Maiko Sushi Lounge

05/15/2008 Posted by ChucoMonster

I have to admit, I am no expert on sushi. But I eat lots of it and, before sushi, I would NEVER eat any fish. But Maiko is one of the only places that I like to go to eat sushi in Austin. I've been to here quite a few times over the last few months, and their menu seems to be getting better! The menu seemed a little small, and didn't have too much variety, but now it seems to be getting underway. I only wish they had more vegetarian options — not many places in Austin offer a good selection of veggie rolls, so this is kind of disappointing. However, what they do offer is delicious — the rolls are not too small and have the right balance of rice, fish, and flavor. I admit, I get the same stuff all the time, but every once in a while, I get adventurous and try some different rolls — so far I've never been disappointed (anything I haven't like was due to my own personal tastes). I also enjoy the appetizers, like the tempura. The Maiko Salad is one of my new favorites, as well — it's tangy and sweet, with goat's cheese. Delicious! The hot rock is always fun, but more important, yummy. And instead of just ordering the miso soup, I like the wild mushroom miso soup. It's worth the extra $2. I've also tried their delicious desserts! (Yeah, I like to eat!) I was pleased with the truffles and with the sorbets. A friend and I shared both theses desserts and we both found them to be not too filling, and so were a nice end to the night. The service could use some work, but in the last few times I've been there, I had a waitress that was both attentive and nice. She wasn't too much of a bother, but didn't ignore me. It is a bit pricey, but I understand it's a business — profit is important. Nevertheless, I'm never bothered to drop a good amount here.

Pros: Tasty sushi, good menu selection, great atmosphere, sushi chefs are always fun to talk to

Cons: Service could be better, not enough vegetable rolls offered

05/12/2008 Posted by austind

I've never posted on here before but my experience at this place made me register for an account. Just wanted to let you know we will not be returning to this restaurant. My girlfriend and I came in Sunday night and were looking forward to our meal as I've always wanted to try Maiko. I've eaten a lot of sushi over the years and Maiko is definitely the *lowest* quality sushi I've ever eaten. The last bite my girlfriend took tasted like it had been rolled in dirt (yes, really). The fish quality was horrible, some unfresh, and our sushi rolls were pretty much all RICE. Besides the 'bad fish' flavor the rolls didnt look neatly assembled either, they looked like they were thrown together and I was worried with each bite that the tiny pieces of sushi would fall apart. There was hardly anything in the sushi. Waitress was nice, service was good. But seriously, I can't say enough BAD things about their horrible food. I wouldn't go back if you paid me

Pros: design/decor, location, great water and sake

Cons: everything else. sushi is horrible

03/29/2008 Posted by JohnAndDeborah

The staff at Maiko are truly the best in Austin. An excellent experience started as we entered the door of the restaurant. We were warmly greeted by the hostess given the best seat in the house and began a wonderful evening enjoying our favorite sushi and sashimi. Our waiter was one of the best and very knowledgeable of the menu and he took the time to give us delicious details of every dish that we ordered. To our delight as we began to order, the waiter brought to our attention that we were on time for the Maiko Sushi Happy Hour, on a Saturday Night WOW! It is difficult to choose a favorite, each and every dish was prepared to perfection. But, one you must taste is the Spider Roll. Very tasty with crispy softshell crab and a spicy aioli with avocado and cucumber. When we were preparing to leave the owner came to our table thanked us for coming to Maiko and asked how we enjoyed the meal. What a great experience!

