Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery — Restaurant in Atlanta

I visited this location and sat at the bar. Darius was the bartender. He was MIA for the first 10 mins. He finally returned but seemed busy and bothered. I asked him about the beers and he was not helpful. He advised me to read the menu description. I'm fully aware of that. However, I didn't expect him to roll out the red carpet. Just provide highlights of the beer so I can make a decision. He wasn't helpful at all. I requested a water with lemon. He brought the iced water but no lemon. So, I requested a lemon wedge which he gave me immediately. I waited another several minutes before he came back to take my beer order. I asked for Buffalo Wings and he stated only JR's Firecracker Wings were available. I was tempted to leave and go somewhere else but advised him to submit the order. I went to the restroom. When I returned, my beer was still not on the bar. I waited another few minutes as he stood there speaking with another customer and the manager, Lindsey. I got his attention and asked could I please have my beer as I have been waiting. Darius gave me a complete look of DISGUST. I guess that I was asking for too much. Then, he turned his head, continued engaging with others, and ignored me. I got up from my chair, walked around so everyone at the bar could see and hear me, and blasted his poor customer service skills. I'm a patron and felt disrespected. I left the bar and sat at a table where Lindsey served me. She was nice, pleasant, and helpful. They actually did have Buffalo Wings and Darius either lied to me or was misinformed. The wings were big, juicy, and flavorful. The fries were crispy and well seasoned. I probably will not be returning to this establishment. However, I hope management or the owners are fully aware of how Darius is treating customers. I heard him mention, "My reaction didn't make sense." He obviously didn't realize how offensive his actions were. He passed my table at least half a dozen times serving other guests and never apologized. I normally give 5 stars or don't give a review at all. This behavior is unacceptable and I expect more. Thank you Lindsey for...

If zero stars was an option that would definitely be my rating. Worst experience ever. We were a party of 9 and waited to be seated patiently. As soon as we got called, the first interaction with the host was rude. She assumed that our kids were going to be running around the restaurant and had the audacity to tell us that it is not allowed. The way she approached us was not correct at all. After getting seated, our server Earnest E. first interaction was to ask us what we wanted to drink however, from the furthest side of our table. I pretty much had to scream my order because he mentioned that he could not hear me when all he had to do was come around the other side. Once our order arrived, most of our plates were not served correctly. Earnest even pulled a plate away from my friend without his consent while he was eating because he though his plate was wrong. Then, instead of bringing a fresh new plate, he brought the same plate back to him all cut up in pieces. Mind to tell you that it was not their cheapest steak either. Once we received our checks, we went through them and there were several mistakes, all we did was ask for the mistakes to be corrected. Earnest had a nasty attitude the entire time. Then, I was talking to my friend about the 18% service charge the restaurant adds to the check for parties of or more and how I thought how unfair it is to pay for a horrible service. Once Earnest heard my words his comment was "that's cute", then he had the audacity to exchange words with me in an extremely rude manner. Later, he came around with the wireless pay machine and I asked to see the receipt again, that is when he refused to let me see it. After insisting that I would not pay until seeing the receipt he threw the machine at the table and walked away. All I can recommend Earnest is to be open to criticism. I definitely do not recommend this place at all. It was my second time at this place because of an excellent first experience but it seems that after a year, that excellent customer service experience...

At Max Lager's, I embarked on a culinary journey that ranged from sublime to disappointing. The shrimp dish that my wife ordered was a symphony of flavors which left an indelible mark on my taste buds. Succulent shrimp, delicately seasoned and perfectly cooked, danced on my palate with each bite. Accompanied by a tantalizing sauce that struck a harmonious balance between tangy and savory, this dish was an absolute triumph.

Next, I delved into their steak selection, and I was met with sheer delight. The steak, cooked to perfection according to my specifications, boasted a charred exterior that gave way to tender, juicy meat with every forkful. Each bite was a testament to the chef's mastery of the grill, leaving me longing for more even after the last morsel was gone.

However, the journey took a detour when I sampled the mashed potatoes. While they were passable, they lacked the creamy richness and depth of flavor that one would expect from a top-tier restaurant. Their mediocrity was a stark contrast to the culinary excellence exhibited elsewhere on the menu, leaving me underwhelmed and longing for more.

The disappointment continued with the undercooked green beans, which failed to reach the desired level of tenderness. Their raw crunchiness detracted from the overall dining experience, casting a shadow over the otherwise stellar meal.

To conclude the evening, we shared and indulged in a slice of red velvet cake, only to be met with disappointment once again. The cake, while visually appealing, was served cold, robbing it of the moist, decadent texture that defines a true red velvet masterpiece. It was a lackluster finale to an otherwise memorable meal.

In summary, Max Lager's showcased culinary prowess with its shrimp dish and steak, but faltered with its mashed potatoes, undercooked green beans, and cold red velvet cake. While the highs were undeniably high, the lows served as a reminder that even the finest establishments have room for improvement.

I’d love to come back to witness an improved...