After a morning meeting in Delray Beach, Doris and I were on the hunt for a new lunch spot. We cruised through the buzzing Delray Marketplace and spotted Burt & Max’s—a place we’d passed for years, always saying, “We’ll try it next time.” Well, today was that day, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait.

The vibe inside was upscale but cozy, with warm lighting and a chic layout perfect for a refined, yet relaxed meal. A window menu caught our eye, boasting happy hour from open to six, and that sealed the deal. We were seated in no time, and then we met Joey R., our server, who turned this lunch into something special. Writing this review is tough because Joey’s service was so darn good—textbook. He greeted us with a genuine smile, walked us through the drink menu, and answered Doris’ questions about her cocktail with flair, describing its fresh ingredients and how they craft that perfect foam. My root beer? Poured tableside with a satisfying fizz—such a cool touch.

When we were ready to order, Joey was like a culinary guide, asking about allergies and describing dishes with such passion that everything sounded irresistible. We started with the Lettuce Wraps—crisp bibb lettuce cups packed with quinoa, shiitakes, scallions, and Asian slaw, drizzled with sweet chili hoisin that hit sweet, spicy, and savory just right. The freshness was beyond expectation, every bite popped with quality.

Doris went for the Salmon-Shrimp Burger, which was grilled to juicy perfection on an oat kaiser bun with crisp iceberg lettuce, tomato, and a zesty lemon-caper remoulade. The sweet potato fries on the side were golden and crisp—a total win. I chose the Thai Chicken Salad, a vibrant mix of baby spinach, arugula, edamame, mandarin oranges, grilled chicken, and crispy wontons, all tied together with a sesame vinaigrette that was light yet bold. The ingredients were so fresh, the portions generous, and the flavors just sang.

Joey’s service made it even better. He swapped out silverware between courses, suggested dipping sauces that were spot-on, and checked in just enough to keep things perfect without hovering. After clearing our plates, he offered dessert, asking chocolate or apple. He just smiled, and we trusted his pick. Doris chose chocolate, and he surprised us with a warm Triple Chocolate Turtle Brownie Sundae—vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge, caramel, spiced pecans, and whipped cream. It was pure decadence, a home run that left us grinning.

The food at Burt & Max’s is top-tier, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients in every dish. But Joey’s service? That’s what made this meal unforgettable. If he’s not training servers across their locations, he should be. We at SoFloDining.com always preach the importance of great service, and Joey R is the gold standard—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. Take lots of pictures of your food and drink, TAG us @SoFloDining.

Tips & Notes:

• Save room for that sundae; it’s a must.
• Happy hour runs open to 6:00—great deals on drinks and bites.
• Make a reservation for peak times; this place gets busy.
• Perfect for a classy lunch or dinner with friends.
• Plenty of parking in the Delray Marketplace lot.

Address: 9089 Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33446
Phone: 561-638-6380
Web: burtandmaxs.com

Burt & Max’s is a Delray gem where stellar food meets service that feels like a warm hug. If you’re after a meal that’s as refined as it is delicious, this is your spot.