Went on burger night, Monday... The food was A+ & decently priced even without the steep Monday burger special. And the staff is even better!!! So incredibly friendly & helpful!!!! It's a 40 min drive for us... But we've vowed to go back any Monday!!!
(5)
Kohleen L.
Their food isn't going to win any James Beard awards, but it's pretty good...and they have some decent specials. I first happened upon Maxwell's on a Monday night when they used to have $3 cheeseburgers. They recently changed it up a bit and now offer any burger on the menu (beef, veggie or turkey varieties) for $5 with fries on Mondays from 5-10 (great deal, considering it's over half off)! They also have 1/2 price apps every day from 3-6pm and 10pm-close, as well as a variety of drink specials. With a fairly decent tap selection, including Surly Furious and Bells Two Hearted, Maxwell's is a good choice for cheap beer and bar food if you time it right. They have all of their specials listed on their website, so plan accordingly! It's a pretty small space...in fact, they boast "more taps than tables", but the staff is usually nearby, so service is great. In fact, I recently stopped by for a drink during the Zombie Pub Crawl--the place was filled to capacity, but I still managed to get a beer within a few seconds of walking up to the bar!
(4)
Dave H.
Good food, great staff. 5 stars! It's a great place, i love there slow roasted beef. Soup is aways good
(5)
Teke O.
A really nice selection of televisions, and one time the edamame blew my mind. Lots of cops, not sure if that makes me feel safer or amidst liabilities, but whatever. There's one cop that keeps his walkie-talkie on full volume while he eats, and it feels like a razor blade coated with acid tickling your ear as those sounds ricochet through the room. That guy bugs me. But usually he gets an urgent call within 45 minutes and we can go back to our sportsball and wild rice soup and spend the rest of the evening in peace.
(3)
Paul S.
Maxwells does a great job of high quality food, healthy options combined with great service. Fantastic local bar with friendly staff. I am now a regular.
(5)
Bruce K.
Lunch in a pub, this is nice. Of course, we're Americans so we can't have a beer with it because that's how we are. *sad face* My friend had a decent looking burger, I chose the steak wrap. Maybe not enough steak in there, but the flavor was good and the waitress did a fab job keeping our drinks (ice tea) refilled. Looks like a decent place for dinner time.
(3)
Brandy D.
If you're looking for a downtown bar that feels like home, look no further. Decent beer selection, good menu (think hamburgers, wraps, salads), and overall nice crowd of people. The best part? Parking. SO easy to meet out-of-towners and stop in for a quick drink without all the drama of finding a place to park your car. Get the guac. On anything. Super tasty!
(5)
Michael L.
Maxwell's is a long and narrow, tightly packed neighborhood sports bar-vibe kinda place, all high-top tables (I think) and the food is very good for what it is (typical, unhealthy, american sports bar food). Also, beer specials are sometimes semi-cool beers and a very good deal, I give 4 stars for that aspect I think. The burgers are very good. Nothing here is trying to be too fancy. There is a bit of unique history to it because it burned down one time in the depth of winter, so then all of the water used to put out the fire froze, and they have some cool pictures of that on the wall. It can be very loud, and there are going to be sports on the TVs. If it's not important the TVs will be muted and music plays and it's a nicer environment. If you want a typical sports bar experience, or just good typical all-american food in a somewhat cozy environment, here you go.
(4)
Robert B.
Great Pub! Bartenders and Staff are awesome. Great happy hours and different specials every night. Can't go wrong here.
(4)
Adam S.
I've been to Maxwell's a number of times, and the trip never seems to go well. I'll fully admit, one or two trips the problem was dude to rude patrons who showed little to no common courtesy. Anyways, long story short, this is the type of place I normally love, but something about it is just always off for me. Be it other patrons refusing to swap tables, slow service, forgotten order, etc, just always something. Their burgers however are pretty good and they do have a decent tap selection. I believe the owner (if not, the manager at the very least) was bringing out food my last trip and he was very pleasant. All in all I would prefer to go a little further down the road, but it's worth a stop if in the area.
(3)
Lindsey W.
We came here for dinner and my only wish is that their regular meals were as good as their beer and apps. I had a cobb salad and it was just a little sad looking. The lettuce was mostly iceberg and kinda brown, the toppings weren't super interesting. Now the pluses are this place has great beer selection and prices and really good appetizers. I"ll still be coming back!
(3)
Brooke R.
Maxwell's is definitely my go-to for drinks. Pitchers are cheap, and even better at happy hour! Their food is always good. The service is always friendly and fast. It fills up quickly during happy hour or game day, but is definitely worth the crowd.
(5)
Amy W.
Did a call in take out for Farmhouse Salad. Everything on salad was good but pulled pork as it was dry. Have eaten there for lunch before too and it was decent. Would go again. Friendly service too.
(4)
Erik B.
Great gem near downtown minneapolis. One of the best bar food menus in Minneapolis. Wish I would of found this place sooner. A must try pub in the Minneapolis area.
(5)
Alex Z.
Probably one of the best happy hour spots in Minneapolis. That means everyday there is happy hour plus different specials on food and drink. Service is always superb and friendly. Outside seating is a plus you can take a view of the city. I re come d going to there happy hour after 10. They have so many selections of bar food that are just so good. Waffle fries are a favorite with all my friends. Only downsize with the wings is that they are pretty small but they give you a generous amount. Beer selection on tap is always prime. Went here for my birthday and they were just the best. Classic spot with classic people. Go here and enjoy.
(4)
Mallory B.
I LOVE Maxwell's! I dined here on a Friday over my lunch break - the place was packed but we still got a table. I wasn't feeling very adventurous and was really in the mood for the chicken tenders - so naturally, I ordered them. My friends ordered other sandwiches that looked amazing! It's clean, it's not dark and they have amazing service. It was great for the place being packed - something you wouldn't find at Maxwell's neighbor, Grumpy's. That being said I will pick Maxwell's over Grumpy's every. single. time.
(5)
Julie A.
I love Maxwell's. They have the best buffalo chicken wrap in town. Service is always good. Happy hour and nightly specials are great too.
(5)
Annette J.
Lunch here was weird. I came with my girl, Rachel C, just as she had arrived into Minneapolis after a long flight. I hadn't eaten yet that day so we were STARVING. Rolled up to Maxwell's since it was right down the street from our hotel. Came in and right off the bat it was a little odd. The waitress/hostess was not welcoming. In fact, seeing as we were the only two people in there at the time, she seemed down right annoyed that we were there. Oops, sorry we're hungry and came into your RESTAURANT for food. Sigh. Anyway. I just never felt like she warmed up to us the entire time we were there and it just made me feel uncomfortable. Do you know when you have questions but then the person you're asking them to gives off some 'tude so you get even more flustered and you get even more wordy and then they pretty much hate you? I felt like that was the pattern here with the waitress. I had some questions about the menu but she was standoffish and less than helpful from the get go and then I got flustered and forgot what I was going to ask and it just devolved into me ordering a club sandwich. Now, don't get me wrong. I like a club sandwich. But I felt like there were other, more exciting things on the menu worth trying but I felt so rushed that I made that decision and there we were. Now, the club sandwich was pretty good. Nothing special but it was satisfying. I was starving so I nearly downed the whole thing which was quite sizable to begin with. The fries? Now the fries are off the HOOK. I love a waffle fry. They had good waffle fries. And they also had this neat little curry sour cream dipping sauce for them which I also enjoyed. Nothing fancy but I left pleased. I also glanced at the beer menu and it looked solid. I recognized some Michigan beers too, which made me happy, but also some regional to MN brews which I like. I love trying the regional beers when I'm in a new city. Although this day I was way too tired for a beer so I passed. The space is your standard kind of pub with wood detailing and such. It didn't really stand out in my mind as anything remarkable but it was clean and comfortable so I'll give them props for that. Overall it's a place that I'd consider returning to if I should find myself in the neighborhood again. I just hope the waitress gets up on the right side of the bed that morning.
(3)
Iris S.
Some of the best drink specials for the value in the 7 corners area. Figure out which night of the week is going to best whet your alcohol palate and get there. See: maxwellsbar.com/drinkspe… Sixteen beers on tap to accommodate everyone's needs from domestic Miller Lite to Stella and Guinness. I personally enjoy the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which isn't on tap nearly enough in my area. The food is good and the portions are large. I've tried the buffalo chicken wrap and the grilled turkey melt. Both worth a second time around. The service is quick on their feet and gets you to ingesting in no time. Dress is casual, but the cafe tends to attract an older, college student crowd. I suspect that this is in part due to the "long" walk across 35W that deters the rowdy, early 20-somethings from leaving Sgt. Preston's/Grandma's to explore bar hopping options. Cheapness factors: Entertainment book has a BOGO dinner entree coupon up to $10. "University Money Saver" pamphlet also includes coupons each semester.
(4)
Susan A.
Maxwell's will not disappoint you. It's classic and has a very friendly staff! With the fire from winter 2008 and now remodel job, the bathroom is much improved and the place has a fresh atmostphere. The after 10:00PM happy hour EVERY NIGHT is amazing. Get the pizzarolls. Seriously, so good! Also try the chicken wild rice soup. Signature waffle fries for your figure! Great pub.
