushi specials - the scallop we got once was excellent. - Grilled yellowtail collar: One of my favorites! The fish is so tender and the skin is so light and crisp! - Spicy pork rice roll: there is just something so homey about this dish. Other really delicious things include their takoyaki, chicken karage, curry and the ramen! I hardly crave ramen in the Texas heat but we had to try it at least once and it really is outstanding! Definitely do yourself a favor, come early and grab a bunch of small plates to share!

Every city should have an izakaya like Mr. Max... So it's ones of those places I wish I can go on a weekly basis after a good day of work to celebrate or to vent. Order a few beers and some meat on a stick dishes and hang with friends. There are so many reviews that I don't think I can add anything that would be a surprise to anyone, so I will just support this place by giving it another 5 star review amongst all the other fans. I've been to a lot of Japanese izakayas and Mr. Max' atmosphere / ambiance is definitely the kind that I'd love to frequent. Service is super fast and friendly as well and food is great. The biggest challenge is how to get in due to its popularity.

Does Mr. Max really need another 5-star review? Probably not but I still can't get over this meal. Everything was absolutely fantastic. Everything except for having to wait because this place is too popular and everybody knows about this Japanese gem in Irving. But hey, that comes with the territory of trying to eat good food on a Friday night! Mr. Max opens at 5pm, I went with my party of 3 and arrived around 4:30pm after reading reviews about getting there early to avoid long waiting lines. I was probably number 10 in line even getting there 30 mins early, which somehow made me anticipate the food even more. Look I'm not one to patiently wait in line but I stood in the scorching Texas heat in July and may have gotten a shade or two darker but it was sooo worth it and I would gladly do it again. I feel like the pictures don't do it justice. I don't know how else to explain it but everything tasted amazing. You just have to go and try it yourself! Be warned it'll probably be busy. I hear they take reservations for parties of 3 or more now if you're able to snag one, but make sure your entire party is there whether it's reservation or from standing in line waiting, they will give your table up!

Place is small, and so you'll have to wait an hour to get seated. I think they take reservations online but not via telephone. If you order take out, it takes only 20mins. The food is just average. But I'm from the NY area, where there's a lot of Asian food.

Everything was delicious! I've never been to Japan but Japanese clientele I sat next to said it was just like being in Japan! Great service and ambiance too!

What an amazing Japanese restaurant! I can tell it's loved by locals because people were lining up outside before it even opened. The restaurant was packed within minutes of opening. Everything was so delicious. Takoyaki was so crispy and fresh. Kobe beef skewers were so tender and juicy and paired well with the sauce. Miso marinated salmon was cooked perfectly. Hamburger patty was filling and comforting. Blue fin tuna was so fresh! Friendly servers as well. Cute Japanese decor too. I miss this place already, will definitely be back next time I'm in Dallas.

This place was absolutely fantastic. I don't remember a small plates japanese restaurant that has had such variety, good food, and reasonable prices. There is a wait and it is hard to get them to answer the phone. That's because it's busy and delicious. The interior is authentic izakaya / Japanese seating where you remove your shoes. It's pretty tight depending on group size but all the menu items on the walls makes it feel cozy. Of the food I liked the takayoki but the real standout was the squid in guts sauce. The sashimi was quite good as were the rice sandwiches. Our waitress was fantastic: attentive and fast, and she brought us free dessert. If I'm ever in Dallas again I'm going to seek this place out.

It was a 1.5 hour wait for 2 ppl when we got there at 6:00pm on a tuesday which was lowkey expected for this place since we heard about its popularity and small site. Food was alright, overall nothing was super good to the point we would return just for it, everything was just a little bit better than average. we got the blue fin tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, takoyaki, grilled shishito peppers, steamed monkfish liver, taiwan ramen, agedashi tofu. Service was great however, once u got past the busy front, everyone was super nice and it took only 7 mins for our food to come out.

Mr. Max is an amazing hole-in-the-wall type place. You wouldn't think it existed in the random corner that is in, but my experience here was truly amazing. Even though we had to wait 1.5 hours to get seating here (the inside is pretty small), it was so worth the wait and I would do it again. The food was so fresh and tasty, and I loved everything that we ordered. Anytime I am back in Dallas I would come back here again every time!

