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Max & Helen's is the brainchild of Phil Rosenthal and chef Nancy Silverton. It's named after Phil's late parents and it's definitely an upscale diner experience - diner style food with elevated ingredients and prices. Located a couple doors down from Chevalier's Books (which ironically is where I first saw Rosenthal's book on display), it was a bit hard to find, there's no big sign, just "diner" on the top, and "Max & Helen's" on the window, which is blocked by the hostess stand, so I didn't spot it initially. When my son and I arrived for an early dinner on a Saturday night, there was no seating available inside, but we were able to get a seat on the street patio right away. I was super happy as I've heard that the wait can be hours long. The hostess stand also had some stickers and matchbooks - so nostalgic with the old school print and a drawn picture of Max & Helen on the inside flap. The inside seating is on the smaller side, tight booths, a few tables and a counter to seat 9 or 10 (I didn't count all of them). Loved the decor with the Edison bulbs and tiles, and bringing the diner theme with the teal paper napkin and sugar dispensers. I have been craving matzo ball soup for the past couple weeks, so I had to order that. I also tried the Omelet Florentine w/ English muffin and my kiddo got the Cheeseburger Deluxe with tallow fries. The food came out quickly and was all great. I asked for hot sauce and they told me they have their own house made hot sauce which I had to try. It was very good and had a good kick! I loved the ingredients in the omelet, I've never had leek in an omelet before so that was a unique and yummy add. My kiddo really liked his burger, I loved the tallow fries. And the matzo ball soup was my favorite. It was like chicken noodle soup, but instead of noodles, you get a matzo ball. I loved all the chunks of veggies and chicken and especially the dill in it, it really gave it a nice flavor. Wish I had room for a slice of pie and I was really curious about the egg cream, but we had no more room in our bellies. That only means I have to come back!!
Met a friend here for brunch, she wanted to check it out so off we went to Larchmont to see what Max & Helen's had to offer. Got there around 930a and it was pretty busy, but we were able to get seated outside right away. After a quick glance at the menu, we were ready to order. We went with the Larchmont Slam, the NY breakfast sandwich, the Diner breakfast and a side of French toast. The NY breakfast sandwich was pretty tasty, on a kaiser roll with bacon, a fried egg, mayo and American cheese. Simple but it all works together. The Larchmont Slam was fairly basic, but the chocolate chip pancakes were better then I thought they would be. The diner breakfast consisted of two eggs, toast and bacon or sausage. Again, very basic and didn't stand out in any way. Finally, the French toast was two slices of French toast with some fruit on top. Super simple and, again, didn't stand out. Overall, a very basic diner style spot in Larchmont. The breakfast sandwich was tasty, and the chocolate chip pancakes worked, but everything else, given the price point for simple breakfast items, was not worth it. With so many options for breakfast/brunch, you can do better but, if you plan on going, the breakfast sandwich and the chocolate chip pancakes are the way to go.
We came here for breakfast on a weekend morning about 15 minutes before opening and there was already a line. Max & Helen's has been open for a while now, and I think the hype is here to stay. The restaurant is a tribute to Phil Rosenthal's parents, Max and Helen, and has that classic diner feel with an elevated East Coast touch. Everything we tried was cooked really well. The waffle with the maple butter was probably my favorite. It was so good that you really don't need any extra syrup. Just a simple dish done perfectly. The smoked salmon on the Courage platter was also amazing. It was my first time trying Gingrass smoked salmon and it instantly became one of my favorites. Coffee is also a must here. Service was warm and friendly, just like Phil. Definitely worth getting here early and waiting in line. I can see this becoming a real LA breakfast staple.
Today I had the opportunity to have Breakfast at Max & Helen's! This is a cute diner located on very busy Larchmont. We waited 30 minutes to be seated which we were told 30 to 40 minutes. We were initially given a seat at the outside area, but the morning sun was a little too much so we asked to be seated inside, which we were lucky they had a cute small booth open in the back of the restaurant by the kitchen. We had great service and the best part was the classic old school R&B music that was playing not too loud not too low just perfect volume. The French Toast was very yummy. We will be back...I wished they had flavored coffee creamer that would elevate the experience the coffee wasn't amazing to me, and for this reason they get 4 stars. Great coffee will always get 5 stars in my book.
I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that I've had the best waffles in my entire life here. That maple butter is a sin. I thought from everything I've seen about this place that it'd be another classic diner. Turns out it is... but it isn't. Somehow, everything is elevated while still keeping true to that good ole American classic diner atmosphere. The food is classic.. but somehow better. The interior and vibes are classic.. but somehow better. I don't know what it is man, but this place has a golden touch. Phil Rosenthal, you beautiful man. What a beautiful tribute you've created. Also, the servers were walking around with this dope Max & Helen's hat... I had to cop one lol.
Been dying to try this for months but the lines were absolutely insane when it first opened. I finally went today as I heard the lines died down a lot and it's true! I went around 10:30am today (Thursday) and only waited 15 minutes. Honestly, food was great and service was good. Nothing amazing about the food but it's supposed to be a neighborhood diner so what do you expect? It's definitely 10/10 diner food, I will say. The waffle with butter and syrup is divine and the beef tallow fires were great. Tuna melt with tomato is solid, not a must try. The hot cocoa here is what they're known for and it's def worth trying -- just prepare to order hot coffee or drink a lot of water with it as it's super sweet (and I have a huge sweet tooth LOL).
Max and Helen's opened in the Larchmont neighborhood some time ago (2024 or 2025?) but I'd heard it was so busy that I decided not to try it until the crowds had died down. We came for an early dinner on a holiday weekend hoping that we'd be able to get seated immediately, but when we arrived, the staff told us that it would be a 30 minute wait. We put our name down and went to Chevalier's Books a few doors down. In the situation that you do come to Max and Helen's and are facing a longer wait, I think you're in the right place for it, as this strip of Larchmont has a lot of stores to wander into and waste time in. The wait ended up being less than 30 minutes, it was probably closer to 15. When we came back, we were seated immediately at a table indoors. The interior of Max and Helen's has been styled to look like a traditional diner. Looking around the restaurant, I admired the decor, which felt distinctly to me like an East Coast restaurant, particularly a New York City restaurant. Our server was very friendly and explained the menu to us as it was our first time dining. They were also happy to make a few recommendations. We ordered one main each and sweet potato fries. I got the seared salmon cakes, which tasted like a savory pancake with bits of salmon in. My husband got the tuna melt, which was good, but basic. We shared the banana split for dessert, which was great. I think this is a great option for brunch or a casual dinner if you're after diner food. Would highly recommend and look forward to returning.