(5)
Mark L.
I had a little negativity previously. I apologize. This is such a nice spot, I almost don't want to share. Yes, they have been around awhile. Burned down once on a winter day recently. They are back! The food is a big step up from typical bar food. Really wonderful food . Just be sure to order a pitcher of beer instead of individuals and the value will be apparent.
(3)
Phil J.
Join me 4-6 just about every Wed. for some free tacos, great atmosphere and half price drinks! Oh did I mention FREE TACOS. There is a little taco stand in the back where you fix your own fiesta in a corn shell. Bring your friends and your family or leave them all behind and make new friends! Great place to eat, drink and be merry.
(5)
Dan S.
Really good variety of food. Good atmosphere and had a good wait staff. Very welcoming and a nice environment for hanging out watching the game or going to meet up with friends.
(4)
Breezy B.
What a great bar/restaurant. Not fancy but just great food and super service! I've been a regular for 20 years. Their chicken wings are the absolute best in town.
(5)
Alex X.
I would say the drink specials are some of the best in the Twin Cities. And the waffle fries are to die for...yummmmmmmm
(5)
Rachel C.
For a Monday afternoon, being starved and not knowing where exactly to head this place did the job. Was the service the best? Not really. When I asked the server what she'd suggest, she shrugged her shoulders and said "I don't know, what do you like?" Um, that's why I asked you! Good thing I pulled it together and ordered the Reuben. It was a good Reuben. Wasn't memorable, but it got the job done, which means I walked away with a full belly! I actually thought the homemade chips were the best part of the meal. I love a good homemade chip! So, if you're starving and looking for a chill joint for lunch, you'll get a solid meal here. Maybe not so much with service though...
(3)
Karah K.
Maxwell's is the go-to place for my boyfriend and I if we are looking for some late night grub. Boy, does it deliver. After 10pm appetizers are half-off, and on Sundays mugs are 2-4-1. Total win-win. This isn't the place to go if you are on a diet or are worried about your figure. They recently added cheese curds to the menu, and they are some of the best I've had in the cities (comparable only with Psycho Suzi's in NE). The classic buffalo wings are fantastic and set a high standard, and their edamame is laced with cocaine. I kid you not. There is no way that stuff is so good without having something illegal in it. It's a laid back vibe, usually there are at least a few cops grabbing some dinner. Overall, it's a great place if you are hungry and don't feel like getting fancy and spending too much money.
(4)
Jake K.
The chicken avocado pita is enough to make me want to find "Maxwell" and kiss him on the lips!!
(5)
Danielle E.
Our go to patio dining within walking distance of our house. I can't comment on the inside of the establishment because we have never dined inside, but the outside tables are right on the sidewalk downtown which is nice. We have nachos pretty frequently here - they are huge and delicious. Nothing out of the ordinary, but very filling. The burgers and sandwiches are awesome - the burgers always come juicy and they actually pay attention to the way in which you request your burger to be cooked. Seeing as this place is right near Grumpy's - I would always suggest Maxwell's instead. The food is better, the prices are similar, but the service is amazing.
(4)
Abdallah A.
Great wings and waffle fries try Thursday wing special from 9pm-12 other food items are ok but nothing too special just a normal bar food.
(4)
Matt Z.
The space has a clean authentic feel to it. The crowd is never (I don't go on game days) too loud and the service is good, friendly most of the time. The food is decent, with happy hour yielding a pretty nice deal. They have a decent draft selection, I'm always hankerin' for one of the choices. I haven't made memories here yet, when that happens we'll prolly get to 5 stars. A nice place down the street from where I spend most of my waking hours.
(4)
Alexandra H.
Get the spinach artichoke dip. You won't regret it.
(4)
Amy R.
I was hovering around a 3, but their food is pretty good for bar food, so I bumped it up. All these years of working so close I never made it in the door until night. Met up with some friends for Happy Hour. Pretty good specials. All appetizers half off. The buffalo shrimp were pretty damn good and there were a lot of them. Ordered the Buffalo chicken sandwich to go. Had a few bites. It was okay. Their fries were great and their seasoned sour cream was amazing. I could spend a few days with that alone. Service was pretty good considering our server was the only one there for awihile. People must have called in sick. I would venture back.
(4)
Aaron G.
I walked into Maxwells on a Friday night with a relatively large group of friends, and..... Got kicked out. : ( We were moving tables together and the bartender yelled at us to get out and accused us of sitting on another man's lap.
(1)
Kristin H.
Maxwell's is located off Washington Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. It's in a skinny, brick building, often overlooked by people driving by. Maxwell's has been a local favorite for years, but it was almost destroyed in 2008. The building, also home to Scandia Furniture, caught fire on a February morning. Luckily, the fire was put out, repairs were made, and Maxwell's once again became a favorite downtown corner bar. We arrived just before 5:00 and found parking right away. The new credit card parking meters make street parking so much easier - good move Minneapolis. We were lucky to snag the last table inside. The pub is pretty small so it fills up quickly. We looked over the happy hour menu and got our order ready. Our server stopped by shortly after we sat down - she was quick, but not the most welcoming person in the place. The afternoon happy hour at Maxwell's is fantastic: $2.25 for tap or bottled domestics and rail drinks, and half off appetizers from 3-6 pm. Alex started with a Michelob Golden and a Eric and I went with a High Life tallboy. Atmosphere A cozy escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Service Service - good. Hospitality - lacking. Presentation Typical American sports bar. Taste We scarfed down the food, but I think that's because it all paired so well with beer. The nachos were a little plain, but the wings were perfect. Value for Dollars Usually I find myself comparing happy hour specials to the great deals I find in my neighborhood. I think this was the one time that Downtown prices beat ours in Northeast! We got a lot of bang for our $20.
(3)
Lisa M.
Consistently delicious! I've always enjoyed Maxwell's, but never think of going there, which is sad. After a recent Twins game, we were all of the sudden starving. On the walk back to the car, we were discussing where to go and I came up with Maxwell's. We drove over, parked on the side street, walked in to find 4 people inside and no one outside. It was just after 6:00pm so I think the partying hadn't started yet. I ordered a DC, dining companion ordered a Millers Lite. Came very quickly and we placed our order. I had the Baja Pita with veggies and dip, dining companion was in the mood to be HM and ordered a chicken sandwich with cheddar and bacon, no mayo sub BBQ, with chips. Server was accommodating to his HM request. Food came out and it was great. The pita was perfectly grilled, the turkey and cheese were melted and the guac on the pita was perfect compliment to the sandwich. My dining companion said he liked his sandwich and it was just what he wanted - simple and delicious. Every time I go to Maxwell's I say out loud, "more places should offer veggies and dip as a side!" Most of the time I do not need or want fries and chips. Veggies are a great alternative. We were in and out in just over an hour. Food was great, service was spot on, DC was bubbly, and the price just right. I should go back and check out their HH, it looks good. Go to Maxwell's, it's a great alternative to other bar food joints.
(4)
Amina O.
I've been to Maxwell's a handful of times, but have just recently appreciated it for the awesome bar/restaurant it is. Happy Hour is phenomenal! All appetizers are 1/2 off, which essentially leaves most items on the menu available for $4 or less, and the portions are just perfect. Along with their happy hour, which I believe runs 3-6pm, they have a daily special that starts later in the day, usually around 5pm. On Mondays it was cheeseburgers for $3 and a quick glance at the menu showed there was something new daily. Service was quick and attentive! Maxwell's isn't a large establishment, so it would be hard for me to see getting slow service considering if you just glance up a server is usually 2 feet away from you. I've always been happy with the servers I've had and they do a good job of making recommendations on the various sandwiches they have available. Beer is a pretty decent selection. I usually go up a little further down Washington to Seven Corners for good beer, but Maxwell's combo of good beer and cheap awesome food definitely makes this a place worth stopping in for.
(4)
Travis T.
Ran into Maxwell's for a quick lunch with a coworker last week, and was pleasantly surprised. First, I've been to Maxwell's a couple of times before but that was always for a beer at happy hour so this was my first time eating here. I had the buffalo chicken salad, which was very tasty. Could've been a bit more spicy but it is Minnesota, afterall. The chicken was well cooked and the lettuce greens were fresh. Overall, very good flavors and i'd order it again. Service was polite and prompt, which you'd expect from a MN dining establishment during lunch in the middle of the work week. Now, I didn't have beers here and when I have been for happy hour in the past, it's because coworkers invited me and I haven't picked up a check so I have no idea how pricey the beers are. However, during lunch, I looked, and they're jaw-dropping low. Maybe it's because I live in DC and am used to buying pitchers for $25-30, not $10-15 for quality beers. Anyway, on my lunch experience alone, I would've given this place 3 stars for it being "A-Ok," but these beer prices made me kick it up a star to four!
(4)
Nazgul W.
