Since the selling of Cafe Max, things have gone down hill fast. The son now owns it, not the Dad. Had Lunch today with a friend and some of her salads on her sampler were not fresh and my quiche was down right uneatable. The crust was soggy and the custard spoiled. With my last few visits being unacceptable, this with be my last visit. read more

They have the zucchini muffins and I love the chicken salad and cucumbers salad. They give you enough salad for at least two days for me.

Thought this place was just ok. All the salads are already dressed so I couldn't adjust the amount of dressing. Chicken salad was weirdly sweet. I'd give it a 2 star rating. Definitely haven't had a chicken salad like theirs. No Mayo dressing. Cucumber was good. Quiche was the star of the lunch. Definitely 5 stars. Crust was flaky. Quiche filling was flavorful. The place is cafeteria style and very simple menu. Drinks are self serve with lots of seating in the dining area. Chairs are also weirdly straight and uncomfortable. read more

I'm rarely impressed and yet I was thoroughly impressed at Cafe Max. Went for lunch because all those Chicken Salad Chick commercials had me jonesin' for some chicken salad. My go to is usually MarketStreet for one of their very good chicken salad sandwiches in the to go case. That's not close enough for a Richardson lunch so I found Cafe Max via a Yelp search. They offer 8 different salads, sandwiches and a quiche and soup of the day in addition to desserts like brownies and cookies. Most people get the trio of pick your salad. I chose Caesar salad (huge and better than La Madeline), chicken salad and seafood salad. The Caesar was fresh and creamy. The chicken salad was delicious and consists of large strips of chicken, green bell strips, cucumber strips, apple strips and a sweet tangy dressing. The seafood salad is julienne strips of imitation crab in a creamy dressing and it's generous and phenomenal. The trio with both chicken and seafood is $15 which may seem high but consider the quality is high and the helpings are enough for either two people or two lunches it's very fair. I'm going to be returning with coworkers and will use this as my go-to for catering office working lunches. I used Jason's Deli last time and this blows it out of the water. read more

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The salads are always fresh and delicious. I would say you can definitely share as they are very generous with their portions. The staff are always friendly as I have been going to this establishment for over 14 years. The ambience is friendly and relaxing a good place to have lunch and catch up with good conversation! read more

The to-go line is quick since it's separate from the dine-in line. Portions are huge, so you get a lot of food. Be sure to try their muffin and cheesecake--they're amazing! read more

Cafe Max Richardson - muffin - New American Near Me - Richardson, Texas

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Thursday 1/16 was a very disappointing visit for this cafe. I ordered the same thing I have always ordered. For the second time the seafood salad tasted horrible. I always had a very good experience and found that to be my favorite seafood salad. I complained about the rubber like texture and taste like it was from day before leftovers. I spoke to the lady that had served me the following day and she said I should have called at the moment because it would have helped them by checking the quality. They couldn't help me and basically sorry for your luck. I live way too far to make special trip to eat there and be let down. Almost $20 for my salad trio. read more

For a quick salad lunch this is a great spot. Dine-in still isn't an option at this time since they are short staffed but the to-go process is pretty quick and easy. If you are really in a crunch for time, you can call ahead 15 minutes and place your order to skip the line. They still enforce face masks and limit the number of people in the store (thank you!). My first time here, I wanted to try everything so I got the salad sampler which included a heft scoop of Cesar salad and 7 small scoops of the other types. I enjoyed them all and my least favorite one was the vegetable (probably because it was the healthiest one!). read more

Cafe Max Richardson - Salad sampler was a good pick if you've never been there before and wanting to try it all! - New American Near Me - Richardson, Texas

A family member asked me to stop in. Not my choice but I did it anyway. Anyone notice that the reviews for the last 6+ months have not only been mostly all negative, but there has not been one reply from the owners. It means they don't care anymore than the people working there. Such a loss for anyone in Richardson. read more