I finally made it to Max & Helen's Diner in the Larchmont Village and am so happy! Rumors have it that if you arrive after 11am the waitlist can be hours! We got there a little after 10:10am and only had a little wait. There tons of shops and people watching to do while waiting. The friendly hostess had text my friend so that meant our table was ready. We had a choice of outdoor or indoor seating. My friend chose indoors for us to take in the full ambiance of the diner. Max & Helen's feels like an east coast diner with high ceilings, tons of framed black & white photos on the walls and lots of wood (chairs, tables, cabinets and paneling). Our waiter was friendly and agreed that the waffle is a must have. He likes pancakes yet this waffle is so tasty! We ordered it as an appetizer! He took our breakfast orders and some came with toast options (wheat, challah, sourdough, rye and more). There were several servers and bussers who helped run food and refill beverages. We bought a t-shirt and had a great time. Oh, one of the servers told us that there are food specials during the week! I will come back to try Max & Helen's lunch and dinner menu. One is the chicken and waffle plate. I'm also a fan of mac&cheese which they have as well! I'm getting hungry typing this!
We were seated right away. It was clean & nice inside. I had the grilled cheese & tomato soup. He had the pastrami Ruben. We split the sweet potato fries. I had to try the celery root slaw because I'd never even heard of it. It was all delicious. They gave us a postcard with the bill and we picked up a couple stickers on our way out. Thanks
The wait? Totally not worth it. I really wanted to see what all the hype was about, so I gave this place THREE chances. The first time, I went around 10 AM on a Saturday. They told us there was a 45-minute wait, but we never even received a text saying our table was ready. We eventually gave up and ate at Great White instead. The second time, I went on a rainy Sunday at 9 AM, thinking it would be relatively quiet. Nope. They told us there was a 2-hour wait. Crazy. So, I decided to try one more time. The third time, I arrived at 7:50 AM, before they even opened. There were already about 10 parties lined up in front of me, but thankfully, I was able to get a table without too much of a wait. At this point, I was REALLY looking forward to the food. I mean, why are people willing to line up for hours? It must be amazing, right? I ordered the Larchmont Slam ($27), supposedly one of their most popular dishes. And my gosh... what a disappointment. There was honestly nothing special about it. It was basically average diner food. I could get the same type of breakfast--with better flavor--for much less money at plenty of other places. Maybe I'm missing something, but for me, this place is seriously overrated and overpriced. Would I wait 1-2 hours for it again? Absolutely not. Would I go back? Probably never. If I happen to be in the area, extremely hungry, and there's somehow no line, maybe I'd consider it. Otherwise, I'll pass.
Incredibly delicious meal. There were so many delicious items in the menu that I had trouble choosing. Breakfast platter, fries, club sandwich, waffle and cinnamon roll. Most delicious meal. Large portions that can be shared. Super friendly service, clean facilities, easy parking on Larchmont, and great ambiance. I would highly recommend!
What they say about the wait system is all TRUE! Don't expect anything easy or simple or accurate. They need to improve their current process for me to return. First, there is no number for the restaurant available anywhere. You are forced to go in person to put your name down. Second, we arrived on a Saturday around lunch time (1-2pm) and was told it would be a 45min wait. They took my phone number and said they would text me when the table will be ready. Never got a text! We happen to check back in about 45mins from putting our name down and luckily was next to be called, but had we not checked in we would never know. Later, I discovered a few messages sent via Yelp Inbox which I never check, and not many people do for restaurant check in's so found that odd. Third, patio seating is nowhere near as good as inside. There's not enough nostalgia vibes outside and you almost felt like an after thought being outside. Every other seat was either getting too much sun or tucked in a corner where no breeze was coming out. Given, we were there mid June, but I expected it to feel different outside. Food-wise, I really enjoyed dipping my waffle into the hot coco. It is pretty good but also pretty thick so it's not meant for real drinking. I couldn't finish the whole thing but it is something worth getting at least once. We also tried a few sandwiches and mostly like the breakfast sandwich. Cinnamon roll was underwhelming but I did enjoy the sweetness of the icing. Overall, nothing wow'd me as much as the hype did. It's a great diner and I think it has some potential to be an amazing experience they just need to work on their wait system and upgrade their patio.
