This is a review in two parts. First, lunch…read more
Maxdons claims to have the best steaks in town. Pretty bold statement. However, the place has been around for a long time and the rumor is that it is pretty darn good so I figured I would try the lunch menu. I will be returning this weekend to try the dinner menu and report in on any differences that I may find because this lunch experience was somewhat unique and definitely worth writing about.
Upon entering, I was washed over with a wave of nostalgia. It reminded me of all of those semi-fancy places I got to experience with my parents in the 1970s from the lighting to the ambience to the music to the general overall feel, which is very welcoming. And if you are as old as I am, will definitely take you back. And that is a great way to get an appetite started.
However, that's when things got a little strange...
On a Saturday afternoon, they had exactly one young lady tending bar, working the grill, and acting as a server for not only the interior but for the outside patio area. I'm not sure whether or not this is a gimmick or just a very inefficient way to save money, but let me tell you that that young lady worked herself crazy to take care of everybody and under the circumstances did a fine job of it.
Unfortunately, the grill is out in the main dining area and an open fire grill unattended can create somewhat of a safety issue. In addition, an old gentleman well into his cups decided to go over and place his face 6 inches above the food that was currently being cooked, which I thought was a little unsettling.
Based on all of this, I decided to order a cheeseburger in that I did not want to risk $50-$60 on a steak that was not going to be attended to consistently. That, dear reader, will come to pass this weekend when I go in for dinner this weekend.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the layout, I want to mention a few awesome things:
The cocktails were very well made. Generous pours, but they didn't overdo it and the result was delicious. I, myself, enjoyed a Mai Tai.
The salad bar was modestly stocked, but did not have a bunch of unnecessary, ridiculous items that people seem to think makes a salad taste better. They also had a soup of the day. But, at 95° outside was not on my list of things to eat. Again, that will be Saturday.
The cheeseburger was surprisingly delicious due to the fact that I don't think it was looked at more than twice and flipped more than once, but it was pretty darn good with a great char, and medium as ordered.
Upon requesting the check, it was noticed that the dinner salad listed on the menu at $7.99 was charged at $25. After three different conversations, the overworked server / cook / bartender realized the error and immediately made things right.
All in all this place is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. The research I did shows that the locals just love it. You can go on a classy date or something casual with some friends, and you will still have that sophisticated, refined throwback to an earlier time when going out to dinner was truly an event.
The only concern I have is for a staff member having to deal with several people and wear several hats with no backup whatsoever.
The inability to stay on top of a grill that is consistently going in the main dining area is a safety concern, but not the fault of the server herself. This is a management decision and I would definitely recommend that a second person is always on whether it is lunch or dinner.
She did mention that in the dinner time cycle, there is another person who comes in to assist and that is the reason I'm going back Saturday. I want to see how the dinner turn and burn works because the burger was really good and I imagine that the steaks are gonna be just as good as everybody says they are.
It is definitely worth a visit.
Until then....