The bartenders and maxes are always super nice they always care about your well-being, even if you're sick I'll call you and you are home the people here treat you like family even if you're not from eugene. He will always appreciate them. read more

Sometimes I go here with my friends to drink beer and play a game of Settlers of Catan. Yeah, I'm a nerd, but Max's doesn't seem to mind. The bartenders seem determined to keep our bowls full of popcorn and our glasses full of beer, and they try not to laugh when they hear my friend yell that the dice rolls are unfair. Tuesday (I think) is trivia night, so don't plan on breaking out the Risk then. I hear it can get kinda rowdy, which could be detrimental your soldier positioning and strategery. read more

I don't care to be anywhere else drinking. All of the chauvinistic attitude surrounding idolatry is sickening. Walk around campus once and awhile. Quest needs to open up the POTS and accept cashiers checks. Or just call the Verizon guy fuck.. -me read more

If you're looking for a fun time out at the bars then definitely don't go to Max's. A lot of the staff treats customers like shit, especially if you're a student. I've had more bad experiences than good here. I've even witnessed one particular bouncer putting their hands on customers and shoving them to the ground when they "kick" (almost literally) people out. I've never eaten the food here so I can't speak on that but I am completely satisfied with never trying it. Please teach your staff about morals and ethics and when you can and cannot get physical and put hands on a customer. What I witnessed was disgusting behavior, even to be treating drunk college kids. read more

Great bar, you just have to know not to order a mixed drink when the bar is busy. That's fine though, they usually have a pretty great beer selection. read more

SWEET CAROLINE!! Best way to close out a bar in Eugene. I would not miss stopping in for an RPM IPA via Boneyard when I'm in Eugene. Absolutely love this place. Happy hour is great here, you should check out the large mugs to feel like a caveman boss. Really great bar. read more

This is our go-to bar when visiting in Eugene. It's a hometown bar with incredible people, awesome drinks and they now offer amazing food. The owner makes a mean old fashioned and the tater tot nachos are the bomb! read more

I only gave Max's tavern a five star review because of Ruby. Around midnight a slew of dumbass college kids ruin the vibe, but hey, you gotta produce that revenue somehow. Listen to a bunch of pre-pubescent frat bros sing "sweet Caroline" at 0130 if you're so inclined. read more

Tl;dr...chalk this one-star up to poorly-trained and unprofessional staff. I've been to Max's dozens of times over the last few years. I've eaten the popcorn and the peanuts, I've sung Sweet Caroline, and I've seen the guys and girls who just finished puking in the men's room (apparently gender neutral, at least as far as vomiting is concerned) continue to get served at the bar. It's your quintessential college joint, with all of the related baggage. Love it or leave it. I'm leaving it. I stopped by on a recent midweek night to grab a quick beer, but ended up having my next two hours consumed by Rob, Max's inexperienced and rude bouncer. Rob was so convinced that my Oregon driver's license was a fake that he decided to confiscate it without consulting his manager, the OLCC guide to fake IDs, or any other forms of ID I had on me. Dude didn't just deny me service, but took and refused to return my driver's license. When I asked to speak to the manager, he got pissed, refused, and kicked me out of the bar. As he threw me out, he said my driver's license might be returned to me in the mail in a few weeks. How comforting. I should mention that I have never had an issue with my driver's license. That same week, my driver's license was sufficient for a state-owned liquor store, the DMV, a grocery store, and three different bars. Rob is quite literally the only person to ever voice a doubt about my driver's license. It's an Oregon ID, too, so god only knows how incompetent he is at verifying IDs from other states. After walking the two miles home, rifling through my apartment for my passport, and trekking back to the bar, I re-arrived at Max's expecting an apology and an opportunity to speak to the manager. I got neither. Instead, Rob scrutinized my passport and driver's license for several more minutes like he worked for Homeland Security, not a bar best known for being covered in peanut shells from the Akili Smith era. Finally, two hours after he first took my ID, he sheepishly returned my driver's license to me. He refused to apologize. He refused to give me the name of his manager. He refused to let me into Max's to talk to anyone else who worked there. He did, however, continue to prove his top-notch bouncer game by waving in a couple of stumbling guys who were slurring their words. Apparently you can get into Max's if you're visibly drunk and promise to "sip on some water" for the bouncer, but not if you have a valid driver's license, a legitimate complaint, and the gall to ask for the manager. I later learned that Rob had just started working at Max's and that the night manager had skipped his shift, leaving the inept new guy totally unsupervised. I don't know how often the Max's management decides to blow off work and leave their untrained staff to deal with a couple hundred drunk college kids, but I do know that it sounds like an unmitigated disaster in the making. Neil Diamond be damned, I won't be coming back. read more

