Max's Allegheny Tavern

We are visiting Pittsburgh on a work trip. We found Max's based on what is close to our lodging. The building itself is very charming. Inside is clean and super welcoming. Our waitress was Jean and she was very kind, helpful, and quick with anything we asked for. The food was fresh and came out quickly. A very authentic German menu. Sadly, our time was cut short due to a fellow patron seated behind me and with tight seating this person was very close. He proceeded to blow his nose aggressively at the table, while sneezing and sniffing repeatedly. This is absolutely no fault of the establishment. However, when I expressed my concern and wish for to-go boxes and my reason why, Jean quickly gathered everything we needed. She was very empathetic to our concern. Thank you Jean for taking care of us. If we are ever in Pittsburgh again we will most definitely come back to Max's.

Our food was awesome!! I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was so warm and cozy. The menus described everything in great detail and they even have German non-alcoholic beer.

Must be the history of the place that makes it appealing because it wasn't the food when we visited. Really disappointed it wasn't better. Saurkraut was just ok along with the warm potato salad. A couple of sausages to go with it for $16. My partner had the schnitzel and said it was average. Glad we tried it but wouldn't return.

This place is LEGIT! Amazing food, authentic German beers, and wonderful staff. Plus the building is beautiful. If you are in the area you have to stop in!

Terrific find. Previously lived in Germany for 15 years and found the food and drink authentic. The Rubin, potato pancakes, and kase spatzle were very good. The Weisen Bier was as good as it gets. Service and ambience were perfect.

My wife and I visited for the first time and were both VERY pleased with the experience. The food was great. The potato pancakes I had as a side were probably the best I've ever made myself or had in any restaurant. The sausages were excellent. Bread products were darn near perfect. Our server was very pleasant and attentive but not clingy. The atmosphere was quite enjoyable. From the menus printed inside a faux vintage newspaper, to the decor, to the German music playing in the background... terrific. Even though it is about an hour's drive for us when traffic is light, my wife and I agree it is well worth it.

The stuffed pretzels are amazing! I tried the royal schnitzel and enjoyed it. The honey cake and ice cream, though... Wow! I was picturing a little roll with honey, but no, it was legitimately a pastry with icing and ice cream. Excellent service. I will say that there isn't dedicated parking, so you may want to arrive early to find a parking spot on the surrounding streets. I also suggest making a reservation if you're visiting during peak dinner hours.

This is the only AUTHENTIC German restaurant in Pittsburgh. The other two “German” restaurants in the city are good, but too Americanized. I don’t know how I’ve never heard of Max’s, but I’ll definitely be back. The food is top notch. Also, apparently this place was originally Max and Erma’s (not the chain) and at one point (if not still) had the largest collection of Tiffany lamps in the county. I’ve never seen them as ceiling fans like this. Very cool vibe in here.

Have not been here in years, but it's still a great casual spot with great food and service. While not a traditional German staple the stuffed pretzels are insanely delicious.

Clean the tables, the floor is SO STICKY I had to hold onto my shoes and a thousand legger in the wine. Not planning on going back!!! Disgusting!! Can't post a negative star, if I could I would!! Server was very good, the issues weren't her fault.

This is a nice place. We sat in the tavern area, in a booth. The bar itself is amazing and they have lots of fine spirits. We ordered Jaeger Schnitzel, roasted pork, spaetzle, and a dumpling soup. Everything was very good yet not the best, even in US standards, not comparing this meal to "Deutschland" itself. Service was decent, considering the bartender was taking the booth orders and managing a full bar with people who consider this tavern a visitor center, or a tourist attraction. In hindsight, if you come here, make sure to visit the area. I didn't notice any weird or paranormal activity, neither did I inquire.

Nice neighborhood atmosphere with a great wait staff , my rueben with fries was very good !!!

This restaurant is very old! They've been around forever! German food. Many rooms and a big bar. Efficient servers. Try it! You'll like it!

We used to go here for their Sunday brunch, but during Covid the stopped offering it. We have been back several times since they discontinued the brunch, and their menu is loaded with good German cuisine, a very good choice for lunch on the north side.

Stopped in tonight for dinner, on the recommendation from a gentleman sitting next to us on the airplane. The service was great and the food even better. Great flavor and large portions. So glad we stopped.

