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Categories: American (Traditional), Music Venues, Breakfast & Brunch
1039 Washington StMon-Thu. 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
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What a great place! My local haunt has live music every night, and the bands are often quite good. The food is excellent, and the staff is friendly. The prices are excellent for meals and drinks. This isn't the place to meat Mr. or Mrs. Tonight; this is the place where everybody knows your name. The crowd is mostly local, unpretentious, and real. Did I mention there was live music every damned night?
Brunch, brunch, BRUNCH! Go here. Done and done.
I used to come here all the time when I lived in uptown Hoboken. They have these homemade sticky buns that they serve you as a starter that make my mouth water.
They also have a ton of vegetarian and vegan options available. Everything on the menu is delicious.
I have also been here for a show. I do not really like most of the alternative rock bands that play here, but the show we saw was very good and I had a blast.
This review is of the music venue only.
Gosh, I don't know what was up on the night I was there (my first night). I came to see Miike Snow -- amazing band; check them out, if you haven't heard of them. But somehow, the place just felt kinda dumpy. Maybe it was the crowd (a lot of drunken frat-boy types), maybe it was the fact that the ceiling above the stage started leaking at one point. Maybe it was the fact that the stage itself is tiny. Maybe it was the fact that the women's restrooms consist of only 2 stalls and is located in the hallway that leads from the venue to the restaurant -- probably the busiest pathway in the entire place. Awkward.
Something was missing here, some kind of subtle magic that you want to find at a music venue. I really don't think I'm going to be returning here. I don't think Miike Snow will be either.
I've really enjoyed Maxwell's the majority of the times I've been there. I've gone for a few shows, dinner and brunch. They've had a lot of great shows and the food is definitely better than your average American bar food. They have good thick onion rings, a decent burger and a yummy chicken pot pie.
The last time we were there for dinner we noticed sweet potato pancakes on the brunch menu and went back for them the first chance we got. Brunch sadly wasn't nearly as good as dinner. They serve these little hard and doughy cinnamon rolls, the coffee is bad and my sweet potato pancakes looked like an unappetizing pile of burnt orange mush. The flavor was actually pretty nice, but I couldn't get over the weird look of them and the wet, undercooked texture.
I like the colorful, laid-back space and in a town that's full of so many annoying bars, Maxwell's draws a tolerable crowd. I would return for dinner, a show and drinks anytime but will try to forget about that brunch.
So, I have a gripe with this place. I know its not fair to hate the whole bar for one bad experience with a horrible bartender - but I've been a judgmental prick my whole life, so why stop now? After I had a few drinks, I went to close my tab and finish the beer in my hand. The bartender hands me the bill and I put "0" for tip, with the full intention of tipping him cash when I finish the last beer. Before I can get my chain wallet out of my pocket, the guy starts hounding me about it. Saying this, that, and the other thing. Asking me if I didn't like his service, yadda yadda. Of course, I told him the truth and explained what I had planned to do. But he was still a dickhead bout it, didn't believe me, and laughed as I walked away. I wish this one putts didn't have the ability to taint a fun location, but it has.
Good burgers!
Never order wine here. Our bottle wasn't opened table side and was the most watered down version of wine I have ever tasted. Just plane awful.
No more than a local TGI Friday's that has live music.
Well overrated.
Maxwell's is the best rock venue around, but I'm still not moving to Hoboken.
Had brunch there, ordered Steak and eggs.
I love this place for being a genuine and iconic bar and eatery in Hoboken. The setting is great, bright on the outer ring by the windows and dark with true vibe of and old bar in the inner section. Nicely lighted, good selection of drinks but the food was much to be desired. The service was prompt and very civil for a bar.The skimpy serving with dried and tough meat, makes me wish Arthur's quality. So I'll come to Maxwell for drinks and concert.
Chicken pot pie + Weihenstephaner = FLAWLESS VICTORY.
Service was quick and the atmosphere was awesome. I need to go back more often!
A surprise hit for Sunday brunch, the menu is very reasonable (from $8 for an egg breakfast to $13 for steak & eggs, everything else somewhere in the middle), and although you don't get a free drink with entree, the variety of morning libations at $6 ea make it well worth it. Just listen to the names!
The Bloody Tequila Mary, Bloody Geisha (sake), Fuzzy Peppered Navel (pepper vodka peach schnapps), Chocolate Covered Pretzel Martini (vanilla vodka choc liqueour crushed pretzel rim), and of course the regular bloody and mimosa.
