Max's Wine Dive Washington Reviews

I was not happy that the Houston Restaurants Week menu includes only half portions of the appetizer and dessert. It’s barely a good value with whole portions. It’s just a scam to not list on the menu you are giving half portions. It’s actually more expensive with the HRW menu. Also, the wine list gives no details on the wine, and the waitress was not helpful at all. I have been going to Max’s for many years and have always loved this place, but will NEVER go back since they are taking advantage of the Houston Restaurants Week menu and not stating the half portions when ordering.

Max’s is one of those unexpected surprises. The venue is not much to look at. In fact it’s no more than a strip center bar. A great venue for drinks with friends after work. They have a very good wine menu and some good beers. It’s the kind of place you just know you will have fun and relax at. What I was not expecting was the off the chart great selection of food ...and boy did it taste great. My husband had the Chicken Fried Ribeye and I had the Cracklin Chicken. Both were great. Additionally, the staff is fantastic. Their wine sales Manager, Curtis Bagnoli took the time to tell us about his wine offerings and introduced us to some tasty adult beverages… In fact, I took a bottle home with us. Great place to chill out with friend’s or a casual evening out with that special someone. We will be back…

My second time at this location. Food is out of this world! Service is very nice! The atmosphere is lively...read that, LOUD! The music was so loud we could hardly talk to each other across the table, we were yelling at each other. We'll try another brunch place next time and see how it compares overall.

First of all, great wine list. Second of all, delicious food. And lastly, wonderful, helpful service to top it all off! My husband and I met friends here and had drinks and shared appetizers on a Friday evening, and were pleasantly surprised with how quick and attentive the service was, and with how tasty the food was. We had the tuna tartare, which was a generous portion and prepared just right - very rare and with lots of bright flavors. We also had Max's fried chicken sliders (a recommendation from the waitress), and they definitely lived up to their reputation! The breading was crispy and the chicken very juicy. The arugula and watermelon salad was refreshing and the perfect accompaniment to the heavier items we ordered. We did sit outside on the patio, so I can't say much about the ambiance of the restaurant itself, but it definitely looked to be a little bit loud in there. I think on our next trip back we'll just stick to the outside atmosphere. :)

I've been there multiple times, and I've always enjoyed myself. Beware of brunch times though...it's gets crowed quickly. However, it's a lot easier to get a table for 2 (so I wouldn't suggest coming with a large group). Try the Mac and cheese!

We just met some of my family at Max's today (Sunday afternoon). My brother tells us to meet at Max's Wine Dive, so i think he's joking, but i look it up online before i question him: because i have taken him to some sketchy places before. I was intrigued by the concept of a dive bar serving wines and gourmet comfort food. We went and were not disappointed, however i think they can loose the dive bar act, they don't charge dive bar prices, and the food is far from anything you will find at a neighborhood joint. The only real issue i have is the place is cramped.... The food is good the fried chicken was great, crispy, tender and hot. The chicken fried lobster was good too. The hamburgers are huge, drunken bread good, fried oysters were very good. All in all its a good place with some good food but it is a bit overpriced.

Based on the numerous good reviews, we were pleasantly surprised that they were all right! This strip mall 'dive' had knowledgable bar staff, unique and fun food flavors, and wonderful wines. The oyster tacos were unique and memorable. The beef cheek pasta was visually surprising and delicious. We had all three dessert offerings and enjoyed each : banana bread pudding, mint chocolate chip brownie and apple pie in a cup. A great meal!!!

Max's Wine Bar is as the name suggests a bit of a dive but the food is very good and anyplace that plays David Bowie and CSN&Y music gets my vote. The wine selection is good and the food is excellent. The lobster fries (yes Lobster fries) were super and the fried Oysters as a starter were also very tasty. As we were in a group we kept up the appetizer theme and had fried shrimp. Fantastic. So don't let the entrance or first impression fool you, this is a great place to eat and listen to good old light rock and roll. Will be back

Okay, the fried chicken is a hit, the place is popular but the staff, not so much. They know the have a captive audience and take advantage of it. I have been three times and 3 different staff waiters, all act unapproachable... If the ownership could change the inhospitable attitude of the front of the house staff the food would shine more.!! There are more creative wine bars to spend money at than this one.

Whenever we are in Houston, we always try and make it a point to eat here for brunch on Sunday. My husband LOVES breakfast, and I love their menu. The fried egg sandwich is TO DIE FOR!!! This past visit I tried the hamburger.....oh my.....it was AMAZING. You may leave needing a larger size of jeans, but it is totally worth it!! A must try!

Heard lots about this place, had ddiven by several million times, decided to stop in. Your choices for seating are the bar, bar height tables, or some booths along the wall. Lots of tables were reserved but no one ever showed up; disappointing because I hate sitting at those high tables. Waitstaff was very nice and fairly prompt and they are the only reason I upped my review to 3 stars. I had the fried chicken and it was.... fried chicken. It was good but nothing to pay $20 for. Wine was WAY over-priced and the sangria I did have tasted like it was made out of cedar trees. It seems they come at you by saying this is so expensive it MUST be foodie good. The whole place is crowded and close and people were constantly jostling you at the table. The music is loud and they had TV's showing the football game. If a date brought me here I would assume he was prepared for me to bore him to death so he wanted a distraction. I wouldn't go here for wine or food because it is way too expensive for casual dining and I would not come here for a nice night out because the atmosphere isn't very good for it. All in all, get your fried chicken at a place that straight up says we do chicken unpretentiously and your drink at a bar that doesn't try to 'foodie' the wine pairing price up. All in all, no need to come back.

We visited Max's Wine Dive during Houston Restaurant Week. We started with the Max 'N cheese (very good), Nacho Mama's oysters (excellent), followed by the Caesar salad and Watermelon salad (both good.) For dinner, we had the Southern fried chicken and the Max's Kobe burger - both were good, but nothing exceptional. For dessert, we had the Fat Cat Ice Cream Sunday and Apple Pie in a glass - both were nice, but again, not outstanding. Max's Wine Dive is a nice wine bar with good pub grub - I think it is more of a place for social gathering with the bonus of offering good food, versus a spot you would choose for culinary excellence.

From the different array of wines to their beer selection this place is great to drink at and by the way, their food is awesome. Try the Mac and cheese and also the fried oysters on wonton.

The food was great, the wine was great. The staff was also very nice. The only thing I would say is that the prices were high. We went for Happy Hour,$10 for a glass of wine...for Happy Hour. It's something to keep in mind, but I would go back there.

I was very irritated because we had to wait 30 minutes for our table to be ready even though we had a reservation. That just doesn't make sense to me. I feel that the hostess/management should have made it a point to offer us any seats that opened up at the bar, especially since we were waiting so long. 2 stars for them. On the upside, the food was amazing as usual (try the fried chicken and Max 'n Cheese if it's your 1st time!). A lady did offer us a wine list so we could order a glass while we waited for our table. And, the bus boys were extremely attentive with refilling our glasses and clearing dirty plates. But we only saw our waiter maybe twice the whole evening. That was a bit weird. 4 stars for the food and most of the service

usually I wouldn't go for a cabbage wrapped meatloaf over mashed potatoes, but this was worth the calories, no question. Very moist, great savory flavor and a thick sauce spooned over that created a great melding of flavors! This plate was after yummy fried oysters that disappeared pretty quick and the lamb meatballs. So, yeah, we didn't go vegetarian tonight. Wine markup is less than restaurant average, so it encourages a great meal. Service was great, it's a bit cramped and loud, because the restaurant is essentially a narrow aisle with a long bar that serves plates also, but I will def be back. I've also had the fried chicken and eggs max-style and both are worth having.

Besides the extensive wine selection, the menu is awesome. The fried chicken and mashed potatoes was beyond delicious. Nightly wine and food specials are nice and the atmosphere very upbeat. Parking is a challenge and the place is small so be patient, it's worth the wait. Tip: sit at the bar if you like to watch food prep, it's fun to chat with the wait staff and chefs.

Dined for brunch on a very busy sunday after mass. Would recommend going at a non-prime seating time. Very loud and not much space. You can feel the movement in the room. The fried chicken seems to be the dish of the day! I ordered the french toast which was disappointing. Barely warm texas toast. Blah! My husband had the fried chicken and pancakes. Yum! Our waiter was friendly, accommodating, and working his tables well. He never forgot us.

We went for brunch. It was mobbed, but we had reservations (a must). Since there were so many yummy things on the menu, three of us decided to split three choices. Every dish was wonderful! Too may good tales to tell - but be sure to try at least one dish with collard greens! (Not to mention the fries, the lobster tail, the mac & cheese, the.... there I go)

Great place - food was incredible and staff was top notch. My company rented the place out for out Christmas party - facility accommodated everyone with plenty of room. Sound system was good - and music not too loud. The appetizers were delicious!

