Maxwell’s Tavern
“I'm always on the hunt for a bar with live music in Hobo/JC, I've known that Maxwell's delivers and for some reason I just haven't gone yet.”
“Maxwell's Tavern is a local sports bar that has a rich history of having many acclaimed performers.”
“Our food came out pretty good: I enjoyed a black bean burger with regular fries.”
Maxwell’s Tavern
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Accepts Apple Pay: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Unsure why I haven't been to Maxwell's sooner.
I'm always on the hunt for a bar with live music in Hobo/JC, I've known that Maxwell's delivers and for some reason I just haven't gone yet. In any case, I finally came in over the weekend and am already planning my next return!
The front area is just your standard run of the mill bar but they have a large private space in the back where you can generally find live music on weekends. There is a ten dollar cover charge which is kind of annoying but for that charge they book at least two bands who play for a few hours. So, at least you are getting your moneys worth.
There is also a small stage area at the front of the bar and they had an acoustic duo playing at the same time as the band in the back room. I would definitely prefer to see a band in the back space because the sound quality is much better. The combo of a loud bar and a weak sound system made it super tough to hear the band which was sad because from what I could hear they sounded fantastic.
If I was going to come out to grab a drink and have a normal bar experience then I'd probs hit up a spot that is closer to my area. But, when I want live music (aka always) I'll check the schedule here and come through if the band looks solid.
I'm not going to be that guy that says it's not the same. Because it's not, it's a new place, a new style and a new vibe. I personally don't think they should have kept the name, but that doesn't hinder my experience.
We've been a couple times now. The place is definitely cleaner, which is always a nice touch. However service and food had me teetering on a 2 star rating. I will say this new maxwell's is a 2.5
The service is fairly slow and unattentive. We sat near the hostess stand listening to them banter, bitch and moan about their job, life, etc. The waitress was kind of non existent.
I ordered the chicken parm…i regret this. While the chicken breast was huge the breading, sauce and cheese all just didn't jive. My wife didn't like what she got, but I can't remember for the life of me. Previously she had the pizza and it was just meh…at best.
They are bringing back music, which is good. I may come by for that if it's a show worth seeing, but for a meal, nope not going to happen. The bar seemed ok, it had a lot of bros there when we went, which was a bit surprising. Maybe Stephen's kids. I just don't think I'll be coming back often with so many other options around.
Came by for a few drinks while in Hoboken on a Saturday night. Was happy with the nice selection of beers on tap and enjoyed a few with some friends while watching the Mets game
The atmosphere is a bit loud, which is fine for most bars but if I was eating dinner here it would have probably bothered me. If they got rid of the sit down tables adjacent to the bar it would free up a lot more room in the middle for people to stand and drink (or at least ditch the chairs). Otherwise this a good spot to stop by with a group of friends for some drinks
I stopped in for dinner one night and was not impressed.
Decor: The inside is a pretty standard bar/restaurant, nothing too special. I mean, it's nice but nothing out of the ordinary. There are a lot of tables, so if you have a big group it'd be fine. And I also like that you enter in the front door (unlike the old set up).
Bathroom: Clean, well lit, but small. Very small. It pretty much should be a one-at-a-time use.
Staff: Someone needs to light a fire under the staff b/c they are slow. I was in on a Friday night and it wasn't THAT crowded. Yet I had to wait to be seated (b/c the hostess was nowhere to be found – come to realize later that she has to go get ALL the to-go orders from the kitchen… not a good system)., I had to wait about 10 to even meet my waiter and order a drink, and then had to wait again (with my table completely empty of anything) for the waiter to ask if I needed the check. C'mon, people, get a move on here.
Food/Drink: I had a beer, which was fine (they have a decent selection), wings (oh, wait, no I didn't b/c the waiter forgot to put the order in), and a regular burger (it was just ok, but was a good size/thick!) with home-made chips (yum!). All-in-all the food was just ok, nothing that special – of course, I just ordered a regular burger, but still.
Value: The prices are about what you would expect. But with the service, I feel like I was over-charged.
This is the second time I have tried this place – the first time being a similar experience (which I held off on the review, thinking I'd give them a second chance) – and I doubt I will return for another meal.
Maxwell's Tavern has a nice area to work with especially considering their history. They have the main area set for live bands and all that. The back area they are trying to get more dancing going on. I guess the setup is a little weird since nothing points out that a DJ is in the back room. I'm sure this will eventually become popular.
The bartender who was "serving" us was rude and not friendly whatsoever. He was tall and boldy and I hope he reads this or it gets to him. He seemed like he didn't even want to be bothered, When he did make the drinks, I think he forgot to add liquor ….We kindly reminded him to add less sprite the next time. This was definitely a turn off so I'm pretty sure I won't be rushing back here anytime soon.
I came Maxwells with a couple of friends for lunch and to watch some college football. Surprisingly it was somewhat empty, but that may be due to the fact that it was the holiday weekend. Maxwell's Tavern is a local sports bar that has a rich history of having many acclaimed performers. It has a reputation of being a staple in Hoboken.
The decor of the bar it is nice and simple. In my opinion a sports bar is supposed to make you feel comfortable and have many TV's around so that it does not matter which seat you sit at, you can always watch multiple games. Maxwell hits the nail on the head in my opinion regarding these two factors.
When we arrived at the Maxwells we sat at the available tables. The bartender was also our waiter and was very friendly and engaging. He made great at making "small talk" and offered his honest opinion regarding the menu. He also knew we (6 of us) wanted to watch a particular game and indicated that when a major NHL game was over that he would switch the main TV's to our particular game so that we can also get the commentary. Its things like this, which truly make an establishment great! Also, when he indicated this, it made my out of town guests feel very comfortable. As for the food, it was good for bar food and was cooked exactly how i ordered. I would recommend the "Hoboken Hot Burger!" They also have a good beer selection. I would highly recommend this establishment to anyone.
I would rate Maxwell's Tavern as follows: Decor 4.5 Stars, Food 4 Stars, Location is 4 Stars, Price is 4 Stars and Drink Selection is 4 Stars.
The views expressed are of my own and are my true personal experience at this establishment. My personal experience may not reflect this actual establishment, their quality or someone else's experience at the establishment.
This place is a nice local sports bar! Lots of TV viewing and ample seating. I came on a Saturday afternoon to watch a game with some friends, we chose where we wanted to sit (not many people we're there since we went Saturday after thanksgiving, I'd imagine people were out of town). The server who was an older gentleman was very amicable and loved that we were there to watch a game; he would come chat with us and make sure everything was alright. Our food came out pretty good: I enjoyed a black bean burger with regular fries. Nothing phenomenal for this burger but the flavor was definitely there. They have a decent selection of beer and the server was pretty knowledgable in each. I would recommend coming here to watch a game with friends, it's a fun environment.
The food is good, the bar is nice, and the staff are very nice. Beer selection is okay, but it is an iconic spot in Hoboken. It was better before it was shut down, I used to love the concert hall and saw some awesome concerts there, that were dirt cheap. Worth a stop in.