In an unassuming building on the corner of 67th and Fairview sits Maxie's Southern Comfort, a restaurant that dishes out creole and cajun cuisine and rates quite high with Sheperd Express and OnMilwaukee.com. The restaurant opens at 4 PM with daily happy hour specials until 6 PM featuring half-priced, fresh shucked clams and oysters, peel and eat shrimp and fried green tomatoes.
Maxie's interior is quite surprising; definately not like the plain exterior. The walls are a strong, deep red, but not bright or blinding. The curtains, bar and dining furniture are all black; the wall art also has plenty of black mixed with other colors. Looking up, there are numerous small, delicate crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
I arrived shortly after the restaurant opened and there were about ten people already inside. Monday's drink special is $4 Mojitos in various flavors. I tried the plain and appreciated it was made with real mint leaves and cane sugar - not flavored syrup.
Since the peel and eat shrimp was half price, I ordered a quarter pound (about eight jumbo shrimp). I was also served home-made corn bread with honey-orange butter. Both were very good, but I was a little disappointed that the bread was not warm. I loved the cocktail sauce served with the shrimp. It was thick and had a good balance of tomato and horseradish flavors as well as other seasoning.
I checked out the dinner menu beforehand, and was looking forward to trying either the trout or catfish. Unfortunately, from 4-5 PM Maxie's serves a limited menu and these items were not offered, I'd have to wait until 5 PM to order what I really wanted.
I settled for the pulled pork plate which came with creamy coleslaw and barbequed beans. Maxie's has a healthy side menu and patrons can make substitutions without getting charged. The veggie of the day contained brussel sprouts, so I stuck with the beans.
Service was friendly and prompt. I didn't have to wait long between courses and my water was refilled without having to ask.
The pulled pork plate was generously filled with equal portions of meat and sides. I couldn't finish it all.
I tried the sides first. The coleslaw as good, not too heavy with mayo, but not spectacular. I liked the beans, ironically. The barbequed flavor with chunks of pork made them a memorable, flavorful side.
The pulled pork was Eastern North Carolina style. I didn't know what that was when I ordered and regret I didn't ask. The meat had a smell and taste similar to sauerkraut, a flavor I've never cared for. I needed some sauce, so I doused the pork in ketchup.
Prices are moderate, the entree was $13.95, Mojito - $4 (on special) and shrimp appetizer - about $3.50 (half-price special) for a total of $23 and some change. Most entrees are priced between $15 and $25.
I liked the atmosphere, decor and friendly service. I would go back and try the trout or catfish, as I am curious to see if Maxie's catfish is as good as how they make it down south. Maybe I'll return during Lent season.
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