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Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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This was my 1st time at Max's Kosher Cafe and it was Great, but not what I expected! It is a little over powering at first with all the people and the menu but we got it under control. There was three of us ordering and we got what we thought was a good cross section. One Hot Corned Beef on rye, one Hot Pastrami on rye, a bowl of the best matzo ball soup I can remember (in a restaurant), and a full order of the Falafel! I got coleslaw on my Pastrami some how and it was not a good mix! The Falafel with the salad was out of this world and would have been all I really needed. But what I should have ordered, and will the next time, was the Schawarma it look unbelievable!
I'm used to NY Deli but Max's is more the real deal Middle Easter style.
Remember to eat well and live well! And please no chains!!!
I've been going for more than 10 year and have taken a few dozen friends there. Each is now addicted. The guy who introduced me to the place came from Baltimore. I understand why he makes the drive.
I only get the Schawarmas which are truly different and very hard to describe. You might think kabob or gyro but neither is close. Imagine a pita with pressed turkey and lamb. Then pile in spiced carrots, beets, pickles, eggplant or whatever you want, followed by some cucumber salad to mellow out the heat. Follow it with a few of the indistinguishable but phenomenal sauces. Or let Mumi add some random quantity and selection! I promise he'll get it right. Every bite tastes a little different and the thing is wonderful. Trust me!
So some of you may want to know what the place looks like. Think diner. It's very basic with rickety tables and it has kind of a black and white tile thing going on. I don't think that the owner spent much on interior design but that's not why you go to Max's. It's an out of the way place that offers a truly unique meal. Where are my car keys? I just got hungry.
Just keep in mind a few things. First off, it's kosher. So they're closed all day Saturday and Friday evenings. Secondly, this is not date food. The garlic and other spices might be flammable. Keep some change in your pocket to buy mints at the CVS next door.
The other stuff that they serve is ok but you can get it elsewhere. Stick to the schawarmas.
Enjoy!
So. I always thought schawarma = kabob with pita, because I could have sworn that's how I've seen it elsewhere, but apparently I was gravely mistaken. A proper schawarma (or shawarma or schwarma), I've been told by my husband who has eaten schawarmas off of street stands in Bahrain, is comprised of shavings of mystery meat from a huge block of flesh attached to an oversized skewer, put on a pita and topped with cucumber/tomato and special sauce (tahini, I presume?). This is how schawarmas at Max's are done. And they are mighty tasty.
So when I first walked into Max's, I was confused. Where do we go? What do we do? Let me give you some guidance. Start by going to the cashier counter, take a look at the menu board, ask questions and decide what you want. Depending on what you get, you may be handed a buzzer to signal when your food is ready, or you may need to walk over to the schawarma counter to the right to identify the toppings you want for your food.
We -- obviously -- got the schwarmies. Assuming that "schawarma plate" meant that it came with fries or something, we ordered that for $9.95. But again, I was gravely mistaken. We ended up with whole plastic dinner plates piled high with the mystery meat, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, onion and special sauce with a basket of pita on the side. Luckily I was hungry and I ate my plate all up. They also sell schawarmas by halves ($5.50) and wholes ($7.95).
Besides the schawarmas, I saw an array of falafel, hamburgers, fried chicken, overstuffed sandwiches and the random sushi bar.
Overall the food was pretty good, but the place looked like a dingy shop in a strip mall -- which it is. Not exactly pristine, not exactly a thoughtful ambiance, and flimsy plastic plates. But that wouldn't stop me from popping in again for another schawarmie.
I'm salivating and drooling just thinking about the juciy schawarma touching my tongue. Yes, it's that good; actually it's amazing. Most certainly the best I've ever had. You order your sandwhiches, such as the schawarma or falafel in a line where you can pick all the topings. The guy behind the counter will put on ALL the good stuff if you're not sure what to pick. It's definately authentic. They also have great Mazo ball soup. The sell alot of products to-go so you can take food home. It's a must try in this area. They also have a stand at FedEx field; I can't speak to that food though because I haven't had it there.
DON'T go expecting a deli as in "corned beef on rye with mustard". Their meats are really dry, and they don't know have 1/2 sour pickles.