I first tried to visit Max & Helen's on its opening weekend and the wait was like 4 hours long. Since then I've heard that people are waiting as long as 8 hours to eat there, so I've been biding my time and waiting for just the right moment to go. I arrived on a weekday around 11:30 a.m. and I was pleasantly surprised that the wait was only 30 minutes for one person. I told them that the counter was okay. The great thing is that they take down your cell phone number and text you when the table is ready, but in the meantime you can click on an OpenTable link and see where you are on the wait list. I hung out in Chevalier's Books just a few doors down to take advantage of the air conditioning while I waited. About 30 minutes later, I received a text message that said that my table was almost ready and to check in with the host. They said they were just cleaning it up, so I only had to wait another couple of minutes before they brought me inside. Unfortunately, they sat me at the curved corner of the counter where there is less room between the counter and the counter stool, which is firmly planted into the floor and cannot be moved. I barely fit there. I couldn't even swivel my counter stool sideways because there was someone on either side of me. Now, I'm not the biggest person in the room, but I'm also not the smallest. I shoehorned myself into that space and let my upper belly hangover the counter, but I found it humiliating and painful and just not easy to eat. If it weren't so busy, I would have asked for a different counter stool in hopes that there would be more room, or I would even ask for a table, but just given the crowd and the amount of time I had (with only 2 hour metered parking) I just decided to suffer in silence. But honestly, I couldn't wait to get out of there. Everything on the menu does look really good, and I struggled to choose between the sweet and savory options. I have celiac, but there is really nothing gluten-free there, which I knew coming in to it, so I had decided to gluten myself as a special thing today. I decided that the waffle with the maple butter was probably most worth getting sick over. The waffle itself was good, not great. It comes with a monstrous amount of maple butter on top of it. Some people might want to use all that butter, but it feels like it's more for the Instagram photos then for actual eating. Even if half the people wanted that much maple butter, it just feels like a lot of food waste, something on particularly sensitive to. I would advise anyone who's not a maple butter fanatic to ask them ahead of time to go light on the butter. Since I had saved myself for this meal, I hadn't had any breakfast yet and it was already lunch time, so I needed more than a waffle. Even though it's not an option on the menu, I was able to order one sunny side up egg on the side. I also ordered a side of pork sausage breakfast links, which teeth did good but unfortunately were very rubbery. I've heard that the hot chocolate is really good, but it's 95° today so I just went for a diet Coke. I appreciate that they have crushed ice, which always makes everything taste better. The service staff was excellent, although I did feel a little uncomfortable that everyone kept mistaking me and the solo person next to me as a party of two, asking us if we were ready to order and placing my waffle in between the two of us as though we were sharing. No big deal in the large scheme of things, but it's just another thing that made it uncomfortable for me to dine alone there. I lived in New York City for 14 years, and this place does not evoke a New York diner or Jewish deli to me at all. That being said, it looks nice inside and I liked some of the decor touches. I won't be back as a solo diner, and given the gluten thing I probably won't risk it again. But I'm glad I tried it.
7 days ago
Somebody Feed Me because Phil's gotten enough already! We have adored the show for years and cherished the times we got to know Max, Helen, and their beautiful family. So we were thrilled to be able to support the restaurant. Yes, it's small, but we went during the week and had no issues with being seated. The interior is nostalgic and has many family photos to enjoy. We ordered a smattering of items and everything was absolutely delicious. The Matzoh Ball Soup was so comforting and flavorful. The sandwiches were indulgent. And if you finish your hot chocolate, they'll do a courtesy coffee pour so you can use up every single bit of sugary goodness. Now who's got a joke for Max? read more
8 days ago
Decor and service really made this place special! We planned to visit for dinner to avoid the breakfast/brunch crowd. Arriving at about 6:30 PM we were seated in doors right away I ordered a chocolate, pb, & banana malt shake that our server Julian suggested -- it was hands down the best shake I've ever had. I will definitely be recommending this as a milkshake/ dessert spot to my friends For my main I got the patty melt and sweet potato fries. The patty was cooked well and the portion was generous, but the seasoning was not strong enough for my preferences though it was still yummy! I took half home and it reheated well Would come back for the shakes for sure ! read more
11 days ago
Like walking into the past when you enter the wood paneled restaurant. My last visit was limited to the sidewalk/street patio seating . Inside You find small tables fill the space. The counter has stool seats around a beautiful wooden display that is both functional and historic Service was great! The Staff makes sure the small spaces are kept tidy and ready for patrons The food is absolutely amazing Their unique grapefruit is just so good!! Like having dessert for breakfast The pastrami hash was excellent too read more
Max & Helen's is the brainchild of Phil Rosenthal and chef Nancy Silverton. It's named after Phil's late parents and it's definitely an upscale diner experience - diner style food with elevated ingredients and prices. Located a couple doors down from Chevalier's Books (which ironically is where I first saw Rosenthal's book on display), it was a bit hard to find, there's no big sign, just "diner" on the top, and "Max & Helen's" on the window, which is blocked by the hostess stand, so I didn't spot it initially. When my son and I arrived for an early dinner on a Saturday night, there was no seating available inside, but we were able to get a seat on the street patio right away. I was super happy as I've heard that the wait can be hours long. The hostess stand also had some stickers and matchbooks - so nostalgic with the old school print and a drawn picture of Max & Helen on the inside flap. The inside seating is on the smaller side, tight booths, a few tables and a counter to seat 9 or 10 (I didn't count all of them). Loved the decor with the Edison bulbs and tiles, and bringing the diner theme with the teal paper napkin and sugar dispensers. I have been craving matzo ball soup for the past couple weeks, so I had to order that. I also tried the Omelet Florentine w/ English muffin and my kiddo got the Cheeseburger Deluxe with tallow fries. The food came out quickly and was all great. I asked for hot sauce and they told me they have their own house made hot sauce which I had to try. It was very good and had a good kick! I loved the ingredients in the omelet, I've never had leek in an omelet before so that was a unique and yummy add. My kiddo really liked his burger, I loved the tallow fries. And the matzo ball soup was my favorite. It was like chicken noodle soup, but instead of noodles, you get a matzo ball. I loved all the chunks of veggies and chicken and especially the dill in it, it really gave it a nice flavor. Wish I had room for a slice of pie and I was really curious about the egg cream, but we had no more room in our bellies. That only means I have to come back!! read more
