Sunday 21st of December 2014 04:22:05 PM

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Max's Taphouse is many things, with multiple rooms each with its own charm. Downstairs, numerous flat screen televisions create the feel of a sports bar. In a separate room is a 2nd back bar, open at peak hours for socializing over drinks. And upstairs is a tremendous lounge with locked cabinets of rare global beers, creating the feel of an exclusive club. The theme running through all of this is great craft beer, one of the greatest offerings on the east coast. Max's has a corner entrance at the southern end of Broadway in historic Fells Point. Pay parking is along street or in nearby lots, but can be very challenging at night. There is a constant stream of taxis, which is definitely a better option. Max's always draws a large crowd, and on weekend nights it is loud and boisterous. As the night goes on, steady background music is overwhelmed by drunken camaraderie. The atmosphere is good-spirited and memorable. The main bar downstairs has 30-chairs and is long, topped with copper. Wooden floors and walls are decorated with beer paraphernalia. The beer refrigerator cases behind the bar are a cornucopia of the best the brewing industry has to offer. Upstairs is a small 6 chair wooden bar and a good number of comfortable dining tables. Wooden walls and floors, dark colors and soft warm lighting create a cozy congenial beer drinking atmosphere. The upstairs bar has about two dozen beers on tap, and the downstairs bar is even more impressive. With over 100 taps and well over 1000 bottles, this is undoubtedly Maryland's largest premiere craft beer bar. Because this place is so popular, kegs kick routinely, and the beers taste very fresh. Beer hunters are guaranteed to enjoy this paradise, and you are likely to find more new beers than you could drink in one visit. The best part is that you can order individual sample size pours of any of the draft beer, so trying a large variety is possible. You can literally create your own micro brew fest! I do believe this is one of the best craft beer bars in the US.

Saturday 27th of September 2008 10:30:35 AM

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Visited the Fells Point location in Baltimore. I was lucky to get there fairly early so it was not too busy. If you take the ferry, you get a coupon for a free beer.

Overall, the selection is second to none. The only disappointment to me was the selection as their "beer of the month" a belgian called "Moinette", overall not impressed, not strong, or flavorful, just seemed odd based on the vast selection that I would get such a bland one as the selection of the month. Great variety, I had one from Rogue, Meantime London Porter and and Stoudt's. I figured I might as well get a sample from all over.

Overall, the food was decent, good selections to soak up some beer.

Bartenders were extremely knowledgable and helpful.

Friday 20th of June 2008 05:08:02 PM

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This is quite simply the best taphouse in Baltimore, known widely for their Belgian Beer Fest held each February where they switch all their 65+ taps to Belgian beers. It's a great deal since there's no entry fee, and samples are around $3 for a small glass(~3oz) or $6-7 for a glass full(varies). These people are ALL about their beer, and the service and the attention to keeping the beer in good condition are obvious in the experience. The food's pretty decent too, but you will not find greater selection in the Baltimore area. This is a must visit along with The Brewer's Art.

Sunday 13th of January 2008 12:25:47 PM

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Max's has the best beer selection I have seen anywhere. There are over 150 different types of beer on tap, at all times. In addition, they have a selection of over 300 different types of bottles available. There are pool tables, a room of dart boards and just enough tvs to watch any game that might be playing while you are there. Smoking has been allowed inside in the past. However, MD just passed the smoking ban and that goes into effect Feb 1st.

Tuesday 18th of September 2007 02:41:14 PM

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Excellent selection of beers both international and domestic. I was there during happy hour and the crowd was not bad at all. We got a seat at the bar. Prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was good. There are plenty of dartboards in the back. They have a belgian fest at some point in the year, which is supposed to be a great time.

It is in a good section of town with plenty of other bars and restaurants nearby.

Saturday 21st of July 2007 02:19:00 PM

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I found this place while looking on BA, and went for a visit while in Baltimore for an interview. It's located in a gentrified neighborhood called Fells Point. I took the water taxi to the area from the inner harbor near all the shops. You can get a "buy one draught get one free" coupon for riding the taxi.

Inside is a long line of taps along the bar, and a very impressive bottle selection, all of which reside in a fridge. The bottle selection is amazing, with everything from a local brew, to a 1998 bottle of Thomas Hardy's Ale. The pints are priced reasonably, and the specials, which work around local beers, are under $4. There is also a wide selection of hard liquor available.

The bar has tables as well as a long bar with stools. Along the bar wall are several TVs, some of which are HD (with HD service). The food is okay, but nothing special, just bar food.

I've heard the place is packed on the weekends when school is in session. I was there on a Saturday afternoon, so it was pretty empty. I recommend that you show up during off hours if you just want to enjoy a beer or two. All in all, this is one of the best bars I have been in.