Located in the historic West End of Vancouver, Maxine’s Cafe and Bar has been serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch since they opened in April 2021 and now, they have expanded their offerings into the evenings with the addition of both a happy hour and dinner menus from Thursdays to Sundays.

 I found myself at Maxine’s with my friend Josh on a lovely summer evening, It’s been too long since we’ve had a proper meal out together, and we couldn’t have picked a better place. I was very impressed with the relax yet chic atmosphere, the lively cocktail list, and wide array of delicious shared plates and nibbles. It’s also worthy to mention the excellent service – they have the most charming staff always willing to share a good cocktail, food pairing or wine recommendation. It really made our dinner experience complete.

The dinner menu created by Executive Chef Bobby Milheron features elevated comfort food such as Linguine Alle Vongole, Steak Frites and grilled Wild Salmon. Happy Hour favorites include Fried Chicken with Tabasco Honey Butter (a must try if you ask me – the chicken is tender and juicy on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside and the tabasco honey butter gives it a perfect balance of sweet and spicy), Tuna Crudo and Fresh Shucked Oysters.

The dessert offerings include house made eclairs and a Daily Cast Iron Crostata with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

Aside from the from an elevated cocktail list, Maxine’s offers a wide array of delicious wines both local and international that will complement your meals beautifully.

The Bistro is located between Hardwood St and Maxine Lane (hence the name) and is open for breakfast lunch and weekend brunch as well as well as happy hour and dinner Thursday to Sunday.

They don’t take reservations, but they will always find you a seat.

Recommendations:

Cocktails

THE AVIATION 2.0 $14

Aviation gin, Maraschino, lemon, Violet

WEST END SOUR $12

Jim Beam, Dubonnet, lemon juice, egg white

Shared Plates

TUNA CRUDO $19

lightly smoked albacore, fennel, olives, avocado

FRIED CHICKEN 16

Tabasco honey butter, house pickles

Mains

ROASTED CHICKEN $28

parmesan crusted, eggplant, tomato, olives, peppers

LINGUINE ALLE VONGOLE $28

manila clams, Calabrian chili, parsley

Desserts

DAILY CAST IRON CROSTATA $9

With vanilla bean ice cream

ÉCLAIR $10

dulce de leche cream, dark chocolate, hazelnut