A very small town cafe with a great atmosphere. You can tell this is a beloved neighborhood breakfast cafe by the large dining rooms and historical decors showcasing the town. I ordered the avocado toast and it was really yummy. I also tried some of their homemade cinnamon raisin loaf and that was also buttery and delicious! I really like that the food here is fresh and has a higher quality to it. There is a lot of delicious things on the menu, very classic cafe style m. I really don't see how you could go wrong with coming here in the morning. The staff were also super kind here! Everyone is really friendly and genuinely friendly. Loved this place and will for sure be back! read more

Cafe Max - Avocado Toast - Cafes Near Me - Culver, Indiana

This is the second time I have ate here. First time was for lunch. We went as a group of 8. I got fish tacos. The rest of everyone got brunch. Everyone's plate was really clean at the end of the meal. Beat options were eggs Benedict, and the sausage, biscuits and gravy. The home made toast looks amazing! Tonight I came back for my second visit. I had the summer crunch salad and a piece of their home made blueberry pie. It was fantastic. Husband got the haystack- which is a prime rib sandwich on Texas toast with hashbrowns, horseradish and green peppers. It was really good too!! read more

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Fabulous breakfast this morning during our visit to Culver. The sinful French toast and the avocado toast with eggs were both absolutely delicious. Rates highly among some of the best breakfast food I've had. Service and ambience were both excellent as well. Look forward to our next visit! read more

We had the fish fry and the shrimp tacos and they were both delicious! The staff is always friendly and we love the hometown atmosphere! read more

Great food, always hot and made to order. Service is consistently very attentive. Lots of choices on the menu, breakfast is my favorite. The interior is decorated with one of kind local history with both local schools prominently displayed. read more

Food was excellent! Dog friendly establishment! The owner came out to give Peanut bacon and what dog doesn't love bacon? read more

Cafe Max - Cafes Near Me - Culver, Indiana

Amazing! I feel at home here. The owner was amazing. I dropped my son off at camp today, and she came and talked to me and made me feel at ease. The bartender is super sweet. They care about cleanliness and make sure the glasses are clean, which I am a diva about. The pie was incredible! read more

Cafe Max - Best place on Lake Max!! - Cafes Near Me - Culver, Indiana

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We have been here a few times. Good food and atmosphere. The staff was friendly and the prices were on par. They had an NA IPA beer which was great. I thought it was a nice choice over the "standard" NA options for those wanting an NA beer that has a nice taste. I recommend trying it out when in Culver! read more

Wonderful server! Very pleasant! However, the greeter was not nice at all! Several conversations with her indicated she is miserable at her job or is just not a people person at all! Disappointing! Visit was on 5/25/25 for lunch read more

Always a staple when visiting friends at the lake! this week we stopped in later- around 11am which was great because there was no wait! I got the breakfast burrito but subbed sausage for the chorizo. I LOVED the cheese that was on top of the burrito- and really think that is what made it. Server was wonderful- very attentive. Can't wait to be back. read more

This is my favorite restaurant in Culver when I come to visit my stepdad. It's like stepping into a living museum, as the walls are decorated with Culver Academy graduates and memorabilia, even in the restrooms. My stepdad graduated there in 1962 and his class photo is up on the wall. On winter evenings the fireplace is burning. I've eaten here many times and usually get a burger. On my last visit yesterday, I opted for a $11 Taco Chicken Salad with Ranch dressing and was very impressed. It wasn't very spicy, but there was ample chicken and it was cut fajita style. I had water to drink due to the heat. It filled me up. My stepdad had a grilled cheese sandwich on gluten-free bread and his cousin had a ham, egg and cheese muffin. Our only complaint was the long wait. The kitchen was backed up, but the owner Susie was out hustling with the customers, refilling drinks and clearing away dirty plates. Locals know her and like to chat with her and support her business. She has stringent rules during this covid pandemic and every other table or booth is closed. All employees are currently wearing facemasks Another thing I like about this cute place: the owner hosts fundraisers for the local animal shelter. The patio on Main Street is also dog-friendly. Kudos!!! read more

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Our family has eaten here 5 or 6 times and we do enjoy the food. Sadly, with each visit, the service has been worse than the previous visit. While I don't really understand why, I have to admit it's very frustrating. I am a permanent wheelchair user so getting in and getting a table that works can be a little difficult, but I don't blame the establishment for that. However, I would expect the servers, hostess, etc. to be a little more friendly and just tell us it will be a few minutes to get a table. I understand that and don't have a problem with it. All I ask is a little courtesy. Please work on this with the employees. read more

This is a family tradition. Excellent food. This is a must when in Culver. Great food and service and large portions. Cannot recommend enough. Four stars! read more

By far the neatest place to eat in Culver! I've been eating here since I went to CGA. That's a lot of meals. The food is delicious... especially the breakfast items on their menu. My favorites are the Eggs Benedict and the S'mores Pancakes... they are insane good. The service is great too. The special thing about this restaurant is all the Culver and Culver Academies memorabilia all over the walls from way way way back up to present day. It's super cool. It's like a museum of Culver with some yummy food too. Love you Cafe Max! read more

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Stopped in for some pie and coffee on a rainy day, and highly recommend both. The staff is a pleasure.