Met a friend here for brunch, she wanted to check it out so off we went to Larchmont to see what Max & Helen's had to offer. Got there around 930a and it was pretty busy, but we were able to get seated outside right away. After a quick glance at the menu, we were ready to order. We went with the Larchmont Slam, the NY breakfast sandwich, the Diner breakfast and a side of French toast. The NY breakfast sandwich was pretty tasty, on a kaiser roll with bacon, a fried egg, mayo and American cheese. Simple but it all works together. The Larchmont Slam was fairly basic, but the chocolate chip pancakes were better then I thought they would be. The diner breakfast consisted of two eggs, toast and bacon or sausage. Again, very basic and didn't stand out in any way. Finally, the French toast was two slices of French toast with some fruit on top. Super simple and, again, didn't stand out. Overall, a very basic diner style spot in Larchmont. The breakfast sandwich was tasty, and the chocolate chip pancakes worked, but everything else, given the price point for simple breakfast items, was not worth it. With so many options for breakfast/brunch, you can do better but, if you plan on going, the breakfast sandwich and the chocolate chip pancakes are the way to go. read more
We came here for breakfast on a weekend morning about 15 minutes before opening and there was already a line. Max & Helen's has been open for a while now, and I think the hype is here to stay. The restaurant is a tribute to Phil Rosenthal's parents, Max and Helen, and has that classic diner feel with an elevated East Coast touch. Everything we tried was cooked really well. The waffle with the maple butter was probably my favorite. It was so good that you really don't need any extra syrup. Just a simple dish done perfectly. The smoked salmon on the Courage platter was also amazing. It was my first time trying Gingrass smoked salmon and it instantly became one of my favorites. Coffee is also a must here. Service was warm and friendly, just like Phil. Definitely worth getting here early and waiting in line. I can see this becoming a real LA breakfast staple. read more
8 days ago
Today I had the opportunity to have Breakfast at Max & Helen's! This is a cute diner located on very busy Larchmont. We waited 30 minutes to be seated which we were told 30 to 40 minutes. We were initially given a seat at the outside area, but the morning sun was a little too much so we asked to be seated inside, which we were lucky they had a cute small booth open in the back of the restaurant by the kitchen. We had great service and the best part was the classic old school R&B music that was playing not too loud not too low just perfect volume. The French Toast was very yummy. We will be back...I wished they had flavored coffee creamer that would elevate the experience the coffee wasn't amazing to me, and for this reason they get 4 stars. Great coffee will always get 5 stars in my book. read more
I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that I've had the best waffles in my entire life here. That maple butter is a sin. I thought from everything I've seen about this place that it'd be another classic diner. Turns out it is... but it isn't. Somehow, everything is elevated while still keeping true to that good ole American classic diner atmosphere. The food is classic.. but somehow better. The interior and vibes are classic.. but somehow better. I don't know what it is man, but this place has a golden touch. Phil Rosenthal, you beautiful man. What a beautiful tribute you've created. Also, the servers were walking around with this dope Max & Helen's hat... I had to cop one lol. read more
Been dying to try this for months but the lines were absolutely insane when it first opened. I finally went today as I heard the lines died down a lot and it's true! I went around 10:30am today (Thursday) and only waited 15 minutes. Honestly, food was great and service was good. Nothing amazing about the food but it's supposed to be a neighborhood diner so what do you expect? It's definitely 10/10 diner food, I will say. The waffle with butter and syrup is divine and the beef tallow fires were great. Tuna melt with tomato is solid, not a must try. The hot cocoa here is what they're known for and it's def worth trying -- just prepare to order hot coffee or drink a lot of water with it as it's super sweet (and I have a huge sweet tooth LOL). read more
Max and Helen's opened in the Larchmont neighborhood some time ago (2024 or 2025?) but I'd heard it was so busy that I decided not to try it until the crowds had died down. We came for an early dinner on a holiday weekend hoping that we'd be able to get seated immediately, but when we arrived, the staff told us that it would be a 30 minute wait. We put our name down and went to Chevalier's Books a few doors down. In the situation that you do come to Max and Helen's and are facing a longer wait, I think you're in the right place for it, as this strip of Larchmont has a lot of stores to wander into and waste time in. The wait ended up being less than 30 minutes, it was probably closer to 15. When we came back, we were seated immediately at a table indoors. The interior of Max and Helen's has been styled to look like a traditional diner. Looking around the restaurant, I admired the decor, which felt distinctly to me like an East Coast restaurant, particularly a New York City restaurant. Our server was very friendly and explained the menu to us as it was our first time dining. They were also happy to make a few recommendations. We ordered one main each and sweet potato fries. I got the seared salmon cakes, which tasted like a savory pancake with bits of salmon in. My husband got the tuna melt, which was good, but basic. We shared the banana split for dessert, which was great. I think this is a great option for brunch or a casual dinner if you're after diner food. Would highly recommend and look forward to returning. read more
17 days ago
I finally made it to Max & Helen's Diner in the Larchmont Village and am so happy! Rumors have it that if you arrive after 11am the waitlist can be hours! We got there a little after 10:10am and only had a little wait. There tons of shops and people watching to do while waiting. The friendly hostess had text my friend so that meant our table was ready. We had a choice of outdoor or indoor seating. My friend chose indoors for us to take in the full ambiance of the diner. Max & Helen's feels like an east coast diner with high ceilings, tons of framed black & white photos on the walls and lots of wood (chairs, tables, cabinets and paneling). Our waiter was friendly and agreed that the waffle is a must have. He likes pancakes yet this waffle is so tasty! We ordered it as an appetizer! He took our breakfast orders and some came with toast options (wheat, challah, sourdough, rye and more). There were several servers and bussers who helped run food and refill beverages. We bought a t-shirt and had a great time. Oh, one of the servers told us that there are food specials during the week! I will come back to try Max & Helen's lunch and dinner menu. One is the chicken and waffle plate. I'm also a fan of mac&cheese which they have as well! I'm getting hungry typing this! read more
2 months ago
