Max Chophouse

I arranged a group of 9 for a business dinner here and start to finish excellent is all I can say. Most but not all of us had steaks. My strip steak was delicious and cooked perfectly. Lobster that someone else had was also perfect. Sides, salads desserts and service were all great. Max is small, feels like NYC and is definitely the place to go for steaks in the Rochester area.

So I’ve been here twice, both visits years apart, and have felt the same way about it each time: good, not great. I’d give it 3.5 stars if I could. Standard good steak, formal service, boring dining room. Innovative? No. Perfect for traditionalists? Yes. Looking for a place to impress a date or your business clients? Max’s Chophouse would work for both. I guess I just don’t feel particularly inspired by the place. The hangar steak is excellent and filet mignon was good too. I would appreciate a little bit more char on the steak to lock in some flavor. Or maybe I’m just partial now to more wood-​fired steaks? Not sure. The bar is good: drinks are well-​balanced and the wine selection is varied and reasonably priced. The meal will run you about $ 75 – 100 pp with tax and tip, depending on alcohol consumption. Sides are extra and they do add up of course. Thought the hangar was better than the filet. More flavor. I don’t know, this place is standard Brighton. I’ll probably like it more when I’m 20 years older.

Most definitely the best Steakhouse in Rochester. Always a pleasant experience in an elegant yet cozy atmosphere.

In all honesty I would have never known about this place. It’s in a strip mall… We made reservations, it’s a small place. It was a first time for all of us. It’s warm and cozy Dark woods, lowered lighting. You can bring your own wine the corkage fee is $ 20 but worth it. The wine list is compact but pretty good. They bring over rolls with a homemade compound butter quite tasty. The rolls are a butter roll or one with Rosemary on it both tasty, too bad they were not warm. The fish/​seafood is excellent the oysters are fresh and succulent. The special appetizer Smoked Shrimp Salad my friends had was just Wow! I had along with my friends BF we had the Steak Freits, Hanger Steak cooked to your liking, my GF had the filet with Truffle Butter. That filet was so, so tender. My husband had the Sea Bass. Flakey and yum. Sides were the Roasted Carrots with Capers and Current’s. Wow and we got the famous Mashed Potatoes get them. The only issue was we ordered the Steak Tartar and it never came why?! No explanation, they did ask us if we still wanted it, but they were bringing us our Mains so we said no but took it off the bill. But still no reason why we did not get it? The husband wanted to try it, that’s why he ordered it. Also the bus boy dropped my silverware on the table and it hit my water & wine glass and we were drinking red wine. Both kind of got on me, nothing major but we were at a four top table plenty of room but still plates and things were banged into? Maybe he needed a little more confidence or control or training. Hey things happen.
Also if possible get desert any of them. When it came to desert no offer of coffee. I had to ask, granted she comped me on that, but after the debacle with the silverware hitting my water& wine glasses and the lack of the one app my husband wanted and we brought our own wine, could you have comped us the corkage fee maybe?! Not being cheap but… On to desert. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie the right amount of smooth and sweet. Get it even to go. Just cause it’s in a strip mall does not mean it’s bad, it’s a hidden gem and they have parking. Give them a shot you will be glad you did. (One major issue. Pacing of courses it was a bit rushed) not sure the HB will go back… I am willing for another shot.

I went here for the first time last month to celebrate me getting into grad school and let me tell you it was the best food decision I’ve made since moving to roc city. This place is amazing! It’s expensive but it’s worth every penny and honestly is not a lot more than you’d pay at a $$ steakhouse in rochester for sub par food.
The service was great. Our waiter was a little awkward at first but really nice and attentive. He made suggestions throughout the meal that were extremely on par for what we wanted.
We started with the shrimp cocktail for an app which was amazing as to be expected. For our meal, my girlfriend and I shared a large ceasar, the pomme frites, and an 11oz filet with the truffle butter sauce. Everything was SOOOO good. We would’ve tried the lobster Mac too but she is allergic. For dessert I had coffee and we shared the peanut butter pie. It was good but nothing to die for as we were still talking about the filet.
If you haven’t been here, you should definitely save it for a celebration dinner with those who love great food and great service. I will definitely be back!

Fod is excellent. Everything is pricey, but you get more than what you pay for. When You enter a place that doesn’t have any salt or pepper on the table and you find the food is spiced just right and you in fact don’t need it, then you definitely don’t feel like they overcharged you.