First time at Maxwell's and it was great. Super-attentive server, comfortable atmosphere and good food. I had 'Maxwell's Chicken and Rice Bowl'. It was healthy food with veggies, rice and chicken. My only suggestion would be that it could have used some kind of sauce to lubricate it a bit. My girlfriend had one of their burritos and that looked pretty good too and came with chips and salsa. Oh yeah, I also tried the soup du jour: Italian meatball. Talk about delicious winter food: the soup was spot-on and I could have easily downed a bigger bowl of it. I had been aware of this place but had never stopped in because I don't spend a lot of time 'round Washington Ave but I could see stopping in here in the future for some drinks or a bite. Check it out (especially instead of the downtown Grumpy's).
(4)
Kenneth H.
This is my favorite place in Minneapolis. Can't even begin to count the number of times I've come here with friends for a pitcher and Idaho Nachos. Everything is just right: sports bar but not too sporty, great beer selection but not too snobby, never too loud, rarely overly crowded. There is one really rude waitress there, but there's one in every bunch and that's not enough for me to give this place any less than 5 stars.
(5)
Grant S.
While working on a musical in Minneapolis in the spring, my fellow cast members and I would often come to Maxwell's after rehearsals and performances because it was close and we'd usually catch the great happy hour specials. Half-priced appetizers and $3 rail drinks? Unbeatable. The prices are great, the restaurant is always clean, and they have really nice bathrooms (something I didn't expect the first time I visited.) My one qualm with Maxwell's is the quality of the service. As I said, our group would frequent this place, usually coming at least once a week for a few months. I know a group of six to twelve people can be a bit crazy, but I can assure you that we never caused problems. My big issue, I suppose, is when a group of eight or so twenty-somethings come, as a server you can probably assume everyone is paying separately. And if you aren't going to assume, you should ask when you take the orders if they'll be on separate checks. More often than not, we would receive one check with everyone's orders on it. We would ask politely for separate checks, and most of the time we were answered with rolled eyes, curt answers and a begrudging process of making separate checks, usually with some sob-story monologue about how hard and inconvenient is it to do separate checks from our server. Sorry honey, but you're preaching to the choir and you're not fooling anyone; a table full of actors is always going to have at least one former or present server and the ones in our cast were always quick to assure us that separating checks is a simple process. I'm not a difficult diner. I rarely complain, and only send food back if it's absolutely inedible. From the way I've been treated by servers at Maxwell's you'd think I was a rock star trashing a hotel room. If I get my check and there's a mistake on it, fix it for me when I ask you to and apologize. Don't snatch my check (which, I know, took you so long to separate) out of my hand, scan it as if I'm lying to you and turn your back to me to go back to the register without even saying "Hold on a second." Whew, okay, didn't mean to turn this review into a short story. I love Maxwell's for their great happy hour and atmosphere, but overdramatic sorority girl waitresses have ruined my experience more than once.
(3)
Troy R.
Cheap beer, good food, close to home, what else could you ask for. Well I guess great service and yes they have that as well. Maxwell's in an instatution in Minneapolis. Even a winter fire could not shut down this place a few years ago. The waffle fries are fantastic along with many other foods. The only downfall to this establishment is how good the beer always tastes. Some might argue whats wrong with that? I'll let you be the judge.
(4)
Franz L.
I had dinner at Maxwell's during a work trip to Minneapolis. I had two different beers on tap and the peppercorn burger. The beer selection is just okay. I am not sure why they crowd half of their taps with low-end American swill. Of the two I tried, the Bell's Two Hearted Ale is one I would look for again. (It's bright and a little hoppy, but not over-the-top hoppy like some microbrew ales). The server said they are known for their waffle fries, and that convinced me to get them with my peppercorn burger. The fries were not at all special and neither was the burger--a processed pressed flat patty. All-in-all this place is fine, but I disagree with the other reviews that describe the food as better-than-average pub food. This is very average pub food. To end with the positive--my server was incredibly nice and attentive, and the atmosphere of the place is comfortable and smart.
(3)
Dan P.
Lunch for five on Aug 7th. Nice environment- you step in off noisy Washington Ave to a darker, quieter setting. Rosie the manager is super friendly and the service was well paced. Food is prepared properly, but not exactly homemade if you know what I mean (food service?). Laredo burger had nice mix of flavors. Nephew really liked his turkey burger. Son liked his chicken strip platter. Why are burgers ever served with potato chips and anything else is an 'upgrade'? Answer: Chips are cheaper and have a long shelf life. This would be a great place for happy hour or before/after sporting events because of nice happy hour deals and readily available parking. Overall value is pretty good for a downtown location.
(4)
Chris B.
Been going to Maxwell's long before the fire. Went the other night after the Auto Show. We ordered burgers with waffle fries and seasoned sour cream. The Peppercorn Burger is the best! The seasoned sour cream is phenomenal. Wish I had room for wings. alas another time.
(5)
Kate R.
It feels like it's on the edge of town but the patio suggested its a favorite neighborhood haunt. Staff is super friendly, was waited on by a guy behind the bar first then by the waitress both live up to the "minnesota nice" rumor. Good music and hockey on the tvs. I was super adventures and went for the veggie burger. (and it was delicious)
(5)
Jonathan E.
Working on 7-corners, I get bored of the same restaurants sometimes. Hence, we often wander down the road to Maxwell's. The atmosphere is great! The remodeled restaurant is clean and attractive. It is a pretty standard sports bar, but has pictures of the fire/ice-castle from a couple of years ago that make an interesting conversation starter. The highlight is their fantastic beer selection! They rotate out many specialty beers, but still have the cheap stuff for the game-day crowd. Their food is a slight step up from standard bar food. I generally go here for the libations and the staff. They are very friendly and good at what they do! It does help that we know some of the same people, so at times, it turns into a family environment. However, it could for you too if you go here enough...
(4)
Cook S.
This is my neighborhood pub. I have been here alone, with friends, and with the family. Each and every time we've left this place very satisfied. The food is simple and tasty. In and of itself, the menu does not deserve the five-star rating. But it is tasty food nonetheless. The Sloppy Joe special is excellent. The Portobello fries are juicy and succulent. Cajun walleye tastes very fresh. Good burgers. Good beer selection. What makes this place special for me though, is the staff. They appear genuinely happy to have you over. They know the menu well. They don't ask idiotic questions. They never ignore you. They always thank you for coming. And it looks like they mean it.
(5)
Lynn B.
Oh Maxwell's. How I wanted you to be more. I'll admit, it was me who got my own hopes up, wanting a dark and old and, well, real pub-like pub on a cold winter night in Minneapolis. From the outside, the brick building was old, and the sign looked awesome. I guess I would say that I was hoping you'd have a bit more character in you, Maxwell's. All in all, the service was friendly (our waitress told us that HH was almost over in case we wanted to take advantage of it, which she didn't have to do), the atmosphere warm, the beer cold. The spinach dip was tasty. The roadhouse dip sandwich I ordered left quite a bit to be desired (the fake bbq smoke taste could stand to go away, for starters). The cuban that my boyfriend ordered was good though. Apparently they have amazing wings, maybe we should have ordered those.
(3)
Oscar S.
I love this place! It's a delicious American bar in an odd location in Minneapolis but I still go there often. The waitstaff are always so friendly and the atmosphere is laid back and relaxing for a bar of its nature. I love late night happy hour which includes half off apps and beer specials. My favorite waitress Tianna always brings me the best long islands. The food is great as well. The waffle fries with the seasoned sour cream is fabulous and you need to try Max's nachos with the chili. Their chicken wings are not as good as Rudolph's BBQ but the atmosphere is a lot more pleasing. If you haven't tried this place, don't let the location scare you and give it a try.
(4)
Tim O.
Neighborhood bar, good food and daily specials - Monday 3 dollar burger night... Wahooooooo
(4)
Dane S.
So, following Yelp's lead as I did for Blue Door Pub, I took a plunge to a place I had never really heard of. And I'm glad I did. Maxwell's American Cafe is a really well put together operation. The Bartender, waitress, and owner (!) were really pleasant, struck up conversations with our table, and still managed to serve well. The inside is really nice looking. You really can't tell the place apparently burned not long ago. It's basically a wide alley with glass on one end. The owner mentioned several times that there were "more taps than tables." He may have been intoxicated, as it was new years eve, but it was true. The place is smaller, but the have quite a few taps. Not any real knockouts, but enough variety to satisfy a diverse crowd. If you're in the area, I'd go for happy hour to test the place out for yourself. 1/2 off Apps and $1 off beer is a decent deal. Not spectacular, but great for an after work pint. Maxwell's seems to be a bit of a secret. I recommend going highly, so get out there!
(4)
Kyle K.
Back when I was living near campus this was my bar. I was sad to hear it burned down a few years ago, but I'm very glad to hear it is back. I'll be there the next time I'm in Minneapolis, ordering the fries with sauce and the buffalo wings and a burger. Long live Maxwell's! Oh, don't go when there is a game at the dome, unless you are into that sort of thing.
(5)
S O.
