Best bar in the world. Bartenders are awsome. Best beer selection. Monk's in Philly is good if you want bottles but if you want bottles and DRAUGHT come to Max's. A place where they remember your name, if you go enough.

Talk about resting on your laurels. "Overpriced, Wanna-Be-Taphouse with Prison Slop" is what this place should be called. If you want a sausage fest this place is for YOU! Like Jessica says, the atmosphere is horrible unless you like drinking beer in a funeral parlor. The staff is about as friendly as the servers at "China Kingdom" in your local mall's food court.

Jamie the bartender was so rude to me when I was there for my first time. He asked me if he was speaking Chinese or if I was deaf. I actually heard what he said, but he was being so rude and confrontational that I was caught off guard since it came out of left field. Finally, I informed him that I wasn't leaving a tip for him which I've never done in my life, especially since I've been a server back in the day. I calmly put my coat on and was waiting for my friend to finish up paying his tab so we could leave. Next thing I know I see Jamie behind the bar whisper to the bouncer who then headed my way.

Before I knew it the bouncer was pushing me so forcefully that I could have gotten seriously injured. IT WAS CRAZY. I was totally sober since we had only had two drinks and had to get up early for the next day. I can't imagine what they do to intoxicated people. Actually I can, my neighbor had to go to the hospital to see if his arm was dislocated after he had been drinking there and was thrown out (I'm sure he wasn't totally innocent, but still). Mark my words...someone WILL end up being seriously injured through no fault of their own by the staff at Max's. It is just a matter of time.

PS. this is totally a separate incident than what Jody P. is writing about who I don't even know, but obviously had a similar experience. Like I said....just a matter of time.

The manager called my boyfriend an asshole.

So, I get that you go to Max's for the beer, but let's be honest, you can go anywhere for beer. I've had several issues with the service at Max's in the past but this was just the last straw. We went there to meet friends and I ordered a salad. Because they only have two overpriced salads on the menu (both cost $10.50, one is a Caesar, the other is the Max's salad - cranberries, walnuts, gorgonzola), I asked if they would make me a salad with just lettuce, tomato and onion. Three things that they have on the menu, seems pretty simple to me (p.s. i've worked in restaurants for 10 years, I know that was not an outrageous request). The bartender said that was not a problem.

So when the salad comes out, It is a bowl of spinach with gorgonzola on it. I am not sure how he got 'spinach and gorgonzola' from 'lettuce, tomato, and onion'. I decided to just forget it, since it was clearly too difficult for them and just said I didn't want it anymore. The bartender advised me that I would have to pay $10.50 for the bowl of spinach and cheese whether I wanted it or not. My boyfriend took over at this point. He asked to speak with the manager and explained what happened. He then told the manager (calmly, at this point) what had happened and said that I didn't want the salad anymore. The manager's response: "You don't have to be such an asshole". Completely uncalled for. Now, I don't think I have to continue - you can imagine how the scene escalated from there.

So long story long, you can get beer anywhere. Really. I know there are 75 beers on tap and all the bottles, but whatever. It's a bad atmosphere and the customers apparently aren't important to the business. So now you know.

Excellent tap selections, probably rivaled only by Brewers' Art. Food is a matter of desparation or laziness on your part. Adjacent cigar bar/smoking lounge is a plus during the cold months. Crowd ranges from beernerds to meatheads to lacrosstitutes to Margaritaville divorcees. Can be more crowded than it's worth on some weekends. Belgian Beer Fest is a hoot, but an investment of will to fight through the immense crowds.

Definitely one of the best beer selections in Baltimore. I'm not totally crazy about the atmosphere sometimes, but it's worth it to try some new beers and hang out a little.

Great staff and a nice atmosphere. It's perfect on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. It gets crowded on Friday/Saturday nights, but it's large enough that it never feels TOO crowded.

I like that everytime I go I can have a different beer. The bartenders are friendly, but if you get there after happy hour on the weekends can get pretty crowded.

I agree with Brian...Max's isn't known for their food but rather the huge selection of beers and broadcasted sporting events. As a huge fan of Stella, I'm pretty happy sitting at the bar with my pint, talking to the great staff! Plenty of TV's for sports fans alike!

First thing's first...you don't go to Max's for food. Period. You go for the beer.
With something like 75 beers on tap, rotating regularly, and another, I don't know, THOUSAND or so in bottle, there's something for everyone.
On any given visit, you're likely to see just as many neighborhood regulars as tourists and kids down from the county. With all the TVs, it's a great place to catch all the football games.

There are some rules to follow, though:
1. When Chuck asks for your ID at the door, don't give him crap
2. No wife-beaters
3. No popped collars
4. 50 Cent is a rapper, not a tip
5. You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning

I really like Max's. They have a tonnn of different beers on tap - even crazy selections like chocolate beer. The bartenders do expect you to use bar etiquette though, so don't try and wave one down - you have to patiently wait your turn or they'll definitely call you out lol. but if you're polite they're fun and nice. great place to catch the o's game too!