Decent German pub. This was actually my first time ever having German food, so I wasn't too sure what to expect. Personally, this just isn't my favorite cuisine, and I'm not too knowledgeable in German food, so take my criticism with a grain of salt. I tried their kase spatzle (German Mac n cheese), potato pancakes, and bread pudding. The Kase Spatzle was my main meal, and it was pretty disappointing. There just was not much flavor to the dish at all. Bread crumbs, cheese, and macaroni. The macaroni had a strange texture, almost cotton like, where it felt weird to eat. Cheese was stringy, not flavorful. Wouldn't really recommend, but portion was good. The potato pancakes were also just mediocre. I can't quite describe it, but there was a rough sort of flavor to them. Not bad, but I've had many potato pancakes that I enjoyed far more than these. Price was fine. The standout was the dessert. The bread pudding was by far my favorite part of the meal. It's got lots of raisins, a nice sweetness, and is pretty soft, like I like it. Would definitely recommend. All in all, okay spot. Not really my style. It's worth a try to understand a different cuisine but ill have to try out some more items to really see if I like it.

Was disappointed in todays service. Waited 15 minutes after seating for a wait person. Brought our salads, then immediately our soup, and before we could start eating either of them they brought our entree which, of course, was cold by the time we ate it. Waiter didn't bring our drinks (which were the very first thing we ordered) until we flagged him down near the end of our meal.

Old style bar with German menu. Building from 1800's Bar opened in 1960's & I was served a brat that was in the fridge since they opened! Enough caraway seeds in the kraut to forget that there was kraut on the plate. The veal schnitzel was the only redeeming meal.

What an old world old school classic. Was there Friday night with friends and the Food was outstanding and the service was off the charts featuring wonderful authentic German dishes!

All of the food was delicious. Service is great. Cozy old time pub atmosphere. So glad we walked 30 minutes to get there.

Very good wurst! We really like the red cabbage and potatoe pancakes. I was especially happy they had Spaten bier.

Great food for the giant menu. The service is perfect and you can play any music at any time.

This was the second stop my wife and I made on our tour of movie locales from the film, "A Man Called Otto". This particular place is where the protagonist had a dinner date with his future wife. As in the movie, the place is beautifully furnished the moment you walk in. Dark cherry wood greets you and it has that lived in, lived long look that many places in this part of the country have. The entrance are has some seating for dinner, but it's beside their nice looking bar. We sat in the back, at the first of two dinner seating areas. What surprised us was that the food served here is not the usual bar or American fare-type food. Instead, it is German - what a great surprise as I do love German food. For the appetizer, we chose the stuffed pretzels with a delicious mustard sauce to dip in, and for dinners - my wife enjoyed their calf liver while I had the Sauerbrauten. All of it was cooked perfectly, and the sauerbrauten was tender and tasty. For sides we enjoyed spatzel(sp?) as well as chunky applesauce, and a sweet and sour cabbage mix that had a spicy kick to it. Service was friendly, not as attentive, I suppose given she was the only one in that room, but she still did a solid job. We ate so much we couldn't enjoy their desserts (and they had some good ones like black forest cake), maybe next time.

Max's is a Pittsburgh staple and a classic. If you have not been to this iconic tavern, get there as soon as you can. Amazing German food and a great staff! I guarantee that yinz guys will love it!

Haven't been to Max's in a few years. Not much has changed however. Same interior, same staff (which is amazing). Only change I really saw was they are no longer open Sundays when h means no more Sunday brunch buffet which is a shame, we always enjoyed that. We stopped by after the Steelers holiday photos at the stadium. Max's is always super easy to get in and out which I appreciate. Started with a forgotten beer from Pittsburgh brewing. We had some apps and then entrees. I forgot to take photos of the entrees unfortunately. Food is solid, people working there are always amazingly nice. Place is clean inside as well.

My wife and I stopped in around 5:00 on a Friday for a bite to eat. This was our first visit. We were immediately seated and a few minutes later our waitress brought us a basket of fresh popcorn. Our drink orders were then placed (we both ordered a beer on draft). Shortly after we order a bread basket appears. I ordered a knackworst with potato pancakes and German potato salad. Both were delicious. My wife ordered bratwurst and enjoyed hers. Location, venue both scream stopping you to visit. Epic venue, I just wish they gave you one more sausage. Beer is crisp, service is strong, venue is vintage, food is delicious, I'd definitely go back again!

Love this authentic German restaurant in the heart of Deutschtown! Max's is a staple for those in the neighborhood and in-the-know, but most people won't come across this place by accident. My mom's family is German and there are so many menu items that remind her of my Grandma's cooking - most of them things that are hard to pronounce ;) I don't eat meat so admittedly there aren't a ton of options, but the potato pockets and other appetizers are great! Especially love the French onion dip that comes with the potato pockets - so flavorful and delicious. Also a big shout out to the staff who were super busy on a Friday night before a North Shore concert, but they were so kind and did a great job.

If you like authentic German food, Max's is the place to go. When in the mood for some schnitzel, this is a must. I always think I am going to just order one, and always end up going for the sampler and picking from there. I'm a big fan of the potato salad, and we always have to go with some spatzel, and my kids always get a reuben. Einlauf soup is always a must, as well. A visit always lets you feel like you're stepping back in time. Great service always.

Great menu, excellent food and the service was perfect. I really liked this place and will go back to try more amazing German cuisine.

I was very excited to take my girlfriend there. She wanted good German food. This was so far from that. I am a lifelong fan of Max's. Maybe it's been going downhill or maybe I got caught there on the wrong night, where maybe the 1st, 2nd or 3rd team cook/chef was off. Not good at all. I was so disappointed. We first ordered a few appetizers and a side: Sausage and Cheese, Potato Pancakes & German Potato Salad. Potato pancakes were good. Not really a complaint there. The Sausage and Cheese looked like it was made by a guy who fell asleep on a couch and woke up facing the cushions while realizing that his buddies were coming over to watch the game in 10 minutes. Not at all professional looking, not appetizing to look at and not that good. The worst by far was the German Potato Salad, which looked like Necco wafer sized (& thickness) potatoes thrown in some sort of thin swill. That was it. Nothing else to it. Just awful. Couldn't believe my eyes. It took a lot to not laugh in the bartender/waitress's face when she asked If I wanted to keep it for when the next course came out. The b/w had a full bar and the pub booths were kinda full. She had to serve both, and the service determined she needed a little help. My girlfriend's special German burger and my Brat & sauerkraut sandwich were both barely warm, along with our dripping with oil fries (we didn't order them that way), which somehow still glistened with the cooking oil even though they also were somewhere between room temperature and cold. I can deduce those meals were set next to the heat lamps for at least 10 minutes. Portions not an issue; too much oil and not hot. Not a good combo. We didn't finish any of the items except for the side pickles and glasses of water. Also, I was baffled when the B/W asked if we wanted to get something else besides our appetizers because the kitchen was going to close. It was 7:32, and the place was scheduled to close at 9. Not sure what the hurry was, too bad our meals weren't delivered with the same urgency. To summarize: over $56 (with apple sangria) spent, two very unhappy customers that will probably not come back, and me lamenting what happened to this place? When we got outside, a guy on a bike was circling back to ask if Max's was still open. I shrugged a disgusted shrug and said I guess. He laughed and rode off. Max's owes me one.

Stopped in for dinner. Food ordered was excellent. Service wasn't that great but overall good value for the dollar!

We had lunch at Max's, our first visit in many years. We avoided the place, waiting for an interior refresh to the carpeting, furniture, and painting, all of which originated in the early baby boomer days. We were glad to see that the refresh had occurred some time during our long absence. It remains a friendly, efficient, local spot. We had a simple lunch of potato pancake Reubens with German potato salad on the side. The sandwiches were fine, although the pancakes, like all restaurant versions, were disappointing, lacking flavor and delicacy. The potato salad was greasy and bitter. To be fair, neither of us likes German food, so our dissatisfaction could just be our bias, not poor execution by Max's. Either way, Max's is back on our approved list, but we don't really like the food, so we won't be back soon or often.

My recent visit here was a mixed bag. Some of the dishes were tasty, others just ok, and the atmosphere was definitely historic, but not the cleanest place around. The potato pancakes and fish sandwich were good, while the Max's Bavarian Club wasn't my favorite. Very nice server and a solid tap list.

My Fiancé wanted to try this German Restaurant. It is a smaller restaurant. Older building but interesting to see. My Fiancé ordered the Hot Pastrami and Swiss on Rye. He loved the sandwich. The sauerkraut had a funny taste to it. I had the Allegheny Club on white toast and fries. It was good! The pickles was really good too! However I asked for Ketchup and she brought me out a half full ramekin of ketchup and the ramekin was busted up on down the whole side. Looks like it was dropped and busted and still put on the plate. I ordered a mixed drink , sex on the beach. It tasted like mint. It was the worst drink I have ever had. We asked if they had Captain Morgan Private stock. She said No we don't have anything fancy. She turned and walked away. She didn't bother telling us what kind of Rum they did have. Our Waitress Nichole wasn't the nicest, she was making snide remarks to me. Food was decent overall. But we won't be going back.

Great German restaurant in North side. First time there and our meals and service were excellent.. we had a sausage appetizer platter which was a perfect amount and for our meals we both had different schnitzels which were excellent. Ended with a cream puff to share and our waitress was so nice she gave us two! Sorry, it was so good I forgot to take a pic! Next time!

I don't know what happened to this restaurant, but the food quality has gone downhill. Our pierogis, as an appetizer, were like eating leather, the Einlauf soup broth was missing any flavor and the carrots were still somewhat raw, the potato pancakes were lacking any potato flavor and disintegrated when touched, and the sausages were cold. The service was Ok but I am sorely disappointed in the food. Max's has always been consistent for me. Not this time. Hope that the management recognizes this soon.

Great service and good drinks! I had a frozen strawberry margarita and it was huge! Plus they have a cool old jute box!

I came here from Philadelphia we walked in and had to wait 15 minutes just to be set the server was extremely rude she didn't even come over to us about 15 minutes to the point that we had to move to the bar and then we were at the bar I asked the server where the special was she didn't even help me after waiting another 15 minutes and being there for 40 minutes we had to walk out worst place ever would never recommend or go to sad because all the other reviews say otherwise I guess they treat the locals differently.

This was a great and quick experience...45 minutes here and we loved it! We had a little less than an hour before we had to get ready to go out to an event. We had some great and different popcorn and the bar and ordered a flight of beer. My husband loved them all. We would love to go back and get appetizers or even dinner, and we will for sure!

Quick and accommodating service. I had the ham and Swiss cheese sandwich and subbed for a side of applesauce with a cup of the chicken soup. Wish I would have opted for a bowl, the soup was a delicate flavor but hit the spot. Our server was very attentive even though it was busy with people watching the Steelers game at the bar. Would highly recommend stopping in.

This is the 2nd time I have eaten here in the last year and although the waitress was very good, I can't say the same for the food. The potato pancakes were bland and the sauerbraten gravy was very unappetizing. I liked the red cabbage a lot. I don't intend to return

This spot is such a homey little gem. I love it! From the cozy booths with pretty Tiffany style lamps to German comfort food and nicely priced mixed drinks in giant goblets, it's a great spot for a low key, fun night out with friends in Pittsburgh! We were surprised by how small both the pretzels and especially the cheese spatzel were, but both tasted really good. Service is fine, nothing over the top but friendly and matches the space.

Fantastic German comfort food in a frendly neighborhood corner bar. Service was great and our server took the time to explain the extensive menu and offered some great suggestions.

I am an OLD time patron of at least 45 years. My husband and I have taken many of our friends here in the past, because we like to share good food. We used to get the hunter style pork chop, which was out of this world, but unfortunately, they no longer have that selection. Since the pork chop is no longer available, we have changed to Jager schnitzel, with the red, sweet, cabbage, and potato pancakes. Unfortunately, it will never be the same. I usually start with the Einloth soup, which now lacks flavor, and the Pastina and butter that used to be in the soup. We are also missing the Pumpernickel rolls. On our most recent visit, I have to admit, the veal was definitely not the same. The ridges appeared to be freezer burned. The gravy was not up to Max's standards. We may not visit as often as we used to, but will give it one more try. However, they do have good service.

I have eaten lunch and dinner there and everything was delicious. I've had many different meals with no complaints about anything. My favorite for lunch is the potato pancake Reuben. I highly recommend it.

Greaet german restaurant in Deutschtown on the north side. We visited before going to a Pirates game right after July 4th. I had the turkey reuben made with potato pancakes instead of bread, it was awesome. Great sides and sausage dishes too.

AMAZING German food. They have amazing sauerkraut and schnitzel. Service was incredible and all of the food was delicious. The bar is over 100 years old and used to be a hotel in 1852. It has original tiled floors and the bar has original metal rails and an Brunswick bar. This find has an amazing history and good heart warming food. The plate I ordered had two different types of sauerkraut and came with two sides! I received a lot of great food for an impressive price, which was just a bonus. They had German beer on tap which was also nice. I'm not a beer drinker, but I liked the German beer I tried. Would definitely recommend.

