Maki-San

For residents across Pennsylvania looking for a diverse and satisfying Asian dining experience, Maki-San in Bala Cynwyd stands out as a versatile and welcoming Japanese and Chinese restaurant. Whether you're craving fresh sushi, a hearty hibachi meal, or classic Chinese comfort food, Maki-San offers a broad menu designed to please a variety of palates. It's a place where you can gather with family and friends, enjoy a BYOB policy, and find dishes that truly hit the mark for freshness and flavor.

Introduction / Overview

Maki-San is a well-established Japanese and Chinese restaurant located in Bala Cynwyd, offering a comprehensive menu that bridges the best of both cuisines. It has garnered a reputation for its vibrant atmosphere and ability to cater to diverse dining preferences, from intimate dinners to lively group gatherings. The restaurant features both traditional dining areas and dedicated hibachi tables, providing an engaging culinary show for those who choose the teppanyaki experience.

While some might find certain dishes vary in consistency (like the Pad Thai or Chicken-corn soup, as one early review noted), the consensus, particularly from more recent experiences, highlights the restaurant's strengths. Customers consistently praise the freshness and deliciousness of the sushi, with the "sushi boat" being a particular highlight for its quality and presentation. Beyond sushi, their Chinese offerings, such as the "juicy boneless spareribs with great flavor" and the "perfectly cooked broccoli" in their Chicken & Broccoli, receive high marks. The shrimp tempura is celebrated for its perfect crunch and flavor. Maki-San also stands out for its BYOB policy, which is a significant draw for many diners, allowing them to enjoy their favorite beverages with their meal. The service is generally described as "great" and "timely," contributing to an overall positive dining experience for locals in the Lower Merion area.

Location and Accessibility

Maki-San is conveniently situated at 138 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of Bala Cynwyd, a thriving community within Lower Merion Township. Montgomery Avenue is a well-trafficked road, ensuring easy visibility and access for both local residents and those traveling from surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, including Merion Station, Ardmore, and Wynnewood.

The restaurant's location in a suburban commercial area typically offers more convenient parking options compared to bustling city centers, which is a significant advantage for diners. While specific details on parking are not provided in the reviews, the general nature of the area suggests ample on-site or nearby parking availability. For those relying on public transportation, various SEPTA bus routes operate along Montgomery Avenue, connecting to regional rail lines and making it accessible from different parts of Montgomery and Delaware counties. Its accessibility makes Maki-San a practical choice for a casual dinner, a family outing, or a quick takeout pick-up, solidifying its role as a neighborhood staple in Bala Cynwyd.

Services Offered

Maki-San provides a versatile range of dining services to accommodate various preferences for its Pennsylvania customers:

• Dine-In: Enjoy a meal in the restaurant's interior, which offers "good Asian vibes" and a comfortable setting. There are regular tables and specialized hibachi tables for an interactive dining experience.

• Hibachi Dining: Experience the excitement of live hibachi cooking, where skilled chefs prepare your meal right at your table. This is popular for groups and special celebrations, with "special corner" areas potentially bookable for private parties.

• Takeout: A convenient option for those who prefer to enjoy Maki-San's delicious food at home. Customers note generous portion sizes for takeout orders.

• Delivery: While not explicitly stated which platforms, restaurants of this nature typically partner with third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats, making their menu accessible for delivery within their service radius.

• BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): A significant and popular feature, allowing diners to bring their own alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, sake) to enjoy with their meal, often leading to a more cost-effective dining experience.

• Diverse Menu: Offering a wide selection of Japanese dishes (sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi) and Chinese dishes (classic entrees, noodles, rice dishes), ensuring there’s something for everyone in a group.

• Lunch and Dinner Service: Open for both lunch and dinner, accommodating various schedules throughout the day.

Features / Highlights

Maki-San stands out with several compelling features and highlights that enhance the dining experience for its patrons:

• BYOB Policy: This is a major highlight, allowing diners to bring their own wine, beer, or sake, which can significantly enhance the value and enjoyment of the meal. It's a highly appreciated feature among locals.

• Versatile Menu (Japanese & Chinese): Maki-San offers a broad selection of both Japanese and Chinese cuisines, making it an ideal choice for groups with diverse tastes. Patrons can enjoy sushi, hibachi, classic Chinese entrees, noodles, and more all under one roof.

