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    Max's Restaurant

    3.1 (167 reviews)
    ModerateFilipino
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Max's Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    MAX'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Max's Restaurant

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    Chicken Sisig (crispy chicken with aromatics)
    Chris S.

    I came in for an earlier dinner on Sunday with two friends. The front of house seemed busy, but we were prompted seated. Atmosphere was laid back and there were a few families seated in the restaurant. Since it was our first time here, we decided on Max's Teasers (lumpiang shanghai aka Filipino egg rolls, calamari, and chicharon bulakak aka fried ruffle fat). For ~$15, the calamari was a little soggy and the bulakak was too rich but fun to try with spicy vinegar. The lumpia was crispy and nicely seasoned. I ordered the Kare Kare: oxtail with book choy, eggplant, and green beans in savory peanut sauce. Rice was an extra $2 but I think the server gave me a larger portion. Overall, 7/10 flavor and fresh veggies, though the soup could have been a little warmer. My friend ordered the chicken sisig, with crispy bits and a much-too-fishy fish sauce. Overall, food was a 5.5/10, not bad for a quick sit-down meal. Service was 7/10 and family-friendly ambiance.

    Jenn D.

    We came by last night (Friday) at 7:32 PM and the "Closed" sign was already up. The lady told us they're closed, but when I mentioned your website says you close at 9 PM, she said 7:30 PM instead. Like seriously? It was just 7:32! We drove 40 minutes just to eat there. Even the sign on your door says 9PM. Also, no one was answering the phone when we tried calling to check your hours. Please update your website or make sure your hours are accurate and consistent. To be honest, I've been to other Max's locations in California, and this just didn't feel like the same Max's quality. No wonder Filipino food spots around here are shutting down, people don't want to drive out just to be disappointed.

    Garlic rice
    Celine M.

    Every time I have a Filipino craving, this is the spot we go to. The food was ok, you could probably get your Filipino mom to make you a better Kare Kare. But some days, you just wanna eat out and not cook. I really like our server, he was super friendly and attentive.

    Christopher S.

    HOUSTON, TX 77025 / FILIPINO / 06-04-23 / TAKEOUT LUNCH +The garlic fried rice ($8.00, Large) was delicious and the portion size is legit. +The fried chicken ($13.00, Half) was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. +The halo-halo special dessert ($8.00) was o.g. -They really skimped on the french fries; please see the attached picture. Sundays are packed and the wait times can be 40-60 minutes. Service was meh; the workers could have given me my takeout order 5-10 minutes earlier, as it just sat on a shelf. I will be back to try the other dishes. Stay tuned.

    2 shrimp, about 10 tiny pieces of meat maybe a handful of veggies with a lot of noodles as well as very bland taste. Never again.

    Outside
    Jando S.

    Hardcore fans of Filipino fare might be quick to point out that this is not comparable to the OG locations in Manilla (#1), I'm actually quite satisfied with my experiences here. Located in what feels like a Filipino plaza that also includes other Filipino big chains like Jollibee and Red Ribbon, there is a lot to appreciate here. Opened as of last year, this location still looks, feels, and even smells very new. The place is bright, spacious, and super ideal for all kinds of parties. When the bathrooms are clean, it makes my dining heart sing just a little bit. I've found that it's not ever too crowded in here, but that's probably because I'm doing my dining in the middle of the week. I've been to a handful of Max's internationally and this one probably stacks up just in the middle somewhere, but the service, modern interiors, and consistent offerings get a thumbs up from me. The food is solid with a good number of classic dishes that range from crispy patas to sisig to lumpia. Their claim to fame, the fried chicken, is available as a half and a whole for $11-15. It's not going to blow too many folks, but given how much variety they have, that's totally okay. The dishes I like here are the kare kare, pork skewers, lechon kiwali, and laing. The latter has a nice hint of coconut milk, which is crucial for the stewed taro leaves to be rich and an ideal comfort food option. Top it off with any of their ube ice creams, or perhaps their infamous halo halo, and life can be good. Prices are going to be higher than most spots, but I think that's by virtue of being a famous chain + a little pandemic inflation. Service has always been really good and I never hesitate to dine here with anyone, especially in a group. (#2) I still recommend coming to check this place out, especially for those who are craving some element of Filipino cuisine and looking to satisfy it in this part of the inner loop. _____________ (#1) And they'd be right. This place is *way* cleaner. (#2) If only they offered a kamayan feast!

    Jack L.

    It makes sense for a Max to be here with such a large Filipino community! It's a nice family restaurant that was pretty packed. But it kinda of goes downhill from there. Service is definitely overworked which I feel pretty bad about - I wish those folks could catch a break especially with how packed it was. Half fried chicken was pretty dry which is heart breaking since that is a flagship dish of theirs. Fries were a bit soggy and sad too. I want to say I don't have the acquired taste of having that much peanuts in my life too for some of the dishes, but I feel like it didn't enhance the flavor really well either. I will say the portions are decent, but you are paying a decent amount too. I would be interested in coming back here since I feel like the restaurant didn't out it's best foot forward and my Filipino friends truly rave about this place. Consider giving it a shot too but be cautious!

