Video: Max’s Wine Dive brings high-brow low-brow to Uptown

Max's sends you champagne wishes and fried chicken dreams.

Allison Slomowitz

Across McKinney Avenue from West Village, Max's Wine Dive is well-positioned to intrigue the young and spendy.

DALLAS — Max’s Wine Dive roared to town just a little over a week ago. Already, it’s become a foodie and wine lover destination. No wonder. You’d expect a place whose mantra is “Fried chicken and Champagne … Why the Hell Not!” to be off to a good start in Dallas. Comfort food from former Craft Dallas Chef Patrick Russell and a few more refined items headline a fairly simple “let’s get it right before we expand” menu.

It’s paired up with an eclectic wine list and priced retail, which usually means it’s just double the wholesale price instead of triple like most restaurants. We’ll take any savings in this economy. More good news: Dallas-Fort Worth beloved restaurateur and wine expert Paul Pinnell is the GM. That means good service to go along with the cool, casual atmosphere. Pinnell has been in New Orleans for the past year and is delighted to be back in Dallas. He was sorely missed on the dining scene.

The “Dive,” by way of Austin, Houston, and San Antonio occupies the former Border’s Books space across from West Village at Lemmon Avenue and McKinney. Dinner is served nightly. Cool idea: They do a reverse happy hour the last two hours they’re open each night featuring the same prices available in the early evening happy hours. Brunch is also served Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Valet parking is available for $5, and you’ll find free self parking in the adjacent garage. Check out their website for menus and more.