Maxine's Bistro and Bar - American Restaurant in Miami Beach — Restaurant in Miami Beach

I rarely write reviews, but after my recent experience, I feel compelled to warn others. While the food at [Restaurant Name] was decent, the service completely ruined our visit, primarily due to the server, Ashley H.(sever/bartender) whose rude and dismissive attitude left us shocked.

Our experience started with my son asking for pancakes, as the menu offers both breakfast and lunch items. Ashley said she would check, but after a long wait, we assumed it was fine. Fifteen minutes later, she returned with a curt, “They’re not making the pancakes, you need to order something else.” My son ordered a pizza, and my husband and I still received our meals a minute later without the pizza. After waiting several minutes for his pizza, we flagged her to order fries for him to eat in the meantime. Her response? A sarcastic, “Now you want fries too.”

The fries arrived quickly, but the pizza was nowhere to be found. My husband and I were both done when we asked for an update, we got short responses: “It’s cooking” or “It needs to bake.” She repeatedly walked past our table without checking in or offering any updates. By the time the pizza finally arrived, it came with no plate, no apology—just more indifference.

When I asked to speak to the manager, Ashley simply said, “Yes,” and pointed to a woman seated at a table, saying, “When she’s done.” The manager, once we spoke to her, was horrified, apologetic, and kind, but the damage was already done.

The final straw came with the bill. Ashley had added a tip. I don’t know if this was standard but after the service level, I was having none of it. When I asked her to remove it, she snapped, “It’s non-negotiable. I don’t work for free.” This is completely unacceptable. After being brushed off yet again, my husband had to physically search for the manager to resolve the issue.

For a restaurant with good food, the service here is a glaring failure. Allowing someone like Ashley to represent your business is a mistake. Her attitude and lack of professionalism were appalling, and her behavior overshadowed what could have been a pleasant meal. I won’t be returning, and I can’t recommend this place to anyone until serious changes are made to...

This evening, we had dinner at Maximes Bistro near Miami Beach with a group of seven people. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and guided to our table in a friendly manner. However, the service experience that followed was unfortunately disappointing.

Our waiter, Emre, seemed irritated from the start. He rushed through taking our orders, didn’t take the time to listen carefully, and gave us the impression that he either didn’t understand or wasn’t interested in our requests.

I ordered a cocktail and the Hangover burger. The burger was quite tasty, though the fries were bland and underwhelming. My girlfriend had a pasta dish, but unfortunately, the pasta was burnt — as shown in the photo we took. Another family member ordered a wrap, but the chicken was very dry. When we tried to bring this to Emre’s attention, he appeared confused and dismissive. Later, we noticed Emre looking at us angrily, and it seemed like he was complaining about us to another staff member, which made us feel very uncomfortable.

When it came time to pay, we did not leave a tip since a 14% gratuity was already included. Still, the server attempted to ask for an additional tip, saying it would go to him personally. We politely declined, explaining that we didn’t feel comfortable with the service provided. He then became visibly upset, walked away frustrated, and tossed the receipt onto the table in an unprofessional manner.

Afterward, we spoke with the manager to express our concerns. The manager was very respectful and professional, offering to make things right with a complimentary dessert or something from the menu. We declined the offer, as the experience had already left a negative impression.

We truly appreciated the manager’s attitude, but unfortunately, the service experience overshadowed the rest of the evening. Hopefully, this feedback will help improve future guest...

Tonight's dining experience was truly elevated by the exceptional service provided by Hana. From the moment she greeted us with a warm smile, it was evident that we were in for a delightful evening. Hana's extensive knowledge of the menu was impressive; she effortlessly guided us through the offerings, offering insightful recommendations and ensuring we made choices tailored to our preferences.

Throughout the evening, Hana's attentiveness was unparalleled. Her timing was impeccable, demonstrating a keen sense of when to approach the table and when to allow us to enjoy our meal without interruption. What stood out most was her passion for the cuisine and the establishment. Hana's enthusiasm shone through as she described the origin of ingredients, the chef's inspiration behind each dish, and the restaurant's commitment to quality.

It's not just about the food when dining out; the service plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall experience, and Hana went above and beyond to make our evening memorable. Her professionalism and genuine interest in ensuring our satisfaction were truly commendable. I couldn't help but think that someone with her dedication, knowledge, and charisma would make an excellent manager for the establishment.

In an industry where outstanding service is a rarity, Hana stands out as a shining example of what a server should be. Her passion for the culinary arts, coupled with her natural ability to connect with patrons, undoubtedly sets her apart. If there's one person who deserves to be recognized and entrusted with a leadership role, it's Hana. She has not only mastered the art of service but has the potential to elevate the entire dining experience for others. Tonight, thanks to Hana, our dinner wasn't just a meal; it was an exquisite journey through flavors, guided by a server who truly understands and...