Max's World Cafe — Restaurant in Issaquah

Well-cooked food (chicken was juicy), good flavor profiles, but the prices are ridiculous so the value is very low. They need to calibrate their menu prices to their area and consider also the "ambiance" they provide, such as it is. A cost of $15 for flavorful but fairly basic Macaroni and Cheese with bacon "garnish" which doesn't even come with a side salad is WAY overpriced in this place. In fact, that particular dish would be way overpriced in most places. You get the same amount of Macaroni and Cheese (and, at minimum, the same level of cooking expertise) at JaK's Grill down the street for HALF the price. At the Issaquah Brewery, delicious Mac and Cheese again, but there it's $9. The ambiance at those two establishments is far and above superior to Max's (which is a cramped room with awkward seating for 12).

The African Chicken dinner came only with a portion of unseasoned Basmati rice (which was the other option over Moroccan rice) and a handful of sautéed zucchini for $23! A ridiculous price for that food no matter how well it's prepared when served in this tiny, shoebox restaurant where half of the 12 seats offered (excluding the "chef's table" in the kitchen) are at a counter. These are prices you come across in much nicer restaurants that offer a beautiful ambiance and, frequently, a view. Again, well-cooked food and good flavors but I would have only stopped by again if I was okay with spending way too much.

I say "I would have" stopped by again because I put this review on the "Reviews" portion of the restaurant's Facebook page (where I assume all reviews were accepted, even if they weren't 5 stars) and received this response: "Dear Mr. Unhappy, Your comments are so noted. Fortunately for us, the vast majority of our loyal customers feel otherwise. I refer our readers to your face book [name deleted] including your photo, with the hope to better understand your boring negativity. Bon Appetit. Chef Roger."

Feeling that this is an unnecessarily unprofessional response, I deleted the review from that page (so his "loyal customers" don't potentially use his "referral" to direct any hate mail my way) and let them know I would post my review on Yelp, instead, for customers like me who appreciate an honest review. Due to their response, I've decided my money is better spent at the far more deserving restaurants...

Oh there is no 0 rating. This is worst restaurant i ever went in United states. Don't just check the ratings. Ambiance is very bad n unhygienic. Over priced. Taste is pathetic. Served half cooked fries n fish. Please don’t waste your money n spoil your mood. Disaster! Pathetic!

Answer to Owner's Reply Below: This has nothing to do with card. It was my mistake i did not notice on your door that u don't accept Amex. We left some food n never said excellent so don't lie. My wife went outside because she was irritated and disappointed with food and ambiance in particular. My review is genuine not like other paid reviews and its only based on your food, price, ambiance and obvious your rude behavior which you proved with your reply. I gave feedback so that other should not get fooled with this rating as it does not deserve more than 1 star. There was no reason to bring my nationality in between and try to defame particular community or nationals. PLEASE!! PLEASE!! read this story. I have never seen anyone reacted to one negative comment (that too genuine) like this. Then decide if you still wants to go. Check all negative reviews and check if those matching with...

We were here for the first time. The chorizo hash and apple French toast were really delicious. You can tell that the owner/chef takes pride in her work. Would go here again when we are in the area.

Note We were in the restaurant when Mr Tibrewal (he left a bad review) created a very uncomfortable scene for all the patrons. He refused to pay for what he ordered and accused the the owner of charging him too much, when on the menu it clearly states that there’s extra charges for shared plates or changes to the menu items. The owner had to go to all the tables and apologize to all of the other patrons including us. It’s really lousy to go to a restaurant and order a table full of food, eat it all and not pay for it. Then threaten the owner with a bad review because she wouldn’t give him the extra food he ordered for free. Also I would like to note that the 2 other patrons he was with quickly left the restaurant as if they had the “scene” planned out. 😟 I just wanted to share this with anyone who is looking at the reviews for this place. Because what that guy did was not right. And the owner is a...