Authentic Japanese pub-style dishes like fatty tuna, pork belly, and takoyaki, perfect for sharing.
Hearty bowls including Tonkotsu and Taiwan ramen, made with rich broths and fresh ingredients.
Flavorful grilled options such as salmon and beef tongue, cooked to perfection.
Varied small bites like eel omelette and karaage, ideal for sampling different flavors.
Curated appetizer platters selected by the chef for a unique dining experience.
We reserved almost a month ahead due to how popular the place is. Unfortunately, we still had to wait 30–40 minutes after our booking time. The restaurant was quite noisy during our visit, which affected the atmosphere. Service was quick, but the ramen didn’t meet expectations. The tonkotsu was just okay compared to other places. On a positive note, we enjoyed the takoyaki and beef tongue. Overall, it wasn’t the experience we hoped for given the long wait and advance booking.
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.
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!
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.
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.

Authentic Japanese pub fare in a cozy, traditional setting—where every bite feels like a trip to Tokyo.
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Mr Max Izakaya Restaurant is a beloved Japanese pub in Irving, TX, offering an authentic izakaya experience with a focus on small plates, grilled dishes, and comfort food. Known for its friendly service and consistent quality, this cozy spot features traditional low tables and bar seating, perfect for sharing meals with friends. From fatty tuna and pork belly to katsu curry and ramen, the menu highlights fresh, flavorful dishes that keep locals and visitors coming back. With a 4.7/5 rating and moderate pricing, it's a must-visit for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts seeking a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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