Fun place great music. Food was really good i had the fried chicken omg unreal how good. Hubby had huge burger he said it was outstanding. Would go back again. Bar staff could engage a little more.

This place is over priced. I went for happy hour when the greatest deals apply. The wine is $6 a glass and the food is $6 as well but the sandwiches they serve are for half of a sandwich! What a rip off. Change the name!

I came because they were offering 1,000 point tables on Open Table, and I was pleased with the food quality. Also it's a great neighborhood, there are a couple of interesting knick knack stores within 1 block, see those after lunch!

Max's is a foodie place for foodies. The wine can get very pricey here but the food is outrageously good. We like to eat out and have been to some great restaurants all over the world and really enjoy eating at Maxs. Dont miss this place!

My girlfriend and I had a very bad experience last week. The hostess was very rude and made some accusations that were not based on fact and were very presumptuous. I have never ever been treated like that by restaurant staff in all my years of dining. I will never go back to Max's Wine Dive ever again, which is unfortunate since I have gone there on a consistent basis probably more than any other restaurant I frequent.

My husband and I visited for the first time during Restaurant Weeks. I was stunned by the quality of the food and the generous size of the portions. The fried chicken is incredible, the appetizers impeccable, and the brownie was the best I've ever had. The atmosphere is casual but energetic. The staff made sure everything was to our liking. We plan to go again soon.

I have celiac. In 2002 there were few options and eating out was dicey at best. I had not had one of my favorite comfort foods until recently. Max's Wine Dive makes the absolute best fried chicken ever and it is gluten free! It was so delicious and satisfied a comfort craving that was long standing. They have other GF items on there menu as well as fried chicken but if you have to eat gluten free you understand how special it is to find something you used to love to eat but have had to do without. The fried chicken was so good that anyone would be hard pressed to be able to say whether or not it is GF.

Huge servings a bit crowded and noisy but a go to place for great food, the desserts were awesome clearly two forks and share. Great service and highly recommend for a casual meal.

This was the first time I'd had visited the restaurant. My wife and I really enjoyed the scene and atmosphere...it was kinda sports bar ish but with a twist of elegance. The food was delightfully and the service was outstanding. I dont know if wine Is the only beverage you have to drink...but nothing else was offered to us. I will go back

Some friends from Houston, brought me here for brunch, I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak with scrambled eggs and cheese grits. The place was very crowded and there is usually a wait if you do not have a reservation. Once seated the waiter was prompt getting drink and food orders. Food arrived in a timely manner and was delicious, the cheese grits were not as good as the rest of the food. My friend ordered crepes which were also very delicious. This place is small and very loud, you will get to know your neighbors. This place is not inexpensive so be prepared to spend some money.

Everything in this place is overpriced. The food is actually pretty good, I just can’t seem to understand the prices. I also think the name give the wrong impression. I think with a wine dive kind of name I should be able to get anything by the glass, and with reasonable prices. I don’t think the fried chicken dinner should be $20, that’s a bit steep, it’s not that good. The appetizers fell a little short for me, also not worth their price. Maybe the brunch is really good, I might check that out before I totally write this place off. Service was slow and it’s not a very big place so I also was confused about that. I just feel like this place has so much potential, it’s too bad they are trying to be too fancy for what it is.

I took my 75 year old father to a pre-Christmas shopping brunch today. Although we had a reservation and were on time, the manager sat us at a bar table on barstools. I requested one of the empty tables as I knew my 75 year old father would be very uncomfortable on the stool. The manager said those tables were for 3 and four person groups who had reservations. I explained that I did have a reservation and persisted but was told it would be impossible to be seated at a table. After about 20 minutes a woman was seated at the table I requested. She drank water for 30 minutes until her party arrived- which was pretty close to the time we left. Bad start, but the food was delicious! Service was friendly. Very crowded, small, noisy space- a great spot for a younger crowd. Not the best choice for children or elderly. They do not serve liquor either...so if brunch just isn't brunch without a Bloody Mary, pick a different spot!

Came in for brunch with some friends. Not to much to choose on their brunch menu. Fried chicken was totally greasy, waffles were just ok. Seemed they didn't put some effort on it. Grits were awful and very disappointed with the service. The waiter needs some training urgently.

Make reservations for Saturday brunch. Valet park. Order eggs Benedict and a Mimosa. Make sure your friend/spouse orders chicken & pancakes. You will receive great service and enjoy yourself! Perfect. Host, waitress, bartender, and cook could not have done better. Most perfectly poached egg! Be back soon!!

A great Sunday brunch. Fried chicken. Wings and waffles. Great service. Valet parking only. Eclectic atmosphere. Patio seating.

We have been to multiple Max's Wine DIve's throughout Texas and this one is the best one. The food is incredible and the wine is unbeatable. I personally love the fried chicken and my wife usually gets the bacon and egg sandwich. The only negative is the parking but they offer complimentary valet.

Max's is one of my favorite places to go in Houston. My boyfriend always has the award winning chicken & waffles which is really delicious. Last time I tried the stuffed peppers & cornbread...wow! The peppers come with sauce on the side but its so good that it doesn't even need extra sauce. Also, you have to try the goo goo pie for dessert!!!

I have Loved Max’s Wine Dive since the first time I visited with my daughters. The fried chicken is amazing and always perfectly cooked. The mac n’ cheese is a great “procrastination” food. The mimosas were on point and there is always a smile! My husband is in love and can’t wait to get back for another great meal!

Oh wow.............. Thoroughly enjoyed brunch with the hubby. I had Creme Brulee French Toast. Hubby had Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs. YUMMY! We also had a bottle of mimosas! So stuffed! Wasn't hungry all day :)

Apparently known for their champagne and fried chicken brunches, we were not disappointed. The "Max and Cheese" was amazing and a MUST. Do not go here if you are trying to count calories, though. You will be blowing your diet for sure!

We had Sunday brunch and the place was packed! Definitely make a reservation. The food was sinfully delicious. Our waitress wasn't very good, though. I understand they were busy, but my friend was without coffee for close to 20 minutes and she was no where to be found. Also, it was freezing in there! Bring a jacket!

We stopped in on a Sunday afternoon and had a nice bottle of wine! We had the Marinated Goat Cheese appetizer, and we shared the Fried Chicken Dinner. The food was very good! We will definitely return for more.

On a business trip roughly 10 years ago I was "introduced" to Max's (they have 2 Houston locales - either is great) by other business travelers. I have now been back to Max's on every business trip to Houston - either taking friends and associates, or going by myself like I did a few nights ago. Service is Great. Food is Great. Wine is Great. Always have a fine time.

It was ok. Kind of pricey and very nice atmosphere. But some of the waiters are rude. And also it cost $3.00 to split the check if you're not all paying together.

Before the big brother TR was selling wine to take out. Now this little place is selling the same type of wine that you see on TR. For me the risotto balls are really good. Ask to the guys about the wine specials the more you buy the more you save.

It was OK, but not as friendly as the Fairview location. Didn't try the food, so can't compare that to the Fairview location (that I enjoyed). Also, they told us they could not give us one of the happy hour wines because the dispensers/taps was not working. OK, well you'd think they'd offer a replacement wine. But, no.

In Houston for a couple of days visiting with friends, and got an invitation to join some folks at Max's Wine Dive. So glad I did - it was early in the week, Tuesday night so the place wasn't too full, but moderately busy given the day of the week. Our server was snarky in a"Tony Bourdain" kinda way...I love a smart a_ _ so I was right at home...he was friendly and made great suggestions to everyone. I, however, was very interested in this "Famous Southern Fried Chicken" being from Atlanta I thought...yeah right...I'm going for it.....WOW!!!!! it was absolutely "all that" very good, perfectly seasoned and very tender and juicy...so here's how I judge really good friend chicken....if the Breast is hot, and JUICY - no Dried out....and seasoned well....the menu said "Our Famous Fried Chicken is deep-fried 'slow & low' in order to keep its juiciness" - THEY DID IT...It was good and I had some left over for a midnight snack....I had Collard Greens and Jalapeno Cheddar Grits as my sides...both were delicious - the greens were tender, and had been cooked perfectly - I can't stand a tough chewy Collard....these were well seasoned and tender. If you are ever in Houston....or wherever in Texas...I think there are other locations, give em a try...it was worth the trip out that night in the rain... :)

Heard about the friend chicken and had to make the stop. Everything was great. Service, food, atmosphere. Def. recommend the mimosas.

A nice little restaurant, though not a dive. Eclectic crowd and lively atmosphere. Great fried chicken. Not to breaded and juicy. Good pick.

