Dallas' Most Interesting Restaurants No. 32: Mr. Max

Leading up to our annual Best of Dallas® issue, we're counting down the 50 most interesting restaurants in Dallas. These spots bring something unique or compelling to the city's dining scene, feeding both your appetite and soul. Mr. Max doesn't reveal itself until you've walked through the door. The parking...

By Scott Reitz

August 9, 2015

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Leading up to our annual Best of Dallas® issue, we're counting down the 50 most interesting restaurants in Dallas. These spots bring something unique or compelling to the city's dining scene, feeding both your appetite and soul.

Mr. Max doesn't reveal itself until you've walked through the door. The parking lot is dismal, the windows are obscured and if there wasn't a sign you'd have no idea there was even a restaurant in this section of strip mall. But open the door and Mr. Max unfolds, and within seconds you're transported to boisterous basement bar in downtown Tokyo.

The menu has something for everyone. Folks not well acquainted with Japanese cuisine can get a plate of fried chicken and potato salad that would be right at home at any Southerner's picnic spread. Adventurous diners can delve into natto, squid with squid gut sauce and braised beef intestines.

Of course there's always a middle ground. Mr. Max caters to hungry people, whether they're looking for fermented flavors or something clean and briny from the sea.

Mr. Max also caters to drinkers, and the restaurant will be filled with them on weekend evenings. Make a reservation so you can get a table, kick off your shoes and join in. Drink enough sake and you might find yourself going toe to toe with a dish you previously thought would terrify you. You'll be all the better for having the experience.

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