Had lunch here the other day-meeting an old friend. We wanted to eat here because when we worked together we ate here often. More than nostalgic, it was a happy discovery that the food is still fantastic. Salads were fresh and plentiful-just as we remembered. We both did the trio and were very happy with our choices. Both of us had the Caesar which is quite excellent. I had pasta and vegetable salad for my other 2. Normally pasta salad is blah but not this one. And the veggie salad was fresh and just lightly dressed. My buddy was thrilled with her potato salad and thought the seafood was excellent. Thanks for an excellent lunch and rekindling of fond memories. If I lived near, I'd be here often. read more

Been lunching with them for years, even before they came to this location. Love their salads, their potato soup, and the carrot muffins. Always did the trio salads, Caesar and chicken salads are musts and then alternating between seafood, pasta, etc., other salads. They do a lot more catering now, but they've kept their attention to quality overall. read more

I recently made a return visit to Cafe Max after almost 16 years!! This mini cafeteria is near my old high school so some of my friends and I used to grab some on our way home. All these years later and it's still exactly the same!! They have a pretty limited menu, but let me tell you this: Cafe Max makes some of the best Caesar salad + pasta salad you will have ever tried. The caesar is made with the perfect amount of dressing, the croutons have a unique seasoning to them, and the dark green lettuce brings it all together for an addicting plate. I brought some over to my sister who is not a salad person, and Cafe Max has converted her. And the pasta salad. Well, it's creamy and perfect. I'm not sure how else to describe it. I love pasta salads and have eaten them my whole life, but the seasoning and flavors CM uses are incredible. Try it, trust me. COVID update: you must wear a mask to enter the small cafe. They are also offering carryout and catering. read more

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The food is outstanding, the portions are two meals and the prices are great!!!! We use the take out service.

So disappointed, drove 25 minutes because I enjoy the freshness of Cafe Max salads. The vegetable salad had one piece of cauliflower in 2 orders. They were out of cucumber and German potato salad. The other salads are not vegetarian friendly so did not get to enjoy my favorite, the cucumber salad. Lesson learned, call before you go to confirm they have everything. read more

Genuinely one of my favorite restaurants ever! Everyone's super friendly and they never fail to amaze!

We hadn't been here in a while, but everything was as delicious as we remembered it. They have a fabulous Caesar salad. The dressing is thick and creamy, the lettuce is crisp and the croutons are crunchy. I like both the seafood and chicken salads and they were also very tasty. The staff was very pleasant and friendly and the service was quick and accurate. Surprisingly the dining room was not very crowded during a Friday lunch hour, ( maybe people got used to doing takeout during the pandemic) but that kept the noise down and made for a calmer environment. Looking forward to returning soon. read more

Picked up an order to serve at a meeting in my home. Salads were delicious as always. Have never been disappointed in Cafe Max!

Whoa, where had this cafe been my whole life?? I stopped here from a recommendation from my coworker and I cannot thank her enough. Whether to go or dine in, this place is great. I went in the to go side and got the salad trio to go. I was a little confused what it entailed but check it, they have ALL the salads! Cucumber, chicken, pasta what have you, they got it. I got the cucumber, chicken and Caesar salad trio and it was enough for two meals, very easy to split with another person if you're so inclined. The Caesar had a little bite to it (which I loved) and the chicken salad isn't traditional, it's without mayo and honestly, I don't know what the sauce was but I loved it! And the little carrot cake muffin they give you is perfection. Little hidden gem in north Richardson! read more

The pandemic lives on at Cafe Max. No dine-in ability. Been eating here for more than 15 years, but the customer service today was less than acceptable. No greeting, no please, & no thank you. I purchased 2 trio salads and 2 large unsweetened tea. The trio salads were $17 each and the teas $3.50 each. It's good, but not *that* good. read more

This is a great place for take out and large catering orders. Easy to pick up and comes with everything you need!

