She said/she said is a series of rapid reviews written by the intrepid duo, Lori Fredrich (the foodie) and Carolynn Buser (the socialite). Tune in weekly for our latest meanderings on hot spots around town.
Destination: Maxie's.
Reason for visiting: Happy Hour. Takes place every day of the week from 4 to 6 p.m.
Specials: $1 off alcoholic drinks; $1 off happy hour menu; $1 off fresh oysters.
Regular Pricing: $3.50-$10 for cocktails; $4-$9.25 for beer; $5.75-$8.50 for wine.
Pro Tip: Got on Tuesdays and enjoy half-price wings, $2 PBR tall boys or a fried chicken dinner for $11.95.
Mood: Maxie's happy hour theme is "Milwaukee's Happiest Happy Hour." And it's pretty difficult to disagree with that. After all, they're one of the places in Milwaukee where it always feels a little bit like Mardi Gras. Colorful walls and comfortable seating make it a spot to linger with friends for long happy hour chats that inevitably end up as dinner dates.
Go here when:
Lori: When I've had a long week and need a break from the grind, I find myself escaping to Maxie's. It's also a great spot when I'm craving oysters. Their staff are expert shuckers (an often overlooked skill), which means you won't find pieces of shell in your shooter. And they have a small, but well curated selection. They also serve up a killer mint julep, which is just the sort of cocktail I love on a hot summer night.
Carolynn: I usually go for the oysters – I don't feel guilty getting an extra dozen when they are $1 off. Maxie's does southern (aka my favorite comfort food) fare right – with just the right amount of unique Wisconsin twist. The whiskey list goes on forever which is something I always appreciate. Don't neglect to not try the chocolate coconut cream pie if they have it!
Go back for:
Lori: Head over with friends and get the Maxie's triple crown, a collection of three cocktails which pay homage to the races. You'll get a mint julep, a black-eyed Susan and a Belmont breeze for just $17 – a great deal to share with friends. If you're a whiskey fan, head here for a whiskey flight. With over 85 from which to choose, you can't really go wrong.
Carolynn: We mentioned the oysters happy hour special right? Did I neglect to mention the unlimited corn bread with honey butter? I will need that to soak up the Blackberry Old Fashioned – and you probably will too – which I can't wait to go back and have again.
Overall Rating:
Lori: Thumbs way up. I got my mid-week after-work cocktail, plus nibbles, for a great price. For $25 per person, we had oysters, fried green tomatoes and two cocktails each.
Carolynn: Two thumbs up! I wasn't overly impressed with the Dark & Stormy (I like a boozy drink). But that Old Fashioned ... And at $25 per person – for what adds up to a small dinner with cocktails – it's a steal.
Random Notes: They offer a nice variety of mocktails for $3.75, so you can easily designate a driver... and they won't feel left out.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
