For children who teenagers in the early 90s, no television show is more iconic than Saved By The Bell. With that in mind, intrepid Chicago restaurant folks decided to take advantage of nostalgia for the show and the culinary scene in the city.
What came of it was a supposed short stay of the “Saved by the Max” pop-up restaurant and late-night bar in Chicago’s hip Wicker Park neighborhood. The food had a nod to the characters of the show and the famous meet-up spot known as “The Max” from the show.
This pop-up was supposed to have a limited run through the summer of 2016. However, reservations were hard to come by and the experience quickly became one to have in the city. What was a summer of fun became extended through the end of the year in Chicago.
Now things have continued to stay hot in the frigid cold of winter for “Saved By The Max” and the run in Chicago will be extended for “one final semester” along with a plan to take the pop-up experience national.
What can one expect at this one-of-a-kind event? Lots of great Saved By The Bell memorabilia, a feeling like you are actually at The Max and most importantly, an amazing meal for the price paid with great service.
Oh, and for the lucky ones to have reservations you may also see guest appearances from cast members like Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding), Ed Alonzo (Max himself) and even Mario Lopez (A.C. Slater).
Yes, this writer has been lucky to have experienced this pop-up restaurant for himself, after a long wait (try looking in June and getting in in September).
So, as the themed restaurant/bar comes to a city near you (hopefully), get ready to enjoy a unique experience of nostalgia and quality food.
No Max Burgers with soggy fries at this place. Just quality, locally raised burgers and amazing side dishes from amazing chef Brian Fisher. We’re guessing each of these new pop-ups will have a local chef flair as well, but no official word on that.
Oh, and don’t skip out on the locally sourced desserts either…they are killer.
But, don’t take my word for it, experience this amazing trip back in time alongside some pretty amazing food.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dRpbbkb0rg