My favorite bar in Eugene. The owner, Ward, and his wife are always so warm and welcoming. The bartenders are equally as awesome. They typically let me drink to my hearts content and the times I've been cut off I agreed with them lol love this place always good times read more

Go ahead. Try to complain about Max's. I bet you'll still be there at 2am, average yet overpriced drink in hand, belching SWEEEEET CAAAAROLIIIINE BA BA BAAAA on top of a booth with your closest friends. In all seriousness, Max's is what you make of it. Sometimes I find myself hating the place because after a long night at the bars, the last thing I want to do is play sardines in a can with 100 frat dudes. On the other hand, you're bound to see someone you know and the bartenders are friendly if you're not a huge jerk. I've got a love hate relationship with this place, but I sure will miss it when I leave. read more

We went there out of curiosity having heard on KEZI a claim by Bar and Restaurant Magazine that this was the best bar in the country - Quite a Claim! To make a long story short, it is not the best bar in the country or even in Eugene - by far! Though it is old, I doubt if it can muster even enough nostalgia to rate best bar near the U of O campus. It is a run down place that basically serves beer (but does not carry the most popular local beer) and has a relatively small selection. Though the cheeseburger was not bad, we must conclude that if it was not a big joke played on KEZI, the B&R reviewer must have been seriously drunk. read more

The perfect dive bar. I love the old feel and the influence on Moe's Tavern from The Simpsons. I was told by a bartender years ago it's where Belushi came to drink a beer or two while filming Animal House. It's got history and character for sure. Prices are good and service has been good. read more

I love the casual and accepting space they have created! Super friendly! I have always loved the idea of peanuts at a bar and throwing shells on the ground!! read more

I love that they give you popcorn and the food is actually pretty good. I wasn't impressed with the bartenders/selection as I had to explain how to make a "sex on the beach" (a very basic drink) and they didn't even have the ingredients. The worst part was the crowd. Most of the people there didn't even look old enough to be in a bar and some are very annoying. That's kinda what you get when you go out near campus though. It's just a very small bar so it's harder to ignore those girls that start every sentence with, "Like, Oh my God...." read more

Max's is the closest bar to UofO that doesn't suffer from college gits. There was a bit of a Dirt Bag presence when I was there last, but they mean well. read more

I'm writing this review solely because of DJ Victor. The DJ plays every Thursday, and really makes the bar the best thing. I love the music he plays. It has a lot of variety and energy. His DJing is a lot better than any of the others on campus. We only have a great time at this bar when he's there. The other nights it's really hard to bare the crowd when the music they have playing in the background is very low. read more

I used to love this place however recently they got a new bouncer who is insane. My ID is real and I've been there a ton of times before, but this new bouncer insisted it wasn't me. I went back the next day to get it back and they said they didn't have it and it was sent out but would be mailed to my permeant address. I've been using my passport since but its been a month and half and still haven't gotten it back... I've called the police and they did not have the time of day, which I understand. However, I don't think I should have to pay the $30 and hassle of going to the dmv. I used to love this place but this new bouncer is really something else. read more

It's a college bar during most of the year and usually super crowded. The drinks are usually subpar and the service is sketchy. During the summer you'll find a lot more locals here, and then it really makes you think of Moe's tavern in the Simpsons that it supposedly is based on. read more

The bouncer in the front on 10/7 was absolutely horrible. He was trying to explain to someone else that their ID was fake, and then he grabbed mine and said "this is what a real ID looks like!" And BENT it. I seriously have a permanent crease in my ID now because of this jerk. I'm SO angry and he didn't even care. Didn't even apologize. He should honestly pay me for a new ID, or be fired, or both. I was just visiting because I graduated but I'm going to avoid this place next time I'm in Eugene because of this guy. read more

Really like this place. Came here on an off night but glad we did. Felt like a very local, easy going bar, nothing pretentious, no one trying too hard. And free pop corn and pretzels alongside my $3 pint glass of PBR. I'd be a regular here if I lived in Eugene, for sure. read more

Max's is a great bar! The free popcorn they give you is fantastic, but the problem is you can't stop eating it. The bartenders are great and really friendly. Just an overall good place to get a drink. read more

Best bar in town. Yep. Atmosphere is extremely comfortable, nothing obtrusive. Music is classic rock/70s/80s/90s good stuff. I frequent this bar nearly every other day. The bartenders are wonderful and the beer is always always ice cold and fresh. The outdoor area in the back is wonderful to catch some fresh air or smoke if you prefer. The bathrooms could be a bit better, but it's really not bad. There's 1 pool table, yet with the layout and amount of people its really easy to get many games in before the 11pm rush. Tuesdays are trivia night, and Fridays are peanut night. With a dozen beers on tap, (only 2 being the fizzy yellow garbage, thank god) this place is my haven after work and a great place to meet up with friends. I will keep coming back until I'm physically unable to =) read more