After eating here at Maxwell's for years I decided that I actually don't like this place afterall. Fine for a few beers but not for food, unfortunately. I expected too much, perhaps? Once, I ordered a turkey sandwich and to my dismay "turkey" meant turkey deli meat (like, from deli meat packages at the store). I couldn't even eat it.. another time, I ordered their signature roast beef sandwich. The thing is, I wish that restaurants would distinguish what kind of roast beef they're referring to exactly... pot roast beef? or oven roast beef? I thought it was the latter, and what I got was chewy, dry, bland... I could hardly eat that either. And this is their featured/signature sandwich! Here's what they do well in: cheesburgers & fries. I don't think I'll be going back here.
(1)
David V.
A friend and I stopped in on Saturday night around 9:30 or so. The bar and restaurant were about 1/2 full but that is what we were looking for, not wall to wall. OK tap list but the 10pm happy hour made the Bell's Two Hearted Ale the only beer needed. It did get a little more crowded after 10 but there was always at lest a few open seats. The noise level was good for conversation but not real quit. Service was ok, efficient but not real friendly. I will be back to try the food as well as enjoy some more BTHA at happy hr prices.
(4)
Cullen H.
We regularly have family members visiting the Twin Cities, all of whom happen to stay around this area of town. When they do, I always try to steer the group towards drinks or dining at this modest but amazing pub grille. There's nothing flashy about Maxwell's, but the food is good, the drinks are better, and the price is right. I've visited a few times now, and always leave satisfied. The staff is always friendly, and the brick walls give the place a cozy feel. Quite simply a wonderful establishment!
(5)
Kore P.
We sat down for a quick dinner. I had the fish and chips. They were good but the portion of the fish in contrast to the fries under whelmed me. I do not recall the fish being so small on previous visits. The server was quick and kept my coke continually topped off which was great. I have always been able to get in and get out of Maxwell's pretty quickly, which is always a plus.
(4)
Cortney G.
If you're a bar food lover and haven't been to Maxwell's, you're missing out. Love, love, LOVE Maxwell's. Then again, I'm biased, because they have the best diet coke fountain around (not kidding), and I can down about six in one sitting. I pretty much hang out here for every Vikings game. Hands down, the best chicken wild rice soup in the TC. Nachos are fab. Chill atmosphere. Great service, love the waitstaff. If I lived down the street, I'd never have to use my own kitchen.
(5)
Maggie F.
A great low-key place to relax. Good bar food. Not bad beer selection.
(4)
Peggy L.
GREAT! I was here on a Wednesday night while in town for business and they just so happened to be one of the last places close to my hotel that was still open serving food late. As soon as I stepped in, I loved the whole vibe. It's not a big place but it had a nice cozy feel to it. Very welcoming. As soon as my friend and I sat down, we were greeted by the friendly staff. The service was super fast. I ordered their wings which were really good! My friend ordered the veggie burger and really liked it. Actually they have a few things on the menu that looked really good. I will for sure come back here if I'm ever in town again. It's a great little spot with a cozy atmosphere, good service, and good drink and food specials.
(4)
Ralph B.
Best bar in the TC. Hands down. Small bar, cops love it and keep it safe. Enough TVs to watch, but not over powering or loud like a sports bar. Great specials almost every night, awesome staff that remembers and treats you like regulars. $3 Monday burger nights are the best.
(5)
Gerhart T.
I went to Maxwell's for the first time last year before heading to the Pizza Luce Block Party (2009). I must give Maxwell's proper acknowledgment. Maxwell's is a gem of a place. I dropped $50 bucks for a casual dinner for two with drinks and it was worth every dime. Very good service, good food, and Minneapolis history combined with small town pub vibe. The folks running Maxwell's care about their business . . . . I observed an attention to detail and very clean restrooms. GT
(5)
Michael K.
Was in town for one night staying at aLoft down the street. Just needed to grab a late night dinner around 9:30 and popped into this place. What a great bar with good food and pleasant staff! I immediately felt welcome (unlike aLoft) and was able enjoy a nice full meal. You have to try their waffle fries and secret sour cream dip! It's a sports bar with an old town feel....but even better, it seemed to be a 'cop' bar. While there, at least 3 different sets of cops came in for dinner. So if you're new to teh city and uncomfortable, come on down to Maxwells!
(4)
Geoff S.
We hit this place late night for some after-theater grub. It was the perfect spot. Great service, great menu, and great food. Very casual vibe. Great drink prices!!
(4)
Ramin R.
How perfect that my first review is of the place that made this San Francisco guy fall in love with (most of) Minneapolis a few years ago. I'm here at Maxwell's now for the first time since it reopened since the fire. The interior is almost the same as before but the bar is different. The wings are still the same, and with the waffle fries make for a great pub dinner with friends. They charge a dollar more for the sour cream for the waffle fries now though. Still a great deal and great atmosphere. And now, the cops are once again coming in for some food at night!
(5)
Jeff G.
Kind of surprised that I don't have a Yelp review out here considering I'm a regular. :) Everything is great, the service, the food, the beer. Try the nachos with half chicken and half chili. That's my fave. There's a new shrimp dish on there with rice and black bean salsa I had the other night.. it was awesome. I'm definitely ordering that again.
(5)
Dan S.
I'm so happy that they rebuilt this place after the fire. They have the best nachos around and a good happy hour beer special. It is a narrow bar with limited seating, so if you are lucky enough to get a seat during a Twins or Vikings game, make a day out of it. The bar doesn't have the same old fashioned wood as it did previously, but other than that it looks about the same as it did before the fire.
(5)
Jon H.
I am a little biased on this review since I consider Maxwell's my home away from home. It is what a bar should be. Good prices, good food, good selection of beer and most importantly a fantastic staff.
(5)
Stephanie R.
We stopped by Maxwell's as we were staying at the nearby Aloft. Our bartender Mary was helpful and friendly, and had a lot of history with the place, which is a nice old brick building that survived a fire in the thick of winter, evidenced by photos on the walls. I noticed that a waitress nearby was wiping down all the menus, which, after seeing it, I realized is probably something I would like to see a lot of other places doing. Who likes to touch a crusty, sticky menu?! I appreciated that as soon as I ordered a wine, I was given a glass of water. Red wine is DRY, Peeps! We also appreciated that once it was known we were staying across the street, we received a free beer by showing our hotel card.
(4)
Mike E.
Maxwell's is a lock for my "Best Burgers of the Twin Cities" list. It's an unassuming spot in an unassuming part of downtown, just a few doors down from Bobby & Steve's off Washington. Our server was gregarious, prompt, and attentive. She gave the "I'm glad you guys are here" vibe in a completely genuine way. Bravo. The Laredo Burger was excellent: a hearty half-pound of meat, a generous heaping of avocado, smothered in pepperjack cheese, pico de gallo & chipotle aioli -- all on a fresh baked bun. Phenomenal burger, and a great price point: $8.50. I paid the extra $1.50 for fries and seasoned sour cream; 'twas a wise investment. Perfect amount of seasoning on the fries, and their sour cream was magnificent (and this is from a guy who normally isn't into seasoned sour cream). My dad had the Reuben and said it was wunderbar. Being a carb-conscious old man, he subbed veggies for chips. Most places give you a meager serving of veggies, but not Maxwell's. They loaded him up with a diverse mix of fresh, steamed veggies. Well done. The vibe is cozy without being cramped: tastefully appointed, and a generous number of flat screens to catch the game. We visited during a Vikes away game, and it was mostly filled up, but no wait to get a table.
(5)
Andrey A.
This has become a go to dive bar for my friends and I. They have good specials and good food. Waffle fries are the bomb! Awesome service and a very laid back place to hang out!
(5)
Steve C.
It's great. A pretty unknown spot for the most part (maybe just in my small circle of acquaintances). The happy hour is wonderful, the servers were all great, and there's just that tiny hint of spilled beer and old building in the air that make you feel proud to be Minnesotan. The happy hour is half off appetizers and certain beer specials to make it cheap even on a college budget. The Un-Applebees Applebees is what some of my friends refer to it as, but it is oh so much more. The only time I've ever seen it crazy crowded is on game nights but again nothing too bad. The idaho nachos are pretty bomb once you've had one or two "beverages." All in all, a neighborhood favorite for sure. Been there forever too.
(4)
Alex H.
I had a wonderful happy hour experience here with Mary. She provided all of the necessary information to help me get a dinner and drinks for under $10. She shared stories of the buildings history and her 16 year tenure. I could not have been more pleased with my state fair burger nor the service. The atmosphere is a quaint neighborhood pub. Mary made my day with her friendly and welcoming service. I hope you are as fortunate as I was to get her as your server.
(5)
Liz A.
Maxwell's is what a neighborhood bar should be. The staff is friendly, the bar is clean, there are plenty of TVs, and the food is consistently tasty. The best thing at this bar is by far the happy hour specials. They can't be beat!
(4)
Matt T.
Great guilty-pleasure bar snacks at this garden-variety roadside bar. My group ordered bloody marys, which were spicy but nothing special. They did come with a beer chaser, which was a pleasant, Midwestern surprise. We also ordered a host of super cheap happy hour bar foods, and all (waffle fries, cheese curds, chicken fingers) were quite tasty. Pro-tip: great spot for a game given the TV situation (their layout is perfect for the space).
