Max's Opera Cafe - San Francisco

Max's is our go to eating establishment before an evening opera in San Francisco. We can park once and walk! The food is dependably excellent, the service efficient and friendly, and the prices reasonable for San Francisco. My favorite dish is either the shrimp or crab Louis. It has beautifully fresh greens and vegetables, and loads of fresh crab or shrimp. Actually, ALL their dinner salads are superb! Another delicious entree to try is their Paella wonderfully seasoned and chock full of a variety of fresh fish.

Lunch date was magnificent. The service was impeccable.

We went to Max's prior to the Opera. We were running a little late but they honored our reservation. I went ahead and ordered even though my husband was still on his way. Food came out incredibly fast. Max's is known for it's large portions and hearty meals. But I decided on the Mediterranean chicken. Still a sizeable portion, but lighter fare nonetheless. Would definitely get it again.

Don 't order the beet salad!! My daughter and I each ordered this relatively expensive salad. It was mostly lettuce, and the lettuce was wet, diluting the flavorless dressing to the point where there was almost no flavor. The serving of not-sweet beets was skimpy as was the feta cheese. The pours of wine by the glass were fine, and the service was also fine, as expected. Beware, if you are short, that the benches in the booths are very low. We moved to one of the few tables for two with 'regular ' chair. I have eaten many beet salads over the years, and this one was by far the worst.

Max’s is a great place for dinner before a show. Burgers were juicy and tasty. Our server was very attentive. The piano player was good.