Steaks were perfect and the service was great. Everything is a la carte so it can get a bit pricey. You get what you pay for though and would go back in a second. Highly recommend…

I rarely eat Filet Mignon but when I do I wish it was always from here. Top notch 6oz Angus filet. I chose to get the Truffle Butter sauce on the side. My decision may or may not have been based on the fact that I am currently very into the Nicki Minaj song… either way, the steak was cooked perfectly, melted like butter in my mouth. All of the sides are portioned to share. Three of us split 2 sides — the pomme frits and the mushrooms. Both of these sides were also delicious. Downside, this place is very pricey (there was a Maserati parked outside). We had the peanut butter pie for dessert, to die for. The location is unsuspecting and it is small inside but it’s all about the food.

I went here with with a group last week. No holds barred from start to finish. Two different types of oyster, jumbo shrimp cocktail, pig ear app, carpaccio, and cheese plate to start. Everything was excellent and the seafood was super fresh!
On to the entrees… one fish, two ribeyes, and one surf and turf. Minor mix up with the ribeye, but only required switching plate. Garlic frites, mashed potatoes, and brussell sprouts as sides. Again, all excellent, and perfectly cooked.
Last, dessert. Olive oil cake, peanut butter pie, and chocolate mousse. We ordered all to go. But found out later, their desserts are excellent too.
Sure it’s in a strip mall, and you might miss it if you didn’t know it was there. It’s also pretty small inside, but I really enjoyed the ambience, and our server (Matt/​Mark?) was great.
We discussed possibly making a meal of ALL the appetizers next! :)

More of a surprise to find such quality steaks in a strip mall in Rochester… Once we walked in my expectations were lowered, but by the end of the evening I realized we were in a great establishment and one worth visiting again.
The evening was full of surprises… starting with the appetizers of oysters and seafood! Continuing with crispy fresh salads and exceptional steaks cooked perfectly to order. All cuts and sizes available! What a treat…
The wine list was also a surprise, with great wines at reasonable prices filling the pages. Impressive.
One item I mentioned to the waiter was the cold plate that the steak came on. It was distracting and did not let the temperature of the steak stay at a level I am accustomed to elsewhere. It was fine overall but the temperature could have been lifted a little.
Worthwhile.

Best steaks in Rochester. Everything is good right down to the sour dough rolls. Only downsides are that it’s very pricey and everything including sides is a la carte. Plan on $ 100 per person but worth it for those special events.

I went here for the first time last night and it was a great time. As others have pointed out, the location is a little odd but do not let that factor into your judgment. I ordered my «go to» steak — filet mignon — medium rare and it was excellent. The waitress brought out one of each sauce — which was very considerate and a nice way to mix up the meal. My friend ordered the hanger steak and he was still craving it the next morning. The sides, which are a quintessential part to every steakhouse experience, delivered as well. We split three of them– mash potatoes, mushrooms and Brussel sprouts. The sprouts compared very favorably to other places I’ve been to in terms of consistency and spices. And you can never go wrong with adding some quality shittake (I think) mushrooms and creamy potatoes right?
All quality steakhouses are pricey so one should go in with this expectation. In my view it’s worth it.
Pretty large wine selection, should be able to find something that will work for you. They also have a nice bar area which is fully stocked.

The only place to get a steak in Rochester. Ribeye all day long. Just take the rest home with you. It’s so worth it, no matter what kind of aging process it’s gone through. The Caesar is delicious. Great date spot.

Dinner at Max Chophouse… super yummy gruner veltliner by the glass. The poutine appetizer was a different take on the dish, very yummy. The escargot was cold. The bartender was very attentive (we ate at the bar). By the way… his 90 year old grandmother actually won Publishers Clearinghouse!!! Congrats Granny!

Had an amazing anniversary dinner here. Everything was delicious and we will go back for sure. Love!