• Excellent Sushi Quality: The sushi is consistently praised for being "very fresh and delicious," with the "sushi boat" being a particularly "amazing" and "fun" highlight. This suggests a commitment to high-quality ingredients for their Japanese offerings.

• Engaging Hibachi Experience: The presence of hibachi tables offers an interactive and entertaining dining option, especially suitable for groups and celebrations. The visual spectacle of the chefs cooking tableside adds to the overall enjoyment.

• Flavorful Chinese Dishes: Beyond Japanese fare, Maki-San delivers on its Chinese menu. The "boneless spareribs" are noted for being "so juicy with great flavor," and the "Chicken & Broccoli" is lauded for its generous portion of chicken, "perfectly cooked broccoli," and "really tasty" sauce.

• Fresh and Crisp Salads: Even simple items like the "salad with ginger dressing" are highlighted for being "crisp and delicious," indicating attention to freshness across the board.

• Generous Takeout Portions: For those opting for takeout, containers are reported to be "so heavy they were full to the top," ensuring a satisfying meal at home.

• Pleasant Interior Ambiance: The restaurant's interior is described as having "good Asian vibes," contributing to a pleasant and authentic dining atmosphere.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided information, Maki-San does not explicitly advertise ongoing "promotions" in the traditional discount sense. However, they offer inherent value through certain features and menu structures that act as perpetual benefits for their customers:

• BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) Policy: This is arguably their most significant "special offer." By allowing customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages, it can lead to substantial savings on the overall dining bill, making a fine meal more affordable. This is a very attractive feature for many Pennsylvania diners.

• Lunch Specials: While not detailed in the provided reviews, most Japanese and Chinese restaurants offer lunch specials that provide smaller portions and set menus at a reduced price, making them a great value for a midday meal. (General knowledge, not directly from provided text, but implied by typical restaurant offerings).

• Group Hibachi Parties: The availability of "special corner" hibachi tables that can be booked for "personal hibachi party" suggests that they cater to groups, which can often lead to a more cost-effective per-person dining experience, especially for celebrations.

• Generous Portions for Takeout: The mention of takeout containers being "full to the top" highlights that customers receive substantial portions for their money, providing good value and often leftovers for another meal.

For the most up-to-date information on any current specials or seasonal menu items, it is always recommended for patrons to check Maki-San's official website or contact them directly.

Contact Information

For those in Bala Cynwyd and the surrounding Pennsylvania communities looking to enjoy the diverse offerings of Maki-San, here is their contact information:

• Address: 138 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, USA

• Phone: (610) 668-2100

Their general operating hours are typically:

• Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM

• Sunday: 1:30 PM - 9:30 PM

These hours apply to both dine-in and takeout services. It's always a good idea to confirm current hours, especially around holidays or for large group hibachi bookings, by calling the restaurant directly or checking their latest information online.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across Pennsylvania, particularly in Bala Cynwyd and the surrounding Lower Merion townships, Maki-San offers a highly suitable and appealing dining option for a multitude of reasons. Its convenient location on Montgomery Avenue ensures easy access for both casual visits and planned family outings, with the added benefit of typically manageable parking.

What truly makes Maki-San a local favorite is its versatility. Whether you're in the mood for the fresh, delicious sushi that receives consistent praise (especially the "amazing" sushi boat), the engaging entertainment of a hibachi dinner, or comforting and flavorful Chinese dishes like their juicy boneless spareribs and perfectly cooked Chicken & Broccoli, Maki-San delivers. This broad appeal makes it an excellent choice for families or groups with varied tastes, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy.

The highly valued BYOB policy is another significant draw for locals, allowing for a more personalized and often more affordable dining experience, a feature that truly sets it apart. The generous portion sizes for takeout orders also provide excellent value, making it a practical choice for a convenient meal at home. With its combination of fresh ingredients, diverse menu, interactive hibachi, and friendly service, Maki-San is more than just a restaurant; it’s a reliable and enjoyable dining destination that consistently meets the needs and desires of the Pennsylvania community it serves.

Maki-San

138 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, USA