About Max's Bistro & Bar
Max's Bistro & Bar opened on West Bullard Avenue in Fresno in June 1997. It was founded by Scott Stanley and is now run by JJ Wettstead, who started working in restaurants at 15. The style is upscale casual: a locally owned California bistro cooking from scratch with seasonal ingredients, with daily seafood specials such as day-boat scallops and hand-selected cuts of filet.
It is open every day from 11 a.m., until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with lunch and dinner menus and brunch on Sunday. As posted in August 2026, dinner starters ran $10 to $29 and entrées $24 to $68, most between $34 and $45. The bar is known for hand-shaken martinis and a long wine list, with glasses from $9 to $22; if you bring your own bottle, corkage is $22 per 750 ml bottle, two bottles per table.
Reservations are taken through their website or by phone, and walk-ins are seated when there is room; booking ahead is recommended for weekend dinners and Sunday brunch. The restaurant also caters off-site events and private parties, with a consultant who plans the menu and wine pairings. Being close to Highway 41 and the Save Mart Center, it is a common choice before a concert or game.
Lazy River Lavender, a family farm on the San Joaquin River near Madera, is about 15 minutes north, and Solace Lavender Farm in Kerman, which holds U-pick Saturdays in late spring, is about 30 minutes west. Check each farm's website for open days.
What to do
- Order a daily seafood special such as day-boat scallops
- Have a hand-shaken martini at the bar
- Come for Sunday brunch
- Pick from a wine list with glasses from $9 to $22 (2026)
- Have an early dinner before a show or game at the Save Mart Center
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round
- Hours
- As posted October 2026: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Reserve ahead for weekend dinners and Sunday brunch
- Corkage is $22 per 750 ml bottle, limit two per table (2026)
- Walk-ins are seated based on availability
Pair it with a lavender farm
Lazy River Lavender · about 15 minutes away
Lazy River Lavender near Madera is about 15 minutes north; check their website for visiting days and plan dinner at Max's after.
Getting there
Questions
Does Max's Bistro take reservations?
Yes, online or by phone at 559-439-6900; walk-ins are seated when there's room.
Is there a corkage fee?
Yes, $22 per 750 ml bottle, limit two bottles per table (as posted 2026).
Does Max's serve brunch?
Yes, on Sundays.
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