Always a long line. The door opens at 5 and be aware to come before 4:45 and wait in line. You can call to make reservations for party of 4 or more. But call at least 2 weeks in advance. Food is always solid. Service is good and quick. It is my daughter's favorite Japanese restaurant but unfortunately we are not able to make it frequently due to the popularity

This is such a cool hidden spot that you would never know was there. It's a literal hole in the wall that is in a little strip mall behind a corndog stand. Inside, it is a VIBE. It's tapas style portions, so get there early and order in bulk so the food keeps coming. The sushi is some of the best in the area and prices are super reasonable. The service is really quick and attentive. Come by yourself and sit at the bar or with a group and enjoy the food with a bottle of sake!

We love coming to this spot with our guests! They have bar seating and floor seating where you're required to take off your shoes and dangle your feet. We usually order tapas style and try a little bit of everything. Our recent fave was the fried rice squares with salmon and jalapeño on top. We always order the chicken karaage (fried chicken pieces), takoyaki (squid balls), and chicken skewers, as well as the fried potato. Everything is delicious and always tastes made to order. I would love to come here more often, but the wait is always so long due to it's popularity. There is not much seating which often contributes to the long wait times. I recommend coming right when it opens to avoid the long wait.

Well if you're a regular here you know the routine, come here early. And if you're not a regular come here early. lol Small but beautiful Japanese Izakaya restaurant. Great service here fast and quick sometimes only 2 ladies serving this entire restaurant here so please friends be nice and patient you'll understand when you dine here. Food is phenomenal and perfect for wanting to order small plates. Had never once sent something back. However I've had wrong items delivered to my table and to took to try something different oh so good hahaha We love this establishment in the DFW area. Great place it's just tough though to wait for a table. So please get there early or try to have reservations done a week out. Thank you to all who keep this place going.

If you want a hole-in-the-wall, authentic experience, you've come to the right place. Mr Max has been a OG spot for Japanese food in DFW for the past 30 years. It's a small restaurant so make reservations to guarantee a spot! Even on weekdays. We came here on a Tuesday and it was packed. We had a group of 6 and ordered a bunch of appetizers and sashimi to share. A classic favorite is the chicken karaage. Takoyaki is great as always, and sashimi was so fresh. We tried their aji sashimi and it was so delicious! It was a special for $29 but I thought it was worth it. They will fry the head for you if you ask. Aji is Japanese Jack mackerel. Their 5 kind sashimi is a beautiful spread of mackerel, salmon, tuna, octopus, yellowtail and sweet shrimp. Service was incredible as always and the food comes quicker than you think. Highly recommend coming here with a friend or a small group!

Mr. Max's: Worth the Wait (and the Shoeless Struggle) This place is the real deal for authentic Japanese food. Be prepared to wait (mine took an hour, but some reviewers say 3!), but it's SO worth it. Just be sure to loosen up your legs beforehand because you'll be sitting on the floor, Japanese-style (think comedy contortion trying to take off your shoes). The food? Amazing. I devoured the Tonkotsu Ramen, the beef skewers, and a perfect portion of rice. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Highly recommend!

This place transports me right back to Japan! From the menu spread all around the walls, to the low tables. The service was great. Food came out in a timely manner, everything was seasoned perfectly and all the workers are so friendly! This is definitely on my list of places I have to come back to when I'm back in town!

