Max's Wine Dive, the longtime Washington Avenue comfort-food staple, quietly reopened this month under new ownership and launched a soft opening on July 15 as the team prepares for a grand opening in early August. The reboot promises to keep the famous fried chicken and other classics while layering in Houston-inspired dishes from a new chef team. Regulars are waiting to see if the refreshed room can reclaim the slice of Washington Ave history it once held.
New owner steps in after a rocky stretch
Christopher Gonzalez, who also runs Hunter's Pub near Meyerland, acquired the Washington Avenue location in April and staged the soft opening on July 15, with a grand opening expected in early August, according to the Houston Chronicle. Gonzalez told the paper the restaurant had fallen into debt and "lost the concept," and that tightening up management is central to the relaunch. The new ownership is pitching a return to the ingredients and menu items that originally put Max's on the map.
Menu sticks to the hits, with a few twists
The restaurant's current menu and online listings still feature its signature comfort staples: fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens and deviled eggs, along with a broad wine program and brunch offerings. Those standbys appear on the posted menu and sample PDF, which also offer online ordering and reservation options, per Max's Wine Dive. That balance of classic plates and seasonal riffs is the core of the relaunch game plan.
New chefs and a softer reset inside
Gonzalez said chefs Aaron Kalenda-Boza and Jacob Counihan were the ones who pushed him to reopen the space, and they plan to keep fan favorites while rolling out Houston-inspired fusion dishes. One soft-opening plate reportedly paired red snapper with red and green curry, according to the Houston Chronicle. Inside, the renovation re-exposed an interior brick wall and introduced an open-kitchen layout meant to feel more homey than clubby. Max's original concept, launched by Jerry Lasco in December 2006 and later expanded to multiple cities, is the touchstone this relaunch leans back toward.
Washington Ave still hunting for steady anchors
Washington Avenue has cycled through waves of openings, closings and enforcement actions in recent years, a pattern that makes long-term restaurant runs tricky along the corridor. A recent roundup of closures across Houston flagged Washington Ave among neighborhoods with high turnover, suggesting the area still needs steady operators and reliable draws, according to Houstonia Magazine. If Max's can steady service and stick to the menu people actually show up for, it could help anchor that stretch again.
When to go and what’s next
The Washington Avenue location is taking reservations and keeping hours and menu information updated on the restaurant website as the team works toward full service. Diners can check the restaurant's location page for booking details and menu updates, per Max's Wine Dive. Gonzalez says the team will ease into regular service and let the menu evolve based on customer feedback.