Went to Max's for Brunch on New Years day. We had reservations and were seated right away. I had the eggs Benedict, they were outstanding! the wife had the fried chicken and it was the bomb,the collard greens were great too. For dessert we had the brownie, it was 1 1/2" thick and 5" square, piping hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, very very good.

If your looking for gluten-free, deliciously prepared, quality food options, this is your location in Houston. We haven't enjoyed a meal as much as the gluten-free fried chicken dish we had last night in very long time. The entire experience was great... the wine... the appetizer (stuffed peppers)... the ambience... the service. We plan to return often.

Expensive!! 3 pieces of chicken an collard greens were almost 19.00. The chicken salad and Champaign dressing was just as expensive. Its beer and wine only. Wine is pricey too. The chicken pieces were respectable sized and piping hot. It seems to be a favorite place but it's not for me. The wife did not think the wine pour was large enough.

Enjoyed this little fancy "hole in the wall". It had great food and a great atmosphere for a date or girls night out! Get the fried chicken and collard greens! Yum.

One of my fave Sunday spots, love the food, the wine, the mimosas, and the atmosphere! Great place to socialize, eat, have fun, drink wine, and hang. Make a reservation as they keep an intimate setting but always have seating inside and outside! Awesome fried chicken! The Malvasia is the best and one of the only restaurants that carries this wine!

I have been meaning to visit this restaurant for a while based on the reviews from friends and we were not disappointed. The food offerings were clever, eclectic and our selections recommended by the knowledgeable staff were really delicious. We sat at the bar & enjoyed the amazing fried chicken and the grilled cheese and tomato soup- both winners in our book. Fun music, lively spot and a hopping Friday night- we will be back!

Classy place to eat and have drinks. Nice and quiet environment that's not as crowded as a sports bar. Took a female friend and she enjoyed the great food along with the wine.

I had dinner with 3 friends for Houston Restaurant Weeks. The loud music was hard to overcome but we did enjoy the evening. I expected more of my dessert (bread pudding) but the fried chicken was to die for. I brought some home and made chicken and waffles the next day for breakfast. Still delish!!! The Max and Cheese was also wonderful. didn't care for the requirement to park using the valet but they were very careful with my car ( I watched). Overall, it was very, very good.

The restaurant is a good brunch spot. It had a moderate selection of foods with I think the specialty were the red velvet pancakes. Which I ordered but wasn't too pleased with the consistency of the pancake it was pretty dense. The atmosphere, mimosas - orange or grapefruit- and chicken and waffles are worth giving this place a try. I would certainly go back.

Maxs in Houston is a definite "go to". Try the truffle Mac and cheese. It's a must! I think the burger is one of the best in town and is worth all the napkins that are needed. The homemade pickles are a must. I often forego the home made chips and always ask for the fries (I'm a big fan of great fries) with a side of one of the aioli sauces that are made daily regularly (ask the waiter). If you want to be adventurous try the chicken fried lobster for breakfast. It's fantastic. The fried chicken at Maxs is also incredible. The dinner menu changes seasonly and Michael (head chef) experiments regularly to keep you intrigued. The music is always fun. This is a place you go to with friends and family to have a great casual meal of laughter and great food! It can be a bit loud so keep this in mind.

My wife and I stopped in for brunch on Saturday morning, January 31st. Promptly seated and Brenna took our drink order. Grapefruit mimosa's are amazing! Coffee was delicious as well. We both ordered the Jake Cakes and wings. This is an amazing dish of 3 fried, huge chicken wings and variation of griddle cakes. My wife order the red velvet cakes (pancakes) with the wings and I ordered the jalapeno cornbread griddle cakes with wings. I cannot explain how the blend of the amazing fried chicken sprinkled with powdered sugar tastes. The maple syrup is served on the side and the griddle cakes are unbelievable. The jalapeno carries an amazing flavor but not too spicy in the griddle cakes. The red velvet cakes are served with a lemon cream cheese spread. Cannot tell you how good this was, you just have to try it. You just have to stop in Max's Wine Dive and try their brunch. You will not be disappointed. This is without a doubt one of the best brunch dishes I have ever eaten! Hands down! We will be back!

I have visited this place twice; once on a Friday and it was not so crowded so the waitstaff was very attentive and the food was so good! I went again on a Sunday right when it opened and it was so packed in there we sat at the bar. The waitstaff during this visit was not so attentive and kept disappearing on us when we needed anything. Hard to get drinks or missing items with the food and silverware. Other than that the Steak and Eggs are good along with the Red Velvet Pancakes. Will I return sure...I just have to find those lighter days to visit because it is a very small place. Even though it's small its nice and I like the bluesy vibe.

Fun place to eat, delicious place to eat, excellent place to drink! We started our meal with pulled pork stuffed peppers and nacho Mama's Oysters, enjoyed the watermelon and arugla salad, fried chicken and strawberry lemonade pie-toni. This was paired with an excellent wine. Max's is all about comfort food and good wine.

To begin, I absolutely loved the vibe of this place. Yes, it was crowded and loud, but the interesting and diverse collection of diners coupled with just the right music really resonated with me. I would come here just to drink and hang out, but then the food blew me away. We were seated promptly for our reservation and our waitress was engaging and attentive without being intrusive. We shared the appetizers from the HRW menu; the Max and Cheese was hot, creamy and cheesy with a truffle flavor that didn't overwhelm, and the Red Velvet Waffle with cream cheese frosting was sweet and decadent. For an entree, I ordered the Honey Butter Benedict and can't overstate (or adequately describe) how much I liked this dish! The honey biscuits had a terrific sweetness that contrasted beautifully with an amazing jalapeño gravy that packed just the right amount of heat. Savory fried chicken tenders were crispy on the outside but moist on the inside, and added yet another awesome layer of flavor and texture. Perfectly cooked eggs topped it all off. A side of tender, well seasoned fried potatoes with caramelized onions was perfect alone or dipped in the jalapeño sauce (I asked for and was given extra sauce... I just couldn't get enough). Add $4.50 Mimosas, and it was the best brunch I've had in ages. Wish I lived here so I could visit every week!

This place has a great ambiance for a date or a smart casual get together. Great wine selections..but not to many options by the glass. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes was finger lickin' good. The infamous macaroni was stellar although the drunken bread wasn't all i hoped it would be...too much bread...to much cheese. The banana cheescake was interesting......banana and cheescake? Who would of thought...but i had almost all of it (by myself) ;)

It is unbelievable that I have been driving by this place for about 3 years now and never knew they served food, not to even mention knowing they served killer fried chicken. Looking up online today for the top ranked fried chicken places in Houston, and on one of the listings this place comes up as #2. When I saw the name, I thought, I know that place, I drive by there all the time. I always read the name and think, I have to go in there one day for a glass of wine. But never did. Anyhow, enough of my lack of attention. I called up and placed an order for two fried chicken meals and a side of what I read was some killer Mac & Cheese. I was told that each order came with Collard Greens (YES!!), Home Fries (?) and Texas Toast (OK so we are in Texas). So, I said great I'll take it. I wasn't really sure about the mixing of home fries and Texas toast with fried chicken and collard greens, but was definitely up for trying it. To start, these are generous portions, 3 pieces of chicken, healthy serving of collards and potatoes and a half hunk of break. The Mac & Cheese was also a very nice serving. The chicken was outstanding, sort of the kind that your Mom used to make, with a nice crunchy breading and cooked nice and evenly throughout, and very tasty. The collards came in the same container with the potatoes and when we first tasted them, we thought the collards were spicy, but it turns out that the potatoes are cooked with Jalapenos, which is very tasty, but my stomach doesn't do well with peppers. The collards were excellent, well cooked. Some portions of it had a little grit to it, but I wasn't sure if that was from the breading of the chicken or just a little sand left over from the cooking process; either way, I kept eating. The article I read said that the Mac & Cheese was a must have. I must say, they were right. At first it looked like there was a bunch of runny sauce or something in the container, maybe too much water or something in the mix. But it turned out that it was cheese, very well blended, gooey, cheddar type cheese. When you scoop it out, the melt is fluffy and well coagulated, not runny at all. The taste was amazing, this was some of the best Mac & Cheese I have tasted, and I generally like the baked in a square, all stuck together type, but this was outstandingly good. Caution, if you are lactose intolerant, take your lactose pills first, because this stuff is cheesy. We loved all of the food. We regretted the fact that our first time was take away, but we are now resolved to go back and have a few meals at the restaurant and enjoy everything that comes with the food, atmosphere (which was nice, kind of upscale laid back, with a bar type appearance), and, service. We can't wait.

Delicious food, fun atmosphere, great wine selection! The restaurant is a bit "cozy", but we sat at the bar with a view of their efficient kitchen and had a terrific time.