We were seated right away. It was clean & nice inside. I had the grilled cheese & tomato soup. He had the pastrami Ruben. We split the sweet potato fries. I had to try the celery root slaw because I'd never even heard of it. It was all delicious. They gave us a postcard with the bill and we picked up a couple stickers on our way out. Thanks read more
18 days ago
The wait? Totally not worth it. I really wanted to see what all the hype was about, so I gave this place THREE chances. The first time, I went around 10 AM on a Saturday. They told us there was a 45-minute wait, but we never even received a text saying our table was ready. We eventually gave up and ate at Great White instead. The second time, I went on a rainy Sunday at 9 AM, thinking it would be relatively quiet. Nope. They told us there was a 2-hour wait. Crazy. So, I decided to try one more time. The third time, I arrived at 7:50 AM, before they even opened. There were already about 10 parties lined up in front of me, but thankfully, I was able to get a table without too much of a wait. At this point, I was REALLY looking forward to the food. I mean, why are people willing to line up for hours? It must be amazing, right? I ordered the Larchmont Slam ($27), supposedly one of their most popular dishes. And my gosh... what a disappointment. There was honestly nothing special about it. It was basically average diner food. I could get the same type of breakfast--with better flavor--for much less money at plenty of other places. Maybe I'm missing something, but for me, this place is seriously overrated and overpriced. Would I wait 1-2 hours for it again? Absolutely not. Would I go back? Probably never. If I happen to be in the area, extremely hungry, and there's somehow no line, maybe I'd consider it. Otherwise, I'll pass. read more
Incredibly delicious meal. There were so many delicious items in the menu that I had trouble choosing. Breakfast platter, fries, club sandwich, waffle and cinnamon roll. Most delicious meal. Large portions that can be shared. Super friendly service, clean facilities, easy parking on Larchmont, and great ambiance. I would highly recommend! read more
2 months ago
What they say about the wait system is all TRUE! Don't expect anything easy or simple or accurate. They need to improve their current process for me to return. First, there is no number for the restaurant available anywhere. You are forced to go in person to put your name down. Second, we arrived on a Saturday around lunch time (1-2pm) and was told it would be a 45min wait. They took my phone number and said they would text me when the table will be ready. Never got a text! We happen to check back in about 45mins from putting our name down and luckily was next to be called, but had we not checked in we would never know. Later, I discovered a few messages sent via Yelp Inbox which I never check, and not many people do for restaurant check in's so found that odd. Third, patio seating is nowhere near as good as inside. There's not enough nostalgia vibes outside and you almost felt like an after thought being outside. Every other seat was either getting too much sun or tucked in a corner where no breeze was coming out. Given, we were there mid June, but I expected it to feel different outside. Food-wise, I really enjoyed dipping my waffle into the hot coco. It is pretty good but also pretty thick so it's not meant for real drinking. I couldn't finish the whole thing but it is something worth getting at least once. We also tried a few sandwiches and mostly like the breakfast sandwich. Cinnamon roll was underwhelming but I did enjoy the sweetness of the icing. Overall, nothing wow'd me as much as the hype did. It's a great diner and I think it has some potential to be an amazing experience they just need to work on their wait system and upgrade their patio. read more
I first tried to visit Max & Helen's on its opening weekend and the wait was like 4 hours long. Since then I've heard that people are waiting as long as 8 hours to eat there, so I've been biding my time and waiting for just the right moment to go. I arrived on a weekday around 11:30 a.m. and I was pleasantly surprised that the wait was only 30 minutes for one person. I told them that the counter was okay. The great thing is that they take down your cell phone number and text you when the table is ready, but in the meantime you can click on an OpenTable link and see where you are on the wait list. I hung out in Chevalier's Books just a few doors down to take advantage of the air conditioning while I waited. About 30 minutes later, I received a text message that said that my table was almost ready and to check in with the host. They said they were just cleaning it up, so I only had to wait another couple of minutes before they brought me inside. Unfortunately, they sat me at the curved corner of the counter where there is less room between the counter and the counter stool, which is firmly planted into the floor and cannot be moved. I barely fit there. I couldn't even swivel my counter stool sideways because there was someone on either side of me. Now, I'm not the biggest person in the room, but I'm also not the smallest. I shoehorned myself into that space and let my upper belly hangover the counter, but I found it humiliating and painful and just not easy to eat. If it weren't so busy, I would have asked for a different counter stool in hopes that there would be more room, or I would even ask for a table, but just given the crowd and the amount of time I had (with only 2 hour metered parking) I just decided to suffer in silence. But honestly, I couldn't wait to get out of there. Everything on the menu does look really good, and I struggled to choose between the sweet and savory options. I have celiac, but there is really nothing gluten-free there, which I knew coming in to it, so I had decided to gluten myself as a special thing today. I decided that the waffle with the maple butter was probably most worth getting sick over. The waffle itself was good, not great. It comes with a monstrous amount of maple butter on top of it. Some people might want to use all that butter, but it feels like it's more for the Instagram photos then for actual eating. Even if half the people wanted that much maple butter, it just feels like a lot of food waste, something on particularly sensitive to. I would advise anyone who's not a maple butter fanatic to ask them ahead of time to go light on the butter. Since I had saved myself for this meal, I hadn't had any breakfast yet and it was already lunch time, so I needed more than a waffle. Even though it's not an option on the menu, I was able to order one sunny side up egg on the side. I also ordered a side of pork sausage breakfast links, which teeth did good but unfortunately were very rubbery. I've heard that the hot chocolate is really good, but it's 95° today so I just went for a diet Coke. I appreciate that they have crushed ice, which always makes everything taste better. The service staff was excellent, although I did feel a little uncomfortable that everyone kept mistaking me and the solo person next to me as a party of two, asking us if we were ready to order and placing my waffle in between the two of us as though we were sharing. No big deal in the large scheme of things, but it's just another thing that made it uncomfortable for me to dine alone there. I lived in New York City for 14 years, and this place does not evoke a New York diner or Jewish deli to me at all. That being said, it looks nice inside and I liked some of the decor touches. I won't be back as a solo diner, and given the gluten thing I probably won't risk it again. But I'm glad I tried it. read more