DO go to the market next door, if only to grab some or the aforementioned pickles!! Being from NC, it's impossible to get them here (them meaning 1/2 sour pickles of ANY brand!), and I was THRILLED to see them in the market. I popped open the jar as soon as I got in the car and OH MAMA the smell sent me 1/2 way to heaven!!
Although I don't have anything to compare it to... the schawarma here is off the charts! Tihini sauce... lost of vegetables... that fake me out lamb meat that all places in america use for like gyros and stuff... it doesn't get better than this! for me at least... I recommend taking someone with you that has eaten it before or else you'll have no clue what these vegetables are and which ones to select... I've been there plenty of time and I still don't know. lol.
Max's has sushi now?!? I'm in love with this place.
I know it's not new news, but it the first I've been in a little while and I walked in to order a 1/2 schwarma and a schwarma plate (the falafel plate is a fave of mine too) to go and I walked past the new sushi bar. I felt really torn about whether to order what I came in for or to grab a roll instead. It's nice to know that if I'm not in the mood for schwarma, but hubby is or if I want sushi and he doesn't, we can both be quite happy here. The rolls will have to wait a little bit, but here's what they have there now:
Types of rolls: Tuna, Salmon, Vegetarian, Specialty and Combo (the basics).
Ones that sound really yummy to me:
*Sweet Potato Roll (fried sweet potato, scallions, parve cream cheese)
*Garden Roll (avocado, asparagus, shitake mushrooms, pickled radish)
*Caterpillar roll: (Spicy tuna or salmon wrapped with sliced avocado)
Can't wait.
Lots of very hairy people here, but the food is quite good.
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I think for what it's worth this place definitely has one of the best falafals in the area. They are just moist enough to keep them together and just the right amount of spice that it makes it gratefying when you are eating them.
The shwarma is fantastic because you get to choose what goes in your sandwich and it is done in front of you. I have seen the prep that these guys do in the morning before anyone comes in and it is painstaking in how they prepare your food.
Great matzo ball soup and good sandwiches. A bit pricey but what can you do its kosher food at kosher prices. The specials can be a bit off, but all in all if you are in the mood for a good corned beef or pastrami sandwich its definitely a winner.
I found this place through a friend, but decided I had to visit when I read the Yelp reviews. Ambiance: nope. But I've encountere very friendly service every time I've gone there. Well, they are very friendly at the cashier, the falafel guys are all business. And it shows. The falafel is just perfection... crispy on the outside, not at all greasy, and the inside is flavorful and moist. The tahini sauce is delicious as well. There is a dizzying array of items to put on your salad/pita, I suggest mixing it up because they are pretty much all good. Once I had the pastrami burger and fries. Both were pretty good, but I just can't go there and order anything but falafel without experiencing a sense of loss. I've heard tell of sushi which sounds intriguing. Kosher hot dogs too. Delicious.
This place is great with kids. The service is fast, the lack of decor means you don't have to use your clinched teeth "I mean it" voice. You know, much.
Bonus: this place is quite close to Wheaton Regional Park, so you can make a day of it. Your kids, nieces and nephews or whomever, will think you are so cool. Bring quarters for the classic Atari. Sweet.
This is a kosher cafeteria. The primary objective here is to feed the observant Jewish community food that is tasteless and unappetizing but adheres to the rules of Kashrut.
If you do not keep Kosher, you are wasting your money if you order anything other than the sephardic style schwarma or falafel.
Decor: Charming as a yeshiva lunch room. Who needs cheer when you have Torah.?!?
Food: Fantastic schwarma or falafel with off the charts salad bar. To get the salad bar you must order the platter.
Btw, ordering pastrami here and complaining that it tastes bad is like complaining about the fish taco at the place chinese restaurant down the strip mall. This "cafe" specializes in Israeli food, not Ashkenazi (European Jewish) food.
Service: Mostly efficient. Slightly joyless.
Value: The servings are massive.
Eat Here Again: Can't wait til I go again. Will remember to wear a baseball cap next time.
As Baron Cohen says...respect. And that's for the food.
