  Max’s Cafe has an interesting history. Originally built in 1890, the corner building operated as a shoe store, opened by a German immigrant named Joseph Fred Leisinger. In 1911, during one of his many trips back to Germany, a magnificent hand crafted bar captured Joseph’s imagination and he had the piece shipped back with him to Gloucester City. On June 1,1912, five weeks after the sinking of the Titanic, Joseph reopened 34 North Burlington Street as Leisinger’s Saloon. He ran the saloon for about 25 years, even through prohibition when it operated as a "soft drink establishment." In 1937, Joseph passed on and ownership of the beautiful, well established saloon was transferred to his third wife Agnes. Unable to operate the saloon herself, she sold it to Joseph’s nephew, Max Waterstradt, who renamed the saloon Max’s Cafe. In 1977, the introduction of a simply prepared fresh seafood menu transformed Max’s Cafe and the neighboring building was acquired to help seat Max’s growing number of patrons. Guests from both sides of the Delaware flocked to the restaurant, often forming lines around the corner, to enjoy fresh flounder, shrimp, clams, and most of all, steamed mussels! Max’s reputation grew and remained intact for the next 22 years before age and neglect left it in a state of disrepair. The bar restaurant closed its doors in July of 1998 and remained dormant for the next two and a half years. In October of 2000, the buildings at 32 and 34 North Burlington Street were completely refurbished, exposing the original brick walls and soaring ceilings. The plate glass windows were restored along with the many decorative items common during the Victorian period in Gloucester City, including the tin ceiling and two-blade ceiling fans. Today, the private dining area includes a fireplace and a 2,000 bottle wine cellar. Max’s Seafood Cafe continues its tradition of hospitality, impeccably fresh seafood, and most of all, steamed mussels! | Particulars Price Range:
$30 and under
Credit Cards:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Parking:
on premise
Dress Code:
Casual
Reservations:
Open table / Walk-ins are welcome
Signature Dishes
Samplings
Appetizers:
MAX’S FAMOUS STEAMED MAINE MUSSELS
An overfilled bowl done your choice of styles, including Traditional Red, Traditional White, Thai, and Belgium.
MAX’S SAMPLER
Clams casino, mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat and scallops wrapped in bacon, served with dipping sauces.
Entrees:
NEW ORLEANS JAMBALAYA
Grilled chicken breast, baby shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers, onions, celery, okra tossed with risotto.
MEDITERRANEAN AHI TUNA
Pesto-brushed Ahi tuna served with grilled vegetables, sauteed baby spinach and sundried-tomato butter.
MIXED SEAFOOD GRILL
Ahi Tuna, salmon, Mahi Mahi, served with spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and fresh herb-lemon butter sauce.
SURF AND TURF
6oz. filet mignon, served with either 2oz. lobster tail or lump crabcake, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and appropriate sauces. |