Rating: 5/5 Stars
Maxie’s Southern Comfort in the Story Hill neighborhood has been one of Milwaukee’s most beloved restaurants for years, and a recent visit confirmed that it’s still at the top of its game. The food is extraordinary, the service is warm, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a neighborhood restaurant — comfortable, lively, and welcoming to everyone.
What We Ordered
We started with the deviled eggs — a deceptively simple dish that Maxie’s elevates with smoked paprika and a perfect balance of creaminess and tang. For mains, we ordered the chicken and waffles (the dish that made Maxie’s famous) and the shrimp and grits. Both were exceptional.
The chicken was perfectly fried — crispy skin, juicy meat, not a drop of grease where it shouldn’t be. The waffle was light and slightly sweet, a perfect counterpoint to the savory chicken. The shrimp and grits featured plump, perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich, smoky sauce over stone-ground grits that had clearly been cooked with care and attention.
The Bloody Mary Bar
Maxie’s Bloody Mary bar is legendary, and it deserves the reputation. The house mix is complex and deeply savory, and the garnish options — pickled vegetables, bacon, cheese — let you customize to your heart’s content. It’s one of the best Bloody Marys in Milwaukee, which is saying something in a city that takes Bloody Marys very seriously.
The Verdict
Maxie’s is Milwaukee at its best — a restaurant that takes its craft seriously, welcomes everyone, and delivers food that makes you feel genuinely happy. Don’t miss it.
Address: 6732 W. Fairview Avenue, Milwaukee | Hours: Dinner nightly, Brunch on weekends | Price Range: $$
