Corey E.
Yelp
Max's is a huge establishment in the Philippines, so I ask my MIL visiting from the Philippines where she wants to go, I said we have a Max's and she lit up like we were going to a upper level restaurant. In fact I asked her if all the franchises that are here, Max's Jollibee, and Chowking who had the better chicken. She said Max's by far. So we arrive get seated and asked about the family set, which is sort of a pre fixe meal. 3 entrees, chicken, rice and soup. We also ordered a side of Calamari. Food arrives and it is just awful. The lechon kawali was cooked so long it was tougher than jerky. The chicken I believe was a quail or a pigeon not sure or it was the smallest chicken on the planet.
The Kare Kare no flavor, the egg drop soup still had dehydrated peas that had not softened. And the pancit was mush. But worse was the calamari, it was so over seasoned that it couldn't be eaten. So needless to say when your tab is $148 not including tip and you are that disenchanted with the quality of the food it is an absolute disappointment. My favorite part of the food was my MIL said the food was terrible and suggested we try at a real Max's in the Philippines.
I will add that the bathroom had not been clean, no towels, toilet paper on the ground and what ever was on the floor stuck to your feet so I was sticking to the floor as I walked back into the dining room.
For context, the food has never been a hit for us. For the cost, I would expect more. You'll find there are a few other choices in the area for Pinoy food.
Their statement or phrase is "Sarap to the bone". After my last few visits that is not evenly remotely close to what our experience was.