Critic's Review
Another Loser from Dennis Max closes. Something behind the scenes here; Max left soon after opening and it closed soon after.
This will re-open at 101 Cantina. Probably with the same decor.
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Max's "The Mexican" is a mexican "tequila bar" brought to you by Dennis Max, the long time south Florida restauranteur best known for Max's Grill in Mizner Park. Unlike the benchmark tequila bar Rocco's Tacos, this place is really no more a tequila bar than any other Mexican restaurant. There are some differences; this place is built to fit Boca. Moquila, where the actual Rocco worked before opening Rocco's, failed twice just around the corner. So the appeal of a Mexican hot spot in this part of town is clearly in question.
The space is medium size, with an indoor/outdoor bar that is great on a perfect evening, but probably not so good on very hot, cold or windy evenings. Much like Yolo, with the only bar being open-air it's just not practical to close to windows unless it's really nasty outside.
The place is decorated with less authenticity than Rocco's, who travel to Mexico to get truly authentic furniture and lighting. Max's is more gimmicky, with a VW van adorning the rear service area and an old gas pump providing warmth at the entrance. The peace sign reminds me more of Woodstock than Mexico.
The outside patio features a row of tables, stools and enough area to mingle without getting slammed by servers.
The ambiance is very Boca; the music is more Blue Martini than Mariachi. The servers are typical cutesy Boca girl servers, the good news is that they speak and understand English.
The food looks authentic but leans American; their "Street Food" menu features rotisserie chicken wings and I can't say I've ever seen a real Mexician Taco stand with a rotisserie. I sampled Chips w/Salsa, Guacamole, the quesadilla and chicken enchiladas; all better than at a lot of other chain places. The Guac is a bit zesty for my taste; the quesadilla was better.
To me, enchiladas need a lot of cheese and refried beans; these are more high brow and suffer from a bit too much lime.
All in All, The Mexican is a nice spot with decent food; but you won't feel like you've been transformed to a Mexican Village.
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