Maxwell Park — Restaurant in Washington

Maxwell in DC is the kind of place where you go when you're tired of the bullshit, when you want your wine poured by someone (ask for Connor) who actually gives a damn, not some part-time actor with a corkscrew and a bad attitude. It’s dimly lit without being douchey, sexy without trying too hard. Candlelight, well worn chairs, the kind of setup that begs for confessions over a bottle of something obscure and French, maybe German or even Brazilian?

The food? Not precious, not trying to win a James Beard, just solid, craveable, honest plates. House-made pasta that doesn’t need a PR team. Charcuterie that knows its worth. It’s a bistro for people who’ve seen some shit, who know the difference between good and just expensive. Maxwell doesn’t scream, it hums. A low, steady vibration of taste, class, and not a hint of pretense. You either get it, or you don’t. And honestly? That’s the point.

Don't let other people's small-minded shitty reviews keep you from supporting an...

Stopped by on a Saturday night in July. Red wine selections were disappointing. Noise level is unreal. Tiny and lacking in ambiance. Not a place for older wine aficionados but obviously not their market.

I’m modifying my review after the response from Maxwell Park: I definitely appreciate the response. I will say that I found the Core red wine list disappointing. I also tried my boyfriend’s Dolcetto which we both found fine. I almost ordered the Petite Sirah from Mexico from the theme page but honestly wasn’t in an adventurous mood so I didn’t. That’s my bad. You do have a huge selection of bottles but we were just stopping in for a glass, and I usually ask a lot of questions, which I probably would have if the bar wasn’t so loud. I work close by so I will come in some time after work to experience it when it’s quieter. I’d say Good Luck but you don’t need it judging by the popularity of the place so I’ll...

We visited Maxwell park and did the Australian wine tasting for my friend's birthday. I had been to Maxwell Park just a week prior for the first time, and immediately wanted to come back and bring my friend! We had such a great time and it was by far the BEST wine tasting I've ever done because we got to learn so much about wine in a short amount of time. I find that many wine tastings are just talking via a script and trying to market the bottles, but at Maxwell Park, they really want to walk you through it all, and I left feeling confident in what I liked and what I should ask for when I go out to dinner. The wine tasting also came with snacks, which was really good, and then a cookie for the birthday girl :)

If you're looking for a good local wine bar that has friendly and knowledgeable staff, Maxwell is the place. I see this place easily becoming one of my favs for a chill evening/night with a...