Max’s is the Texas Wine Dive
Judging by the jukebox, concrete floors, and big, old-fashioned booths at this “dive,” a beer seemed like the most obvious order. But then I figured out that I would probably miss out on the 160 selections of wine by the glass and very necessary comfort food like the Kobe burger with Brie or fried oyster nachos. Yeah, this is the place, this is the Max Wine Dive I came for. I’m in Houston and I just arrived here from Austin. I’d heard about Max’s from friends while in Austin last spring for SXSW. While I didn’t have time then, I vowed to find a way to make the time to go there when I came back. This was, for me, powerful reason to come back.
Their web site sums up the attitude for the place perfectly. “Fried chicken and Champagne? … Why the hell not?!” So, truth be told, they had me at hello.
I love wine bars like this. I’ve been in some great places in the U.S. Syrah Wine Parlor in San Diego, Bar Bambino, San Francisco and Tria Cafe, Philadephia but Max’s has got a pretty unique vibe. It wasn’t all that long ago that Houston didn’t seem to offer much in the way of trendy wine bars but I think the city has turned all that around. Besides Max’s they now have The Tasting Room and the Wine Bucket. Aside from the fact that it’s cold as hell here, I could seriously get into this city.
I checked the chef working the line and expediting orders with a buzz that was wonderful to see. The more I watched him, the more sure I was that he should submit an audition tape to the Top Chef folks, right here, right now. He is majorly photogenic, and he seems both intelligent and totally into his gig. I could discern all of this merely with two glasses of wine and my astute powers of observation.
It’s also important to note that very few things are as personally liberating as losing your fear of fried chicken. I was clearly in the right place when that happened for me. I could include pictures of wine and comfort food from this place like there was no tomorrow but I also understand that I’m not all that qualified for the role of Travel Log. I do know what I like, however, and I can tell you with all sincerity that Max’s in both Austin and Houston gives Texans a couple of great places to take their guests.
Max’s Wine Dive Houston 4720 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77007 Phone: 713-880-8737
13 Jan 2010, 11:42 am
Are you talking about Austin or Houston? Arent these photos from the Max's in Austin?
13 Jan 2010, 6:42 pm
Are you talking about Austin or Houston? Arent these photos from the Max's in Austin?