For the last 33+ years, Cafe Max has always been one of our favorite stops in Culver. As a camper/CGA student/Culver resident, and most recently as a CMA parent--it has always been the best breakfast/lunch in town, and now offers dinner (if you remember the old Corner Tavern from the 80's/90's, Cafe Max has the secret recipe for CT's fried chicken). Our group of Culver moms loves the table in front of the fireplace during fall and winter visits. Susie (owner) is always working so hard to keep everything running efficiently and customers happy. Prices are more than reasonable and the wait is worth it during busy summer and parent weekends! We love Susie and we can't wait to visit again soon! read more

Great service and atmosphere! French toast was the best I've had! I highly recommend when in the area.

Great food, great atmosphere and a very friendly and attentive wait staff. No matter the meal and time of day, we've never been disappointed with the food or service! read more

Corned beef hash. Beware it's either served as burnt shoe heel with over cooked eggs or if you ask them to not burn it, they served it as a mush - a bit like dog food. Owner says people like it burnt! Service was slow and surly. They get away with this being the only game in town. read more

Get up and enjoy many different choices of tasty breakfast and lunch foods! The bar has some great drinks that the staff serves with smiles and kindness! read more

Cafe Max - Alway a great place to eat! Friendly staff and good home cooked food. Two thumbs up! - Cafes Near Me - Culver, Indiana

Historical items and memorabilia make the ambience interesting. Service was quick and pleasant. Food was AH-maxing. Sinful french toast was worth every calorie. Nice selection of beverages. We were glad we stopped at this great place! read more

Cafe Max - Cafes Near Me - Culver, Indiana

Food has always been great! Breakfast and dinner entrees. Scenery is great with memorabilia everywhere! Pet friendly, patio friendly. Sinful french toast and the Chicken Quesadillas are my favorite. Never have had bad food after over 10+ years! Service has been limited as they're always super busy on mornings but they try their best to hustle around! Wish they were open more during lunch and dinner and throughout the week. I appreciate the hard work from Susie- not an easy job! read more

!!Careless Cook!! Been pretty upset with this place lately. It was really good last year! I don't know if they switched cooks, or what, but this cook seems to be pretty careless about what he/she is serving. Last time we went in for breakfast & we ordered the breakfast burrito. It's supposed to be topped in cheese & jalapeños, but it didn't even have that on there! We had to ask for it. Today we ordered take out & the paper from the cheese was inside my omelette! Do better! ‍We did call and complain, and they said they'll comp our next order and speak to the cook, & have the owners call us... we'll see if we will be going back. read more

Cafe Max - a plate of food with a knife and fork - Cafes Near Me - Culver, Indiana

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Great food, great local atmosphere and wonderful service! Watch out, service can be slow and error prone during Academy weekends, but that's when it might be wise to take advantage of the buffet it you're in a hurry. read more

Cafe Max - Cafes Near Me - Culver, Indiana

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Over the years it has been difficult for me to find breakfast restaurants that can accommodate both gluten and egg allergies in one dish. Cafe Max is the exception! They were accommodating and went the extra step as to let me know the owner was preparing my dish and taking specific precautions to avoid cross contamination. I had a hash brown skillet with ham, tomato, peppers, onion, cheese, and homemade gluten free bread on the side. It was excellent. We had a group of 7 and everyone thought the food was great. read more

My wife and I rode out to Culver to get some lunch. Our usual go to place is The Lakeside Grill. This time out I did a search on other restaurants and the Cafe Max popped up. I used the QR app on my phone and checked out their menu. Huge selection of breakfast items, and they serve breakfast until 3:00pm. There were also some interesting menu items on their lunch menu. But as a rule, the first time I try a new restaurant the first thing I order is a burger. If the burgers good, usually the rest of the menu will be too. Bad burger, I never go back again. Our waitress was very young and very new. And I don't think she had the proper amount of training time shadowing an experienced server. She was nice, just inexperienced. Every bad thing I have to say about my visit is directly tied to mistakes made by her while taking our order, and entering it into the POS for the kitchen. So I'm going to work around that. I ordered the cheddar chipotle burger, medium, and subbed the kettle chips for potato salad. My wife got the shrimp po-boy. I received my burger well done, and with the kettle chips I didn't want. The waitress apologized for her mistake and brought me a side of potato salad. I didn't ask for a re fire on my burger because I was starving and didn't feel like waiting. The burger was done right with the exception of being over cooked to my liking. Good sized well seasoned patty, good quality bun, perfect melt on the cheese, fresh toppings. I don't like their potato salad and only took a bite or two. They use sweet relish in their recipe and it gives it a sweetness that overpowers everything else. Wish they would lose the sweet relish and use dill pickles instead. My wife liked her shrimp po boy. Great bun, generous portion of fried shrimp. She couldn't finish it all. No complaints there at all. Would I go back? Maybe. If I did I'd probably sit at the bar and order there instead of playing Russian roulette with the floor staff. And I won't be ordering the potato salad. read more

