Recently I had lunch at Maximillian’s cafe, and while it was bustling with people the entire time, when I mention it to many Sarasotans, they have never heard of it. Which is understandable, because it’s hidden in downtown and you would never find it if you didn’t know to look. Maximillian’s is a classic cafe, serving up satisfying lunches in Sarasota for at least 15 years.



Outside of Maximillian’s – looking from the parking lot.

Turn onto 10th street among shady oak trees and houses, and park in the dirt parking lot across the street from the restaurant. As you walk in the door, you’ll see a skinny hallway and a window to order. Don’t be worried if there’s a line – that’s a good sign! The place is usually bustling, but the food comes out quickly. As you wait you will notice that everyone is in a jolly mood and there’s a reason – they know their food is going to be sooo good and that their wallets won’t be empty afterward. You can see the friendly staff prepping everything right behind the ordering window, and it’s the kind of place where they know customers (and sometimes their whole orders!) by name.



Let’s get this potato salad! | 📸@BixbyFilms

Atmosphere



I wouldn’t quite describe this place as a hole in the wall, but it’s one of those places where the simplicity is part of the charm. As one reviewer described it, the outside resembles “a social services office that Tallahassee forgot”, and you only know it’s a restaurant by a small sign (There’s another sign but it’s almost covered with vines). Basically, the place is like an Old Florida speakeasy, but instead of liquor, you’ll find delicious sandwiches and potato salad you’ll think about a week later. The simple dining room in back hosts people from all walks of life who need a bite in the downtown area. I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw a police officer sitting at table next to someone they’d arrested in the past! On one side of my table by the window, a burly construction worker was meeting up with his family on lunch break, and at another table lawyers seemed to be taking time off from a case for salads with lots of fresh toppings. As I ate my BLT sandwich I grooved out to the cafe’s playlist which went from “Africa” by Toto to “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. When the boyband in the song famously cries out “Don’t wanna hear you!!” the construction worker sang it out to the baby he was bouncing on his knee, who loved it.



This way to seating… | 📸@sagejesse﻿

The quaint dining area. 🌻| 📸@sagejesse﻿

B.L.T and side of potato salad 😍| 📸@sagejesse

What to Order

Honestly, you can ask other patrons of Max’s what to get and they will tell you the same thing – everything is good. So I’m just going to tell you a few things I’ve had, but if you try something else, let us know how it was in the comments!



Excellent pressed cuban sandwich – sometimes you just get a craving for the Florida sandwich!

Speaking of cravings, another craving satisfyer is their BLT sandwich which is made up of a STACK of bacon, fresh lettuce and tomato

The Rueben (are we seeing a trend? I love a classic deli sandwich!) which I can never finish

I love that they have filling vegetarian options like the awesome pressed veggie sandwich (ask for extra mushrooms)

The ½ sandwich and salad combo comes with a huge “side” salad. When I got this recently to go, I ended up eating my “half” sandwich and saving my “side salad” for later (which was a chicken Caesar with lots of chicken and Parmesan! I had just asked for Caesar, so as an omnivore I was stoked to find the chicken. But note to vegetarians – make sure you specify when ordering 🙂 )

The soup of the day was a rich beef barley which I wanted to get another cup of. Their specials change along with their soups.

The brownies are ridiculous. They are rich and moist and you just want to keep eating them. Get one wrapped for later!

Closeup of the B.L.T | 📸@sagejesse

Cuban sandwich and beef + barley soup| 📸@bixbyfilms

Cafe Info:

Menu

Mon-Fri 10:30-3pm

Closed Weekends



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