The Mac & Screech, the Snack Attack, the Preppy BLT and the AC Sliders—these are just some of the menu items at the Saved by the Bell pop-up Saved by the Max, which is taking up residency in the former Geek Bar (now SFCO) space this summer. And we're so excited, because our dinner at the Max was pretty damned delightful.
The second you walk in the Wicker Park spot, you're at Kelly's locker. Go down the hallway and you're smack dab in the middle of the Bayside High hangout, the Max. You can't help but giggle as you enter the space, decked out with retro tables, vinyl booths and that telltale quirky door. Songs by Zack Attack and Hot Sundae play in the background, and neon, glittery posters remind you that trivia is Tuesday. It's just like high school, if only your teachers were as cool as Miss Bliss. And, of course, most high school hangouts probably don't serve alcohol, but Saved by the Max offers up perfectly punny cocktails like the I'm So Excited (Absolut Vodka, Red Bull Yellow, maraschino liqueur and lemon juice) and Jessie's Joan of Arc, a perfectly weird way to celebrate Negroni Week with Beefeater Gin, Lillet Blanc, Carpano Vermouth and orange.
The food's good, too—diner-style, but better, with options like the Bayside Burger, two juicy patties topped with American cheese, LTO and Kewpie mayonnaise. Regardless of what entree you choose, you have to get the Snack Attack for dessert. It's Twinkie flavored ice cream topped with strawberries, vanilla wafers and sprinkles. Yes, we wanted to be friends forever with this sweet treat.
But dinner isn't the only way to have a great time at Saved by the Max this summer. Even if you didn't get the chance to score reservations to sit at the table in Mr. Belding's office (or wanted to wait in the line for walk-ins), the Max is hosting a slew of late-night events so you can keep reliving your Bayside dreams. The Bayside After Dark lineup includes Tuesday night trivia, Sunday variety shows and, well, even prom.
Photograph: Courtesy Saved by the Max
Most recently, Saved by the Max announced it would begin hosting a weekend "walk-in bag lunch service," featuring Chef Brian Fisher's crawfish with Baker Miller grits on Saturday and Tasso ham with Baker Miller grits on Sunday, plus Bang Bang Pie and Halfwit Coffee starting at 11am on both days while supplies last. Bag lunch is carry-out only ($10 for grits, $6 for pie and $3 for coffee), but comes with a fan photo op inside The Max. The service is in lieu of brunch, which Saved by the Max has decided to forego due to the overwhelming demand for dinner.