Max's Grill, Pacific Grove

We have been to Max's several times. The food is always prepared well. The menu choices are varied enough to satisfy almost any pallet. The people are delightful. Excellent service. An enjoyable place to have a flavorful meal.

What a wonderful place to eat! Great service, excellent food , and a nice wine list...

This is a wonderful place to dine. I go there every time I'm in town for business which is often. The service is always top notch from Yuko's warm greeting to when you walk out the door after saying goodbye - a very friendly atmosphere. The Sunset Menu (5 - 6 PM) is a really good deal for $14.95 - you get a soup or salad with your meal. If they have the wild mushroom bisque, you must try it. It has a nice creamy texture and lovely mushroom flavor. The salads are usually local or organic greens (Max only uses the freshest ingredients that gives everything a great taste). I love warm bread that is served - it has a good crust that when dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar just is heavenly. I could only find similar bread at very high end restaurants. Although the menu is small, everything is good! The steaks are always well prepared and he on serves the freshest fish available - which gives the PG sushi rolls a wonderful fresh taste. My current favorite is on his nightly specials menu the Salmon with Seared Scallops - it only appears when the salmon and scallops are fresh - The combination of the two is really special. The tender salmon pairs really nicely with the subtle flavors of the scallops. My mouth waters every time I think about it. As for desert, I usually have to share it with my dinner guest because I'm so full, but it's hard not to want it all for yourself. (I've got to learn how to leave room for desert one of these days). I like the mango mouse because it is so light, but the chocolate mouse cake is really good for those that like rich chocolate flavor that is not overpowering. The coconut cream brule is also good (I hope he will try other flavors for the cream brule someday). An inspired choice that a friend got me to try was the poached pear with brie and crackers. This is not your typical American desert (this is probably the French influence) - The presentation is quite a sight to see a whole pair that turned reddish from the poaching surrounded by brie cheese, simple fruits and a variety of crackers. The peeled whole pear is poached in balsamic vinegar which gives it a sweet taste very similar to a firm fruit spread that matches well with the brie and crackers. I found the best flavor when I spread the tender poached pear with a bit of brie cheese on a cracker - it has the sweet taste of the pear with the brie cheese for a creamy texture with the crunch of the cracker. The fresh fruit berries help clear the pallet for the next bite. I give Max's Grill five out of five stars!

Great service, WONDERFUL FOOD and very friendly! VERY MEMORABLE DINING EXPERIENCE. We are looking forward to our next visit to Pacific Grove just for Max's. Wonderful change from the hustle and bustle of the tourist traps.

very very good good wine list very pleasant place

The caf� is in an old store front in Pacific Grove's business area making Max's a quite alternative to the slicker restaurants of Carmel or Cannery Row. But to be sure, the quality of the food exceeds most of these places, with the bonus of a reasonable price. The food is world class, but this is a caf�; with beer and wine, but no mixed drinks. The d�cor is rather plain, but expect a pleasant evening with a friendly staff.