I highly highly highly recommend the Smoky BBQ Leroy Bloody Mary, which I am assuming is made with liquid smoke. Surprisingly, this may be the best bloody in town. A well thought out list is surely soon to follow...
My favorite burger in Hoboken!
Good specials, but I am a sucker for that good ol' American Cheese…
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Always a pretty solid performance.
Remember people, you are at a bar, that has a stage/show area in the back...so you should stick with the normal bar/pub food. Stop getting all creative with your food order.
The burgers and sandwiches are very good, and the mac and cheese isn't far from homemade. The beers are ice cold and there's always some sort of live show going on. It's a good place to go and make some noise at, no need to be fancy, just an easy going sort of place.
They also have Sunday Brunch that is served until 4:00. Went for my first brunch there today, and it was decent. Not overwhelmingly fantastic, but decent. The cheddar garlic grits were good, and the Sweet Potato Pancakes were tasty as well. Looks wise, the sweet tater pancakes were not the most appealing, but taste wise, delightful (kind of crispy candied natural sugared outsides, and sweet potato casserole-like in the middle). Don't judge the book by it's cover, they're good (as long as you like sweet potatoes).
The waitstaff is always pleasant, but the service is on the slower side...not obnoxiously slow, just a little slower than the norm.
As far as the decor goes, I would say it has a divey feel, without actually being divey. Does that make sense...? Almost mellow, punk rocky sort of vibe.
Decent bands, and decent food, and not having to dress to impress is always kinda nice.
I sadly have to downgrade my rating. The sound quality has considerably diminished lately. New sound guy? Probably. It's still usually a good time.
If Maxwell's were in NYC it'd be my favorite music venue. You'll get better sound and a more… Read more »
Finally I was able to get down to NJ for a show at Maxwell's. What a great place! Next time I go I will have to make sure to grab some food to complete the review.
The staff was very nice, drinks were overpriced but as expected. I would go back anytime life allowed me to travel 4 hours to go to a show.
My band used to play here, and am I ever glad. I wouldn't have found it otherwise. They have a restaurant in front, and a band venue in the back room. I can't tell you how many great bands I have seen here since (Pedro the Lion, Cat Power, too many to name).
The food and pricing in front is casual and pretty darn good. It isn't fine dining, but rather a nice cozy comfortable place you might return to again and again. They also have a nice long full bar, and the drinks are very good too. Of all the places in Hobo, I would call this my fave as most of the rest are rowdy loud frat boy type places, and I'm not into that kinda thing.
I have only gone out here from NYC on the PATH (which is easy as cake, and cheap), but I understand that parking in Hobo is pretty challenging. There are not a lot of places to park, and you might have to drive around block by block scouring every square inch for a spot (my friend drove and said that).
Anyway the band venue in back is a basic brick room with a stage, and serves the purpose well. You can get within just feet of your favorite band as the place is very small and intimate. This is really a great place to see a band. Drink prices? I can't remember. Sorry. Oh yeah, the bathroom is downstairs between the front room and the band room. Sometimes is't clean, but sometimes it's a little dirty, but they try to keep it clean (to their credit).
I was expecting something like Gaslight at South Orange NJ. I should have not.
I went online to search for a brewery in Hoboken. Maxwell's came out. So I went there and hoped to see a blackboard at the bar saying what freshly brewed beers were available today. No, I didn't see such a thing. So I asked the bartender, who informed me that they were a brewery .... 12 years ago and that there is not a single one brewery in Hoboken this day. His voice sounded very disappointed and so my spirit was. He kept going and told me "We are just a local bar."
I stayed for dinner and commercial beers. Not outstanding. Not impressive. Nothing special. Just ordinary. Just a local bar.
The burger was not medium rare as I ordered. The quesadilla was soggy. Sam Adam Seasonal was like Sam Adam Seasonal because you can get it anywhere.
I would very much appreciate someone to open a nice brewery for people like me who appreciate uniquely good beer.
As much as I am not a fan of NJ (and I blame my trip there for re-confirming this), I admit that I had a blast at Maxwell's. I attended a benefit show there, and it went on 'til 2:30am. Fun times! The sound was decent, the show was fantastic.
The parking was ridiculous. I knew it would be in advance (a friend had warned me), but I still tried unsuccessfully for over 30 minutes to try and find a coveted parking spot on the street. I am sure there are cheaper lots around, but we ended up at one that was over six blocks away that charged a whopping $22. They also closed at 3am, so we had to make sure to get back quickly after the show ended.