I used to work very close to Max's and although I've only been here a couple times I REALLY love their shwarmas!!!
I'm very obviously not Jewish and the first time I came I was a bit nervous of the service or looks I might get from the very obviously Jewish staff and clientele. Well the very opposite happened, I was able to have an awesome conversation about international politics with one of the men working their and the men working at the shwarma stand help me create the best shwarma I've ever had!!!
I need to go back and try the falafel!!!
After hearing that Max's was the place for shawarma and falafel, I finally got there for lunch yesterday, and I have to say, after taking my first bite of the "1/2 schawarma" I was hooked! All I can say is that they had me at the "fixins bar". After ordering your falafel or schawarma at one counter, you move on to the fixins bar to receive your order and any toppings you wish. The guy behind the counter piled on topping after topping on my schawarma, among them onions, pickles, and some "spicy" toppings which I gladly accepted. The warm schawarma and toppings were overflowing out of the half pita in mouthwatering deliciousness. I am eager to get back and try the falafel which also looked delicious!
As far as the overall feel to the cafe, I liked the marketplace feel, with the different stations (sushi/ice cream, deli counter, main cafe counter for ordering food, and fixins bar) and there appeared to be a lot of seating, both tables and booths, and the staff was extremely helpful and friendly explaining the ordering process (as it was my first time visiting Max's).
I can't wait to try more of what Max's has to offer!
We ordered the schwarma plate the falafel plate and the special kebab plate.
Don't get the special! They were very bad in comparison.
But the falafel plate and the schwarma plate were both quite tasty and enjoyable. Lots of yummy and interesting veggies on top. My wife really liked the eggplant.
Shawarma is our best reason to come right now. Get it "spicy". We can't get enough of them.
Pinball and Kosher food
Has The Simpsons Pinball Party by Stern
Left (main) flipper is weak & only goes all the way down after the ball hits it a few times in a row. (Hint: (Until the left flipper is fixed:) To keep balls from going SDTM, hold the right flipper while they are being ejected from the Itchy & Scratchy saucer.)
Only 50 for 1 game, $2 for 5 games. Looks new/in great condition.
Closes Friday at 2pm
5 stars for the falafel. Having lived in the Middle East, my tastes are a bit different than those of the average resident. This place has imported Israeli fruit nectars, which are like juice but less watery. They're great.
The falafel is wonderful. Spicy (but you can get it without spices, if you MUST), fresh pita, great falafel balls, and every condiment you could want!
Definitely worth the trek... also a great Israeli grocery next door
This place has my vote for "best falafel in DC"
Now, if I a place is judged by decor, this might be a 3-4 star. However, they are a fully functioning delicatessen as well, serving Corned beef and pastrami good enough for my landlord's passover dinner. They also have a random sushi bar/ice cream service in the center of the restaurant, but it is open during normal hours only (closes after 5-6 pm it seems).
For the food, it's a five. Their falafel is mouth watering, satisfying and if you want it spicy enough, stupefyingly good middle eastern perfection. Going with friends, I've heard positive reviews for their shawarma. Both can also be ordered as a plate (meat only, no pita) or in 1/2 sizes. These sandwiches are perfection for me, the topping bar is piled wish the full assortment of toppings from lightly seasoned onions, to cabbage, pickled cauliflower and the aforementioned grilled eggplant. The falafel balls are usually very fresh, if lucky, straight from the the firer in perfect little balls of fried chickpea delight. I've also had their fries, which are decent (and not too pricey at $3 for a large) and their Israeli salad (fresh, simple, delightful). These two side dishes are second to the onion rings, which are pricey... but for $4.95 a large order is easily enough for two people. The batter for the onion rings is perfect, almost a sweet doughy batter, and every onion ring was large, 3-4 inches in diameter... you definitely get what you pay for. Never forget to grab a cold Dr. Browns soda (also Kosher) to complete the meal.
Edit: I have sense had their corned beef, which is expensive at 10.25 (its normally 9.75, but for 50 cents extra you get toppings). The normal sandwich comes with cole slaw on the side, which is light, but crisp. Ask for extra thousand island, of course.
