I have gotten food from Max's a few times during the pandemic. I went to Max's on 5/2 with my girlfriend and the service was phenomenal! Saturdays weather was the nicest day of 2020 and Max's had the perfect outdoor set up! Food was quick & the two front of house employees couldn't have been more pleasant. They never stopped moving! Most efficient its been during the pandemic, I am glad to see this and will happily return! It was such a nice experience in a time of crisis. read more

this place got redone last year and it looks good! so much better and modern looking. i love the changes. friendly staff. i always love their hot dogs. i tried their regular skinny fries and those were good too. i just have to remember to say no salt or black pepper because i'm a bit sensitive to them. i didn't know they season the fries but its ok. always love coming here. :) my only complaint and its small. the music is a bit too loud where me and my parents were sitting. i get they are trying to get a younger crowd in there and normally i don't care but i think during the day it should be a bit lower for families. i couldn't hear my parents! just saying. read more

We went here yesterday for the 2nd time since their remodel. If you love hot dogs this is a great place to go. Nice ambience with the new design and music at 7 o'clock. The Cons: They set the temperature inside at 84ﾟ. Everybody was sweating. The bartender told us that that's what the manager wanted to. My wife order to Turkey Burger and bit into it. I Saw that it was pink in the inside. Asked to exchange it out for a salad. The manager came over and let us now that we were wrong and she's working there for 20 years. Obviously she should go to customer service school. I' m not used to being scolded because she said we were wrong. I ordered a pint of beer. Came out warm. They do have a nice supply here and although I would call myself an expert and drinking beer I would say that warm beer is warm beer . Enter at your own risk stick to the hot dogs Don't engage with the manager she's not a customer service oriented person read more

This place, pre renovation, used to be an old school hot dog place. Post renovation, it's changed. The most evident change is the missing metal containers of sauerkraut and relish that used to accompany every dog. Now, you have to ask for it and the sauerkraut is in a small tin container and the relish is in a plastic Heinz container. The new "bar scene" looks cool but would rather the old retro look and better service. The bar service is not great which is surprising. Skip Max's ...... just go to Windmill down the street ..... read more

Sad but true...just not the old Max's. Nothing about it is the same. Their famous hot dogs are now the saltiest dogs ever. With the new look comes change. Bye bye Max. You had a great run! Ah the Memories read more

Not like I remember... they did a nice job inside but the hot dog is skinnier then I remember and very expensive for a couple of hot dogs fries and onion rings ..... read more

They are open when they are open .. And closed when they are closed.. That should be their motto. We checked the website and said they were open. Then we called and the recording said they are serving until 7:30. We get there at 6:30 .. all the lights are off and no cars in the lot. And this has happened a few times too many. I've been going there since they were on the boardwalk. The hot dogs and sweet potato fries are good. A bit pricy but good. But when you drive 45 min and get there to find them closed.. again after you called to make sure. Well all I can say is the Windmill has a few new customers. The hot dogs were great and Real onions in the onion rings. I won't be going to Max's again. read more

Max's serves up a hot dog identical in taste, size, and texture as Windmill's, except they cut them down the center so that they explode and look horrible. Why? Max's is kind of filthy and so is it's staff. Why? Max's serves up the worst cheese fries on the planet. Why? Max's is inexplicably expensive. WHY?! I really don't get it! Windmill is so ridiculously good and it's right up the road so WHY? WHY, WHY, WHY would anyone eat at Max's? read more

I want this place to be good but it's so bad. The 'shoe string fries' I swear are frozen oven fries from Stop & Shop. Burger was charred to the point where it was almost inedible. Staff appear to be nice but there seems to be no management or organization whatsoever. Nice place and good selection of beers but I can't see how anyone would return here more than once to eat. I came once right after it re-opened and the food was disgusting then. I thought maybe it was just teething problems after they had just opened but no improvement at all on my 2nd (and last ) visit last week. So much potential for for this place with the setting and location. Perfect candidate for Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. Live music is a nice touch but it's ridiculously loud. Overall a huge disappointment. read more

We found Max's on Holly Eat's blog. http://www.hollyeats.com/Maxs.htm It is a great blog worth checking out. I was surprised to find a picture here. If you read the review Holly Eat's did you will understand. They give you a big bucket of sauerkraut at your table. There is also Smithwick's beer. The savory sauce the sauerkraut and all of the condiments add to the experience. They close really early though so you can't stop by on your way home from the shore. You kind of have to be in the area. Max's has waiter service Windmill doesn't. So I don't compare them. The rest of Max's menu is not as good. Just go for the hot dog's. read more

