Maximón — Restaurant in Baltimore

The one star is mainly for your host that was present on 9/28/2024 around 4:30 pm. My friends and I decided to come here for drinks/apps after being at the “Asia In a Bite” festival. My wife and I arrived first with the intentions of sitting at the bar or in the bar area. However, this space was pretty occupied and not accommodating for a party of 6. The host said we can sit outside at the bar but the tables were reserved. We decided to come in because of the Lantern Flies. There seemed to be a disconnect in communication with your host when I asked to be seated at a table vs a booth because two of the people that were in my party were plus size women. Instead of her being accommodating in a very empty dining area. She said that the tables were reserved. How? There is no option to choose a table or booth. You can make a request but that’s not guaranteed. If there was a party of 6 or more depending on size there was space to accommodate. In the end, thanks to our server, we were able to sit at the table I requested. May I also add, the dining area/surrounding tables continued to be pretty empty for quite some time. We all ordered drinks and several different appetizers that took over 30 minutes to come out for each item. My wife and I didn’t get our first drink until around 5ish. The other four didn’t get their drinks and food until around 5:30-6ish. After that, I ordered a second drink that took another 30 minutes that was made wrong. Our server was amazing and got my drink remade. However, that took another 30 minutes and it was still disgusting. It is now around 7ish. I went to the restroom and soon as I came back to gather my things to leave. A host comes over to see if we wanted to move to the bar area. Although, we were already leaving it was still distasteful. Especially, since there was another group sitting behind us that was done with their meal and talking for a few hours. Also, I was still sitting there with a full glass of alcohol. In that moment, she was not aware of an issue with my drink. So, to come over and indirectly suggest we move was absurd. The attorney in me could have pressed the issue but I chose to put that energy into this review for future customers. You should be very careful who you stereotype. Especially, a table full of college educated black women and one out of the six a Doctor. With that being said, because of the undertone and unwillingness to accommodate from the first host. I will not patronage this business moving forward. Furthermore, what makes this experience disappointing. My wife and I used to come here all the time for appetizers and drinks. The one time we did do dinner here it was very underwhelming. We treated a friend for her birthday. We ordered the prawns that were extremely mushy with a unnecessary amount of salsa, the bday girl ordered the lamb chops (they are no longer on the menu) that was the size of a quarter, and my wife had a steak that was tough and lacked flavored. Yet, even after that, whenever we were in Baltimore, which is not often, this was our go to spot for lunch during the work week. I literally raved about their margaritas being really good to my party of 6. Just for everything to be subpar. As I mentioned previously, our server was great and knowledgeable. I will say the double fried potatoes and wings were good. Other than that, never again! Nice atmosphere as far as aesthetics. Slow service and your two hosts....

I came for the view but stayed for the food!!! 🌅🤤😋

My wife and I were just passing by around 7:00 PM on Tuesday May 21st and we liked the view from the bar over the harbor with almost sunset but at the same time we were getting hungry so we gave it a try and oh my oh my! Unbelievable!

We started with 2 cocktails to kick it off. I am not going to mention them in the review because, there is not much to say. We had El Topo and Solamente but they were not good. Probably we choose wrong. But the food! Here is what we ordered:

-Oysters X2 (5 stars) - Baltimore is famous for its seafood so we gave oysters a try and they lived up to the expectation. They came already seasoned with a delicate version of salsa verde and cilantro. -Shrimp Cocktail (5 stars) - This was a variation of the traditional shrimp cocktail and they pulled it off. You get roughly 10 to 12 medium shrimps in this dish. The salsa roja is a bit spicy but not uncomfortable, just enough to make you want it even more. Everything combined, the cilantro, cucumber, red onion and avocado was amazing. What I recommend is combine everything and grab a spoon, put it over one of the chips that comes along with the shrimp cocktail and go for it! -Pork Ribs (5 stars) - These were some of the best ribs I've ever had. The meat fall off the bone. Super tender and the salsa fresca on top makes them a must if you visit this restaurant. It is a great appetizer. -14 oz NY Strip (4 stars) - This was a 28 days dry aged steak. It was my first time trying dry age steak. I messed it up because I ordered it medium well. Next time I will order medium. -Roasted Brussel Sprouts (5 stars) - Perfectly roasted and when combined with the peanuts, mandarin, cilantro and the sauces it comes with, it is a great side dish. -Mango Cheesecake (5 stars) - I still dream about this cheesecake. Not too sweet, just the right amount of sugar. Perfect consistency of the cheesecake. It come with ice cream to top it off. -Chocolate Cake (5 stars) - So good that we ordered it twice! Super moist and rich! -Churros (4 stars) - Not great but good. I would go with the cheesecake or the chocolate cake.

The staff is friendly. We didn't have a reservation but still they accommodated us fairly quickly. We asked for a table outside to see the sunset and they did it.

As far as prices, including 20% tip, we spent $320. Considering the quality of the food and the place itself, I think is worth it. Not probably for everyday but ideal for special occasions. We were celebrating a graduation so it was perfect!

I hope to have the opportunity to...

I’ve never done this before and I’m actually an employee and veteran in the industry. I gave up a great opportunity when I decided to join the Maximon Team because after just two weeks I knew I’d be most happy there and that’s more important to me than anything else.

All ingredients are made fresh daily, sourced from amazing places such as Madagascar for the largest Prawns you’ll find in Baltimore. Our locally owned farms are another thing I’m proud of about us. Most all restaurants have giant walk in freezers because virtually everything is actually frozen. You’d be surprised, but even though every kitchen needs one, ours is the smallest I’ve ever worked with.

I’m not doing this in hopes a manager reads it because that stuff doesn’t matter to me, but after a guest I had the pleasure of taking care of on Christmas showed me a review I had on here I was really happy to see that so I wanted to honestly share some things from my point of view.

In my 20+ years in Hospitality I’m so happy to have found not only a restaurant that’s amazing but a company at the same time that are making so many smart decisions with expansions and the attention spent on improving established locations is by far above and beyond anything I’ve ever seen in so many Corporate Restaurants.

Our menu is also the only one I’ve ever been able to honestly recommend EVERYTHING on it so it gives me a confidence I’ve never had before because not only is it fantastic but our Chefs consistency and standards ensure its absolute success. Speaking of the other employees, our Team is what made me knew I found a job I’d look forward to coming to because we have so many amazing team players here! Everyone helps each other and is so respectful and professional. It’s been such a relief because Restaurants are typically like 13th grade, with unnecessary gossiping, petty and juvenile behavior. We still have fun but are always working and helping each other at the same time. It’s been such a pleasure.

Okay, I feel like I’m rambling now so if you’re ever looking for a great place to have parties at, we got you covered. Cozy spot for an intimate date? We got you there for sure and even live music on the weekend. I love my job and if the menu and drink selection looks intriguing you’ll most definitely love this place too. I guarantee it.

Thanks so much for these reviews I finally read. I find happiness in seeing others happy which is another reason I’ve always loved Hospitality. If you happen to read this I hope you had a wonderful Holiday and have a Happy New...