I have heard from others that the food is decent at Maxwell's (though I didn't try it). But the dimensions of the restaurant area and the hallway leading to the kitchen are close quarters; I was kinda uncomfortable waiting there because I felt really in the way. There was a long line to enter the venue (honestly they should have made us wait outside until they were ready for us to enter the venue), so the waiters were having a very hard time getting through. I have a feeling that the benefit show wasn't really a normal situation (the concert actually started after another show had ended), so I'm being forgiving. Would have given 3.5 stars if able, but I rounded up.
More a complaint about Hoboken and NJ than Maxwell's, but what is up with the street signs? We went what looked the right way to get to Brooklyn (where I was crashing at a friend's), and ended up in Jersey City. Lastly, why does NJ smell? :(
If you grew up in NJ and listened to popular music (including classic rock), the preeminent non-arena music venue was the Garden States (now PNC) Arts Center.
If you grew up in NJ and listened to anything indie or niche, Maxwell's was the place.
Unfortunately, I grew up listening to popular music so never made it out to Maxwell's. By the time my music tastes improved, I'd moved to New York and there was never an act I HAD to see in Hoboken that wasn't playing in NYC.
Well, I finally got around to seeing a show here and glad I did. It's smaller than I imagined. Nothing fancy inside. It's long vs. wide so it can't be fun for short people. There are some bleachers in back if you need to heighten. Best part of the venue is sound quality and the intimacy.
Haven't tried the restaurant but the fact that non-concert goes go here is a good sign...
I wouldn't trek here from Manhattan (and the 10 long blocks from the PATH) unless they've got an exclusive area show you really want to see but, if I lived in Hoboken, I'd go here before doing the reverse trek...
I've never seen a band there (yet) despite the fact that I live across the street. But the food is great, casual fare, and it's perfect for a low-key evening out with friends. The veggie burger is my favorite. I think they actually use a Dr. Praegers California Veggie Burger (at least that's what it tastes like), but somehow when they slather on the cheddar cheese it's so good.
Pretty good beer selection too.
my local favorite bar to go to in Hoboken for sure.
best bartenders ever.
great food.
great live music.
love it.
My wife and I saw The Bird and The Bee at Maxwell's last Sunday. (They were awesome, BTW.) The booze was well-priced, the venue was intimate in that charming and cool "being one with the musicians" way. It was a genuine place to see a band, if that makes any sense.
Next time, we'll try the food and hang at the bar a bit...on a Friday or Saturday night. Going out on a "school night" is kinda rough after having a kid. I was zombified yesterday.
-j
I should spare you the history lesson...
But I won't.
I used to walk the streets of Hoboken when I was barely old enough to drink thinking that I would love to live here one day. Visions of 6-nighter weeks where I only rested from drinking on Sundays and saw countless bands at Maxwell's danced in my head. Oh what a dreamer I was...
Now I live in Hoboken and I rarely make it there.
...and I'm in bed by 11 most nights. sigh.
That being said, you cannot deny the history of this place, as music has always been it's number one priority. Sure, the beer selection at the bar has gotten a bit classier and the menu has expanded, but, in the end, people will not remember this place for its burgers. Hoboken has gentrified and a studio now costs $2K a month, but, other than a change of its old sign on the caddy-corner front door, this place is pretty much the same.
I once read that it was rated "The #1 Reason to Leave New York City on a Friday Night" by some magazine. When a band you want to see is playing there, is certainly is. When a band you're curious about is playing, the Hoboken bars and great restaurants still make it worthy. On a weeknight in the summer or a crisp winter evening, the views of the Empire State Building two blocks away make it even better.
Sitting on the corner between 10th and 11th at the site of the first baseball game ever played, it's far enough from the guido bars and the college kids and the local watering holes to assure you one thing: those who are there *want* to be there. And, in Hoboken, that may be excuse enough to make a visit on a Friday night...
I happened to be there for a concert and was starving. So having the food available was wonderful, although it was mighty pack with concert goers, which made the service a little slow. So check the concert schedule if you are starving and decide to go.
The members of the family tried the daily specials (Wednesday), which included the coconut shrimp and the chicken quesadilla. The quesadilla and coconut shrimp were very good for bar food.
