Why I Love Max's

http://beeradvocate.com/events/info/58958

For my money, Max's is easily one of the best beer bars in the country (if not thee best). Their selection is limited only by what Maryland distributors are able to import into the state (which is why there's no Founders, Bells, Alesmith, Russian River, etc.). I've been going to Max's for many years now, and have seen it evolve from a divish Fells Point beer bar with a decent beer selection into the craft beer focal point it's become today. Even the food menu has improved over the past few years (it used to be that the wings were the only items I was brave enough to order from the kitchen), though the focus is still on basic pub grub (which I think is what most Baltimore patrons expect when going to a beer bar - I'm not sure a Teresa's Next Door style menu would be well received at Max's).

As for the Belgian Beer Fest, I think this must be close to the 10th year Max's has featured it. Although Max's has a number of different beer events throughout the year now (German fest, Italian beer fest, an IPA fest, a Winter beer fest, etc.), the Belgian event remains the premier event every year. Just be warned that the event has become incredibly popular; last year I got there 40 minutes before opening bell and was about the 70th or 80th person in line at 10:20 AM on a Friday.

Considering how popular the event is, and how crowded it gets, this event is incredibly well run (the staff seem to come up with something new every year - last year they handed out beer order cards to those waiting in line, along with the entire beer menu). Sadly, this will be the first year I have to miss this event in some time (I have to go out of town on a business trip that weekend), as it's normally at the top of my list of "must do" beer events.

 

I'm can't say for certain what happened in your case, but I have a pretty good idea. In addition to the normal fest events and hours, Max's also has a number of limited release events during that weekend as well. You have to be on their email list to get an invite to those events, and even then, you need to respond to Casey's email within 5 or 10 minutes before it sells out. In the past, most of those events have started at 10:00 in the morning, or roughly an hour before the regular opening. The events are held upstairs, but patrons attending the special events are allowed to head downstairs (if they so choose - they're not obligated to) before 11:00 if they want to, and many do (I know I usually do). So that may be one reason why you saw a fairly full bar when you walked in. In addition to that scenario, a lot of beer reps and distributors show up for this event as well, and they're allowed to come in early. Some, I suspect, bring their friends as guest VIP's as well.

The Belgian fest at Max's has become a pretty big deal, often times with brewer's and importers coming to the event, many bringing special "brewery only" beers (as Ommegang did several years ago). Those folks are typically allowed in early as well, if they so desire. Sorry, but I don't think this is going to change any time soon, as this event just gets bigger and better every year.

 

The crowds are annoying, no doubt, and it's reached the point where I just won't go on some days (Saturday seems to be the worst for crowds - the place gets packed and the drunken behavior seems to be at its worst). Friday typically remains the best day to go if you want to try the ultra rare stuff, though Casey has tried to spread things out so that more people can have a shot at the more limited stuff.

I used to get to Max's around 15 or 20 minutes before it opened on Friday and would have no problem getting a seat when I got in. There would typically be no more than 20 or 30 people in line in front of me, if that. Last year I got there roughly 50 minutes before opening bell, and I couldn't even find a seat at the back bar. It was standing room only when I got inside. The staff has done everything they can to expand the venue and to open things up so there's as much room as possible... but it doesn't seem to matter. Nothing is going to change how popular this event has become (spoke to several people in line last year who had driven down from NJ and SEPA), so crowds are now inevitable.

For those trying to decide which day or days to come, Sunday remains the best day. It will still be crowded, but usually there isn't much of a line on Sunday morning, and you can get right in when Max's opens at 11:00. Waits for a beer at the bar are shorter as well. Also, it used to be that you only could get the leftovers and scraps on Sunday, but Max's now has so much beer, the selection on Sunday is nearly as good as what you'll find on Friday.

Despite how crowded this event has become, it's still a lot of fun with an absolutely amazing selection of beer. As I mentioned to Casey last year, I will likely be transferred back to the West Coast soon, but this is the one event I would continue to fly out for every year. That's how outstanding this event is.

 

In the past there's been a bit of a lull around 2:00 or 3:00. A lot of folks (like me, for example) have run out of steam after the first onslaught, and need to go home to recharge. That doesn't mean it won't be crowded; just that the wait for a beer at the bar might not be quite as long.

The problem with Friday is that a lot of folks will be stopping by around 4:00 or 5:00 for "Big Ass Friday" happy hour, completely oblivious to the fact there is a fest going on. Some will turn away once they see the draft line-up and crowd, but others will just hop in and join in the fun/chaos. So what lull there is, right around 3:00, don't expect it to last very long.

 

"In fact last year I found the menu from the 1st year, 27 Belgium drafts, what a change over the years to 200+ drafts."

True, but I was at that first event as well, and at the time, 27 Belgium drafts on tap was absolutely unheard of. Even Monks in Philly didn't have that kind of draft line-up, and I'd always considered them the gold standard when it came to a great Belgian draft selection.

Clearly Max's is the gold standard now, when it comes to a great Belgian beer selection. The only thing comparable I've ever seen is the Belgium comes to Cooperstown line-up every year up in NY.