Good brunch place with good standby options. Nothing blow you out of the water (for breakfast) but the space is cute and has that small town downtown vibe. read more

Classic building, owner is fully engaged in your overall gastronomic experience! ! Eclectic menu, good service, fair prices! We had brunch and loved it. Going back next weekend to try their prime rib. read more

Update June, 2018. What a disappointment. This place has really gone down hill. Maybe new management? The hostess was clueless and rude. Half the tables empty but it still took ONE HOUR from when we were seated until when we received our food. Food was good. Waitress annoyed she had to serve us. Service was unapologetically slow and poor. Hostess makes you feel like she is doing you a favor. Very disorganized. After this being a favorite of ours for 10 years, I'd have to think hard on whether or not we will come back. Always eat here when we visit lake Max. Never disappoints. Great food and friendly service. Awesome read more

Great egg white sausage cheese muffin, with very crunchy tasty shredded has browns. My son ordered the Oreo pancakes that where amazingly delicious. Service was prompt and attentive. read more

Farmers Skillet and the Bloody Marys are to die for! All you could hope for for a lovely brunch! read more

Cafe Max - Cafes Near Me - Culver, Indiana

Late summer found me visiting a friend's house by the lake here in Culver. A classic midwestern lake summer vacation. My copy of "The Sound and the Fury" went unread, but I did get in lots of time enjoying swimming, sunbathing, and BBQing. If you're having difficulty deciding on a restaurant in Culver, you're really in trouble -- There aren't very many in this little two street downtown. But Cafe Max is one of the pleasantest places to go for breakfast here. The pancakes are fluffly, the chorizo omlet is spicy and avocado-y, the WiFi kept us in touch with the outside world, and the staff didn't throw us out, even though our photo files were taking all day to upload! read more

Sinful French toast for Mother's day brunch.. The best French Toast ever! Also got a free Mimosa. read more

Cafe Max - Cafes Near Me - Culver, Indiana

I had the fried chicken. Blehhh...it wasn't anything special, mainly because it wasn't as crunchy as one would hope. I doubt it was hand-breaded or homemade. Maybe I should have come for breakfast? read more

Two words: Waffle Fries! One of the best places to eat in the small town of Culver. They definitely make the food with love and it's delicious! read more

Quite possibly the worse service I've experienced in years. We had a group of 6 and at least 2 tables with 6 or more were seated before us. After waiting 50 minutes to be seated it took 35 minutes for us to get our order and when it arrived my over easy eggs were cooked hard and barely warm. Coffee refills no where to be found. 1 hour and 50 minutes for breakfast. Awful. One star because zero is not possible. read more

My brother's wedding in Culver brought me to this small Indiana town. Many small homey areas like this have a fair selection of good cafes with nice service and pleasant atmosphere. Unfortunately, Cafe Max is not that restaurant. Sixteen of us ate there tonight, and none of us enjoyed our meal. My chicken sandwich was dry, the chicken alfredo was horrible, even my 10 year old sister decided it was nasty. Two of our party had their "Haystack" sandwich which turned out to be a plate of greasy hashbrowns on top of toast. Another had their lasagna which was frozen in the middle, and, when sent back was brought out cold AGAIN. My mom said it was "one of the worst meals she's had in a restaurant." Much of the food was obviously out of a box/freezer. The terrible food might have been forgivable if the service had been service. Not only slow, but our waiter messed up several side orders, and even brought the wrong dish entirely to one of my friend. My girlfriend, sister, and a friend, never even got their side dishes. At my table, we actually had to ask the waiter for utensils after our meals arrived. After dinner about half of us experienced some sort of intestinal discomfort. My party and I have had much better food and service in third world countries where they might actually care about leaving their guests with a pleasant experience. If you plan on going, bring along some Pepto and Immodium. EDIT: Ambience was nice. read more

We mostly go here for breakfast, and they have very good dinner style breakfast food. Their home made whole wheat toast is worthy of special mention. Lunch is also quite good. I have had their cheese steak twice, and though it may not be completely Philly-style authentic, it's yummy anyway. read more

What a great stop. Here in town with my fiancé and loved every detail of this perfectly positioned eatery and bar. Took the best advice by trusting Rachel's recommendations as our server and Julio's keen attention to detail in the kitchen. I can't wait to come back, Rachel thanks for the superior service on behalf of Cafe Max. read more

Looked at the 3.5 star rating and wasn't too excited but with not a lot of options in town we decided to give it a try based on a local's suggestion. We went for breakfast at it was very very good. Omelette was excellent. Homemade wheat toast was thick and light and some of the best toast I have ever had. Kids had pancakes and my wife had the avocado toast and loved it. Prices were probably too low for the quality received. Friendly service. All in all I would highly recommend. Pretty sure this is the first review I have ever left. This place exceeded the average rating by so much that I needed to show some support to help raise that rating. read more