One of the better Burgers in Houston, A nice blend of beef in the patty, slathered in blue cheese and topped off with bacon and fresh lettuce and tomato. Split a bottle of champagne, Why the Hell Not! Great go to place near my house.

Nice place, good service with extensive wine selection. Good variety of food. Tried the Mac and cheese. Next time will try the fried chicken as it seemed a favorite.

For a Monday it was busy for dinner, a pretty good sign. Fast friendly service dining in and for take out. We shared our Cracklin' Chicken and Fried Chicken. Both were delicious and well presented. I preferred the deboned Cracklin, but would definitely devour the fried chicken at home :) Impressive wine list, didn't save enough room for dessert. We must come back ESP for the Chicken Fried Lobster Tail!!

Great food, but it gets packed for Sunday brunch and they don't take reservations so go early/late. If you're tempted to go to the Fairview location instead, don't, it's a cute location, but not the same quality. Lucille's in the museum district actually has better fried chicken. The owner used to work at Max's and his "double fried" chicken is definitely better.

Stopped in recently with my wife. Place was packed and very loud. We were able to sit at a high top by the door.I had the Southwest egg skillet and my wife had the Honey butter benedict. Both were very good. The vibe of this place is diverse. Overall for what we got the prices were a bit high. I might come back sometime and try the fried chicken.

My wife had the fried chicken and I had the chicken fried steak. I don't know of a better place to go in Houston for these two dishes. Only problem, we ate too much. If you are particular about Chicken Fried Steak, you need to try this one.

Waiter's t-shirt said Chicken & Champagne, Why Not? Why not indeed! The friend I was dining with said they were famous for their chicken so that is what we ordered. Chicken and champagne. Food, service and atmosphere were fantastic. It is a small place so do make reservations or visit during a non-peek time. Will definitely go back to try something else on their menu.

What a fiasco.....we ordered their Friendsgiving "special" that would serve up to 5 people. Being from out of town and staying in a hotel, this made sense. We ended up paying $211 for fried chicken and mashed potatoes and 4 single serving desserts. When we called to let them know the order was short 3 of the other items we PAID FOR, they wanted to argue that they saw it and were certain that they bagged it. Nonetheless, they said come get what you're missing. My husband waited 1 hour and 40 minutes for mustard greens, a charcuterie boards, and gluten-free mac n' cheese. And....you guessed it, it was wrong and short again. No greens. If they are going to take orders, at least be sure you can handle the number of people you take orders from. This is our first and last $211 mistake, and definitely our only Max's Wine Dive experience. I give 2 stars because at least the chicken 🐔 was good. But to say we were disappointed in the experience is putting it lightly. How 'bout that cheese board? (See Photo)

We loved the bar-like vibe here. We had a great waiter who really knew all the wines and recommended a great one that wasn’t a top price point. It was exactly what we wanted. We shared the fried chicken which is delicious and plenty for two. Noisy but fun! We’ll go back!

We had heard that this was a popular spot, and even on a Thursday night it was busy. I had also heard that a well known 'chef' had started this bar....well, he must be no longer there. The food is not of the 'healthy sort' with P&J sandwiches with bacon but the menu description was much better than the actual food. A 'favorite' bread-soaked dish with 'cheese custard' was a stodgy, dry baked side dish. The Siciliian pizza in a pan was just plain over-cooked greasy horrible. Having lived a year in Scicily, I can tell you that they make nothing like this. They have an extensive wine list, not cheap, but when the bill came they had to forgotten to deduct the $2 off per glass for happy hour. Make sure you check your bill! The waiters were fine..no issue. The music was deafening...couldn't wait to get out of there.

Celebrated a birthday dinner here, we had reservations and were seated promptly. Great atmosphere! We had the oyster, max n cheese, fried chicken, and bison sliders. It all tasted really good. The food came out very fast! I would go back again!

HRW - 3rd year to have dinner there. What a value- portions are huge and 4 courses vs. 3. Landon was our waiter- knowledgeable- great suggestions and service! One of the BEST fried chicken in Houston. Presentation was picture perfect and the food was served hot! Always a great time here- never a disappointment! Highly recommend!

Came to MWD after seeing a list of the best brunches in Houston. Brunch is my fav meal of any day so I was of course game to try it. It's totally worth it. Brunch is served until 3pm on wknds so no need to rush... First, the parking is not plentiful. You can valet park of course (I never have so don't know how much it costs), but if you self-park, you either luck out with a spot in the front or back lot or you drive around and park on a side street. Be aware of no parking signs, so you don't finish your meal to find your car towed! My fav is the jack cakes and wings. The wings are good size and perfectly fried. The cornbread cakes are so yummy. You can order wings, eggs or anything else a la carte. They also serve sangria and mimosas if you fancy them. I've sampled them both - yummy. I didn't know this until my most recent visit, but you can substitute the jack cakes for their famous red velvet pancakes if you like. Pay the small up charge for the lemon cream cheese frosting in this case, you won't be disappointed. I've been here with someone who's not a bruncher like myself and the lunch plate with wings and greens and such is dee-lish too. My #1 suggestion to anyone going to MWD? Make a reservation! Otherwise you'll be waiting awhile. They're on OpenTable and I always reserve a table in advance. I've called to let them know I was running late in the past and they were kind enough to wait, which they didn't have to do. Don't miss this place, enjoy the laid back bar-brunch atmosphere!

They really do a good job with the fried chicken but you will pay a high price for it. 3 pcs will break a $20 so you better enjoy. It is both flavorful and juicy and were it not so expensive, I would make this a regular stop. It is worth a trip to try though, and they have so much more on the menu! My son used to work here for years and he STILL loves the food choices. The Sunday Brunch is their best offering, per my son.

First of all best mac and Cheese ever!! This is always a must have when we go. There stuffed peppers are also very delicious! I had there hot dog for dinner and my eyes almost popped out when saw it. That is definitely a huge portion and it was really good! Love the ambience as it is very lively and the waiters are very nice!

We went to Max's during restaurant week. We had a great time. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and of course the wine. We dined on the grilled pork chops and the famous fried chicken. Definitely a most do if you're in the area.

We heard great things about this restaurant and when we found it on the Houston Restaurant Week, we were excited to try it. We started by ordering a carafe of wine. Half of a carafe appeared in a well filled caraffe. We said it should be a whole carafe. The server returned with a carafe about 2/3 full and quickly poured two small glasses to cover up the deficiency. After two small glasss, the caraffe was 2/5 filled. We orderd our speciall 4 courses meal. The frst two courses were brought out immediately together. The first course was a Mac n Cheese and it was delicious but micro sized. My partner had a fried oyster nacho and this was 3 small chips with a small fried oyster on it. Again it was delicious. The salads were both extremely small. My caesar was just a small pile of lettuce and two croutons. There was no sauce, but I started eating it anyway. My partner had another salad and she noticed that she also did not have any dresssing. She told the server and the server said that they forgot. She left to take care of it. She brought back a couple little tubs of salad even though my little pile was almost gone. Oh well. I had a Buddha Burger for the main course. Imagine a burger with Lobster, brie, foie gras, and 24 caret gold. It was delcious, but the Medium Rare burger was actually well well done. The deserts were both stale -- a birthday cake and a a small "big brownie". Amazingly, it was my partner's birthday and they did not even put a candle on the birthday cake desert. The restaurant was very crowded and we were on top of other tables. It was too noisy for may partner to hear. Not a good choice for a special evening, but we were amused by all the issues.

Lots to choose from on wine and food. Had the mac & cheese with friend chicken tenders and gorged myself on it’s deliciousness. Sat at the bar and service was awesome too. Just found this place and will definitely come back. Bartender told me about their brunch menus fri-sun and I was sold!

Leave your calorie counter at home, and wear your expandable pants as Max's unique southern comfort menu choices are so awesome, you're going to eat every delicious bite! We decided on the Max-n-cheese and the Famous Southern Fried Chicken w/mashed potatoes, Texas toast, etc. Sounds simple enough, but the taste is SOOO much more than what Kraft or KFC can offer. The Max-n-cheese is gooey and stringy and such a delight to the taste buds. The perfectly fried chicken, when dipped in a modest amount of chipotle honey (for my waistline's sake) is so tasty you'll wish you'd have ordered extra pieces! Service is great, and the atmosphere is too. The 'dive' is small (as advertised), so I'd make a reservation. The only negative is It does get loud, but is a great place to have a lively dinner and some drinks with friends.

