About
Welcome to Max's South Seas Hideaway, an enchanting tiki bar located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nestled at 58 Ionia Ave SW, this tropical paradise transports you away from the bustling city streets into a world brimming with vibrant decor and exotic flavors.
As soon as you step through the doors, you're greeted by an atmosphere like no other. The restaurant boasts one of the largest tiki collections in the world, filled with unique decor that includes intricate tiki glasses and authentic paraphernalia. Customers rave about the superb decor, which truly encapsulates the spirit of the South Seas and adds a whimsical touch to any dining experience. While the dim lighting contributes to the ambiance, be prepared to navigate cautiously as your eyes adjust to the tropical glow.
The culinary offerings at Max's are a delightful surprise. Diners have repeatedly shared their praise for standout dishes such as the moco loco, praised for its rich flavors and authenticity. The Pu Pu Platter invites you to embark on a culinary adventure, featuring a diverse selection of appetizers from crispy egg rolls to succulent chicken satay and tender short ribs, all seasoned to perfection.
Beverage lovers will revel in the extensive list of over forty specialty drinks. Signature concoctions like the Jet Pilot and Zombie promise a refreshing burst of flavor that is anything but diluted. The bartenders here are more than just mixologists; they engage with patrons in a friendly manner, enhancing the overall experience with their knowledge of tiki culture and cocktails.
For families, Max's is a welcoming destination, offering non-alcoholic drinks that are equally impressive, ensuring that everyone can find something enjoyable to sip while unwinding by the bonfire. The combination of tropical vibes and attentive staff creates a delightful experience that encourages repeat visits—a sentiment echoed by many satisfied guests.
In conclusion, Max's South Seas Hideaway is not just a place to enjoy great food and drinks; it's a destination that invites guests to relax and savor every moment. Make sure to keep an eye out for reservations, especially on busy nights, as this lively hotspot has quickly become a must-visit within Grand Rapids. Come for the drinks, stay for the unforgettable atmosphere!
“ We were there with a party of six on a busy concert night. The food was much better than I expected. I had the moco loco which was outstanding. The Pu Pu Platter had a wide variety of eats from egg rolls to chicken satay and couple of short ribs all seasoned perfectly. The staff was very friendly and upbeat maybe they sampled some of the forty specialty drinks!! It is a little dark inside and the restroom situation is not optimal so they get 4 stars there. ”
“ This tiki bar is a great addition to GR’s downtown, and the decor is superb. Lots of different tiki glasses and paraphernalia are displayed, and the place has a really special atmosphere. I just dropped by for drinks this time, and they didn’t disappoint. Both the Jet Pilot and the Zombie I ordered were delicious, and they don’t seem to water anything down. Nothing seems quite as refreshing as a well-made tiki drink. I was able to get right in to sit at the bar during my visit, but I’d definitely recommend getting a reservation to be safe. The staff was all friendly, and the bartender was a good conversationalist. I’m looking forward to my next visit already. ”
“ We had a great time. The kids loves the bonfire and the drinks we had were the non alcoholic and they were amazing. It was a little dark so you might need your flashlight till you get used to it. Out hostess told us all about the restaurant and the decorations. We did ask her about them. They have a fish tank upstairs. I should have taken more pictures but I didn't. We will go back again. The nacho fries were good too! ”
“ Our 4th time at Max's and we will certainly be back next time we are in town. Great tropical drinks! Awesome Appetizers! Delicious chicken and waffles (a little bit spicy if that is not your thing)! Best Key Lime pie (outside the Keys and except for my girlfriends) Food and drinks were delivered to our table in a timely manner and servers were attentive. But the main attraction here is the atmosphere. Worth taking the time to wander around a bit, even if you've visited before! ”
“ First visit, and we were blown away by the tiki decor and seamless theme throughout the restaurant (according to the website, one of the largest tiki collections in the world). The drinks were good, plenty of choices, although I would opt for the happy hour specials to save a little. The food was great, especially the chicken wings! The only negative is how dark it is inside, especially entering from a bright day. Your eyes will adjust, but it’s a little jarring at first. It does add to the ambiance. ”
“ Came here with my wife for our 6-month anniversary I had intermittently wanted to go here for years, so I was excited It looks somewhat unassuming on the outside, but then inside you're greeted with a beautiful tiki interior! It's well laid out and definitely gives you a tropical vibe without feeling gimmicky. To start I got the Puka Punch. That was an awesome rum drink, maybe the best I've ever had! It had a wonderful fruity flavor without being overpowered by the rum! Be careful, it'll sneak up on you fast While my wife and I were browsing the menu, we were intrigued by the Spam Musibi. I had heard of it before but never tried it, we both decided to order it. We were both shocked by how good it was! It wasn't overly salty despite having spam in it, and the overall flavor was just surprisingly good! Normally I'm not a big fan of fried sushis, but this one was exceptional. For my entree I got the Budai Jjigae, which is basically ramen with some Hawaiian fusion. Again, I was surprised how good it was! Once the spam, the mushrooms, kimchi, and all that stuff melds together, it has great flavor! The texture of the ramen itself was lovely too! It also was a bigger portion than I thought. And finally dessert. I had seen the Bonfire dessert ahead of time, and my wife and I both decided to share one. We both were a little worried it'd be gimmicky, but to our delight it wasn't! It's a fun little dessert that's tasty too! The chocolate cremosa is the best part, it is to die for! I could eat a bowl of just that Overall this was a very fun experience! Definitely a fun date or group place to go try out and I will definitely return at some point ”
“ Mind blown ! This place has its own reality. The decor transports you into their world. The drinks are delicious and the staff are super friendly. This place is the coolest bar I've ever visited. I can't wait to come back. ”
“ I don’t know where to begin. This is TIKI MECCA!!! A TIKI CATHEDRAL!!! Max’s collection of fine historic Tiki items is BEYOND extensive!!! This place is a national treasure of the highest order! The food was amazing! The drinks are spot on! And what variety! Staff are attentive! I would leave six or seven stars if I could! ”