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    Max's Restaurant

    3.1 (167 reviews)
    ModerateFilipino
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:30 pm
    Updated 2 months 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!

    Whole chicken
    John D.

    You know you have a large Filipino community when there's a Max's around the corner. Never in my wildest dreams would the best chicken place in the Philippines set up shop in Houston. When I first heard that there's was going to be a Max's up the road, I thought it was just a rumor. But there it is, holding court in Houston's unofficial Little Manila next to Jollibee and Red Ribbon. I haven't eaten at Max's in 15 years during a trip to the Philippines so to come here was like a homecoming of sorts. Max's has a marketing slogan that reads, "Sarap to the bone," or "delicious to the bone." Very accurate since the whole fried chicken my younger brother and I had was nicely cooked and fairly juicy. The crispy skin was candy-like and the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender. Sauces need not apply. What blew me away was the sizzling pork sisig. Let me tell you, the sisig arrived at our table snapping, crackling, and popping that a few drops hit me and the waitress. Since none of us were hurt, we just laughed it off. So back to the sisig: succulent, plentiful, and loaded with flavor. My people don't mess around with pork dishes. I wish I could've topped off the meal with halo halo, but I was stuffed. Maybe next time.

    6/6/23 menu

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    5 years ago

    Didn't get the chicken but the bbq pork skewers and the sizzling chopped pork belly was phenomenal. I'd come back again.

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    Page 5 of 5

    Ask the Community - Max's Restaurant

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    4.1(539 reviews)
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    Came in on a sun night and was seated immediately…read more Food 5/5: Got the chili wings, ribeye, egg noodles, lechon and the short rib. Everything tasted excellent, my personal favorite was the chili wings, incredibly crispy yet very saucy at the same time. Can't go wrong with anything tho, ribeye was not as tender as I prefer but very flavorful Service 5/5: gave fantastic recommendations, friendly, and food came out quickly Ambiance 4/5: casual relaxed ambiance with a bar, clean, well lit. Value 4/5: fair sized portions for the price Overal 4.5/5: excellent food for a decent price, good service in a casual ambiance. Will be back to try other options

    Came here on a nice Wednesday night weatherwise. Their happy hour is all day on Wednesdays which is…read morea plus and they have a number of bar bites discounted $3-5 dollars. My BMP calamansi margarita was distinct in its tanginess. Tried the veggie lumpias and brussel sprouts. The lumpias had tangy dipping sauce that might have been dominated by calamansi. More tang than savory. The brussel sprouts were standard but had a good portion. I tried to detect whether they used fish sauce but I couldn't tell. Ordered the daing na bangus (milkfish) as my entree. They gave me the whole fish and it threw me off that it was mostly deboned since I kept looking for the bones with my tongue and teeth. Fish was nice and crispy and the dipping sauce was more savory than what came with the lumpias. The garlic rice that came with the dish was smoky from that wok hay. Probably could have used a little more soy sauce for flavouring. My favourite dish was the turon dessert (fried bananas) along with the ube ice cream. The coconut sauce they used seemed more like caramel. I haven't eaten much Filipino food so I wasn't sure how authentic the dishes were. I was expecting a little more intensity in the flavours, and I don't know if it was toned down for their customers. There were around ten customers that night. The inside was beautiful and they have a two level patio that is perfect for nights like these. The service was very nice and the kitchen was faster than I expected.

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    5.0(19 reviews)
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    From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by the entire staff. The ambience was warm and…read morethoughtful: soft lighting and cozy table setup. They allow byob and there's also a wine tasting as well. The 5 courses menu was thoughtfully crafted, with each dish rooted in heritage and memory. Highlights included the fried octopus with eggplant, it was a bit hard to hear what exactly the sauce he made was--but it was amazing. Also the fried rice with Wagyu, quail egg and topped with caviar was fantastic. Great texture and presentation. Service was impeccable. Chef Bham and the staff were deeply knowledgeable and genuinely passionate. Every glass was topped off before we even noticed. You could tell they weren't just serving food but also they were part of the storytelling. This experience deserves every bit of praise. If you're looking for something beyond the usual dining. Truly unforgettable. I'll be talking about this night for a long time.

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    Soy Pinoy - BBQ Pork

    Soy Pinoy

    3.5(106 reviews)
    5.9 miDowntown

    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.

    Soy Pinoy is located inside POST Houston, so you get that open, hawker-style food hall setup with…read moretons of first-come, first-serve seating. The space is massive and surprisingly comfortable, making it a great place to hang out if you're a foodie who likes options. There are indoor courtyards and even a rooftop with nice decor and city views--but I'll save my full POST Houston thoughts for another review. Now, onto Soy Pinoy, because this is where my senses officially took over. What pulled me in wasn't a sign or a menu--it was the aroma. The kind that makes you slow your walk and start scanning to see where it's coming from. Then I saw the display. They had several dishes laid out front and center, plated beautifully on banana leaves, looking crisp, golden, and downright tempting. At that point, it felt less like choosing food and more like being chosen by it. I ordered two dishes. The pork dish was fine--no complaints--but it didn't really wow me. Solid, but not something I'd rush back for. The real star was the whole fried red snapper. I loved that I actually got to pick the fish myself from the display up front, which already sets the tone for freshness. It came out perfectly breaded and fried to a crisp, with great crunch on the outside while the fish inside stayed tender and flavorful. It was served with a side of rice and a fish sauce with Thai chilies that really elevated the whole dish--salty, spicy, and just what it needed to cut through the richness. This is absolutely something I would order again without hesitation. Overall, Soy Pinoy knows exactly how to grab your attention--and more importantly, how to deliver when it counts. If you're walking through POST Houston hungry, good luck resisting this place. I tried... and clearly failed.

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    TJ Filipino Cuisine - Rice muffin with cheese (fluffy but salty)

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    4.1(156 reviews)
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    I relocated to Houston almost a year ago. After watching Mikey Chan, who I follow on YouTube…read morerecommend this place highly. I told my husband to please let's check this place out. My father is Filipino so I was missing Filipino cuisine. This place did not disappoint. It was clean, and staff were very hospitable. We came in extra early as per Mikey's suggestion. So they were still putting out food for the lunch buffet. Although they didn't not have the sisig or my one other favorite, pork sinigang ALL of the other favorite were there to satisfy this Half Filipina

    After years since our last visit, we finally made it back to TJ Filipino Cuisine--of course for…read moreFilipino breakfast. We really missed Hazel. I'm not sure if she still works here, but the place honestly felt different without her welcoming smile and warm reception. We arrived just in time for breakfast (last Saturday) I ordered Bangsilog, while my cousin had the Tocilog. Service was fast as usual. I really enjoyed my Bangsilog--the bangus tasted fresh, perfectly fried, crispy on the outside while still tender and juicy inside. Unfortunately, my cousin's tocino was disappointing. The tocino was tough and tasted like it may have been leftover from previous day and simply reheated. Either that or it has been sitting in the kitchen for quite awhile. We still finished our meals. Because we were starving, but it definitely affected the experience. It also made us miss Hazel's customer service even more because if she had been there, we're pretty sure she would've handled the situation right away. I waited a while before writing this review because I wanted to be as fair as possible. The lady who served us was still very good, although it was obvious that the overall customer service experience was not quite at the same level as when Hazel was around. The biggest issue was really the tocino. Because of that, this latest visit to TJ's wasn't perfect and honestly made us wonder if it's still worth making this one our go-to spot whenever we're in the Houston area.

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