(3)
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Address :1201 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN, 55415
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
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Stephanie K.
Went on burger night, Monday... The food was A+ & decently priced even without the steep Monday burger special. And the staff is even better!!! So incredibly friendly & helpful!!!! It's a 40 min drive for us... But we've vowed to go back any Monday!!!
(5)Kohleen L.
Their food isn't going to win any James Beard awards, but it's pretty good...and they have some decent specials. I first happened upon Maxwell's on a Monday night when they used to have $3 cheeseburgers. They recently changed it up a bit and now offer any burger on the menu (beef, veggie or turkey varieties) for $5 with fries on Mondays from 5-10 (great deal, considering it's over half off)! They also have 1/2 price apps every day from 3-6pm and 10pm-close, as well as a variety of drink specials. With a fairly decent tap selection, including Surly Furious and Bells Two Hearted, Maxwell's is a good choice for cheap beer and bar food if you time it right. They have all of their specials listed on their website, so plan accordingly! It's a pretty small space...in fact, they boast "more taps than tables", but the staff is usually nearby, so service is great. In fact, I recently stopped by for a drink during the Zombie Pub Crawl--the place was filled to capacity, but I still managed to get a beer within a few seconds of walking up to the bar!
(4)Dave H.
Good food, great staff. 5 stars! It's a great place, i love there slow roasted beef. Soup is aways good
(5)Teke O.
A really nice selection of televisions, and one time the edamame blew my mind. Lots of cops, not sure if that makes me feel safer or amidst liabilities, but whatever. There's one cop that keeps his walkie-talkie on full volume while he eats, and it feels like a razor blade coated with acid tickling your ear as those sounds ricochet through the room. That guy bugs me. But usually he gets an urgent call within 45 minutes and we can go back to our sportsball and wild rice soup and spend the rest of the evening in peace.
(3)Paul S.
Maxwells does a great job of high quality food, healthy options combined with great service. Fantastic local bar with friendly staff. I am now a regular.
(5)Bruce K.
Lunch in a pub, this is nice. Of course, we're Americans so we can't have a beer with it because that's how we are. *sad face* My friend had a decent looking burger, I chose the steak wrap. Maybe not enough steak in there, but the flavor was good and the waitress did a fab job keeping our drinks (ice tea) refilled. Looks like a decent place for dinner time.
(3)Brandy D.
If you're looking for a downtown bar that feels like home, look no further. Decent beer selection, good menu (think hamburgers, wraps, salads), and overall nice crowd of people. The best part? Parking. SO easy to meet out-of-towners and stop in for a quick drink without all the drama of finding a place to park your car. Get the guac. On anything. Super tasty!
(5)Michael L.
Maxwell's is a long and narrow, tightly packed neighborhood sports bar-vibe kinda place, all high-top tables (I think) and the food is very good for what it is (typical, unhealthy, american sports bar food). Also, beer specials are sometimes semi-cool beers and a very good deal, I give 4 stars for that aspect I think. The burgers are very good. Nothing here is trying to be too fancy. There is a bit of unique history to it because it burned down one time in the depth of winter, so then all of the water used to put out the fire froze, and they have some cool pictures of that on the wall. It can be very loud, and there are going to be sports on the TVs. If it's not important the TVs will be muted and music plays and it's a nicer environment. If you want a typical sports bar experience, or just good typical all-american food in a somewhat cozy environment, here you go.
(4)Robert B.
Great Pub! Bartenders and Staff are awesome. Great happy hours and different specials every night. Can't go wrong here.
(4)Adam S.
I've been to Maxwell's a number of times, and the trip never seems to go well. I'll fully admit, one or two trips the problem was dude to rude patrons who showed little to no common courtesy. Anyways, long story short, this is the type of place I normally love, but something about it is just always off for me. Be it other patrons refusing to swap tables, slow service, forgotten order, etc, just always something. Their burgers however are pretty good and they do have a decent tap selection. I believe the owner (if not, the manager at the very least) was bringing out food my last trip and he was very pleasant. All in all I would prefer to go a little further down the road, but it's worth a stop if in the area.
(3)Lindsey W.
We came here for dinner and my only wish is that their regular meals were as good as their beer and apps. I had a cobb salad and it was just a little sad looking. The lettuce was mostly iceberg and kinda brown, the toppings weren't super interesting. Now the pluses are this place has great beer selection and prices and really good appetizers. I"ll still be coming back!
(3)Brooke R.
Maxwell's is definitely my go-to for drinks. Pitchers are cheap, and even better at happy hour! Their food is always good. The service is always friendly and fast. It fills up quickly during happy hour or game day, but is definitely worth the crowd.
(5)Amy W.
Did a call in take out for Farmhouse Salad. Everything on salad was good but pulled pork as it was dry. Have eaten there for lunch before too and it was decent. Would go again. Friendly service too.
(4)Erik B.
Great gem near downtown minneapolis. One of the best bar food menus in Minneapolis. Wish I would of found this place sooner. A must try pub in the Minneapolis area.
(5)Alex Z.
Probably one of the best happy hour spots in Minneapolis. That means everyday there is happy hour plus different specials on food and drink. Service is always superb and friendly. Outside seating is a plus you can take a view of the city. I re come d going to there happy hour after 10. They have so many selections of bar food that are just so good. Waffle fries are a favorite with all my friends. Only downsize with the wings is that they are pretty small but they give you a generous amount. Beer selection on tap is always prime. Went here for my birthday and they were just the best. Classic spot with classic people. Go here and enjoy.
(4)Mallory B.
I LOVE Maxwell's! I dined here on a Friday over my lunch break - the place was packed but we still got a table. I wasn't feeling very adventurous and was really in the mood for the chicken tenders - so naturally, I ordered them. My friends ordered other sandwiches that looked amazing! It's clean, it's not dark and they have amazing service. It was great for the place being packed - something you wouldn't find at Maxwell's neighbor, Grumpy's. That being said I will pick Maxwell's over Grumpy's every. single. time.
(5)Julie A.
I love Maxwell's. They have the best buffalo chicken wrap in town. Service is always good. Happy hour and nightly specials are great too.
(5)Annette J.
Lunch here was weird. I came with my girl, Rachel C, just as she had arrived into Minneapolis after a long flight. I hadn't eaten yet that day so we were STARVING. Rolled up to Maxwell's since it was right down the street from our hotel. Came in and right off the bat it was a little odd. The waitress/hostess was not welcoming. In fact, seeing as we were the only two people in there at the time, she seemed down right annoyed that we were there. Oops, sorry we're hungry and came into your RESTAURANT for food. Sigh. Anyway. I just never felt like she warmed up to us the entire time we were there and it just made me feel uncomfortable. Do you know when you have questions but then the person you're asking them to gives off some 'tude so you get even more flustered and you get even more wordy and then they pretty much hate you? I felt like that was the pattern here with the waitress. I had some questions about the menu but she was standoffish and less than helpful from the get go and then I got flustered and forgot what I was going to ask and it just devolved into me ordering a club sandwich. Now, don't get me wrong. I like a club sandwich. But I felt like there were other, more exciting things on the menu worth trying but I felt so rushed that I made that decision and there we were. Now, the club sandwich was pretty good. Nothing special but it was satisfying. I was starving so I nearly downed the whole thing which was quite sizable to begin with. The fries? Now the fries are off the HOOK. I love a waffle fry. They had good waffle fries. And they also had this neat little curry sour cream dipping sauce for them which I also enjoyed. Nothing fancy but I left pleased. I also glanced at the beer menu and it looked solid. I recognized some Michigan beers too, which made me happy, but also some regional to MN brews which I like. I love trying the regional beers when I'm in a new city. Although this day I was way too tired for a beer so I passed. The space is your standard kind of pub with wood detailing and such. It didn't really stand out in my mind as anything remarkable but it was clean and comfortable so I'll give them props for that. Overall it's a place that I'd consider returning to if I should find myself in the neighborhood again. I just hope the waitress gets up on the right side of the bed that morning.
(3)Iris S.
Some of the best drink specials for the value in the 7 corners area. Figure out which night of the week is going to best whet your alcohol palate and get there. See: maxwellsbar.com/drinkspe… Sixteen beers on tap to accommodate everyone's needs from domestic Miller Lite to Stella and Guinness. I personally enjoy the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which isn't on tap nearly enough in my area. The food is good and the portions are large. I've tried the buffalo chicken wrap and the grilled turkey melt. Both worth a second time around. The service is quick on their feet and gets you to ingesting in no time. Dress is casual, but the cafe tends to attract an older, college student crowd. I suspect that this is in part due to the "long" walk across 35W that deters the rowdy, early 20-somethings from leaving Sgt. Preston's/Grandma's to explore bar hopping options. Cheapness factors: Entertainment book has a BOGO dinner entree coupon up to $10. "University Money Saver" pamphlet also includes coupons each semester.
(4)Susan A.