    Sisig
    Kathleen S.

    Food was five stars (for the most part) but service could be better. I'm not sure if they are understaffed but we asked on multiple occasions to multiple people for drinks and after about 30 minutes and our food being out, got them. Our waiter served tables with bigger parties and I'm wondering if we just got forgotten about. Food is the closest to being authentic. I ordered Sago (drink) and that sago was undercooked but everything else was good. It's mostly family style, so you get big portions. My favorite was the pork sisig. It was very crispy! The pancit canton was good and the pork sinigang had a good sourness to it. We went on a weekday lunch and wait was about 20 minutes. Hoping to have a better service experience next time.

    Left to right- Angie (front) Linda (back), Me -Miki (front) Carrie (back). My classmates from high school!  I love them!!
    Miki K.

    My classmates invited me to a luncheon with the girls today at this restaurant. I didn't know this Philippino restaurant existed till now. So first impressions are the most important part when it comes to posting a review. When I walked in the place was clean, cozy and bright. There was a few Filipino decorations on the wall but for the most part the restaurant was inviting because of the cozy neutral and bright yellow color theme they chose for the decor. Our server was the bomb!! He was very patient and even took our picture. You'll see it below with the food we ordered The menu was simple and very authentic items were on it. We ordered Max's famous fried chicken ( whole) chicken skin is super crispy but so tender, tasty and juicy on the inside, kare kare (peanut butter curry beef stew), lechon ( crispy pork w/ skin) pancit bihon and some vegetarian chop suey. Everything was cooked authentic and tasted great! I didn't get to try their halo halo but next time I will. If you love good Filipino food then this should be your next stop. This is a must see. Located close to NRG stadium off of Main Street.

    Sisig - lechon
    Dave C.

    It's really quite average. It's not bad by any stretch. Just average. And I know they're famous for their fried chicken, but it's really not "all that". Jollibee's is better. The sisig is awesome, as is the crispy pata and fresh lumpia.

    Menu
    Chelle N.

    Dined in on a Monday at 1:00 pm with a party of two. I didn't feel the love in their dishes. Every thing was bland and the presentation was sad. Our food took a very long time to come out. By that time the food came out we were HANGRY, but it still wasn't good. We ordered: Max's teasers: lumpiang was good but wish they were bigger, chicharon bulaklak was super crispy and very good, calamari was HORRIBLE; thick batter, sad cheap rubbery squid rings, and zero flavor Half Max's fried chicken: dry and no flavor, I dipped it with vinegar and that helped a little Garlic rice: zero flavor, can't even taste garlic

    Fyi there is no pizza here... As of Sept 2021
    Karina M.

    I was pretty underwhelmed by Max's. I really wanted to like it, but I just didn't. The food was just okay. Portions weren't Texas big at all. I expected it to be short-staffed but the ones who were there were stressed out and overwhelmed. It took us more than 1 hour to get seated; after we were seated it took a while to even get service, or our food. We were so hungry I started eating mamon from Red Ribbon that I had bought prior to coming to Max's! That's pretty bad when you're eating food from another restaurant inside a place because you're starving so much. This place is known for its chicken but i really didn't see the hype. It wasn't any better than chicken I'd had anywhere else. For me, this place was a one and done, and I left pretty disappointed, with half my day over!

    6/6/23 menu
    Benedict B.

    Came here two days in a row. Be careful when you order your rice portions- they come huge. Everything I ate tasted like they were laced with MSG or magic sarap because both times I got a headache after eating. I had the binagoongan fried rice (comes only in large), the bbq on a stick and half fried chicken. Asides from the chicken skin I didn't like the rest of the fried chicken. Day two I had the garlic, fried rice, the barbecue, on a stick, chop Suey and pork sisig. The sisig was knorr or maggi sauce based. If you're splurging go to Gerry's instead

    Whole chicken

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    1 year ago

    Incredible food and kind staff, can not recommend this spot enough! Some of the best in Houston

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    2 years ago

    You can have better Filipino food elsewhere for a fraction of the price. They also charge for steam rice.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Max's Restaurant

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    Ate here for the first time. We ordered the Sarsa MNL Lechon Chicken and the BBQ Plate. The food…read morewas definitely flavorful and delicious. Not the traditional style Filipino food that you'd find at a hole-in-the-wall. We also got the combo which comes with a drink and a side of tiny lumpias and some salt/vinegar shrimp chips. Overall, pretty pricy and not worth the price you pay. The food is pretty flavorful and the portions aren't bad or anything, I just don't think it's worth the price. Staff are friendly. Lots of tables to dine at to include the rest of the food court. The fountain drink machine is near one of the front doors. The parking lot is small and tight so I wouldn't bring a huge truck in here. The gate automatically lets you in, but you can pay on your way out and they don't validate here.

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