I have been a customer for 30+ years - and something changed right after they reopened for the new year. New owners, maybe? This is my 2nd visit in two weeks. I came back to make sure I just didn't visit on an "off" day. The salads (pasta and ceasar) are way over dressed, the chicken salad - their signature salad - is different. The chicken is not as tender, the flavoring is REALLY different. The cucumber salad is also off a little bit, but how can you make too many changes with vinegar? All I can say is wow - why change such a good thing and keep the appearances the same? If this is new owners and you want to put your "signature and taste" on items, OK. It would be nice to know there are "updates" and/or "changes". Customers, don't expect the old Cafe Max deliciousness you have been spoiled with for these past few decades. They are now mediocre, at best. read more

I use to work in Richardson on Collins from 1999-2001 and we regularly ate lunch at the Cafe Max old location on Plano road. My wife and I happened to be going north on 75 last Friday at lunchtime. I suggested we try Cafe Max and we were taken back to 1999. We experienced the same great food and service that I got back then. The seafood salad, chicken salad with apples and green and red peppers and the fruit salad tasted just like I remembered. So today, I happened to be by there again and couldn't help myself. This time I replaced the fruit salad with a Cesar salad and it was very good. The portions are very large, in fact we made two meals out of our first visit back. If you haven't tried Cafe Max, do yourself a favor...you won't be disappointed! read more

Make sure to call your order in for pick up that's the way they are handling orders during this pandemic. There salads always hit!! My go to is the chicken, Cesar and pasta! Have to get a side of seafood and crackers for my daughter she absolutely loves it! Prices are reasonable for your huge portions of food! Y'all check em out if you haven't!! read more

Cafe Max Richardson - Salad trio - New American Near Me - Richardson, Texas

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I have been coming here since I was little! Best pasta salad! So flavorful and quick service. Line is usually out the door but it moves fast. Yes, a bit pricey for a salad but the amount of food you get is worth it in my opinion. It's an entire styrofoam container's worth of food so definitely enough to split for two. The trio salad with Caesar, pasta and chicken is THE BEST! Will never stop coming here when I get the craving! read more

The food is always fresh! My favorite is the ceasars salad, best dressing I have ever had! The chicken salad is very delicious as well. KThank 10/5 stars!!!! read more

Love everything here!!! Just wish they were open longer. You can't go wrong with any of the salads.

Absolutely love the food here. Really wish they would at least open up the outdoor area for lunches. There is nothing here that is not good. If you have a choice of roll or muffin, 100% muffin for sure.I have gone in and ordered on line, simple , easy and they always have it spot on. Oh and the cookies Oatmeal is a must. read more

I've loved this place for years but it's been a while since they moved.The service is superb and you don't mind the company everyone is so pleasant. read more

Cafe Max Richardson - New American Near Me - Richardson, Texas

Great food and service. Prices have increased like every restaurant. My daughter and I had a great experience

Way over priced in my opinion. I got a sandwich and soup combo with an oatmeal cookie. Cost was almost $12 and some change. The "bowl" of soup tastes like Campbell's chicken and rice. The sandwich was okay, but nothing special for the price. Waiting in line for my call in order was hot. The lady checking out threw a fit for some reason? Not a great first impression by any means. There are a lot of other places in the area with bigger portions and more flavor for the same price. Don't see myself going back. read more

Cafe Max Richardson - Regular sized bread that's $2 a loaf at the grocery store. I was starving so I'd already eaten half of the sandwich. - New American Near Me - Richardson, Texas

If you like salad you'll love this place! Always fresh always delicious. They have sandwiches too I believe but I have had their salads only. read more

We had a neighborhood picnic in our backyard and ordered chicken salad and pasta salad from Cafe Max. So many people commented on how good the food was. It worked out so well to be able to order the food a few days before the picnic and have it so fresh when we picked it up. We ordered 1 quart/6 people and had plenty without a huge amount of leftovers. We also served a tossed salad, rolls and lots of homemade cookies. Thanks to all that work at Cafe Max. You sure are busy making great food for the community. read more