As always in the States, you think you have found a unique place, but it turns out to be part of a chain or at least there are a couple. Also Max's wine dive is NOT a dive, it is a real well run sizeable restaurant. Try Lola's Dive on Montrose if you want to see a real dive in Houston. Having said that this restaurant is highly fashionable hence busy, parking is somewhat stretched but you can find a spot on the curb in the neighbourhood, reservations should be made days in advance. The food is very imaginative and really not expensive for this kind of quality. Can warmly recommend the pork belly and the halibut from own experience. The wines are obviously ample in choice, really good, and not too cheap. Overall great place.

Laid back place for weekday HH. Good wine selection, very interesting and varied menu options. Not a run of the mill place. Much prefer it over the expensive and snooty Tasting Room! Check out the weekend brunch for sure!

We went for brunch one day and was pleasantly surprised. There were a lot of thing we wanted to try on the menu. The chicken was good. It was nicely seasoned and juicy. The waiter was very attentive and made sure we were taken care of. Luckily we walked right in and got a table but it looks like this place can get pretty packed. I'd suggest making a reservation. Will definitely return to try more menu selections.

Disappointing experience at Max’s Wine Dive. The restaurant was 2/3 empty yet they stuck me at the bar across from an unhappy wait staff and looking into the kitchen. I didn’t enjoy listening to waiters curse under their breath. The food was overpriced: $30 for three pieces of fried chicken and a glass of beer. The food they served me should have been better seasoned. The restaurant even forces its clientele to use their valet parking (both annoying and unnecessary). Dozens of empty parking spaces in their parking lot with little orange cones blocking every space. I do not know how it is possible that some reviewers have posted such different experiences than mine of this restaurant: it is almost as though they have been paid to write glowing comments. I will not eat at Max’s Wine Dive again.

Brunch at this place is busy, a little crowded, and oh so good. The fried egg sandwich really shouldn't be missed. Getcha a bottle of bubbles and some juice, and let the friendly staff take care of you. I really enjoyed this visit and I will definitely return on my next trip. Lamar was especially helpful with his menu suggestions, and a really great guy!

Was there last night for the first time with my wife at the Washington Ave location. It was busy so we ate at the bar and I must say the bartender was awesome. He was very knowledgeable on the wines and gave us some samples. Then we ordered and I must say I had the best fried chicken I ever had! My wife had a trio fish plate which was over the top delicious also. And then we decided to have desert and I will say again this was the best brownie alamode I have ever ate. We cant wait to go back!!

We frequent Max's for brunch on Saturdays or Sundays...the fried chicken is the best in Houston! Sadly, they've taken the crème brûlée French Toast off the menu, but there are still a ton of great options. The sangria is amazing, too!

Food was ok. I ordered the fried chicken and the breast was dry. My wife ordered the special burger with lobster and foie gras. It was good but the server should have mentioned that it cost $65!!! Had to stand up to get our silverware and ask for ketchup for the french fries. I probably would not go back.

My colleagues and I wanted to go to a restaurant for Houston Restaurant Weeks and we chose Max's. It did not disappoint. Crab Mac n cheese and the fried chicken were awesome. My co workers got the chicken and jack cakes and they said it was amazing. Definitely coming back!

Visited on a Tuesday night with friends, what a great dinner. Large wine selection, and ample portions. We got a fried chicken dinner, the chicken sliders as an appetizer, and a side of Mac & Cheese, which was enough for the three of us (two girls and one guy). They had a couple glasses of wine each, I had a couple beers. Food was great, but a little pricey. Came out to $33 each/$40 with tip. Staff was friendly and laid back. Atmosphere was interesting, laid back definitely not 'fancy.'

The food here is so good and the portions are large. Max & cheese and the fried chicken are my favorites. The place does get a little crowded and loud so I recommend making a reservation so you are sure to have a table. They do have valet, but they are not very friendly or fast.

I enjoyed this little experience. My sever was Angel she had ok service no major issues that won’t get better with time. The ambiance is amazing. Their mimosas are awful flat and gross I can’t believe they mess those up. The fried chicken is ok it’s overrated but still good to eat. Great for groups and couples. They have a nice little selection for wines. The hostess I think her name is Shameka ?? She was polite and patient as well. I would recommend this place.

Not really a dive. Very upscale wine list and menu. Can be a bit noisy and tables can be hard to come by if you are there for late night. Lots of interesting things to try on the menu.

Max's mimosas were very good despite not being cold all the way through. They have them premade, which I do not mind but I would like for it to be cold. I had two sides: the apple French toast and grits. The French toast was very good! The grits however were not what I was expecting. The were topped with white shredded cheese (which I didn't know but it was fine). I then started to eat the grits and was met with an unexpected kick. The grits were full of jalapeños and no amount of sugar could cover the spice! I specifically ordered these items because the did not have jalapeños listed in them on the menu. I was deterred from the fried chicken because it was soaked in jalapeño batter, only to find out my grits included jalapeños. They were disgusting and I wish I would've known they were in there because I would not have ordered them. My friend ordered potatoes as her side and they were also full of jalapeños. I'm not sure if we missed something about jalapeños being the main ingredient here but neither of us were expecting this. I think they should include this on menus. Other than that, the mimosa, French toast and atmosphere was great!

It's unfortunate for the foodie that Max's is located on Washington Ave. I think that's allowed them to lure people in with what sounds like a creative menu. If you're looking for a place to be seen and get an ok quality but overpriced meal, this is your spot. We live nearby and walked over for dinner to explore our neighborhood. Overpriced burger for $18 - I was expecting heaven based on the price and description. It was so salty I couldn't taste anything but that, really. And I only ate half. The fries were good, though, and they give you a very generous portion.

I went here on a Saturday, arriving fairly early before any crowds, and drank wine from their extensive wine menu. At first I was disappointed by the lack of foreign wines but after a brief consultation with the bartender i was offered a South African wine that was incredible. He was knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. Also had a cheese plate that was really good. i would highly recommend. There's a valet out front who works on tips; which is good because the parking lot is relatively small.

Yes my friends, my wife and I have finally tried Max's for some chicken. Of course I ordered the fried chicken and my wife thought she would be healthier and ordered the Cracklin Chicken (might have misspelled) gobbled down an order of brussel sprouts first with a glass of Bordeaux. My fried chicken looked and smelled wonderful and was surrounded by mashed potatoes and greens. My wife's chicken was a deboned half chicken with gravy and mushroom risotto, and it looked delicious as well. I dove right in, but my wife didn't realize her chicken came with gravy, so her healthier thinking didn't work. I knew what I needed to do, swap plates with her, but not until I inhaled the chicken thigh first. Yes, there are still gentlemen, so I swapped plates and really enjoyed her chicken dish and the risotto was as good as I ever had, and my wife said the same. Kind of heavy food, so we passed on dessert. They have a good wine selection, and something to please all. Well, the big question, would we go back, and the answer is a resounding yes. Before eating here, we thought Barbecue Inn has the best fried chicken, we''ll call it a tie, but Max's may inch them out with their sides.

I am not a huge chicken fan, but chicken is everywhere now. So when I heard their speciality was fried chicken, I wasn't impressed. But I saw several people getting their order of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and collard greens, so I was intrigued and had to order it. All I can say is its amazing and you have to give it a try.

Started with glasses of sparkling wine, cool bar atmosphere, we sat at the bar with a couple friends. Great selection of wine by the glass, we ordered a few dishes and shared them - fried chicken, chicken salad and lobster risotto. Food was all very good.

Very busy place that can be hard to get into. The food is fantastic and there is a good selection of wine. The fried chicken is the bomb!

Visiting Max's just a few days ago for Friday brunch with my BFF. We service was great and atmosphere was very lively. I had the fried chicken, greens, mac and cheese and red velvet pancake. The pancake was absolutely outstanding. I would go back there just for that. The greens were just ok and the fried chicken definitely needed more seasoning. It was hot and juicy but bland. I had to heavily add salt and I am not a huge salt eater. The mac and cheese was good, but had a weird taste, perhaps they used muster cheese..it was very gourmet. I would not get the mac and cheese again. Max's just opened up a new locale in Dallas, cant wait to go and try that one.

We googled best brunches in Houston and this was one. We were not disappointed! Make reservations. It gets packed quickly. My husband asked the waitress for a recommendation and she suggested the J cakes and fried chicken wings Amazing! It's a cross between a pancake and corn bread. It was so yummy. I got the fried egg sandwich. I needed two napkins It was so good my husband stole 1/2 of it. Definitely a go to brunch

The title of this review says it all. The wine selection is excellent, small plates are very creative. Go ahead, pair your fried chicken with champagne! Try the Nacho Mama's Oysters!

By far the best fried chicken I've ever had and the collard greens divine . The service was right on . Great wine . Small and cozy place . I plan to go back very soon .

