Warning that you need three or more in your party to make a reservation otherwise the average wait time is 2 hours. You can put your name down and they'll text you when your table is ready so plan for that. The ambience is amazing and the food too so it's absolutely worth the visit. I recomend the lightly salted beef tongue, the yuzu cheesecake, and the agedashi tofu. The staff is friendly and the food arrives fast, plus if you sit at the bar tables they just hand it straight to you from the kitchen. It's a fun experience. Unfortunately without the reservation the seating will be random so you might get the traditional japanese seats or the bar area.
Lina G.
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!
Cyn B.
Love love love Mr. Max. One moment you are in a non descript strip mall in Irving, TX, the next minute you are in a bonafide izakaya somewhere in Japan. This is truly authentic as it gets and the food is delicious. I highly recommend if you want to transport yourself to another country without stepping foot on a plane!
Ozair Khan
Everything was very good but a bit on the expensive side and the wait was an hour.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sashimi, Fried Squid Legs
Jacob McClure
The most authentic tasting ramen I've had in Texas; the best Japanese food in DFW, no contest. Everything was fantastic, and I highly recommend Mr. Max.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shuyi L.
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
Bianca T.
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.
Maria Spagnolo
Excellent time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joseph H
best japanese food hands down in DFW. Absolutely in-love with this place. Shout out to Mika for being the BEST server ever.
Great overall experience. Amazing food, amazing service, very authentic. Would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bryan V.
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.
Rebecca McElheney
Food so good I didn’t want to leave. Literally the best food I’ve eaten outside of my own home
Saad Z.
I tried calling on 2 different occasions to try out their highly recommended food. Whenever we call the attitude is not welcoming, first call I was like okay I understand they are busy.. but then I waited a week, called on a Wednesday and the same thing happened. They said "sorry we don't take same day reservations, only walk-ins, thank you bye bye!!" My recommendations for the restaurant: 1. I understand a small restaurant can be busy and hectic but for the love of god replace the person who takes your calls. You are turning away people who want to come to try your food. 2. Invest in a proper reservation system if you are expecting this amount of people every day, it will make people less mad when they can just check from their phone if there are availabilities rather than calling someone who says "thank you bye bye". My recommendations for customers: 1. Make sure to block out a part of your day for driving back and forth and physically putting yourself on the waitlist, then waiting, then coming back IF and WHEN they call you.
Syuan C.
If you have a friend in town, take them to Mr Max! They will never be disappointed. Very authentic food, and the service is top notch. Just be there earlier to wait in line before they opens.
Warning that you need three or more in your party to make a reservation otherwise the average wait time is 2 hours. You can put your name down and they'll text you when your table is ready so plan for that. The ambience is amazing and the food too so it's absolutely worth the visit. I recomend the lightly salted beef tongue, the yuzu cheesecake, and the agedashi tofu. The staff is friendly and the food arrives fast, plus if you sit at the bar tables they just hand it straight to you from the kitchen. It's a fun experience. Unfortunately without the reservation the seating will be random so you might get the traditional japanese seats or the bar area.
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!
Love love love Mr. Max. One moment you are in a non descript strip mall in Irving, TX, the next minute you are in a bonafide izakaya somewhere in Japan. This is truly authentic as it gets and the food is delicious. I highly recommend if you want to transport yourself to another country without stepping foot on a plane!
Everything was very good but a bit on the expensive side and the wait was an hour.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sashimi, Fried Squid Legs
The most authentic tasting ramen I've had in Texas; the best Japanese food in DFW, no contest. Everything was fantastic, and I highly recommend Mr. Max.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
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.
Excellent time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
best japanese food hands down in DFW. Absolutely in-love with this place. Shout out to Mika for being the BEST server ever.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So much fun and great food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great overall experience. Amazing food, amazing service, very authentic. Would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Food so good I didn’t want to leave. Literally the best food I’ve eaten outside of my own home
I tried calling on 2 different occasions to try out their highly recommended food. Whenever we call the attitude is not welcoming, first call I was like okay I understand they are busy.. but then I waited a week, called on a Wednesday and the same thing happened. They said "sorry we don't take same day reservations, only walk-ins, thank you bye bye!!" My recommendations for the restaurant: 1. I understand a small restaurant can be busy and hectic but for the love of god replace the person who takes your calls. You are turning away people who want to come to try your food. 2. Invest in a proper reservation system if you are expecting this amount of people every day, it will make people less mad when they can just check from their phone if there are availabilities rather than calling someone who says "thank you bye bye". My recommendations for customers: 1. Make sure to block out a part of your day for driving back and forth and physically putting yourself on the waitlist, then waiting, then coming back IF and WHEN they call you.
If you have a friend in town, take them to Mr Max! They will never be disappointed. Very authentic food, and the service is top notch. Just be there earlier to wait in line before they opens.