I have been dining on Cafe Max for years at many catered events including my own events. This is the first time to dine in the restaurant and it didn't disappoint. I had the salad trio and they tasted as good as I remember!! Yummmm! I forgot to get one of the zucchini muffins which I love!!! The service was okay on the serving line. Employees helpful. The ambiance was okay for lunch. Minimal decor but they are known for their wonderful food and catering!! Will definitely eat there again. read more

I've had this restaurant bookmarked for a few months now so I was excited when my fiancé asked me to meet him for lunch. He works really close so I suggested cafe max. They have a to-go entrance and dining room to sit and enjoy your meal. They primarily serve cold salads and they're pretty tasty. They also have quiche and a few hot foods. The portion sizes are also extremely big so it can make 2 meals. I ordered the salad sampler which comes with all 8 of their salads. The 8 salads are potato, caesar, pasta, fruit, chicken, seafood, vegetable and cucumber salad. My favorite is probably chicken then cucumber, fruit and caesar. The caesar and fruit are just basic...nothing special but still really good though. I would come back if I was looking for a quick filling lunch. They're only open from 10:30am to 2:30pm so it's perfect for lunch. read more

Cafe Max Richardson - Menu - New American Near Me - Richardson, Texas

Come on Cafe Max. I know you can do better. This was the best place in the 90's for lunch. Not now. The staff has always been rude, and that was ok when you were the best. However, your food quality is marginal now, and recipes and ingredients have changed. A friend of mine makes a knock-off of your chicken salad, and it is better than yours. Sad read more

Been going there over 20 years and they've always had poor customer service. Today was the worst. The food is sub par with so many more restaurants that offer the same thing. It's really not worth having to deal with those employees. I'll take myself & my catering elsewhere. read more

The amount of food you get for the price is impressive. This will definitely fill you up! The food was ok but honestly nothing to write home about. The chicken salad is no traditional. It is not mayo based. It almost had an Asian taste to it? Like almost a teriyaki flavor??? Pasta salad and Caesar salad was standard. I would definitely come back if I wanted a combination of salads to eat for lunch. read more

I have been eating at Cafemax since 1991 and they have always maintained the same quality of salads. We live their Salad Trio (Caesar, fruit, and pasta). It comes with a roll or muffin. They now (post Covid) have only to go available as they wrapped up dine-in facility, though available, they are not serving dine-in due to understaff. It's a good to-go lunch option. read more

Cafe Max Richardson - Salad Trio (2 to-go orders) - New American Near Me - Richardson, Texas

Cafe Max is probably our favorite lunch! As soon as someone mentions Cafe Max, suddenly we have a large to go order! When you call to place your order, you're promptly greeted by a friendly employee. Your order is quickly placed and they ask when you would like to pick it up. Which is very helpful because Teacher's lunches are not flexible at all! Our orders have always been ready to pick up when we arrive!! We're always so appreciative of that! They also let us pay orders separately. There's a separate entrance for pick up and to go orders. Once you enter, there's a line specifically for pick up (the registrar right in front of you when you enter) and another line specifically for to go (the registrar to the right when you enter) They are fast and efficient! The food itself is delicious! I always have to get the seafood salad, it's my favorite! If you can't decide which salad to get, they offer a salad sampler that has a small amount of each salad. They have sandwiches and quiches as well. There's definitely something for everyone! read more

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I feel like I am cheating by giving 4 stars. But this was my recent visit. I have been going to Max's since I was a kid... over 25 years. Geez maybe it's 30 years. Whenever they opened. This is my official death bed food or last meal to be requested before I will be executed. Its my favorite. My issue is not with the food. Or the workers. It's the price...$17.10 for the trio salad... Cesar, chick, seafood. It's official... I have been priced out. I am gonna go out on a limb and state I am probably one of or close to one of the most frequented customers they have. I have attended all locations. I even do saturdays. I use to work close by and would hit Max's 5 times a week back in the day. Now I drive 50 minutes round trip to get my special lunch. Cafe Max... thank you for the great ride. I will save you for those special days of my life. read more