Max's is my go-to campus bar. Super friendly staff, free drunchies, nice bouncers, and wonderful patio. I've been all times between 10pm and 2am, but the only difference was trying to elbow your way through people. The cozy environment and classic bar lend themselves nicely to a happy hour beer, while the patio is great for a fresh air break from dancing at 2am! Peanut night will always hold my favorite night of college memories ~ read more

Old Timey w/ a sweet back patio set up that includes heaters a fireplace & TV - perfect place for tacos & friends on a game day. PS - BoatHouse! read more

I went here a few weeks ago with some friends that told me it was a good place to go if you are expecting your typical college bar. As for the people in the place, yes, it was your typical college population of people. As for the employees, it was quite clear they have no idea how to give good service. As Rachel C said, the bartenders were not welcoming, not trying to help other people who had questions and actually rolled eyes at customers that did not know what they wanted right away. A couple actually got up and left after the way the bartender was treating another person at the bar. I heard the ownership changed recently and that the new staff are not what Max's is known for and quickly creating a new name for themselves. I have multiple friends tell me they no longer go to Max's after years of going because of the new staff. Also, the bouncers used excessive force twice while I was there for people who were complaining about the service. They grabbed them by their shirt and shoved them out after no physical safety was being threatened. No one felt threatened until the bouncer made his presence known. It made me feel unsafe and left shortly after. A bouncer has no more legal authority to use physical means than any other citizen. This was not lawful and I am sure he does it many other times. read more

I guess I am one of those old guys...3rd generation Duck and all of my relatives used to go to Max's tavern. Me, Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, Grandfather, etc.. The new Max's is great and I like the remodeling. They kept most of the ambience from days of old. The staff is very friendly and the prices are reasonable. I still try to go to Max's everytime I am in town with a little extra time. However, the old Max's was the crown jewel of campus dive bars. Often imitated but never duplicated. Taylor's couldn't touch it. They have an old B & W photo behind the bar of what the place looked like. It was dark, dingy, dirty, graphitti on the tables & walls, the bathroom was scary, and the crowd was a great mix of everyone from bikers to college kids to lawyers, etc.. You went there to drink beer and listen to music. You did not dare to eat the food unless it was a beer sausage that had been cooking for a while. They had pickled hard boiled eggs for sale in a huge jar. During the mid to late 1980's during the school year, I was a regular on weekend nights and saw so many amazing bands there. If for no other reason than the UO history behind this place, you have to go to Max's Tavern. 'nuff said! GO DUCKS! read more

Get a new bartender that doesn't roll their eyes at paying customers. You chose this life, it didn't choose you. Girl from last night so rude, aren't you used to drunk girls by now? Not only was she acting completely out of line and ignoring questions I ask. read more

If you go to Max's for anything other than some good ol'fashioned drinking, you're wrong. I mean seriously, this isn't a place that's for everyone. Know what you like, you want a Bar's bar. Go here. read more

I met my wife here in 2002. I was playing pool, and maybe my butt bent over the pool table made her come up to me and kiss me at the end of the night. Hell, I don't know. I don't have a particularly great ass, but, apparently, he must have dug deep and done his job that night. We were together for about 19 years. We got married in North Carolina. We are getting divorced soon, but I wouldn't trade any of that for anything. Even ending now... it was still good. Meet someone. If you're interested in them, ask them out. Or... let them ask you out. Love them as long as both of your hearts can take it. Always... always love completely as long as you can. Max's set in motion much of my life. I met my love, moved to Charlotte, NC, and found a life for myself here. Love, people. Just don't think too much about it. Please... just love. That's all you can do. Meet someone. See if it works. Make it work as long as you can. If it doesn't work after a while, just go your separate ways... like grown adults. Don't repeat the things you did wrong in that relationship. The things you did right... make those better. And... maybe try the fried zucchini sun dials or pita chips & hummus along the way. Man... I don't know. Just make a go at it. It's not like any of us know what we are doing either. read more

This is rapidly becoming my favorite bar in Eugene. Of note is their extended happy hour, which runs until 8 pm. (I believe it starts at 4 pm.) Their Guinness on tap is probably the best I've had in Eugene. And as many others have mentioned, the popcorn is fabu. The only food I've had here is the nachos (Notch Hoes as they affectionately call them) but they were surprisingly good. read more