Pros: Valet parking, wonderful ambience

03/09/2008 Posted by marleyzaza

I came here to look up the number to Maiko, and I am shocked to see ANY poor reviews. I feel like the below reviews are from a competitor or from someone who is just shameless about the things they say about someone's business. I couldn't disagree more with the negative reviews. I started going to Maiko when they opened their doors 2 years ago. We went for a friends birthday party. Now I dine their on average once a month - usually on the weekends for dinner with friends. First of all, the service is impeccable! The waiters are all very personable and helpful, but without being wordy. I hate going to a restaurant where the server is either too absent or too in your face. The service at Maiko is neither - it's always excellent - so much so that I always tip well over 20%. Secondly, the food is great! I've never had a bad meal at Maiko. My boyfriend does not like fish at all, and he LOVES their Chilean Sea Bass dish. It's definitely worth a try on your first visit. My personal favorite is Walu nigiri at any sushi restaurant, and Maiko's is always great. For rolls, I would recommend trying the dragon roll or the hook roll (which has walu or "escolar" in it.... yum). Maiko also carries a great selection of wines, and for really reasonable prices. On top of all of this, Maiko is just a really great, fun place with a great ambiance, perfect for the after work crowd. I promise you will have an excellent time, and you will fall in love with this cozy little joint just like I have! Plus, you'll find they have a great little party room in the back - great for birthdays... they even have a little karaoke set up for these kind of occasions. I hope you enjoy your meal and this restaurant as much as I have!!!!

01/28/2008 Posted by kixsis10

It shocks to see so many bad reviews about maiko. I frequent this establishment and am always VERY satisfied, if not more. The music is always hip, the food is fresh and innovative, the drink are always great and the servers and bartenders are knowledgeable and more than ready to ensure that you have a wonderful experience. I have experienced long wait times for the food, but come on people, its all hand made. I will continue to frequent Maiko and support this great restaurant.

01/10/2008 Posted by satisfact13

Bad service in a place that is not even half full. The sushi was terrible and when we complained the manager was rude. We told him that we expected fish. He said "well it's really a tar tar that is blended." On the menu it say "tuna roll" NOT tar tar!!! Rude rude rude manager!!! I will Never Ever Ever go back.

Pros: Downtown

Cons: Everything!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

12/07/2007 Posted by cindynjj

My folks are in town this week, I took them to Maiko sushi this evening and I will never go back. The tuna in my spicy tuna roll didn't look like any tuna I have ever seen before - and I've eaten a lot of spicy tuna rolls. The waitress was also very unpleasant and charged me more for my rolls than the menu listed price! When I pointed it out to her she just said "sorry" instead of correcting the mistake. I finally left anyway but I didn't leave a tip. This place is NOT worth your time or money!

Pros: ?

Cons: everything

11/19/2007 Posted by 8yesorno

My boyfriend and I use to go to Maiko for their Happy Hour several months ago... but stopped going those several months ago. We thought we would give them another chance... but found out nothing has improved! The service use to be great... Now It Is Awful ~ Not Friendly or Attentive! The sushi use to be good and worth it, Now YUCK! Not always Fresh or Tasty. They really should re-staff and get better fish!! There are much better sushi places in Austin and who have great Happy Hours!

Pros: It is cheap!

Cons: You also get LOW QUALITY food!

11/01/2007 Posted by longhorngirl82

My girlfriends and I like to sit at the bar at Maiko on Friday nights. We go around 8:00 and order drinks and sushi. They have this yummy martini that is made up of champagne and has strawberries floating in it and a sugar coated rim. I'm not sure what it is called but it's my favorite! The sushi is always good. I get the Maiko roll and the spider roll. They usually have a dj who spins and the crowd is young and fun. It's a good place to start your night.

10/01/2007 Posted by the_honest_review

One would assume that a new sushi restaurant in the upcoming trendier section of downtown Austin would be a sure-thing. If so, one would be assuming very wrong. Their sushi rolls are horrible -- the rice is always either way under or overcooked, and the seaweed is always chewy and of strange texture. At least the fish is of decent-enough quality, although nothing to write home about. The edamame is the best thing they offer on the food menu. If you're looking for a fancy fusion drink and some edamame, then this is your place. Otherwise, move two blocks east and one block south to Kenichi.

Pros: Location, Curb Appeal, Proximity to other nightlife.

Cons: Sushi chef has no clue.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful