A new modern Mexican concept from Local Foods Group—the restaurateurs who created eateries such as Local Foods, Eau Tour and Lee's Den—is now open in Houston's West University neighborhood.
Maximo, a modern Mexican concept, opened April 9 in West University. (Courtesy Julie Soefer)
The details

Maximo stands at 1,500-square-feet on Edloe Street and serves fast-casual Mexican fare with a Texas flare, including tacos with handmade tortillas, speciality burritos and tortas, and small plates.

The concept is a collaboration between owners Benjy Levit, Dylan Murray and Chef Tony Luhrman, according to an April 9 news release. Luhrman worked closely with Levit's culinary director Seth Siegal-Gardner to develop an authentic and unique menu where every dish is made from scratch, per the release.

"Every item on this menu was carefully selected to ensure all our ingredients are from nearby farms and producers that reflect the bounty of the Gulf Coast region,” Levit said in a statement. “From farm-fresh vegetables to locally sourced meats and cheeses, every ingredient embodies the ethos of local foods.”
There are various vegetarian options on the menu at Maximo, including mushroom and sweet potato tacos. (Courtesy Julie Soefer)
On the menu

Handmade tortillas de Nixtamal, which refers to the process of cooking and steeping the corn for the tortillas, enwrap the superlative ingredients in Maximo's entrees, which include:
  • Adobo-braised barbacoa tacos roasted over mesquite and served with epazote aioli, pickled red onions and cilantro
  • Tempura fried sweet potato with pepitas, sesame, lime crema, baby kale and cumin vinaigrette
  • King crab with edamame, asparagus, chive flowers and baja crema
  • Smoked chicken with corn rajas, Epazote aioli and pickled red onions
Lighter options include soups and salads, such as the watermelon and cotija salad with pickled Fresno chili, cucumber and peanut crumble.


The restaurant also has a libations menu featuring on-the-rocks margaritas, select beers and a variety of craft cocktails, including the Frozen Maximo and the Peacemaker with bourbon, mezcal and Montenegro.
The interior of the restaurant is designed with nods to mid-century modern Mexico. (Courtesy Julie Soefer)
What to expect

Intended as a neighborhood gathering spot with quick counter service, Maximo's dining room has an intimate ambience with decor inspired by the desert meeting the ocean, along with a 35-seat patio.

Interior designer Brittany Vaughan of Garnish Design created the interior with heavy nods to mid-century modern Mexico incorporating southwestern art from Houston's own Southern Kindness Art Gallery and traditional Mexican flair with post-war modernism, per the release.