I spent many years consuming beverages in this place. It was the go-to bar for myself and my cronies throughout the college years, and I'm sure some of them are still there regularly throughout the week, continuing to live the dream. It's pretty much a carbon copy of Moe's Tavern, but filled with college students rather than middle-aged deadbeats (well... there's some of those too, but it helps perpetuate the classic "dank" atmosphere). A fine beer selection, free peanuts or popcorn, and some killer sing-along tunes. They've got a great outdoor smoking patio and will roll out a (free) BBQ on game days. It's a great place to play pool, but if you're there in the evening you'll probably be met by surly regulars that take their game a little too seriously. They've also got a stash of board games, and if you ask me, nothing beats a rousing game of Drunk Yatzee. In recent years, the spill-over from Taylor's has started to crowd the place up and change the atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights, which is really a shame. Still, this has always been my favorite destination for drunken hijinks in town, and I'm sure to spend a few evenings there every time I return to town. read more

They have a nice selection of beer on tap and a long happy hour (I forgot when exactly) every day of the week. The staff is nice, food is good and cheap, area out back is nice. Usually showing sports on the TVs. They have darts. Everything I want in an bar. read more

I usually go for lighter beers, and the sweetness of their Pear beer on tap makes me a fan. The free popcorn or peanuts don't hurt either.

This is my favorite bar. A frosty mug of beer washes the free popcorn down well. Add some extra nutritional yeast to the popcorn if your crafty enough. And if its your 1st time there you need to order a pickled egg. They also sometimes have cribbage tournaments! read more

Hands down the best bar in Eugene. Not pretentious, not trying to be anything it's not. A simple gathering place for great people who enjoy good beer and good booze. The managers and bartenders are a dedicated, innovative crew who enjoy improving your Max's experience more than anything. And nothing, nothing, can beat closing time. With the entire bar up on tables, singing their heart out to "Don't Stop Believin'" and of course, "Sweet Caroline", you will, if you haven't already, fall in love with this perfect bar. Go Ducks. read more

I love this place. What makes Max's great is the people. Everyone there is awesome. From the owner and employees, to the patrons. You can have an engaging conversation with perfect strangers comfortably. That is much more than I can say for most bars. I especially love Max's in the middle of the afternoon. It is actually Mo's from the Simpsons, and at times I feel like Homer, but at least I'm not Barney. I am gluten intolerant and had to give up my beloved craft beers. Max's is very accommodating and had cider on tap, and after talking with me now have New Planet and Omission GF (gluten free) beers! I only know one other bar that has gluten free beer in Eugene. I think I'm going to go there now. read more

Max's is one of the four classic college bars, always the ending stop for everyone due to "closing maxs", which consists of everyone standing on the tables and benches and belting out sweet caroline, which is a blast. If you get there early enough or go on an off day, you can get a table which makes it way better. If you go on a wednesday, thursday, friday, or saturday after 11pm or so, good luck. It gets hopelessly packed and you can definitely expect to get a drink/something spilled onto you, people bumping in to you. They give out free popcorn ONLY IF EVERYONE in your party buys a drink (as we were rudely told last time we were there), which are extremely expensive (we thought it would be fine that half our group had drinks and half were already too drunk for another), but no. Garrett (?) who used to be the bouncer but now is a bartender, is awful - horribly rude, impatient, and tells you he expects a tip without doing ANYTHING to earn one (just be nice??). Even if you're completely sober/well behaved/polite, he treats you like he is way above you and says sarcastic, mean comments. He ruined my experience there, and as I was complaining to other people, I got the same response from everyone - a friend even told me that the week before, he and an entire group of people left because of this bartenders rudeness. Which is too bad because the rest of the bartenders are great. Just make sure your tips go to them! Overall a great bar though, with good people and good times. Another review says that it isn't filled with the frat type, and that's probably true before 11pm, but after, it's half/mostly Greek life like every other campus bar. read more

This place is the finest offering of beer and beverages in Eugene. It's dressed up exactly as it should be, basic, dive-bar, and inviting to all. A college bar just the perfect distance from campus to make just about anyone who enters comfortable. Locals, out-of-towners, the college kids, and the Mom's and Dad's of college kids. It is perfect for four or five male friends to go out and talk football, business, or women. I spent many a night here singing "Sweet Caroline" at 2AM after last call. The bartenders and staff was awesome. We would get up on the tables and bars with our drinks in our hands and bellow Sweet Caroline until the cows came home. The only thing I regret was not coming here every Friday during my college experience. Any parent or visitor to Eugene will be able to go here and reminisce about their college experience. This place basically rounded out my college partying experience. read more

One of the best nights of my life included a couple pints of guinness on tap at the old Max's... just might have to visit the new Max's. read more