Izzy, our server, was excellent! I ordered the tuna melt with a side of tallow fries. Both were delicious. My friend ordered an omelet and she was very pleased. They are super busy so expect to wait awhile. You can put your name in and they will text you when your table is ready. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Parking is tricky, especially on the weekends when it's crazy. P.S. Give Izzy a raise! read more
The vibes in here are so fun. Truly feel like you're in a good ol diner back in the day. The single pancake was unexpectedly crispy in texture on the outside while remaining so fluffy on the inside. I really liked it. It doesn't say on the menu but there is a lemony flavor to the pancake. I do wish there was a non lemon version. 8/10 Mashed potatoes and gravy. I ordered the side and it was good! Nothing crazy but nothing amazing. It's a solid dish. I do wish the gravy was warm though. Mine came out a bit cold. 6/10 HOT CHOCOLATE OMG THE BEST ITEM. I say come for just this. It is so thick. It's like a warm drinkable chocolate bar. It's what I imagine the chocolate river in Charlie and the chocolate factory to taste like. And the toasted marshmallow fluff on top made it so much more amazing. Definitely a decadent and rich dessert. 11/10 Banana cream pie. The chocolate shell lining the pie crust was unexpected and delicious addition. I wish it was a bigger slice given the price of $12.50. It was a comically small slice for the price hahah. 7/10 Overall I recommend this spot for the vibes and desserts. I may return to try the savory menu items but the dishes are pretty expensive on average. If the portions are like the pie, I'm not sure it would be worth it. Flavors are good. Prices compared to portion not good. read more
Diner located on Larchmont that recently opened as of early 2026. Before coming here, I heard about crazy wait times. And although I don't think I should penalize a restaurant for their popularity, I think it should at least be noted as part of the overall experience. Luckily for me, I took a zag where others zigged approach to dining here. I was in the area and came in around 5pm on a weekday. Zero wait! I walked and sat up right at the bar and overall the place was chill. Even though it was early dinner time, I really wanted to try the waffle that I heard so much about. Glad to say that it is indeed delicious. I also ordered a chocolate egg cream to wash it down because I feel like having an egg cream with my diner or deli meal always gives an NYC vibe - at least in my mind, haha. Sitting at the bar, the service was friendly and quick. I can't speak to how it it is when the place is crazy busy, but it was enjoyable for me. Definitely want to come back to try other diner classics (especially items like the tuna melt, etc.) Parking on/in the Larchmont area can get pretty hectic. Between all the pedestrians and other drivers that seem to have forgotten all common courtesies, driving and parking in this area can be stressful. There is a lot of street parking though. On more than one occasion, I've parked a block or two outside of the neighborhood and just walked in. read more
The waffle is absolutely a must. The maple butter on top of the crisp buttery piping hot waffle with the wonderful golden crevices - absolute delicious. I also tried the patty melt, which was very good and so big I couldn't finish it. It was a warm day, so although the patio looked inviting inside dining was the move. Whenever you're in Larchmont village definitely try to make it in here although it's very popular and the wait could be long. read more
3 months ago
Max & Helen's is a great place for breakfast or lunch. We just love all of it. The place is super clean, comfortable and adorable. The service makes you feel at home. The entire staff is great and they take good care of you. I love their coffee. It is so well brewed and they have a nice choice. My favorite thing there are the waffles and hash browns. They also have great toast. Their entire breakfast menu is great. I wish they would crisp their bacon a little more, but I should have asked. Their lunch menu is also great. They have wonderful salads and sandwiches. Their BROWN DERBY COBB, with turkey, bacon, egg, blue cheese, avocado, tomato, cucumber, iceberg and great vinaigrette or ranch dressing is worth the 23$ price tag. We also love their PASTRAMI REUBEN dressed with sauerkraut, swiss cheese and, russian dressing on rye bread. It is always good. You will love this place. read more
Definitely too much hype behind this place. I'm glad I got it out of my system. I will say it's a glorified simple diner and diner food is the best! I thought it was weird that you can't substitute waffles or pancakes. The pancakes were my favorite though. Right about of crispness and different than other pancakes I've had - in a good way obviously. My party of 4 arrived around 10am and the wait was 1.5 hours. Was it worth it... as a first timer yes. Would I come back? Only for pancakes and if the wait was less. Small charming joint. Not a lot of seating options - don't recommend for large parties unless you're cool with sitting outside. The patio deck isn't leveled so you will be sitting at an uncomfortable angle. read more
Classic American Diner with a slight upscale feel in the Larchmont area and indulgent foods. I visited here with a friend for a weekday breakfast and our experience here was relatively good. To share, we had the following: -Waffle with Maple Butter: This was good and the waffle was crunchy, although it was a bit burnt. The butter was super sweet, but tasty and smooth. I wouldn't pay $17 for this again though. -Omelet Florentine: The egg was good, but the veggie filling was too slimy and oily for my taste. A "healthier" option though and I liked the side of toast with butter and jam it came with. -Lily's Hot Chocolate: Super thick and decadent. This was more like a dessert. It was pretty sugary, but I still enjoyed it. The food here was pretty pricey relative to other diners and I ended up paying around $40 per head here for breakfast foods. The food was still decent though, but this is more of a special occasion type of place. I felt pretty heavy after eating here. Overall, I wouldn't mind coming back and trying this place again. I would share the hot chocolate with another person and try their other dishes. However, I would still opt for a mom n pop experience when it comes to breakfast diners. read more
Finally! Been wanting to go forever! Kid and I were in the area and decided to try to go. Was quoted a 30 minute wait but got in, in 15 minutes because sitting 2 people is easier than more and we said we would sit at the counter which was a fun people viewing experience. The counter staff were nice, talkative. Kind of felt bad for them because they said they were always busy from morning to nice which is good for business but felt like they needed a break! Anyhoo, it was nice talking to them, food came super quick. Tried waffle, tuna sandwich, hot chocolate and had a soda. Expensive diner food but it was tasty and it was fun. Would definitely come again if I found myself in the area as it would be nice to try other menu items. read more
