There are now two choices of venue: the original Chez Max café (which boasts great people watching by the gates of Dublin Castle) and the newer 'bistrot' in an basement premises on Baggot Street, kitted out evocatively with blood red leather banquettes and tobacco-yellow globe lighting.
Though the latter boasts a more elaborate range on its menu, both offer bistro staples such as French onion soup, escargots, frogs legs, boeuf bourginoun and moules frites.
Both venues are open from 8am for breakfast of pastries and coffee, through lunch and early bird menus to full dinner.
The wine lists, as might be expected, are fully French, and offer several value options, but those with a little money to spend will find more temptations on the extensive bistro list.
This Dublin restaurants cooking is generally competent, although there can be inconsistency - but the atmospheric setting should always work its charm.
Seats 130 (outdoors, 65; private room, 10); children welcome (high chair); air conditioning; no wheelchair access. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-12 midnight; L 12-3.30pm, D 5.30-11pm. Early bird D Mon-Thur, 5.30-7pm €19. A la carte L&D. House wine €22.50. SC 12% on groups 6+ Closed Sun, Bank Hols, 25 Dec - 3 Jan. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