I can only speak from my personal experience. But this deli keeps bringing customers in. Never once do I see it dead quiet at Max's, and the crowd is very eclectic, a nod to the power of good food to bring in the hungry masses. Nothing but a real good, quick meal.
This place has the best shawarma and falafel anywhere.
You go through a bar and they make it all right there in front of you. You get to chose what condiments you want from a bar with about 30 interesting things to add to your sandwich. The sandwich comes in the form of a hot peta bread pocket.
If this sounds odd just imagine a kosher Jewish Chipotle and you get the idea.
If you are within 30 miles of this place it is worth your effort to make the trip, you won't be disappointed.
My favorite place in DC for falafel. Not to date myself but I've seen the same Israeli guy behind the counter for over 11 years. He is the only one allowed to stuff the falafel! For a long time he was the only one behind the counter and then a few years later he had a few aprentices making the actual falafel balls. I haven't been in awhile but he usually keeps a stash of fried eggplant off to the side. I usually ask for the "special eggplant" and he will grudgingly go off to the side and stick in a mere four or five pieces of heaven. The half falafel is definitely enough to fill a small girl like me up until dinner.
The best falafel you can find in the DC area. Even better than Amsterdam's in Adams Morgan.
Try it..To believe it. A little on the pricy side, but well worth it.
Ever since my first job, I have had a deep love of pastrami sandwiches. So I was eager to try one at Max's, I had heard that they are great. I ordered a hot pastrami on pumpernickle bread with russian dressing and coleslaw. The meat was not hot, the bread was falling apart, looks like they gave me the stalest and thinnest slice of bread they could find. Needless to say it was quite messy, so I had to go to the restroom to clean up. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. It was the most disgusting restroom I have ever been in. I will not go into graphic details, but I REALLY hope that their kitchen is not kept the same way. I was hoping I would find a new pastrami place, but I will not go back again.
Max's Kosher Cafe is great. Once upon a time I would take the red line out to Wheaton and walk a couple of blocks over to Max's, wait in line for the cranky Israeli guy to assemble a falafel or schwarma for me and then sit happily in a booth with a recently purchased book from Bonifant's and eat my sloppy sandwich.
You don't have to be Jewish or keep Kosher to enjoy the food. The falafel/schwarma bar is filled with good things ranging from Israeli salad, fried eggplant, pickled spicy cauliflower, onion relish, ... the list goes on. It can be a bit intimidating your first time there, but if you try something new each time, you'll soon discover your favorites. The eggplant is especially good and if you get to know the guy behind the counter, and you're female, he might bring some up from below the counter for you.
When you're done choosing, get a Dr. Brown's black cherry soda at the cash register and settle in for a great lunch.
Max's is next door to a Kosher supermarket which stocks a wide variety of Kosher foods.
I've never ordered anything but the schawarma or falafal sandwiches at Max's, and I probably never will unless I grow a second stomach!* The schawarma & falafel sandwiches are basically pitas which have been 'stuffed to the Max' with fillings. You can order an enormous whole pita, but the half pita size will still leave you loosening your belt. The schawarma meat continuously roasts, and meat is shaved when you order, so it is always hot, juicy & slightly crunchy. The falafel (they look like hushpuppies, but are made of ground chickpeas and spices) are not too dense or greasy. However, what really makes the sandwich are the endless variety of salads and other toppings to pick from-- fresh vegetables, pickled vegetables, a variety of salads, hot and mild relishes, tahini sauce--say goodbye to plain old lettuce, tomato & onions.
The atmosphere is like a cafeteria, so I always do takeout.
*OK, I did have the matzo ball soup once, and didn't really care either way for it (I think homemade is better).
The place is a dump... but who cares?
This rating is for the Falafel/Shwarma ONLY! Oh my goodness, I look forward to coming here for that whenever I'm in town. The multitude of toppings is amazing. I don't pick and choose... just tell 'em to put EVERYTHING on! Ask them to hold back on the really spicy/hot stuff if you're sensitive. I wish I could transplant these guys to Chicago. I haven't tasted stuff this good since I was in Israel... dare I say this might be better?
Silver Spring, MD
Category: Middle Eastern
Silver Spring, MD
Category: Delis
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