My husband and I have been planning to come here since the day it opened. Finally earlier today we came to have breakfast. We decided to come on a weekday cause we heard how busy it gets on weekends. We waited for thirty minutes for a table instead of hours. Great start lol .... Now about the reviews, why so many bad ones I don't understand. It's such a cute place, warm and welcoming service by everyone you interact with and the food we ordered was delicious. We enjoyed our breakfast. I can easily say that the house potatoes that came with the Larchmont Slam were the best potatoes I ever had at a restaurant. Perfect cooked and salted. Went very well with the fluffy eggs and bacon. The pancakes were soft and perfectly cooked, no doughy taste or smell like other places. I ate half of it with no regret. I'm not a pancake lover but this was amazing. Nancy's omelette was also perfectly made and tasted so good. I could have easily ordered a second one ... Lily's hot chocolate was my husband favorite, I had a sip and that was enough for me. Overall the ambiance here is great. It's really cool to eat at a diner that brings the whole neighborhood together. Also watching Somebody Feed Phil for so many years and supporting what he built is amazing. I wish we could have seen him today at the diner but it's ok. We still had an awesome experience and will be back with our kids soon. read more
As the definitive globetrotting foodie, Phil Rosenthal has become such a comfortable presence that I've been figuratively devouring his episodes with relish. Quite intentionally, he's like Bourdain's non-adventurous opposite, a mensch who treats strangers in foreign lands like family. That's exactly the vibe Jamie W and I got here when we decided to stop by for breakfast. Waits, we heard, were upwards of two to four hours since it's just a compact, 40-seat space, so we decided to get here a half-hour before opening on Friday morning. As luck would have it, we were the first in line and got seated in a nice, wooden booth for two. It took only ten minutes for the space to fill up, and on first blush, the menu aspires to resemble an old-fashioned small-town diner (Photo 19). However, Phil's partner is celebrated LA chef Nancy Silverton whose culinary stamp is felt on items like the $9.50 Lily's Hot Chocolate where a dollop of charred marshmallow floats on top (Photo 6). Or the $17 Waffle topped with a glob of maple butter (Photo 7). Both were must-gets and delivered the goods nicely. So did the deceptively basic $8.50 Cinnie's Cinnamon Roll (Photo 10). It featured a ridiculously decadent icing over the still soft, warm, and enveloping dough. Triggered by a recent clip of Phil at the diner, we ordered the $12 Max's Fluffy Eggs which were mentioned on the tombstone of Phil's dad ("Are my eggs fluffy?"). The soft scrambled eggs were quite seductive all on their own (Photo 5). Where the meal didn't quite deliver were the more standard sides. The $8.50 Chicken Sausage Link was decent enough (Photo 9), but the $8.50 Pork Sausage Links were skippable (Photo 14). The $11.50 Vanilla Egg Cream was surprisingly nondescript given how Phil showed a Tokyo family how to make one on his first series (Photo 8). As a loving tribute to his parents, Phil's place is run by his daughter Lily and son-in-law Mason Royal, who serves as executive chef, FOOD - 4 stars...nice higher-end diner quality, a bit pricey with some real standouts like the fluffy eggs AMBIANCE - 5 stars...ideal vintage vibe, not too crowded...Larchmont is a nice area (never been before) SERVICE - 4.5 stars...we had a great server, staff was buzzing TOTAL - 4 stars...you should go for the love of Max & Helen RELATED - Exploring Los Angeles? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/wMvaGf-A-V read more
Finally checked out Max & Helen's for a Sunday brunch with family. The 1.5 hour wait initially felt intimidating, but exploring the surrounding shops and farmers market made it much more manageable. What we ordered: Breakfast sandwich (7/10): Solid sandwich. Nothing special here. Turkey club (8/10): good amount of turkey. Fresh ingredients and balanced textured and flavors. Waffle with maple butter (9.5/10): Easily one of the highlights. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and the maple butter was incredible. Pastrami Reuben (10/10): The standout dish for me. Absolutely delicious and something I'd order again for sure. Breakfast home fries (8/10): enjoyed the crispy pieces. The sour cream and onions were a good touch. Service was good throughout our meal, and overall this was a really enjoyable brunch experience. Would definitely come back... especially for that waffle and Reuben. read more
We had been waiting to try Max & Helen's since it opened. We knew the wait-times were long. We decided to go on a weekday morning and we waited twenty minutes before we received the text to return to the hostess stand after initially giving our name. Not too bad. We were quoted 20 - 30 minutes for two people, first available seating. We sat at the counter. We were elbow to elbow with others. The menu is more souped up than a typical diner menu but it was standard diner favorites. For all of the lead up to finally getting in and receiving our order, we were not blown over by the food. It presented well but it was average. The interior of Max & Helen's is the best part of it. It looks great! The logo and branded dinnerware, cups, takeout bags and merch all are nicely done. Servers varied in friendliness from one to the next. Food came out quickly. Coffee was refilled. Nothing about the experience or food was worth writing home about, but glad we tried it. read more
I really don't understand the hype about this place. I left disappointed. Went on a weekday morning so thankfully no wait. The food is insanely overpriced for what it is, and it wasn't even cooked correctly. Our waffle was overcooked. Ordered the Larchmont Slam and both the potatoes and egg were not cooked well. The potatoes were hard/undercooked and the egg was way too runny when we ordered over medium. The blueberry pancake was good, but again, overpriced. Ordered the tuna melt and the cheese was cold and not melted. It's a MELT for crying out loud, how do you not melt the cheese?? The hot chocolate was good. Very decadent and more of a sipping chocolate. If I had waited hours for that food like many people do on weekends, I would have been pissed. Save your time and hard earned money and go to another diner for similar food for cheaper. Could have had a MUCH better meal for almost $90! A simple brunch should NOT cost that much. read more
Finally made it to Max & Helen's on a weekday for breakfast and was able to get a table with very little wait time. The staff is friendly and nice in the quaint diner. We started with a Cinnies cinnamon roll. I'll skip this next trip. The blueberry pancake was cooked to perfection as was the omlette and home fries. The side of sausage was pricey but tasty as was Lily's hot chocolate. I'd like to go back bc I missed ordering the waffle that was recommended by a regular and would like to try the lunch menu. read more
Oh Max & Helens, woke up at 6:45 am for ya to drive over and wait in line before ya opened. Was it worth it? Yes it was but would I wait more than 30 minutes-1 hour or even more. Absolutely not! I would most definitely come here again but the hype just made the expectations way higher and thats why the reviews here aren't good. The bar is just set way to high to be the best waffles, pancakes ever. We got sat right away outside and didn't have to wait, the line wasn't long at all before they opened. Got their classic waffle and larchmont slam. We wanted to get their tuna melt but it qualifys at lunch for 11am. The waffle was crispy and really damn good but the honey butter made the waffle. Like I've never had butter like that before. The larchmont was solid, the potatoes reminded me of a baked potato with the sour cream on top and the softness from the butter. I thought each one of the items in the slam were good too. I would be back for sure but I aint waiting long haha. read more