Mr. Max is in an unassuming strip mall off of a busy intersection of Irving. As people who refuse to eat anything we can get at home when we travel, we were excited to try this izakaya restaurant. We assumed we could try sushi and sashimi in addition to izakaya, but we were only partially correct. The first disappointment was that, though they claim you make reservations, no one ever answers the phone for you to do so. It wasn't a big deal, but they already had a waitlist when we arrived at 5:14 (14 minutes after they opened) on a Thursday evening. We were second on that waitlist and were looking at a 30-45 minute wait. It turned out to be 45 minutes, which we waited in our car in the parking lot. The interior looks like a Japanese house or a large izakaya. Seats are lining the bar which runs the length of the dining room and overlooks the kitchen. There are also traditional Japanese low tables, where you remove your shoes, climb up, and sit in a shallow well area. I can't imagine how easy it is for disabled persons to manage this, but I'm sure, with a good amount of help, it's possible. The other disappointment with this restaurant was a younger server who was very cold and curt. We greeted her, thanked her, and bussed for her, but she never broke a smile, gave us a "You're welcome," or engaged other than to ask us what we wanted and drop off food. An older lady was a lot nicer and we wished she would've come by more often. We ordered quite a few things that were on the menu: -Blue Fin Fatty Tuna: absolutely amazing and melt-in-your-mouth tender. -Grilled Miso Marinated Salmon: a bit overcooked, but well flavored. -Grilled Beef Tongue: thinly sliced, great caramelization, and tender. -Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna Sashimi: amazing in texture and flavor. This was a special, so I don't know if they always offer it. - Edamame: basic with salt. Nothing special. -Grilled Squid: devoid of flavor except char, but nicely tender. -Tako Wasabi: raw octopus in a pungent wasabi dressing. It was addicting. -Grilled Shishito Pepper: charred and pleasant. More than half had spice. -Grilled Mackerel: meaty and well-seasoned with perfect caramelization. -Grilled Yellowtail w/Teriyaki: meaty and juicy. Exceptionally flavored. -Fried Chicken Wings w/Nagoya Style Seasoning: the meat wasn't seasoned, only fried and topped with seasoning. It lacked flavor. -Takoyaki: Husband really enjoyed these octopus balls. He said they tasted like a delicious seafood meatball. I had the Lime Chuhai (very refreshing) to drink, and my hubby had a Sapporo. There was no sushi, only sashimi, and for our very large order, we paid $176, which included tax. I recommend you visit Mr. Max, but be prepared for a worthwhile wait.

Mr Max has been on my to-visit list before moving to Dallas, and I finally had a chance to drop by last Saturday. I tried visiting 2 years ago, but we came at 5:30 PM and it was a 2 hours wait. I was surprised by how busy the place was back then, so I made sure to come a bit earlier this time. We arrived at 4:50 PM on a Saturday, and there was already a long line outside the door to the fence on the left. Judging by the number of people in line, I estimated that we wouldn't make it in and I was right. The group in front of us was the cut-off, so it was an hour's wait. Not bad, but I was set to try it this time. My sister, her boyfriend and I just went shopping around the area for a while, then waited in the parking lot. It was around 6 PM that they called us saying it was ready, and we need to arrive within 10 mins. The restaurant was packed, and there were people coming to add their names to the reservation with a 2-3 hours wait. I wanted to try everything, since who knows the next time I'd wait this long to visit. We got takoyaki, ramen, tempuras, pork katsu, beef tongue, grilled squid, chicken karaage, agedashi tofu, potato croquette, and beef skewers. The food came out one by one pretty quickly. I wanted to take a photo of the entire spread, but we were too hungry to wait for everything. The dishes were all amazing, and I think the prices aren't bad either. Some portions are smaller and more expensive, but it was filling enough if you eat a little bit from each dish. Our total came out to be around $120, plus tips for 3 people. My favorite was the grilled squid, and the sizzling hot takoyaki in the pan was pretty good as well. Overall, I'd visit here again with friends and hopefully get a reservation in place. It's such a popular spot but every time I call for a reservation, it's either fully booked or nobody's picking up the phone. I want to try their sushi dishes next time!

This place is amazing !! But you definitely have to get there at a great time. Also expect a wait but it is well worth the weight don't be folded. The food was so flavorful and we were able to share. I love the way everything is set up here.

It might look like a small hole in the wall at the corner of a nondescript line of stores, but the long line of hungry customers outside, waiting right at opening, betrays its popularity and charm. Indoors, Mr Max isn't large by any means, but can fit small parties with Japanese style tables (you remove your shoes as you sit on benches) and bar seating. The menu is scannable via QR code on each table, while menu specials are plastered all over the wall in Japanese and English. The prices here should jump out at you. It's extremely cheap here, as most of the entrees are half of what they usually cost. For reference, our party of 8 had a bill lower than $200, and that was even after about 8 appetizers and entrees each, along with drinks, tip, and tax. It's incredible value. Yet the food's price doesn't reflect the wonderful quality. The Japanese curry was simple but delicious and Mr Max is generous with portions. Most of the fried appetizers were tasty too, and I'd say the restaurant mostly caters to bar food and appetizers like this. The servers are understandably busy, but are very, very efficient in clearing and serving tables and most importantly, are polite and friendly. Just as a tip, they do allow reservations (which they highly recommend especially on weekends), but only for parties of 3 or more. Highly recommend this place if you can get a spot!