Unlike that popular fake-ass TV show, Max's IS a Jersey Shore original. See I'm from the Shore, born and raised and we had no snookie's or pauley d's back in tha day. But we did have those bangin hot dogs. It fascinates me how a particular song, fragrance...or a food spot, can be like a time machine that transports you back to your childhood. And you know, in many ways it is true what they say. You can never really go home. Simply, because the home of our childhood, seldom stays the same, both It and we grow and change. I find comfort in the fact that home is always inside us, or in my case, a bite of a Max's hot dog away. Allow me to share some history. Where it sits now is not the original location of Max's. I remember when it was right on the boardwalk and the back end, was a patio like dining area that was built on stilts and hung right over the ocean. You'd flip flop up to the counter, place your order then ate as you strolled along the boards. Or as we did when we went as a family, make your way to the patio out back. Where the sea breeze was in full effect. Wooden picnic tables and benches were the decor. Pots of condiments including sauerkraut, sweet relish, mustard and onions were on each table. It was you-your food, ocean as far as you could see and the occasional sea gull trying to steal your french fries. That was the Max's of my childhood. Orange Crush is not as tasty, YooHoo is not as chocolaty....but Max's hot dog, man those jokers taste just as good. One bite and I'm that little kid again, sitting next to my sister, across from my mom and dad and life, it was good. I'm done. read more

Tried Max's today and have to admit I was disappointed in the Chili Dog..Dog was overcooked and chili was just bland.. I added the red relish to give it some taste. Ambience is like cafeteria with a bar! Service was very good I have to say.. very attentive and served food quickly as we were in a rush.. I think the price of a chili dog was kind of high but it is what it is.. I think Windmill is a better place for value.. I'd visit this place again but have something else.. read more

If I could give less then 1 Star I would have. Not the old Max's. We order a burger, chicken sandwich, onion rings and Mac and cheese. The only thing edible we're the fries. I don't typically write reviews but this needed to be said. They put a ton of money into the aesthetics but missed the call with the food. Fast food tasted better. Will not be going back. read more

To Mrs. Max, why do you always look so angry? I just wanted to pay for my delicious hotdog and fries w/o a scowl. Aside from that I like the hotdogs here a lot. I think it taste better than windmill or stewart's but...at a price, literally. It is pretty expensive here, but it taste so goood! The service wasn't so bad as opposed to what other people have felt...well aside from the angry looks from the owner when paying. read more

I read the reviews and my husband and I decided to head to Max since we were craving a hot dog. We were the second couple in the place and to start with I went to the bathroom and it was disgusting the seat next to me had mustard that shows clearly that they don't clean from the day before. The hot dog was overly crisp and the bun was burnt. The onion rings were burnt as if they were frying with grease from the day before The owner of the place is a stone faced grouch. The only positive are the waitress that are hard working and friendly. My honest opinion is save your money and go to Stewarts if you're craving a good hot dog or to the windmill. read more

Stopped by for a quick dog. Still consider Max's the best. Kayla was my server and she is so nice. Told her I will be back in early Aug. with the Brothers-in-law. What has changed it's you can charge now (they request only over $10). read more

Max's Bar And Grill - Hot Dogs Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

Look morons, this place is awesome. You just don't understand hotdogs. Max's is the best. Everything they make is the world's best/greatest/famous/most delicious. Don't believe me? Look at the walls! The go to order: Cheese Dog (none of that bullshit cheesewhiz, they slice the dog in half and put real cheese in the middle), onion rings, and beeeeer! SOOO MUCH BEERS! Live by my motto "A.E.H.D." which stands for "Always Eat Hot Dogs", just make sure they're Max's. read more

i have been going to Max's for at least 55 years; this includes when they were on the Long Branch boardwalk. Well, today Aug13,2021 I went and how disappointed I was !!! The French fries are now string fries as oppose the fat steak fries that they've been serving for years. When I mentioned this to the waitress she simply smiled as if this wasn't the first time that she heard this. Also, you had to look hard for the cheese on the fries., The hotdogs are soooo far from a Max''s hotdog of old. They are skinner and you now order the kind you want from a menu... no more fixing with the toppings that you want and also no more warm sauerkraut. I do understand that we're dealing with COVID but that has nothing to do with the change in menu. The onion rings are also much smaller. Today, I left clearly realizing that something was completely different. Latter in the day, I found out that Max's is now under new ownership. If you are a true Long Brancher, you know that there has always been a battle between Max's and the Windmill. I was one who sided with Max's, however from what I experienced today, after 55+ years, I can say that I WIIL NOT be going back to Max's. Sadly, the new owners get to live off of Max's name, a name that was the HOTDOG KING of New Jersey.... no more!!!! Windmil, here I come !!! read more

