Max on Main — Restaurant in White Sulphur Springs

The interior design is inviting, featuring exposed brick with a blend of modern and industrial fixtures. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, and since it was quite busy, we chose to sit at the bar to avoid a longer wait.

The menu offers an eclectic mix, best described as New-American Italian. It includes a variety of salads, pastas, pizzas, hoagies, seafood, and steaks. Their drink selection is intriguing, with creative cocktails and a dedicated martini menu. We tried the pear elderflower martini and a dirty martini. The pear elderflower martini had a distinct pear flavor, offering a refreshing change of pace. As for the dirty martini, my boyfriend thought it was good but could have used a bit more “dirty.”

For our meal, we ordered the teriyaki salmon with asparagus and pasta bolognese, along with the chicken primavera pasta. My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed the teriyaki salmon and asparagus, finding the pasta bolognese good but not outstanding. It’s worth noting that people accustomed to a specific bolognese sauce might have particular expectations, which can influence their experience. The chicken primavera pasta, on the other hand, was excellent. The cream sauce was rich and flavorful, though it could have used a touch more salt. After adding a pinch, the flavors truly came alive. The thinly sliced seasonal veggies in the pasta blended seamlessly into each bite, adding to the dish’s overall appeal.

Pricing felt reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Our total came to around $100 for two entrées and three drinks, including tip. As out-of-towners, we found this fair, though perceptions might vary for locals.

The ambiance was warm and inviting, with thoughtful lighting that added to the atmosphere.

A few constructive suggestions, should the owner be interested:

Keep the balsamic: Your server made a great point—listen to her. Alternatively, offering an oil and vinegar option for salads would be a simple addition, using ingredients that are likely already stocked and don’t require extra refrigeration or space. Consider air curtains: With the large door that opens to the patio seating, flies are an inevitable challenge. We noticed a few inside, which could be mitigated with the installation of...

The mozzarella is touted as “house pulled”. It’s from a package - and not a good package either. Nothing fresh about it. The bread that was served with it was a hoagie roll toasted, lightly. It’s a joke of a menu - especially considering the prices! You are paying for high quality product - but in reality receiving sub par Sysco grade food. The Caesar salad was terrible. You get an entire wedge of romaine - drizzled with a bottle sauce. You have to cut the salad up - it’s just a poor presentation. We added a “steak” for $10 more - and it was obviously hoagie meat. Beef made for a Philly cheese steak. Funny thing is the server asked how we wanted it cooked. We said medium rare. When she brought the $20 Cesar steak salad she said “I wasn’t supposed to ask you what temp you wanted your steak”. Well - that’s because it’s not really a steak. The pizza is wood fired - but flavorless. At least we have it a try. We had high hopes, but will not go back. $60 for a lunch that left us unimpressed. The old pizza joint Bella Italia was much better - it didn’t try to pass itself off as anything more...

Had no silverware for 5 minutes after our salads were brought to the table. We had to go to get it ourselves! While they have pizza on their menu, they have no kids menu. When I inquired about the ability of the kitchen to make our daughter a grilled cheese, we were informed that they couldn't do that. Mind you, they have hoagie rolls and cheese on the menu for several other sandwiches. This was their first day of operations and there was no blue cheese salad dressing in the building, even though it was on the menu. You might have thought that someone on the management team might stop by tables to see how their team was doing, but, sadly....no. Only positive was that the food was decent, but mildly over priced! If your target crowd is the members of the Greenbrier you really better step up your game. Locals will try your establishment, but there is better food and...