I consider myself a home grown fried chicken connoisseur. I compare every fried chicken entree I get to my Mamaw's recipe. I'm always searching for that place that can give me what she did growing up. I think before I get ahead of myself, let's start with the wine. We went for the EF wines on tap, and they were winners. Not only a good deal, but good quality. We went for the Max & Cheese as an appetizer, and it killed (in a good way). I found myself asking, "you sure you don't want that bite?" I think I intimidated them away from it. I ordered the regular fried chicken. My friend the gluten free. When our meals came out, it looked like the recipes were switched. His had that nice crispy texture. Mine looked a bit crumbly and greasy. I asked if he thought they were switched, but he swore his always looks like the one he got when he goes there. He did agree mine looked a little "off." I thought it was strange as well that instead of a bone-in skin-on breast, I had a boneless skinless. I wondered if they were trying to make some "skinny white girl" assumption. Needless to say, the batter on it didn't stick. The flavor was ok. The leg & thigh were actually good, but still not the texture I expect. As we watched orders go out to other tables, theirs looked more up to par with expectation. I finished confused and a little disappointed. I'm still wondering if they slipped me the low-carb version to do me a favor to help me keep my figure. Who knows. My husband on the other hand got their egg, bacon turkey club. It was ridiculous. Totally blew him out of the water. Overall, we left happy, and my leftovers were fine the next day.

We went to Max's for Sunday brunch - my wife loves the gluten free fired chicken! My daughter and I shared a huge egg sandwich, which was just great. Funky, fun atmosphere, and a great selection of wines. It was great to have a glass of wine with brunch at 10 AM!

Having Celiac's is difficult. MWD seems to think its hilarious. I have visited 4 times in the last 8 months and ordered there GF fried chicken. 3 of the 4 trips it turned out to not be GF. Not a problem if you enjoy, best case scenario, bouts of nausea and vomiting in the middle of the night. Getting an order wrong 1 time is forgivable but when speak directly with the GM about the issues, and have them assure you it will be made correctly, it quickly becomes a problem when it is not. Fast forward to my last, and final visit to MWD, the MOD that night thought it smart to patronize me and go as far to air-quote Celiac disease and Gluten-free. Not sure if she was insinuating either the disease/Gluten was some figment of my imagination or it was in fact not made Gluten Free. Needless to say I, nor should "anyone else," eat there again.

This has to be one of my favorite spots in Houston. Its great for Sunday brunch or for starting out a night on the town. The Crème Brulee French Toast is heavenly and the fried chicken is always hot and fresh. I've never been disappointed and try to get there as often as possible. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. The only caveat is the Sunday afternoon crowd will easily make for an hour wait for a table. So, I suggest making a reservation and they're always very timely in seating as long as you have one set.

The service was excellent but the food was just ok. For months I have heard how great this place was. When I left I was not in awe but simply ok.

We stopped here with family on our way through Houston. We were told they had the best fried chicken ever. Sorry, I have a lot better. Not a lot of flavor and not as crispy as I have had before. French fries were over cooked or had been made earlier and then reheated--not very appetizing. Large portions, but I would rather have less and better tasting. Service and drinks were fine.

This is one of the coolest, liveliest restaurants in the area. Even though it says Wine Dive, everyone goes there to eat. The food is wonderful. One of their signature dishes is the fried chicken which is awesome. Their slogan is "fried chicken and champagne". Another is the Max 'n Cheese which I could eat as my main dish - wonderful! Most in our party ordered the chicken, mashed potatoes & a side. We had the Max 'n cheese for an appetizer which we all shared. I opted for the scallops this time and it was great. We have been there a number of times and they never fail to deliver. It is always good. They do not have cocktails, only beer and wine. It can get very loud when it is full but it doesn't bother me at all, makes it all the more merrier! You will definitely need a reservation. It is one of my older married children's favorite restaurant to go to. We live in The Woodlands but will drive into town to eat there. So good and so much fun.

Fried chicken with champagne? Yes it really does work remarkably well and they one the award for best fried chicken in USA which is well deserved! Great wines, great place

The $11 salad at Max's Wine Dive is $6 of salad and $5 of presentation. Dessert became part of the plan because of the insufficiency, but alas, of all the times for a waiter to just drop off the check without offering dessert, you guessed it, it was this time. We made mention of all this to the manager and received a decidedly non-response. Everything else was fine, as usual.

Very interesting restaurant in an old historic building. The food was good and a good value. The staff was friendly and informative. We cane for brunch and was all round pleased

If you're looking for some tasty, high-quality comfort food with a bit of a gourmet twist, Max's Wine Dive is a great place to visit. We've been there a few times and you know what you're getting: consistency and quality. Went there last night to try its "Houston Food Bank" menu. Super deal included four courses for $35! In terms of apps, the pulled pork stuffed peppers were delicious, but the "Nacho Mama's Oysters" (fried oysters served on wonton chips with garlic aioli) were amazing. For me, they were the tastiest bites of the evening, which is saying something because the signature burger was fab as well. This isn't a regular burger. It's a blend of beef (angus, short rib, brisket, chuck and belly) served on brioche bun and topped with triple-cream brie! Yes, it's rich...and mouth-watering. The deserts (we ordered, the "Big Brownie" and "Birthday Cake in a Glass," are served with the Über-popular Cloud 10 Creamery vanilla ice cream. Definite two thumbs up for Max's!

Making an errand around this neighborhood and decided to stop here for lunch on a weekday. Once there (parking in the back) we noticed the only menu was "Brunch". We don't usually like brunches, but because it was late, we decided to order the only thing on the menu that wasn't egg-based (besides the fried chicken) and ordered a burger with blue cheese." No blue cheese today" , replied our waiter. Ok, plain burger it was. Ordered iced tea, the burger came but not the iced teas! Ordered fries, the fries didn't come either. Burger was presented dry, no mayo, mustard or ketchup, we had to request them. The burger was greasy-tasting so we didn't finish it. Come on!, if you can't make a decent burger...!!!

Had reservations for bruch with some friends. Although we had a reservation, we still had to wait approximately 45 minutes for a table. Several tables had received their check, but contiinued to sit and socialize while sipping on water. I asked to manager to ask them to give up the table since there was a reservation for it, but it appeared that he was afraid to do so. The resturant is really small. Tons of people were pilled up at the front door blocking it because there was no place to stand while waiting for a table. This was such a fire hazzard. I ordered the fried chicken with grits. The grits were good, but the chicken lacked seasoning. I wish I had some Tony's seasoning in my purse. My friend asked for hot sauce and they brought out what appeared to be homemade hot sauce. A bottle of tabasco sauce would have been perfect. The mimosas seemd watered down. The french toast on my other friends' plate was hard, she had to send it back. The presentation of the food was pretty, but seeing the demand to eat at this place, I expected more.

I'm writing this review as i sit here at the table. Maybe HRW is to blame for the mediocre service and food. Totally disappointed. The reviews for this place were great so my expectations were high. For starters my coffee was warm if youre a coffee drinker you know dont mess up the coffee ughhhh..... just a tip maxs try steaming the milk or using a different type of creamer because the ice cold milk that accompanied my warm coffee was nothing less of piss poor. The buttermilk pancakes were nothing special and neither was the max n cheese that i watched them reheat from a rubbermaid bin. Maybe i should not have came for brunch. The waiters had on yoga stretch pants and dirty jeans smh. The rocky and outdated tables were annoying to eat on Back to the food..... The fried chicken was the only fresh and tasty item on my plate. The greens and potatoes.cold and boring. Anyways needless to say no real reason at all for me to return here..... Sorry not sorry

The food is creative and different. We had the bone marrow and foie gras, the truffle mac and cheese, the fried chicken, the fried egg sandwich and a few other dishes among the four of us and loved it. Service was great. Our second time there and we will be back. My only negative is that this place can get very loud when it is full. We were there for an early Sunday dinner and it was fine.

This place came well recommended and it was deserved. We were here on a Saturday mid morning and it was full of locals. Had nice wine list for a place of this size-we had fried chicken, chicken fried steak, and a eye dish and all were fantastic. Great place for brunch. Would have returned on Sunday but the place was packed. Make a reservation.

I come to Max’s (either location) at least once every time I come to Houston. I was 1st here 6? Years ago with business traveling friends who have always come here to when they are in town. Can’t miss at Max’s Great food and wine, superb staff.

Real good service. While I am not crazy about fusion, the chicken and Pulled Pork Stadium Nachos were real good. It is a great casual atmosphere.

After being told by a friend about their food and specifically french toast, I had to go. I can prepare french toast so I ain't no beginner. (yes I said that). Wife loves french toast also so when we both tasted it, we both agreed that it was just as good as mines! She was trying to be nice. Way better than mine! Warning -- no french toast on the evening entrees. It's a morning menu thing! Chicken was great too although a bit pricey for the size. I guess I've gotten used to big chicken breasts! Definitely worth it though if you haven't had it.