This was the only place we could find parking, so we decided to go in and eat. I ordered Coconut Shrimp with french fries, the shrimp were not good overcooked and tasteless, french fries also not good. McDonald's has better french fries, that's pretty sad. My husband said they used good beef for his hamburger but he also said the french fries were not good. I would not be going there again. The place was very cool. Just stick to cocktails, which were a little pricey. I did notice a lot of people ordering hot dogs. They did take a long time to come to our table. read more

I love Max's. I've been coming here since I was a child. I like the new look and I like that they kept some of the memorabilia on the walls. I will suggest that when you order sauerkraut on your hotdog that you do so on the side. Otherwise the bun gets soggy and the hotdog falls out of the bottom. I did miss the containers on the table with the sauerkraut and hot relish but understand the new guidelines due to Covid. I will be back! read more

Horrible. The 2 regular sized hot dogs were undercooked and not like the hot dogs in the old restaurant. There were 2 buns and they were not fresh. I sent the dog back twice to be cooked more and although the restaurant was empty the waiter was rushed. Definitely not going back. Going to the Windmill exclusively for my hot dogs. read more

I live in the high rise next door and I'm there many nights to unwind after work, and watch the games, listen to the live music. The food is great. So is the staff. read more

Been coming here for many years. New place is modern twist to a Jersey stalwart. But recently the Famous Dogs have been on the burnt, limp and lacking the familiar taste that we all have come to know The old Max's was the quintessential Jersey shore hot dog joint, food alot better and of course Mrs Max. For $6.50 Go to Costco get a dog and a drink for $1.50 and a chicken to boot for the same price read more

So went to the original Max's a few years back. Everyone was miserable (server/worker wise), the hot dogs were way over cooked and the containers of kraut/pepper sauce was gross and warm. Had no interest in going back but this is the place my husband went as a child so it's nostalgic for him. Went last week and it was wonderful! The place is beautiful, everyone was pleasant, hot dogs on point! Excellent onion rings. I am happy they give you individual cups of sides instead of leaving them out all day. My only suggestion was the chili for hotdog... I think you should have a chili for bowl and a different one for hot dogs. I was craving meat w some spice but it had beans, chunky tomatoes and made the bun fall apart. Other than that, thumbs up will be back. read more

I used to love going to Max's for the best foot long hot dog you could ever sink your teeth into. I haven't been in a long time so my review is purely based on nostalgia. Growing up on the Jersey shore had its advantages: 1. Always able to go to the beach minus traffic 2. Ability to eat burgers, hot dogs, sausage n peppers, ice cream until my hearts content 3. Enjoying the boardwalk and all that fun w/o having to stay in hotel or travel over an hour and 4. Eating at Max's. Give it a try if your down in the area, it was a great place to really get a great hot dog served however which way you fancy your dog. They also serve other food and beverages but my heart was with the dog. read more

I really like this place because it's a throwback to the old school diner/malt shops of the past (I wasn't born back then, but you get what I'm trying to say). We come here for lunch whenever we go to Seven President's beach and it's the best lunch option in town. The food is very fresh and the waitresses are super nice. The hot dogs are great, but I also recommend their grilled chicken sandwich. Get that stuff with a side of onion rings and fried zucchini and you're good to go. Oh, and they also serve beer. read more

I've heard about the Windmill vs Maxs hotdog battle, but it doesn't seem like much a war to me. Maxs has way better hotdogs, and the Chili is amazing. I can see if u don't like Steak fries then u may prefer Windmills Crinkle Cut Fries. However overall Maxs is a friendlier atmosphere, better food, and a better overall experience. read more

Max's Bar And Grill - Hot Dogs Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

Really digging the vibe in here. Love the concrete floors leading into the hardwood by the smaller bar. Exposed ceiling, heavy wood chairs. Local beers on tap. Great hot dogs. Love the small buns for the foot longs, that way you don't fill up on bread. Ordered the truffle fries. They were very crispy to the point of being overdone but that might just be the way they serve them . Not for us, perhaps we will try the onion rings next time. Our crockpot of sauerkraut for two was more than enough for our dogs. Table service was fine, polite and served quickly from the kitchen. The bar service was slower. read more

Our family has always loved Max's Famous Hot Dogs being a jersey shore staple. We love the new renovations and the full bar. The industrial interior is very modern and functional. The food is nothing less than what we have come to expect!! Only problem I have is that I may have moved from the hot dog to their lobster roll to be my absolute favorite!! I visited 4 times since they have opened and the lobster roll is out of this world!! My second favorite (obviously only second to the world famous dog as ties with the lobster roll) would be the beer cheese sauce they serve with the fries!!! Host, bartenders and waitresses have been fabulous and very accommodating even when it came to one of my friends allergies. The waitress was able to let her know exactly what she could order without irritating her allergies. Such a warm and home town feeling. Can't wait for my extended family to come visit to show them a little jersey shore flavor! read more