I had the macaroni and cheese and was excellent. It was creamy and had the perfect amount of cheese. Even though it was hot I could not stop. If you head to Maxwell's you have to give it a try.
All portions were generous, you will not be disappointed.
Never ate there, just saw a lot of good music, especially The Mad Scene.....
Hoboken institution, viable part of the NY metro music scene. Good place, great people and music.....
5 stars+
Maxwell's is like a finely coiffed mullet - business in the front, party in the back. In Maxwell's case it's Bar/Restaurant up front, intimate, small, tight, crowded rock 'n' roll venue in the back. The bar is good, the food is fine, but if there's a band you like - even a little bit - this is the place to see'em. There's even a bar in back so you can stay liquored up while you rock out.
Wheelchair access: One small step for Mankind in - no biggie. Very good, accessible bathroom.
I actually really liked it here the few times I went. They have a decent performance space, if you like an intimate show, with good underground music. The food was good and the staff friendly. I'd reccomend for a low key night out with friends or for the beginning of the evening.
I used to live around the corner from this place. Unfortunately that was before they banned the smoking - which was definitely a pain.
Since it was kind of my neighborhood joint, I strolled over one night knowing full well that the Stars concert was completely sold out. The door guys let me in with very minimal begging! I think I just said
"Hey - can I go in?"
and they obliged. I've seen Stars in concert an embarrassing amount of times but Maxwell's was the best experience by far. The size of the venue always provides an intimate concert experience (I've seen many shows here) and the location weeds out any jackasses who'd spend their time talking over the music. Only a true fan braves the PATH train. Generally a lot less attitude than you see at shows in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
The burger and fries are really nice - and they have a good selection of beers on tap.
Great concert venue, even if it's slightly out of the way - you not only have to f with the PATH train and a cab each way, but also head to . . . don't get too nervous . . . New Jersey (gasp!).
I didn't entirely realize that Maxwell's was also a restaurant - my friend and I ate and drank at Players http://www.yelp.com/bi... on 32nd before heading out to (drum roll, please) Hoboken (!!!) - so we weren't fortunate enough to get the ENTIRE experience that is Maxwell's (Drinks, Dinner, Drinks, Coffee, Show, and More Drinks). "Maybe next time!" right?
Undetected/Indeterminable pseudo-sarcasms aside, The Fiery Furnaces put on a really great show and the venue was perfectly cozy and prices very reasonable.
I wanted to sample their culinary artistry after the show, but the kitchen was already closed, so I was very disappointed - I was bidding upwards of $12 for a plate of fries at the time.
Maxwell's website is now permanently bookmarked and I'll be heading West of the River more often than before.
I have never been to a bad show here and I've been to about a dozen. I started going because when a show is sold out in NY, it never is at Maxwell's. Now I prefer Maxwell's. It's small, but it's never full. The crowd is cool and there seems to be less of the "Look at how cool I am in my GD skinny jeans" contingent if you compare it with Irving Plaza or (ugh) Webster Hall.
It's like seeing a show in your parent's basement...does that make sense? I mean that in a really good way.
Such an amazing venue. Small and a bit narrow, but good views of the stage from just about every location, the risers on the left side and in the back help those of us height-challenged folks get a better view. AMAZING bands play here and it's very intimate. I caught both I'm from Barcelona and Electric Six here and have loved every show I've seen at Maxwell's. Good drinks and helpful service. I want to try the restaurant part next time I get over there.
So this is review is purely based on brunch. We ordered the crab cakes eggs benedict, which were alright. It didn't knock me out of the park, and our friend had the breakfast burrito which was really small for a burrito. The portions weren't all that large, and my husband and I ended up ordering a side of fruit and hash browns to go along with our meals. That, and 2 coffees later, our bill came to $60.00. Probably the most I've spent on 3 people for brunch ever. In the end, good place, alright food, the atmosphere seemed like it'd be really cool at night, but all in all, I probably won't go back for brunch -- and it won't be missed.
I came here to see Spiraling (http://www.spiraling.net) play here, and was pleasantly surprised by Maxwell's! This is a GREAT music venue because there's actually room to stand and dance and not feel like a sardine in a can! (A recent visit to Pianos left me feeling this way.) The acoustics are great, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
This is like the Hoboken-version of Mercury Lounge.