Great food! Loved the fried chicken - it was perfect! So many unique foods and they were also excellent! Only complaint is that the music was so loud. We couldn’t hear each other across the table.

Since moving from Houston a couple of months ago, Max's Wine Dive has topped by list of food and menus I think of most often...and wish I could have. When I moved there, this was the first restaurant a dear friend took me to...and since then I have probably visited more than 30 times. At first I would branch out and experiment, but quickly found my favorites: the bison sliders (extra of the house-made pickles), nacho mama's oysters (usually a dozen) and/or the fried egg sandwich (with no bacon and extra pickles, please!). It gets super packed in Max's on the weekends. I think they take reservations, but I never made one. Often if I would call on the weekends, they'd say there was no chance I could get seated, but if I just showed up (on the same day), I'd usually have a table or a seat at the bar within a few minutes. Be warned: it gets noisy here and they don't serve liquor (hence wine bar), so no bloody marys with your brunch, but you can have all of the mimosas you want. I highly recommend Max's!

We were looking for the best Hotdog in Houston, and Max's Wine Dive appeared on a list. SOwe went. Small place, evenings packed even during the week. Valet is a must. Seating is slightly limited. You may feel wasteful sitting in a booth with only two people in your party when there are other's waiting because the booth will seat 8. We stood at the bar wiating for a table to open, took about 20 minutes. The transition to the table was easy. Our food was really good. I had the Texas hotdog with chili and jalapenos. Not what I expected. You have to eat it with a fork and knife. But it was still delicous. My wife had the famous fried chicken. It was light and had a good flavour. I am learning about wine, so all I can say is I liked what i tried and there are alot to try. I had a Malbec that was really good at the recomendation of our waiter. Only little bit is at the end they will try and set you up with a case of wine for a tasting. They push it a little too much i feel, but it wouldnt deter me from going back. Prices were a little hearty, but weve spent alot more on less trying new places. Waitstaff was good, everything was clean and we did not want for anything.

Very good fried chicken, nice ambiance, friendly service with the exception of the inefficient and lying hostess who wanted to seat us next to the restrooms while a better situated table next to it was free but she did not want to give us that one because it was reserved, which of course proved to be untrue as we already knew it would be. So we ended up eating at the bar, not ideal.... As I was leaving and make her notice that the table was still empty, as well as several other around it, she said "oh, they must have not shown up"... really??? You are just an awful hostess and a liar. You would not reserve a particular table for lunch at a bar (that already sounds very strange) without knowing these customers very well and therefore you would know if they show up or not...Stop insulting your guests and do your job, you are the first contact a guest has with a restaurant and must make them feel welcome, know that you fail miserably at it. So would be 4 stars, but she left a bitter taste to my experience. A shame because otherwise it was good. My advice to the owner: send her back to a non-customer facing job.

This is far from a dive. Kinda pricey. Stopped in on a recommendation from a person who probably went there more for the wine than food, but it was mediocre for the price. I was drawn to the jalapeño marinade for the chicken, but it really added no flavor. The mac and cheese was good. Nice atmosphere and you may want to make a reservation before going. We were there around brunch on a Saturday and it was an influx of people. They also have free valet.

Crazy diverse unique and DEEELISH brunch menu! We ordered the amazing and huge breakfast sandwich (and would absolutely order again), Eggs Benedict and egg white breakfast tacos .... loved it all! And the Bloody Marys start the day off right!

One of my go-to late night restaurants or brunch spots. Very heavy food, so do not visit if you're on a diet! Favorite part of this place is the 15% off day old wine. They have a list on the chalkboard and it gives you the opportunity to try a glass of something you might not normally try! They will also open any bottle of wine for you if you commit to at least 2 glasses, which ends up working out great! Prepare yourself for lots of truffle oil!

Invited another couple to meet and enjoy fellowship, wine, and a fun meal together yesterday. Just as I experienced about a year when I was the invitee: we had a fine time! Max's (on Washington Ave just west of downtown) has excellent wines by the glass, great atmosphere, and a fun and attentive staff - right from when I called for reservations. At least once you must try their "famous" fried chicken! Go ~ Enjoy.

We've visited Max's Wine Dive several times and each time the food is delicious. I like how they only offer wine and no sodas. If you want a coke, well, you are out of luck here at Max's. Personally, I think that is a good idea. The negatives... it is a bit noisy at times. I found myself having to shout at the person across the table to be heard. Also, the seating is very close together and when it is crowded you will find yourself sitting very close to a stranger at the next table or bench seat.

First timers at Max's Wine Dive. We arrived around 1pm on a Saturday and found a really busy place. They are located in a strip-mall right at the corner of Washington and Shepherd. There is free parking and we had no problem finding a space , Looking around the restaurant everyone seemed to be having a great time. The signs in the restaurant mention how great their fried chicken is so one of us ordered the fried chicken and I ordered Johnny cakes with fried chicken wings. Both were tasty. The fried chicken plate came with roasted potatoes and collared greens - both tasted really good although my wife is not a fan of "greens". The Johnny cakes were made with corn meal and had a savory flavor and the wings were crispy fried and tasty! Our server was prompt and did a fine job in taking care of us. After lunch our server brought us a listing of their wine specials and we picked up 3 of the featured wines to go. The bottom-line is that the food was very tasty and service was attentive and friendly. If you are planning to visit make a reservation - they take them at lunch and dinner.

After visiting not only the Houston location but the Austin location as well, I have come to the conclusion that depending in the waitstaff can either make or break your visit. A small group of friends and I visit one of these two locations on a monthly basis. We go in with the hopes of enjoying good food, wine, service and hopefully a cad of wine. Bit simply put, the staff can be snotty at both and we rarely buy our bulk of wine if that's the case. (We will buy from Spec's if this is the case.) Max's does offer an amazing spread of wine and their selection is never ending. As for thier food, my personal favorite is the Fried Chicken but you have to request their spicy honey spread to pour over it.... It really completes the meal and brings out all the hidden flavors in the chicken. The Red Velvet Pancakes are awesome as well as the Max 'n Cheese! Enjoy!!!

Having originally thought they the new breed of trendy wine bars merely offered small snacks with their comprehensive wine lists, I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into when I ate here. After having a meal that I would describe as "unique and amazing," I left Max's Wine Dive really appreciating this establishment for the lively, eccentric place that it was. Great and unique food with a flare of elegance and creativity, and a nice wine list to match, this place is worth spending a Friday evening at.

Crème Brule French Toast- MMMMMMMMMMMM! Chicken-Fried Rib eye with Boudin Gravy- DELICIOUS! Southern Fried Chicken- it was good, but wouldn't be what entices my taste buds to come back Mimosas- Great

Ate there a couple of times. Food is good but not much of it for the price. Also hate the idea you only have a table for so long. You can't sit and just drink with friends. Quit going.

I deliver with Uber Eats, and i also am a delivery customer and this place is top notch on every level. I am picky, i want special attention, I want extra sauce etc and as a customer they do any special request, as a driver just a few hours ago I watched as JOSE, ANGEL and COREY worked with literally - love- to make everything good for the client - and she was very happy and expressed it specifically - this is service which is not exactly rare but discerning - and I am glad to experience it and deliver it. Jose Corey and Angel make home delivery a dining experience - the way of the future !!!!

I've been here a couple times and it never disappoints! It's always amazing service food, drinks, and good times. We came here with a couple friends and all ordered things to share. This is the best fried chicken ever!!! The egg sandwich is huge and delicious! On the sweeter side the red velvet pancakes and Creme brûlée French toast are divine! The mimosas are so good and they give you the option of Freshly squeezed OJ and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice which makes the mimosas sooo good! This is my go to spot for out of town guests or just for a fun brunch with friends!! You must go!

Wow! What a different concept. The menu ranges from snails on endives to southern fried chicken to bone marrow to Kobe beef burger to fried oysters on tostitos to fresh water prawn gnocci.....all favorites that we recommend for you to try! Everything we tasted on the menu was exquisite and rich in calories! The wine list is focused mostly on American and South American selections but it is still fit for all budgets, even connoisseurs!! They also feature a seasonal menu that changes every three months. Take note of the chalkboard above the kitchen that has the day old wines... Many of me are worth it... Day old wines have sometimes been surprisingly better than just opened bottles... Ask for a sample of any wine, they will be glad to do so. Take note for those who want to take a glass rather than they whole bottle, thye have at least 12 selections of whites and 12 if reds, they also will open any bottle on their list if you commit to buying two glasses. Not a bad deal at all! The service is quick, friendly, different as in the waiters are all a bit bohemians but very knowledgable able their menu and wines. We try to go at least one every time we visit Houston...

wonderfull food! had the burger and a shiner. awesome meal. the only thing i didnt like is that i was kind of forced to sit at the bar because all of the tables are marked reserved. we asked the waitress why and she said it was so they could greet the customers more personally. I thought it was more because they were too lazy to leave the bar and would rather have us sit there instead of having to leave the bar to serve us. food was great, a little pricey. i paid 18 dollars for a burger. it tasted good, but i dont know about 18 dollars good.

