Executive Chef
Matthew Selenski

Managers
Noreen Nealon

Owner
Thomas M. Monahan

Special Events/Wine Sales Thomas M. Monahan

Hostess
Amber Stillman

Bar staff
Cheryl Walker
Chelsea Stillman
Christine Stillman
Christine Stinson

Wait Staff
Maureen Deveraux
Noreen Nealon
Chelsea Stillman
Jennifer Dooley
Cathy Maiden
Marissa Renzi
Amanda Brown
Kelsey Coyne
Maura Campbell
Christine Stillman
Christine Stinson

Max's Cafe has an interesting history. Originally built in 1890, the corner building operated as a shoe store, opened by a German immigrant named Joseph Fred Leisinger. A picture of Joseph standing in front of the store can be seen in the dining area along with other photographs of him throughout various stages of his life. In 1911, during one of his many trips back to Germany, a magnificent hand crafted bar captured Joseph's imagination, and he had the piece shipped back with him to Gloucester City. On June 1,1912, Joseph reopened 34 North Burlington Street as Leisinger's Saloon (five weeks after the sinking of the Titanic). Joseph operated Leisinger's Saloon for about 25 years, even through prohibition when it operated as a "soft drink establishment". In 1937, Joseph passed on and ownership of the beautiful, well established saloon was transferred to his third wife Agnes. Unable to operate the saloon herself, she sold it to Joseph's nephew Max Waterstradt, who renamed the saloon Max's Cafe; the name under which the bar has operated for the last 65 years.

In 1977, the introduction of a simply prepared fresh seafood menu transformed Max's Cafe and the neighboring building was acquired to help seat Max's growing number of patrons. Guests from both sides of the Delaware River flocked to Max's Seafood Cafe, often forming lines around the corner, waiting to enjoy impeccably fresh flounder, shrimp, clams, and most of all, Steamed Mussels!

Max's reputation grew and remained intact for the next 22 years before age and neglect left it in a state of disrepair. The bar restaurant closed its doors in July of 1998 and remained dormant for the next two and a half years.

Before Max's was refurbished in October of 2000, there were sagging, stained drop tile ceilings, timeworn floors and cracked and dated paneling on the walls. Strewn about Max's were the infamous Christmas Lights... all year round! Amid the rubble and debris, towering over the room, was that very same hand crafted, breathtaking bar, dark with age, its original glass glimmering dimly under years of dust. The buildings at 32 and 34 north Burlington Street were completely refurbished, exposing the original brick walls and soaring ceilings. During renovations all the original liquor licenses were found behind the bar, and some are framed and on display throughout the restaurant, including the original one issued on June 1, 1912. The plate glass windows were restored along with the many decorative items that were common during the Victorian Period in Gloucester City, such as the tin ceiling and two blade ceiling fans. The private dining area includes a fireplace and a 2000 bottled wine cellar. Refurbished for the 100 years, Max's Seafood Cafe opened on June 2, 2001 to continue its tradition of hospitality, impeccably fresh seafood, and most of all Steamed mussels!