Maxwell's will not disappoint you. It's classic and has a very friendly staff! With the fire from winter 2008 and now remodel job, the bathroom is much improved and the place has a fresh atmostphere. The after 10:00PM happy hour EVERY NIGHT is amazing. Get the pizzarolls. Seriously, so good! Also try the chicken wild rice soup. Signature waffle fries for your figure! Great pub.
(5)Mark L.
I had a little negativity previously. I apologize. This is such a nice spot, I almost don't want to share. Yes, they have been around awhile. Burned down once on a winter day recently. They are back! The food is a big step up from typical bar food. Really wonderful food . Just be sure to order a pitcher of beer instead of individuals and the value will be apparent.
(3)Phil J.
Join me 4-6 just about every Wed. for some free tacos, great atmosphere and half price drinks! Oh did I mention FREE TACOS. There is a little taco stand in the back where you fix your own fiesta in a corn shell. Bring your friends and your family or leave them all behind and make new friends! Great place to eat, drink and be merry.
(5)Dan S.
Really good variety of food. Good atmosphere and had a good wait staff. Very welcoming and a nice environment for hanging out watching the game or going to meet up with friends.
(4)Breezy B.
What a great bar/restaurant. Not fancy but just great food and super service! I've been a regular for 20 years. Their chicken wings are the absolute best in town.
(5)Alex X.
I would say the drink specials are some of the best in the Twin Cities. And the waffle fries are to die for...yummmmmmmm
(5)Rachel C.
For a Monday afternoon, being starved and not knowing where exactly to head this place did the job. Was the service the best? Not really. When I asked the server what she'd suggest, she shrugged her shoulders and said "I don't know, what do you like?" Um, that's why I asked you! Good thing I pulled it together and ordered the Reuben. It was a good Reuben. Wasn't memorable, but it got the job done, which means I walked away with a full belly! I actually thought the homemade chips were the best part of the meal. I love a good homemade chip! So, if you're starving and looking for a chill joint for lunch, you'll get a solid meal here. Maybe not so much with service though...
(3)Karah K.
Maxwell's is the go-to place for my boyfriend and I if we are looking for some late night grub. Boy, does it deliver. After 10pm appetizers are half-off, and on Sundays mugs are 2-4-1. Total win-win. This isn't the place to go if you are on a diet or are worried about your figure. They recently added cheese curds to the menu, and they are some of the best I've had in the cities (comparable only with Psycho Suzi's in NE). The classic buffalo wings are fantastic and set a high standard, and their edamame is laced with cocaine. I kid you not. There is no way that stuff is so good without having something illegal in it. It's a laid back vibe, usually there are at least a few cops grabbing some dinner. Overall, it's a great place if you are hungry and don't feel like getting fancy and spending too much money.
(4)Jake K.
The chicken avocado pita is enough to make me want to find "Maxwell" and kiss him on the lips!!
(5)Danielle E.
Our go to patio dining within walking distance of our house. I can't comment on the inside of the establishment because we have never dined inside, but the outside tables are right on the sidewalk downtown which is nice. We have nachos pretty frequently here - they are huge and delicious. Nothing out of the ordinary, but very filling. The burgers and sandwiches are awesome - the burgers always come juicy and they actually pay attention to the way in which you request your burger to be cooked. Seeing as this place is right near Grumpy's - I would always suggest Maxwell's instead. The food is better, the prices are similar, but the service is amazing.
(4)Abdallah A.
Great wings and waffle fries try Thursday wing special from 9pm-12 other food items are ok but nothing too special just a normal bar food.
(4)Matt Z.
The space has a clean authentic feel to it. The crowd is never (I don't go on game days) too loud and the service is good, friendly most of the time. The food is decent, with happy hour yielding a pretty nice deal. They have a decent draft selection, I'm always hankerin' for one of the choices. I haven't made memories here yet, when that happens we'll prolly get to 5 stars. A nice place down the street from where I spend most of my waking hours.
(4)Alexandra H.
Get the spinach artichoke dip. You won't regret it.
(4)Amy R.
I was hovering around a 3, but their food is pretty good for bar food, so I bumped it up. All these years of working so close I never made it in the door until night. Met up with some friends for Happy Hour. Pretty good specials. All appetizers half off. The buffalo shrimp were pretty damn good and there were a lot of them. Ordered the Buffalo chicken sandwich to go. Had a few bites. It was okay. Their fries were great and their seasoned sour cream was amazing. I could spend a few days with that alone. Service was pretty good considering our server was the only one there for awihile. People must have called in sick. I would venture back.
(4)Aaron G.
I walked into Maxwells on a Friday night with a relatively large group of friends, and..... Got kicked out. : ( We were moving tables together and the bartender yelled at us to get out and accused us of sitting on another man's lap.
(1)Kristin H.
Maxwell's is located off Washington Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. It's in a skinny, brick building, often overlooked by people driving by. Maxwell's has been a local favorite for years, but it was almost destroyed in 2008. The building, also home to Scandia Furniture, caught fire on a February morning. Luckily, the fire was put out, repairs were made, and Maxwell's once again became a favorite downtown corner bar. We arrived just before 5:00 and found parking right away. The new credit card parking meters make street parking so much easier - good move Minneapolis. We were lucky to snag the last table inside. The pub is pretty small so it fills up quickly. We looked over the happy hour menu and got our order ready. Our server stopped by shortly after we sat down - she was quick, but not the most welcoming person in the place. The afternoon happy hour at Maxwell's is fantastic: $2.25 for tap or bottled domestics and rail drinks, and half off appetizers from 3-6 pm. Alex started with a Michelob Golden and a Eric and I went with a High Life tallboy. Atmosphere A cozy escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Service Service - good. Hospitality - lacking. Presentation Typical American sports bar. Taste We scarfed down the food, but I think that's because it all paired so well with beer. The nachos were a little plain, but the wings were perfect. Value for Dollars Usually I find myself comparing happy hour specials to the great deals I find in my neighborhood. I think this was the one time that Downtown prices beat ours in Northeast! We got a lot of bang for our $20.
(3)Lisa M.
Consistently delicious! I've always enjoyed Maxwell's, but never think of going there, which is sad. After a recent Twins game, we were all of the sudden starving. On the walk back to the car, we were discussing where to go and I came up with Maxwell's. We drove over, parked on the side street, walked in to find 4 people inside and no one outside. It was just after 6:00pm so I think the partying hadn't started yet. I ordered a DC, dining companion ordered a Millers Lite. Came very quickly and we placed our order. I had the Baja Pita with veggies and dip, dining companion was in the mood to be HM and ordered a chicken sandwich with cheddar and bacon, no mayo sub BBQ, with chips. Server was accommodating to his HM request. Food came out and it was great. The pita was perfectly grilled, the turkey and cheese were melted and the guac on the pita was perfect compliment to the sandwich. My dining companion said he liked his sandwich and it was just what he wanted - simple and delicious. Every time I go to Maxwell's I say out loud, "more places should offer veggies and dip as a side!" Most of the time I do not need or want fries and chips. Veggies are a great alternative. We were in and out in just over an hour. Food was great, service was spot on, DC was bubbly, and the price just right. I should go back and check out their HH, it looks good. Go to Maxwell's, it's a great alternative to other bar food joints.
(4)Amina O.
I've been to Maxwell's a handful of times, but have just recently appreciated it for the awesome bar/restaurant it is. Happy Hour is phenomenal! All appetizers are 1/2 off, which essentially leaves most items on the menu available for $4 or less, and the portions are just perfect. Along with their happy hour, which I believe runs 3-6pm, they have a daily special that starts later in the day, usually around 5pm. On Mondays it was cheeseburgers for $3 and a quick glance at the menu showed there was something new daily. Service was quick and attentive! Maxwell's isn't a large establishment, so it would be hard for me to see getting slow service considering if you just glance up a server is usually 2 feet away from you. I've always been happy with the servers I've had and they do a good job of making recommendations on the various sandwiches they have available. Beer is a pretty decent selection. I usually go up a little further down Washington to Seven Corners for good beer, but Maxwell's combo of good beer and cheap awesome food definitely makes this a place worth stopping in for.
(4)Travis T.
Ran into Maxwell's for a quick lunch with a coworker last week, and was pleasantly surprised. First, I've been to Maxwell's a couple of times before but that was always for a beer at happy hour so this was my first time eating here. I had the buffalo chicken salad, which was very tasty. Could've been a bit more spicy but it is Minnesota, afterall. The chicken was well cooked and the lettuce greens were fresh. Overall, very good flavors and i'd order it again. Service was polite and prompt, which you'd expect from a MN dining establishment during lunch in the middle of the work week. Now, I didn't have beers here and when I have been for happy hour in the past, it's because coworkers invited me and I haven't picked up a check so I have no idea how pricey the beers are. However, during lunch, I looked, and they're jaw-dropping low. Maybe it's because I live in DC and am used to buying pitchers for $25-30, not $10-15 for quality beers. Anyway, on my lunch experience alone, I would've given this place 3 stars for it being "A-Ok," but these beer prices made me kick it up a star to four!
(4)Nazgul W.