2 months ago
After months of trying to plan a visit we finally made our way this weekend and we had the best surprise ever. As we were walking to the diner we ran into none other than Phil Rosenthal, himself! We were so excited to meet him and he was so sweet just like on TV. Around 9:30am we waited about 1hr20min to get a table. Front staff was super friendly. We were seated inside, vibe and decor were great. Everything was clean. Our waiter was Emily and she had a trainee with her. Both gals were very nice. Phil told us to try the waffle and I am glad he did. It was really delicious with the maple butter. We also ordered a side of fresh fruit. Coffee was delicious and so was the orange juice. Eggs were also really fresh and tasty. We are looking forward to returning to try a few other items on the menu. read more
Delicious diner vibes here with amazing breakfast served all day !! I had the caramelized grapefruit and fluffy eyes so soft side of avocado side bacon and bagel with side of cottage cheese and berries. It was perfect for sharing if your watching your waistline I like to try little if everything .. all delicious. We sat at the bar section and seated very quickly we were grateful to even get a seat it was full house. Definitely recommend read more
1 month ago
Service + vibes 10/10 We got the maple butter waffle: 10/10 but id suggest getting the butter on the side bc once it melts its a lot. Very rich. That way too if u take some to go your waffle wont get soggy. Side of bacon: 10/10 Hot chocolate: it's a dessert. Shes a thick girl. Think the lava in chocolate lava cake 8/10 as a dessert. read more
Had some friends arrive early to wait for our party and the total wait was around 2 and a half hours which apparently is good compared to other days (I've heard 4 from people standing around) I enjoyed their breakfast sandwich as it was really good. It's $16 so I assume it's gotta be anyhow. The pancakes were perfectly cooked and the potatoes were delicious. I think this is a good spot for brunch. Just keep in mind of the wait. Friendly service and staff with great atmosphere inside and outdoor seating areas read more
Dare I say this is the best breakfast in Los Angeles. Went right at 8 a.m. on a weekday to avoid the line. An absolutely stunning experience. Seated right away. The waiters were refilling our water and coffee every five minutes. So attentive! The waffle with the Guinness? Just wow. The butter was decadent, and I slathered it all over my other food as well. There were multiple moments of silence during the meal when I was just smiling at how good the food was. Each component of the Larchmont Grand Slam was a standout. The velvety, fluffy orange eggs. The hint of lemon in the crispy yet fluffy blueberry pancakes. The perfect meat-to-fat ratio in the bacon. The homemade hot sauce on the eggs? The sourness was the perfect contrast to the richness in the other dishes. And omg, the potatoes with the sour cream tasted like deconstructed latkes. I can't recommend this place enough. Also, cutie free stickers and a postcard bill! I don't care if it's slightly overpriced compared to other diners. The quality of ingredients is worth every penny! read more
Loved this place! They're doing all the basic diner items but extremely well. We got the Larchmont Slam and it had all the breakfast items. The pancakes are a must have, the hot chocolate is so decadent, fluffy eggs and great potatoes. The big breakfast was good for 2 people. The staff were very nice and attentive, and the vibe is comfortable and lively. The only downside is the wait time for a table but if you leave enough time for yourself to walk around Larchmont village the wait time is tolerable. read more
11 days ago
A girlfriend & I got lucky on a Saturday afternoon and got seated right away at the bar top. We did try a couple of things but to be honest the only thing that stood out to me was the hot chocolate and how nice the inside is. Other than that the food wasn't life changing but I understand the hype. read more
I had been to Max and Helen's before and was excited to go back to try lunch. Unfortunately, this visit was disappointing. We ordered a club sandwich, a BLT, tallow fries, and the celery root coleslaw. The sandwiches and fries were good, but the celery root coleslaw missed the mark. When it was set on the table, I honestly thought it was a pasta dish. There was no crunch and very little flavor. The bigger issue was the service. It took about 10 minutes before anyone approached our table. We ordered, the food was brought out, and that was pretty much the extent of the service until the check came. Nobody checked on us, nobody refilled our waters, and nobody cleared our plates. Midway through the meal, I started wondering if our server had left for the day. What made it stand out even more was the table next to us. When they sat down, I overheard an employee mention to the server that he had worked with one of the guys at that table at a previous job. As the meal went on, I couldn't help but notice that the employee was at their table at least once every five minutes, constantly refilling water and OJ, clearing dirty plates, and removing used napkins. Meanwhile, less than three feet away, we sat with empty water glasses and dirty dishes. At first, it was almost comical, but it really just highlighted the poor level of service we were getting. When it was time to pay, we had to wait again. I was just about to get up and approach the hostess when our waiter finally appeared. He never asked if we wanted dessert. I left disappointed. The food was better than Denny's, but the service wasn't and neither was the price! read more
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More info about Max & Helen’s
127 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Windsor Square
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http://www.maxandhelens.com
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Ask the Community - Max & Helen’s
What time do people start lining up on Saturday mornings?
I would say to call but whenever I get there I get in pretty quick
Is there reservations?
When a patron has to wait more than 40 minutes for a table at a diner, it's not worth the wait.
What is the wait like these days? Planning to go this Monday, should I go early morning like 8am or more like 11am? Would appreciate any insight.
As early as possible. IT gets packed
Is the wait still 7 hours?
No! We went today (Tuesday) at 12:30 and waited 20 minutes. Weekends are definitely a long wait but they text you when your table is ready.
Are there any vegan options?
I really don't think so. It's a diner! not a fancy restaurant
Are there any gluten free options?
I would suggest calling to truly verify but they should be able to accommodate in some way.
I can't tell because of the insane prices, is this meant to be a neighborhood diner or a 3 Michelin starred restaurant?
It is owned by a well known chef and a TV writer so it is on the high end side but not too horrible. The portions are fantastic for the price.
Would we be able to eat there if we are with our support animal and have proper documentation?
That's the law. They're not even supposed to ask for documentation. They can just ask if it's a service animal and what tasks it's trained to perform.…
How long is the wait during the day for lunch?
I went today, Saturday and I was told it was 7 - yes SEVEN - hours
Are dogs allowed? Do they have outdoor seating?
Doubt dogs are allowed, very small space. As of November when I went there was no outside seating.
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