New York people: It is NOT difficult to get to Maxwell's! Do not be afraid of the PATH train. It is your friend! Cheaper than a one-way ride on the subway (only $1.50!), this train gets you from Manhattan to Hoboken in under 15 minutes. Cabs are waiting right outside the PATH station, so grab one and head to Maxwell's for a great time (it's close, so it is a very cheap cab ride).
1. There are no city snobs b/c they're all afraid to cross the Hudson.
2. When all other NYC venues are sold out you can count on Maxwells.
3. No neck strain to see the band, no matter where you stand.
4. $3.75 Sammy Smiths on Fridays.
5. You can actually sit down and chow on a burger and beer before the band plays.
(minus one star because I think the food is subpar)
A favorite place- here's why
-Legendary music venue- but doesn't rest on it's laurels. Thoughtfully put together, excellent bills almost every night. Check their website for schedules.
-- Unpretentious
-Dependable, fresh food at reasonable prices- some faves are the sauteed artichoke hearts (kind of a francaise- floured and sauteed, served with a brown butter chardonnay sauce- get a bread basket for essential dipping!), the burgers, and the grilled yellow fin tuna sandwich ( be sure to tell them how you want it cooked)
-Good beer selection
-Great staff
Agreed with the point below that service is very slow. Food was mediocre and the atmosphere was kinda dull (very un-Hoboken like). I've been told that on a good night and a good waiter/waitress, this can be a very enjoyable experience (especially when they invite bands to play). But based on my one visit, this place has a long way to go before it reaches the Hoboken standard for a bar & grill.
Saw Yo La Tengo here at a NYE show- must say one of the best shows/venues/etc... GREAT place for music. Agreed.
I can only *imagine* how great it would be to play here! How awesome!
Being from NJ i can honestly say this is the best bar in New Jersey. I usually come here for the shows, because this is also the best music place in new jersey. I've been lucky enough to see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Lemonheads and Yo La Tengo here.
How would I describe the music hall? its about the size of, i'll say, my closet. Its small, its very small. But thats what makes it great, that the audience is right on top of the band. The bar is on the left, as soon as you walk in. The drink prices are actually not bad, compared to new york venues. And the sound is great, because the room is so small the acoustics just bounce off the walls.
Lets talk about the restaurant now. People should make Maxwell's an eating destination because the food really isn't bad. Plus, while you eat you can listen to, bar none, the coolest jukebox i've ever seen. I say that because while the jukebox itself is kinda beat up, the music inside of it is awesome. What jukebox has The Stones, Sufjan Stevens, Rilo Kiley, the YYY's, the Pixies, Joni Mitchell and Prince all in the same jukebox? None, thats what!
Just a little warning: its quite a walk from the PATH train but they do have cabs. and the cab ride is only about five minutes. But believe me, coming here is worth it. If you can ever make it to Yo La Tengo's Hanukkah Celebration, which is held every December pretty much, you will be glad you did.
An unsung legend in the world of rock'n'roll. I've seen many fantastic shows here: Throwing Muses, Yo La Tengo, Connells, Sugar, Sonic Youth, Mudhoney, Dinosaur Jr., were just a few.
Part cafe, part brew pub, part local artist wall space in its current incarnation -- but always a fine rock and roll venue as it was intended. Named so because it was the site of a tavern frequented by the defunct Maxwell House coffee factory one block away, one of Hoboken's last industrial giants to survive the last turn of the century.
This is a legendary venue that every NYCer and specially NJite MUST visit.. On any given night you can see up and coming acts or even big bands just trying to do a small venue before they head into NYC. This place has seen everything from Nirvana to REM to Yo La Tengo.
The place itself is a bar/restaurant up front so its easily confused. I had to check twice the first time I went there cause it sure didn't look like a music venue. Just make your way through a hallway in the back to reach the very small concert area. And when I say small I mean small. Prob no bigger than a medium sized NYC apartment. But if you get in you'll be so close to the action you wont regret it. Definitely worth a check if your are in the area or if a band you like is playing that night.
This place is actually as renouned in Punk circles as CBGB's. Plus they serve food, which has saved my ass on more than a few occasions. The trick to get here if your comming from the City is to take the 126 bus from Port Authority, it drops you a block away and is much easier than the path train.
The food is standard American with a slight gormet inclination. I usually do a burger, or the nachos and allways wind up {happily } with too much food
Great diverse place to hang out, see a band, and eat. Their chicken quesadilla w/ brie is delicious. Their brunch isn't quite there yet. If you go during the evening hours I suggest get there early since it gets pretty crowded.
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