First time at Maxwell's and it was great. Super-attentive server, comfortable atmosphere and good food. I had 'Maxwell's Chicken and Rice Bowl'. It was healthy food with veggies, rice and chicken. My only suggestion would be that it could have used some kind of sauce to lubricate it a bit. My girlfriend had one of their burritos and that looked pretty good too and came with chips and salsa. Oh yeah, I also tried the soup du jour: Italian meatball. Talk about delicious winter food: the soup was spot-on and I could have easily downed a bigger bowl of it. I had been aware of this place but had never stopped in because I don't spend a lot of time 'round Washington Ave but I could see stopping in here in the future for some drinks or a bite. Check it out (especially instead of the downtown Grumpy's).
(4)Kenneth H.
This is my favorite place in Minneapolis. Can't even begin to count the number of times I've come here with friends for a pitcher and Idaho Nachos. Everything is just right: sports bar but not too sporty, great beer selection but not too snobby, never too loud, rarely overly crowded. There is one really rude waitress there, but there's one in every bunch and that's not enough for me to give this place any less than 5 stars.
(5)Grant S.
While working on a musical in Minneapolis in the spring, my fellow cast members and I would often come to Maxwell's after rehearsals and performances because it was close and we'd usually catch the great happy hour specials. Half-priced appetizers and $3 rail drinks? Unbeatable. The prices are great, the restaurant is always clean, and they have really nice bathrooms (something I didn't expect the first time I visited.) My one qualm with Maxwell's is the quality of the service. As I said, our group would frequent this place, usually coming at least once a week for a few months. I know a group of six to twelve people can be a bit crazy, but I can assure you that we never caused problems. My big issue, I suppose, is when a group of eight or so twenty-somethings come, as a server you can probably assume everyone is paying separately. And if you aren't going to assume, you should ask when you take the orders if they'll be on separate checks. More often than not, we would receive one check with everyone's orders on it. We would ask politely for separate checks, and most of the time we were answered with rolled eyes, curt answers and a begrudging process of making separate checks, usually with some sob-story monologue about how hard and inconvenient is it to do separate checks from our server. Sorry honey, but you're preaching to the choir and you're not fooling anyone; a table full of actors is always going to have at least one former or present server and the ones in our cast were always quick to assure us that separating checks is a simple process. I'm not a difficult diner. I rarely complain, and only send food back if it's absolutely inedible. From the way I've been treated by servers at Maxwell's you'd think I was a rock star trashing a hotel room. If I get my check and there's a mistake on it, fix it for me when I ask you to and apologize. Don't snatch my check (which, I know, took you so long to separate) out of my hand, scan it as if I'm lying to you and turn your back to me to go back to the register without even saying "Hold on a second." Whew, okay, didn't mean to turn this review into a short story. I love Maxwell's for their great happy hour and atmosphere, but overdramatic sorority girl waitresses have ruined my experience more than once.
(3)Troy R.
Cheap beer, good food, close to home, what else could you ask for. Well I guess great service and yes they have that as well. Maxwell's in an instatution in Minneapolis. Even a winter fire could not shut down this place a few years ago. The waffle fries are fantastic along with many other foods. The only downfall to this establishment is how good the beer always tastes. Some might argue whats wrong with that? I'll let you be the judge.
(4)Franz L.
I had dinner at Maxwell's during a work trip to Minneapolis. I had two different beers on tap and the peppercorn burger. The beer selection is just okay. I am not sure why they crowd half of their taps with low-end American swill. Of the two I tried, the Bell's Two Hearted Ale is one I would look for again. (It's bright and a little hoppy, but not over-the-top hoppy like some microbrew ales). The server said they are known for their waffle fries, and that convinced me to get them with my peppercorn burger. The fries were not at all special and neither was the burger--a processed pressed flat patty. All-in-all this place is fine, but I disagree with the other reviews that describe the food as better-than-average pub food. This is very average pub food. To end with the positive--my server was incredibly nice and attentive, and the atmosphere of the place is comfortable and smart.
(3)Dan P.
Lunch for five on Aug 7th. Nice environment- you step in off noisy Washington Ave to a darker, quieter setting. Rosie the manager is super friendly and the service was well paced. Food is prepared properly, but not exactly homemade if you know what I mean (food service?). Laredo burger had nice mix of flavors. Nephew really liked his turkey burger. Son liked his chicken strip platter. Why are burgers ever served with potato chips and anything else is an 'upgrade'? Answer: Chips are cheaper and have a long shelf life. This would be a great place for happy hour or before/after sporting events because of nice happy hour deals and readily available parking. Overall value is pretty good for a downtown location.
(4)Chris B.
Been going to Maxwell's long before the fire. Went the other night after the Auto Show. We ordered burgers with waffle fries and seasoned sour cream. The Peppercorn Burger is the best! The seasoned sour cream is phenomenal. Wish I had room for wings. alas another time.
(5)Kate R.
It feels like it's on the edge of town but the patio suggested its a favorite neighborhood haunt. Staff is super friendly, was waited on by a guy behind the bar first then by the waitress both live up to the "minnesota nice" rumor. Good music and hockey on the tvs. I was super adventures and went for the veggie burger. (and it was delicious)
(5)Jonathan E.
Working on 7-corners, I get bored of the same restaurants sometimes. Hence, we often wander down the road to Maxwell's. The atmosphere is great! The remodeled restaurant is clean and attractive. It is a pretty standard sports bar, but has pictures of the fire/ice-castle from a couple of years ago that make an interesting conversation starter. The highlight is their fantastic beer selection! They rotate out many specialty beers, but still have the cheap stuff for the game-day crowd. Their food is a slight step up from standard bar food. I generally go here for the libations and the staff. They are very friendly and good at what they do! It does help that we know some of the same people, so at times, it turns into a family environment. However, it could for you too if you go here enough...
(4)Cook S.
This is my neighborhood pub. I have been here alone, with friends, and with the family. Each and every time we've left this place very satisfied. The food is simple and tasty. In and of itself, the menu does not deserve the five-star rating. But it is tasty food nonetheless. The Sloppy Joe special is excellent. The Portobello fries are juicy and succulent. Cajun walleye tastes very fresh. Good burgers. Good beer selection. What makes this place special for me though, is the staff. They appear genuinely happy to have you over. They know the menu well. They don't ask idiotic questions. They never ignore you. They always thank you for coming. And it looks like they mean it.
(5)Lynn B.
Oh Maxwell's. How I wanted you to be more. I'll admit, it was me who got my own hopes up, wanting a dark and old and, well, real pub-like pub on a cold winter night in Minneapolis. From the outside, the brick building was old, and the sign looked awesome. I guess I would say that I was hoping you'd have a bit more character in you, Maxwell's. All in all, the service was friendly (our waitress told us that HH was almost over in case we wanted to take advantage of it, which she didn't have to do), the atmosphere warm, the beer cold. The spinach dip was tasty. The roadhouse dip sandwich I ordered left quite a bit to be desired (the fake bbq smoke taste could stand to go away, for starters). The cuban that my boyfriend ordered was good though. Apparently they have amazing wings, maybe we should have ordered those.
(3)Oscar S.
I love this place! It's a delicious American bar in an odd location in Minneapolis but I still go there often. The waitstaff are always so friendly and the atmosphere is laid back and relaxing for a bar of its nature. I love late night happy hour which includes half off apps and beer specials. My favorite waitress Tianna always brings me the best long islands. The food is great as well. The waffle fries with the seasoned sour cream is fabulous and you need to try Max's nachos with the chili. Their chicken wings are not as good as Rudolph's BBQ but the atmosphere is a lot more pleasing. If you haven't tried this place, don't let the location scare you and give it a try.
(4)Tim O.
Neighborhood bar, good food and daily specials - Monday 3 dollar burger night... Wahooooooo
(4)Dane S.
So, following Yelp's lead as I did for Blue Door Pub, I took a plunge to a place I had never really heard of. And I'm glad I did. Maxwell's American Cafe is a really well put together operation. The Bartender, waitress, and owner (!) were really pleasant, struck up conversations with our table, and still managed to serve well. The inside is really nice looking. You really can't tell the place apparently burned not long ago. It's basically a wide alley with glass on one end. The owner mentioned several times that there were "more taps than tables." He may have been intoxicated, as it was new years eve, but it was true. The place is smaller, but the have quite a few taps. Not any real knockouts, but enough variety to satisfy a diverse crowd. If you're in the area, I'd go for happy hour to test the place out for yourself. 1/2 off Apps and $1 off beer is a decent deal. Not spectacular, but great for an after work pint. Maxwell's seems to be a bit of a secret. I recommend going highly, so get out there!
(4)Kyle K.
Back when I was living near campus this was my bar. I was sad to hear it burned down a few years ago, but I'm very glad to hear it is back. I'll be there the next time I'm in Minneapolis, ordering the fries with sauce and the buffalo wings and a burger. Long live Maxwell's! Oh, don't go when there is a game at the dome, unless you are into that sort of thing.
(5)S O.