The fried chicken is delicious! Otherwise the menu is a bit odd for my taste. I had seen pics of french toast from there that looked great but apparently is only available at brunch because they've never had it on the menu when I was there. It's more of a bar really than a restaurant and I don't drink, so I guess I'm not the best to give you the real deal, but I am a foodie and to me the choices were quite limiting.

Good place to go if you want a decent wine selection, and some tasty food to munch on. Pretty casual and easy to hang out in. If you ask the bartender, he'll let you know what open bottle specials they have and you can get a heck of a deal on a glass of wine!

Good bites and great wine. You can taste, buy a glass or a mixed case! Parking can be tricky! Plan ahead. Try the oysters! YUMM

We stopped here after a college visit to Rice University. We got the fried chicken and the MAX 'n Cheese! Both of those were good. The only thing we didn't care for was the brownie. Our server was also nice.

Food is always just excellent. The staffs knowledge of wine is amazing as well. Truly helpful people. It can be crowded but who can blame them. I go as often as I can.

Had Sunday brunch here before the theater. Went with the special recommended by the server the fried chicken. Was not disappointed it was three pieces of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had in my life. Recommend that you get the truffle fries instead of the breakfast potatoes. And don’t miss a side order of the truffle mac & cheese. If you are with several people I would recommend sharing dishes because these portions are huge.

I ate Sunday brunch at Max's. There were two couples (all foodies) so we all selected something different in order to try a sample of four different entrees. We had chicken and waffles, the fried egg sandwich, French toast and fried chicken along with sparkling wine. Everything was good. I am usually not a fan of French toast, but I would order it at Max's. The other stand out was the fried egg sandwich served with house made fries (drizzled in a rosemary oil...). As long as you go prepared to spend about $25 per person, you should be in good shape. I highly recommend it.

For the quick reader, get the Fried Chicken!!! It’s fantastic!!! So, my wife and I went to Max’s for a date night and were fortunate enough to arrive during happy hour🙌🏻. They have very reasonable prices and a menu with a variety of options. Our waitress, which was spectacular, was Maxine and she recommended the flat bread blue cheese and steak pizza. Listen to your server, it was delicious. Our entree was the fried chicken and it is easily enough for 2 people to share. The crust is golden and crunchy and the chicken is extremely moist. What was unique to me is the honey chipotle ?dip that comes on the side. It gives the chicken a little extra something, but it’s not needed. I’m glad it’s on the side because we could try it every few bites. If you like collard greens, you will love it. I like it with some kick so I added some hot sauce to it. Finally, the drink specials during happy hour are really good and affordable. We also got to experience live local music while we were dining and that was a really nice touch. Do yourself a favor and go to Max’s. To really enhance the experience, ask for Maxine to be your server. Such a nice person with a great personality!!!

A friend brought me here for Brunch and the experience was great! I ordered ChickenWings with FrenchToast and tried the jalapeño cheese grits. It was all delicious and they have great service. Next time I’m gonna try their collard greens!

Recently took a guest from Asia to Max's Wine Dive for a casual dinner and the food and experience was excellent. Asian guests are difficult to match in tastes and food selection. Max's service staff did an outstanding job. The food was well presented and tasted to [rfection. Everyone was very happy with the experience and Max's is now a must go to place for all out of town guests.

What often happens in my travel life is that I have fast turn around trips and recently I found myself in Houston for a short time-- 24 hours total. I knew I could get to two of my Houston bookmarks and I decided that Max's should be one of them. The two reasons for this were: the Famous Fried Egg Sandwich and the wine. I mean... really? Knowing what I wanted, I ordered immediately and the food came immediately. With this egg sandwich masterpiece, you smell the gruyere first, then the truffle mayonnaise and bacon. It is delightful. Even the chips that came with it were really fresh. I ended up getting the happy hour special of the sandwich, which is 1/3 of the size of the normal one and is totally enough food. Writing this review now, I would give a lot for the other 2/3 of that sandwich right now. I am telling you that much. It is CRAZY good. Where the overall prices are slightly high, the happy hour pricing is completely reasonable. What wine pairs with a fried egg sandwich? Moscato? I don't know. I wanted something bubbly and got a glass of cava (Argam 'Reserva'). It hit the spot p e r f e c t l y before heading to the airport. Yes, Max's parking lot is nuts and the environment is a little mixed (not exactly being a date place and not exactly being a hang out place, it is probably the closest to a get together with friends place) but, all in it is great. You should make an effort to head over here, if you live in Houston or are just in for a day.

This place has been here for a while and has a reputation for its attitude and out there menu. Anywhere with fried chicken and champagne paired together gets my vote for a different experience. The wines are excellent too, not your typical supermarket bottles marked up 200%. The sliders are excellent!

This place is absolutely awesome. It's hard to find a restaurant that does brunch on the weekday, but fortunately they have brunch on Fridays!! The food is amazing! My friend had the French Toast (which is seriously the best) and I had the typical egg, bacon, home fries and bread. Everything about the food was fabulous. Mimosas were the icing on the cake. Cute atmosphere. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because I'm used to being greeted a certain way and I didn't really get that here, but I'd still recommend this place.

Okay, this may not be the heart healthy place (well, red wine is good for you), but we had a great meal in a fun atmosphere this week. Max's Wine Dive is a cool concept of upscale comfort food together with good wine. We arrived around 7pm on a weeknight and while there wasn't a table available, we were able to eat at the bar. Friendly service and engaging wait staff. The dinner menu is limited but has new takes on classic favorites. We tried the mac n cheese starter which was creamy, rich with a smattering of bread crumbs. Also had the bison sliders which were delicious as were the fried oysters. For the main course, my dinner partner, who had been there before, said if you try anything, it has to be the buttermilk fried chicken. Yum. The chicken was hot and crisp. Served with mashed potatoes, spicy collard greens, a piece of Texas toast and some chipolte honey for dipping. Shared a bottle of Chardonnay and we had no room for dessert. Nice upscale quality meal in a casual atmosphere. Great idea.

Enjoyable hole in the wall. Good wine selection. Food is pretty solid. We ordered the fried deviled eggs 3.5/5, fried chicken 4.5/5, and the egg sandwich 5/5. Added truffle fries to the latter 5/5. Service is very good.

We took an unexpected early happy hour /dinner arrival on a not so busy day and the food was still happening. The fried chicken finger appetizer and the fried chicken dinner was one of a kind and highly recommended. The daily special was the snapper ceviche which was outstanding and fresh as well as the pork sliders. YOU will not go wrong with this place anytime so enjoy. The wine selections were outstanding for a great price at happy hour and free-flowing as well as the mix drinks.

All 3 of us selected the four course pre fix menu for $35 each. The watermelon salad was very refreshing. Their Mac n Cheese is delicious comfort food. The seafood trio was done to perfection, fried chicken was some of the best fried chicken my husband has ever had - very moist & filled with flavor. He also had green beans which were very tasty. My fried egg sandwich was awesome. The smoked bacon with the fried eggs, lettuce, tomato on a homemade sourdough toasted with butter was outstanding. The rocky road brownie sundae was okay and not worth the calories. The peach bread pudding was much better but still not worth the calories. This restaurant is small so either go early or make sure you have a reservation. Meals were great I just would not get dessert again if it is not during restaurant week!

Went here with friends Sunday night for first time. Wine is a bit much per glass but beer is ok priced. Food selections were varied but a bit pricy. I decided to have special that night (chicken fired steak w/gravy, mashed potatoes, veggie). Since the veggie they seem to serve with everything is collard greens (do not eat, do not like, yuk) I ask if another veggie and waiter came back to say yes, brussel sprouts which I happen to love. Well, the chicken fried steak was small and extremely greasy and the gravy was brown with mushrooms..Do they not know this is Texas and we eat white peppered gravy with chicken fried steak? The potatoes seem as though they were instant potatoes, but I must say the brussel sprouts were delicious. This special for $22...get real, waht a total waste of money and appetite. I will never go back here again. Food was terrible and overpriced, but the wait staff was super nice and accomodating as they could be. I find no fault in the people, but it's the food that will get me to go back to a restaurant.

Max's is one of my favorite spots on Washington. Max's is a perfect place for Eggs Benedict & Mimosas on a Sunday. I also love how the kitchen is open late so you can enjoy an appetizer & glass of wine. :)