Max's Bar And Grill - Hot Dogs Near Me - Long Branch, New Jersey

This is what a Hot Dog stand is all about. Great large dogs with the snap skin you have to bite through. I'll take mine with saurkraut and mustard. Perfect . I have been coming here for close to 40 years from when they use to be on the boardwalk and this is one of those foods I will drive 100 miles to eat. Check out HollyEats blog about hot dogs. Holly is the Hot Dog authority. He won't steer you wrong. Windmill would be my second choice if I am in the neighborhood. I give Windmill 4 Stars. Rutts Hutt 5 Stars (Best Ambiance-just like stepping back in time). Some other favorites: Johnny Ad's Old Saybrook CT 5 Stars. Mr Pizza Slice (sells Hot Dogs) 4 Stars-Red Bank NJ. read more

I want Max's to be successful, but they got issues. Corn was old/weak Hot dog came with 5 chips. What? Any sign of a vegetable was breaded and fried. Oh, the service was similarly disappointing. read more

I was in the area so I came here today for a quick hot dog and fries. The food was great. The staff is very friendly, nice, and welcoming. This was the first time I came here since they renovated the place. The bar looked amazing, and the decor was on point. The bathrooms were very clean. They have been in business for many years, and I am very happy that they are still around and hope their success continues for many more years. read more

I was in the mood for a Max's Hotdog so took the ride down to Long Branch, they did a very nice job remolding the place, sat at the bar ordered 2 dogs and fries and listened to the band. Well although the dogs were good it was not the same original Max's Hot Dog as years past. smaller size dogs. read more

I would not go back. Yes, they have huge hot-dogs but they're really nothing special. They're grilled on a flat grill, not flame broiled so they don't taste any good. The steak fries were ok, nothing special, and you don't exactly get blown away with massive portion. The cheese fries were particularly gross. Nasty thick yellow cheese, not a cheese sauce. I asked for sauerkraut, and they plopped a big metal pot of hot sauerkraut on my table with a serving fork in it. How about a small bowl? Would you want food that was placed on someone else's table? You can be sure that pot of kraut was passed around. Oh and the sauerkraut tasted nasty. Prices are high, unreasonably high for a hot dog joint. I'll never go back but I'll be repeating the taste of Max's for too long. read more

We love Max's! It's the perfect place for a postgame treat! Hot dogs are so tasty and the milkshakes are unbelievable! Great family place!

OK. I love the Windmill, but I also love Max's. When I want a hamburger I go to the Windmill, but for hot dogs it's all Max's. Matthew is right about the onion rings. They are some the best I've ever had. The hotdogs are exactly what you want in a hotdog. They "explode" when you bite into them. They have a good flavor and just the right amount of spice. There aren't too many good hotdog places in New Jersey where you can get a beer to go with, but Max's is one of them, so that's even better. Oh, one more thing. Ms. Max is about 200 years old. She's entitled to have any damn attitude she wants. read more

When I was a little kid who lived on Chelsea Ave in Long Branch, I used to go to Max's after swimming at Chelsea Pool all day long. I even went to their new location many times. This was even after i moved to Bergen county. When I went to my LBHS 50th class reunion; i made sure that I stopped in for my Max's fix. I now live in FL, and guess what. MAX''S is on my bucket list. Be there sometime this Sept. Can't wait. Sid F read more

This my favorite Hot Dog place. I only get there maybe once a year. They have recently renovated and now it is more like a bar and grill now and less like the Hot Dog place it once was. In some ways it is much nicer. They now have a good beer list too. This is a CANT miss and better than the Windmill. read more

Alas, the "new" Max's has lost all of the charm and history of the original. While the renovations are nice, this could now be any new joint on the shore. Yes, the hot dogs are still the same but, no more pot of sauerkraut brought to your table. It now gets served in a little cup on your plate. They changed to smaller fries, no more great steak fries. Cheese sauce is also not as good. Sadly, if you're looking for an old shore favorite...it's no Update: Jennifer, thank you for your response and the explanation of the issues that come with updates. I'm happy to hear that you value your customers and take their comments and suggestions to heart. We will definitely come back for another taste of the "new" Max's. read more

Wonderful hot dogs, delicious - perfect - french fries, and I've always had decent, scowl-free service. I'm not a hot dog connoisseur like a lot of you obviously are, but I like Max's hot dogs a lot, and don't find them to be overpriced for the amount of dog that you get. They are kind of ... really disturbingly phallic, but I guess it's a hot dog, so what did I expect? read more