After eating here at Maxwell's for years I decided that I actually don't like this place afterall. Fine for a few beers but not for food, unfortunately. I expected too much, perhaps? Once, I ordered a turkey sandwich and to my dismay "turkey" meant turkey deli meat (like, from deli meat packages at the store). I couldn't even eat it.. another time, I ordered their signature roast beef sandwich. The thing is, I wish that restaurants would distinguish what kind of roast beef they're referring to exactly... pot roast beef? or oven roast beef? I thought it was the latter, and what I got was chewy, dry, bland... I could hardly eat that either. And this is their featured/signature sandwich! Here's what they do well in: cheesburgers & fries. I don't think I'll be going back here.
(1)David V.
A friend and I stopped in on Saturday night around 9:30 or so. The bar and restaurant were about 1/2 full but that is what we were looking for, not wall to wall. OK tap list but the 10pm happy hour made the Bell's Two Hearted Ale the only beer needed. It did get a little more crowded after 10 but there was always at lest a few open seats. The noise level was good for conversation but not real quit. Service was ok, efficient but not real friendly. I will be back to try the food as well as enjoy some more BTHA at happy hr prices.
(4)Cullen H.
We regularly have family members visiting the Twin Cities, all of whom happen to stay around this area of town. When they do, I always try to steer the group towards drinks or dining at this modest but amazing pub grille. There's nothing flashy about Maxwell's, but the food is good, the drinks are better, and the price is right. I've visited a few times now, and always leave satisfied. The staff is always friendly, and the brick walls give the place a cozy feel. Quite simply a wonderful establishment!
(5)Kore P.
We sat down for a quick dinner. I had the fish and chips. They were good but the portion of the fish in contrast to the fries under whelmed me. I do not recall the fish being so small on previous visits. The server was quick and kept my coke continually topped off which was great. I have always been able to get in and get out of Maxwell's pretty quickly, which is always a plus.
(4)Cortney G.
If you're a bar food lover and haven't been to Maxwell's, you're missing out. Love, love, LOVE Maxwell's. Then again, I'm biased, because they have the best diet coke fountain around (not kidding), and I can down about six in one sitting. I pretty much hang out here for every Vikings game. Hands down, the best chicken wild rice soup in the TC. Nachos are fab. Chill atmosphere. Great service, love the waitstaff. If I lived down the street, I'd never have to use my own kitchen.
(5)Maggie F.
A great low-key place to relax. Good bar food. Not bad beer selection.
(4)Peggy L.
GREAT! I was here on a Wednesday night while in town for business and they just so happened to be one of the last places close to my hotel that was still open serving food late. As soon as I stepped in, I loved the whole vibe. It's not a big place but it had a nice cozy feel to it. Very welcoming. As soon as my friend and I sat down, we were greeted by the friendly staff. The service was super fast. I ordered their wings which were really good! My friend ordered the veggie burger and really liked it. Actually they have a few things on the menu that looked really good. I will for sure come back here if I'm ever in town again. It's a great little spot with a cozy atmosphere, good service, and good drink and food specials.
(4)Ralph B.
Best bar in the TC. Hands down. Small bar, cops love it and keep it safe. Enough TVs to watch, but not over powering or loud like a sports bar. Great specials almost every night, awesome staff that remembers and treats you like regulars. $3 Monday burger nights are the best.
(5)Gerhart T.
I went to Maxwell's for the first time last year before heading to the Pizza Luce Block Party (2009). I must give Maxwell's proper acknowledgment. Maxwell's is a gem of a place. I dropped $50 bucks for a casual dinner for two with drinks and it was worth every dime. Very good service, good food, and Minneapolis history combined with small town pub vibe. The folks running Maxwell's care about their business . . . . I observed an attention to detail and very clean restrooms. GT
(5)Michael K.
Was in town for one night staying at aLoft down the street. Just needed to grab a late night dinner around 9:30 and popped into this place. What a great bar with good food and pleasant staff! I immediately felt welcome (unlike aLoft) and was able enjoy a nice full meal. You have to try their waffle fries and secret sour cream dip! It's a sports bar with an old town feel....but even better, it seemed to be a 'cop' bar. While there, at least 3 different sets of cops came in for dinner. So if you're new to teh city and uncomfortable, come on down to Maxwells!
(4)Geoff S.
We hit this place late night for some after-theater grub. It was the perfect spot. Great service, great menu, and great food. Very casual vibe. Great drink prices!!
(4)Ramin R.
How perfect that my first review is of the place that made this San Francisco guy fall in love with (most of) Minneapolis a few years ago. I'm here at Maxwell's now for the first time since it reopened since the fire. The interior is almost the same as before but the bar is different. The wings are still the same, and with the waffle fries make for a great pub dinner with friends. They charge a dollar more for the sour cream for the waffle fries now though. Still a great deal and great atmosphere. And now, the cops are once again coming in for some food at night!
(5)Jeff G.
Kind of surprised that I don't have a Yelp review out here considering I'm a regular. :) Everything is great, the service, the food, the beer. Try the nachos with half chicken and half chili. That's my fave. There's a new shrimp dish on there with rice and black bean salsa I had the other night.. it was awesome. I'm definitely ordering that again.
(5)Dan S.
I'm so happy that they rebuilt this place after the fire. They have the best nachos around and a good happy hour beer special. It is a narrow bar with limited seating, so if you are lucky enough to get a seat during a Twins or Vikings game, make a day out of it. The bar doesn't have the same old fashioned wood as it did previously, but other than that it looks about the same as it did before the fire.
(5)Jon H.
I am a little biased on this review since I consider Maxwell's my home away from home. It is what a bar should be. Good prices, good food, good selection of beer and most importantly a fantastic staff.
(5)Stephanie R.
We stopped by Maxwell's as we were staying at the nearby Aloft. Our bartender Mary was helpful and friendly, and had a lot of history with the place, which is a nice old brick building that survived a fire in the thick of winter, evidenced by photos on the walls. I noticed that a waitress nearby was wiping down all the menus, which, after seeing it, I realized is probably something I would like to see a lot of other places doing. Who likes to touch a crusty, sticky menu?! I appreciated that as soon as I ordered a wine, I was given a glass of water. Red wine is DRY, Peeps! We also appreciated that once it was known we were staying across the street, we received a free beer by showing our hotel card.
(4)Mike E.
Maxwell's is a lock for my "Best Burgers of the Twin Cities" list. It's an unassuming spot in an unassuming part of downtown, just a few doors down from Bobby & Steve's off Washington. Our server was gregarious, prompt, and attentive. She gave the "I'm glad you guys are here" vibe in a completely genuine way. Bravo. The Laredo Burger was excellent: a hearty half-pound of meat, a generous heaping of avocado, smothered in pepperjack cheese, pico de gallo & chipotle aioli -- all on a fresh baked bun. Phenomenal burger, and a great price point: $8.50. I paid the extra $1.50 for fries and seasoned sour cream; 'twas a wise investment. Perfect amount of seasoning on the fries, and their sour cream was magnificent (and this is from a guy who normally isn't into seasoned sour cream). My dad had the Reuben and said it was wunderbar. Being a carb-conscious old man, he subbed veggies for chips. Most places give you a meager serving of veggies, but not Maxwell's. They loaded him up with a diverse mix of fresh, steamed veggies. Well done. The vibe is cozy without being cramped: tastefully appointed, and a generous number of flat screens to catch the game. We visited during a Vikes away game, and it was mostly filled up, but no wait to get a table.
(5)Andrey A.
This has become a go to dive bar for my friends and I. They have good specials and good food. Waffle fries are the bomb! Awesome service and a very laid back place to hang out!
(5)Steve C.
It's great. A pretty unknown spot for the most part (maybe just in my small circle of acquaintances). The happy hour is wonderful, the servers were all great, and there's just that tiny hint of spilled beer and old building in the air that make you feel proud to be Minnesotan. The happy hour is half off appetizers and certain beer specials to make it cheap even on a college budget. The Un-Applebees Applebees is what some of my friends refer to it as, but it is oh so much more. The only time I've ever seen it crazy crowded is on game nights but again nothing too bad. The idaho nachos are pretty bomb once you've had one or two "beverages." All in all, a neighborhood favorite for sure. Been there forever too.
(4)Alex H.
I had a wonderful happy hour experience here with Mary. She provided all of the necessary information to help me get a dinner and drinks for under $10. She shared stories of the buildings history and her 16 year tenure. I could not have been more pleased with my state fair burger nor the service. The atmosphere is a quaint neighborhood pub. Mary made my day with her friendly and welcoming service. I hope you are as fortunate as I was to get her as your server.
(5)Liz A.
Maxwell's is what a neighborhood bar should be. The staff is friendly, the bar is clean, there are plenty of TVs, and the food is consistently tasty. The best thing at this bar is by far the happy hour specials. They can't be beat!
(4)Matt T.
Great guilty-pleasure bar snacks at this garden-variety roadside bar. My group ordered bloody marys, which were spicy but nothing special. They did come with a beer chaser, which was a pleasant, Midwestern surprise. We also ordered a host of super cheap happy hour bar foods, and all (waffle fries, cheese curds, chicken fingers) were quite tasty. Pro-tip: great spot for a game given the TV situation (their layout is perfect for the space).
(3)