This place is just the best. Great German food with an old school atmosphere that you can't find anywhere else. It feels and tastes like you're hanging at your German grandma's place. Unbeatable pretzel appetizer.

On this particular night, I have nothing but praise for Max's Allegheny Tavern. The service was excellent and the food was delicious. While it's not always this perfect, tonight it was and people need to give it a try if they have the chance!!

Edited to add: Since this review was posted, we have received our credit card statement. It appears the 20% gratuity we left in CASH for the waitress was not enough for her. She also decided to add another, nearly 25%, gratuity onto the slip after we left. Not only has the food gone downhill, they also employ a THIEF!

Great little local food spot. Had the potato pancake Ruben and it was delicious. Good selection of beers and fun and inviting atmosphere. Met friends here for lunch and to catch up and it gave a good balance of food, drink, and ability to talk and hang out.

Love Max's. There are multiple occasions and reasons to visit. One, it's a great place to make reservations with family. It's a got a wonderful old school vibe with delicious German food and cozy dining. My second go-to scenario is sitting in the bar area for drinks and a constant flow of tasty buttery popcorn. It's a beautiful bar preserved with interior details and charm you can't just find anywhere. We need to protect Max's Allegheny Tavern at all costs. Honorable mention: the incredible weekend brunch spread.

Took my kids and grandkids for dinner. Excellent food and service! Will definitely go again. Server was very friendly and efficient!

Located in Germantown section of Pittsburgh and easy enough to find parking. Max's Allegheny Tavern has been around since 1900 and also was a hotel at one point and time. You can tell where it was a hotel depending on your seating. We sat in what could have been a hotel room and had that kind of feel to it. Everyone was nice and the food came out hot and fresh. The spatzel was not great, but the waitress was able to get it switched out for some German potato salad. If you like German food you won't be disappointed with this place, but be prepared to take a nap afterwards.

Max's is the bomb! It's been in Deutschtown since the 1890's and has a super cool aesthetic. The front is a bar with little booths and a couple different tv's. There are also two or three other sitting rooms for large groups and those not interested in being at the bar. My wife and I walked over on a Friday night and the barroom was packed. We took a table by the window in one of the other rooms and had a nice view out onto Suismon. We were hungry, but not too hungry so we shared a sample platter and got the Jäger Schnitzel, Pork Roast, and Chicken Viennese. For sides we got potato pancakes and warm potato salad. I thought absolutely everything was perfect! Food was warm and flavorful and the service was prompt and helpful in their recommendations. Will definitely be back.

Food was good and service was excellent. Came here Monday night for the first time for dinner. We were seated in a back room with 2 cuckoo clocks (which my daughter enjoyed). We ordered the soft pretzels for an appetizer and I chose the turkey reuben as my entree. The soft pretzels were GOOD. I could eat those any day of the week. My turkey reuben was a little dry. It was also made with potato pancakes instead of bread. They were good but man was it heavy! I could only eat a few fries because I was so full from the sandwich. Next time I would opt for a side salad instead of the fries. Important things to note: - they have a decent beer menu - they have a kids menu - they apparently have a brunch which folks rave about (need to come back to try that)

A fun local restaurant with very good German food. ( I am now recommending a German restaurant on every trip; they are usually in interesting buildings and feature tasty food for meat eaters.) Parking is surprisingly easy for Pittsburgh. Two hour street parking almost everywhere. ( I sure got tired of $10 parking lots!) Lively and noisy diners right at your elbow. (During a political season like this one you may hear more than you wish from your neighbors.) Very good service. Our waitress was super friendly and could carry huge plate loads. The wait was a bit long for food on a very busy Saturday night. Dining rooms are small. You can tell this building wasn't designed as a restaurant. You may wish to eat at the bar. Prices are reasonable. If you get a seat next to the window you get a lovely view of the church across the street. An interesting Pittsburgh neighborhood. Sadly my partner was not feeling well (happens at the end of a 7 day trip) so we didn't finish everything. No dessert but they looked tasty. The ham steak is a little much on the Peasant's Platter. Sausages are delicious as are the potato pancakes. Plenty to take home, though. Hopefully your hotel has a fridge and a microwave. Recommended if you like down to earth places to get a feel for a neighborhood and don't mind feeling stuffed walking to your car.