I went here because of the good Unilocal reviews… I should of known the price is like $ 75 – 100 each for dinner… ha But wow… their Dry Aged stake was awesome… also for some reason their french fries taste like they are healthy… I have no idea what they do. The sides are big enough to share, so don’t get two orders of the same, I got fries and my wife got mash patoes… both were great, but big portions… We had a nice date night… more of a special occassion type place, unless you are a high roller… Also, the outside kind of looks like a Dry Cleaning place… but the inside is nice… also not far to the bars on Alexander if you are going out drinking afterward…
This is my fav restaurant in the Roc

I actually don’t know why I opted for 2 stars other than that I’m sure there’s something worse out there and I don’t want to be unfair. I lived in San Diego/​LA for a long time and had amazing steaks at places like Donovan’s (SD), Arnie Morton’s in Burbank, and Cut in Beverly Hills. I realize my experiences make me less likely to accept just any old steaks. Having said that: Rochestarians, don’t accept this as fine dining! I ordered a medium rare filet which was actually more like a ball shaped lump of meat that was so unevenly cooked that it was actually cooked to several different degrees throughout. My husband ordered a medium rare ribeye that came out medium to medium well and when he politely asked for it to be replaced it took more than 20 minutes to get another overcooked ribeye. I have never experienced anything more ridiculous at a so-​called fine steakhouse. They did comp the steak, but seriously, they should have paid us for eating any of their steak. The Mac n cheese was just strange and the fries were who cares. The only thing we had that was quite good was the steak tartare and marrow appetizer.
I don’t usually remark on ambience or location, but this place is in a strip mall and is dark and uninviting at best. My booth seat was covered in crumbs when I sat down an hour after it opened for dinner. GHETTO. And the hostess had an attitude.

Top notch. We went here for an anniversary. The choices were amazing. The food was cooked to perfection, and it’s a very traditional steakhouse. The service was impeccable and the ambiance is perfect. All around a wonderful experience.
Plan on spending some money if you visit this establishment, but it’s worth the experience.

Max Chophouse is definitely a triple when you put it in baseball terms. The unassuming strip plaza can lead you to believe that this is just your average diner, but once you enter you realize you are about dine in a tastefully decorated restaurant. Space is tight, but groups do fit. I have dined here with groups of 6, 8, and 15.
Sides are plentiful and should be ordered to share. They rotate often and most are delicious. I have had a mac and cheese side that was a hit, another was amiss. Always ask about the specials, they are tantamount, but everyday a different one is thrown in. I believe that when I go to a steakhouse I order a filet mignon and that’s it. I’ve never tried any other cut of beef at Max, because the Filet cuts like butter. Whether its the 6oz or the 11oz you wont be sorry. Don’t get a sauce or if you do so, put it on the side, the steak doesn’t need it.
Prices are average for a steakhouse. If you believe steak should be $ 15, try Crapplebees, these prices are on par for what you would pay for excellent steak anywhere in Rochester. If you were in a large city a 6oz filet would be $ 50, not $ 30.
Highly recommended, you wont be sorry!

Reading the rave reviews about Max’s, I hoped it would live up to the hype when I suggested it as a last-​minute location for my birthday dinner. I admit, the strip mall location off Monroe Ave. left me wondering… But once my date and I got inside, all of my fears evaporated. Simply put, this is the best steak I have ever had.
The restaurant is smaller than I expected, separated into two dining areas. We were seated in the area with the bar, which had a bit of noise from the bar patrons. I think I would have preferred being seated in the rear.
My date and I got right to business ordering drinks (note there is no draft beer here, only bottles, cocktails, and an extensive wine list). We quickly decided on the Prime Ribeye cooked medium, and also ordered sides of sauteed mushrooms and onions and a side of the mac and cheese we had heard so much about.
Rolls soon arrived, and soon, our steaks. I did not order any of the side sauces, I prefer the cut of meat to stand on its own. The moment of truth revealed this to be the best goddamned steak I have had since I moved out of the NYC area a few years ago. Cooked to perfection and every bite tender and flavorful with no gristle to be found. Amazing. A bit of mushrooms and onion sent me to heaven with each bite. My date exclaimed that this was probably the best steak she ever had.
I also enjoyed the mac and cheese, which had great subtle cheese flavors with the right amount of crunch. My date said it was good, but she would have preferred kit to be «cheesier.» I was barely able to finish all of my steak, so the mac and cheese came home with me.
I usually like to finish off a superb meal like that with a nice glass of California port or some other dessert wine, but I found the missing from the menu. Instead I capped off my meal with another beer.
The prices are high, but I found the service and food to be worth every penny. Treat yourself to a little piece of meaty perfection for your next special occasion!