Max's Wine Dive

Max's Wine Dive is an "upscale dive bar" offering a standout wine list, late-night comfort food and a Texas-proud jukebox.

Concrete floors, exposed brick walls and luxe black leather booths don't scream "dive joint," but neither does the expertly selected wine list or menu dominated by organic and locally grown goods. Crowds of trendy diners vie for tables at dinnertime, sampling menu standouts like the Texas-style chili, kobe beef burger and king-size "haute dog." And it's not malt liquor but champagne that diners sip with Southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits and knockout brownie and bread pudding desserts.

Expect more than 150 wines by the glass or bottle to complement each of the sumptuous menu items. The full bar also turns out some mean martinis and sake shooters.

Max's kitchen remains open until the hotspot's 2 a.m. closing time.

Wines sold at the restaurant are also available to go. Sample something you like for dinner and buy an extra bottle for home.

• On Southern Living's list of The South's Best Fried Chicken (2013).
• Named one of the "Hot 10" wine bars in the country by Bon Appetit (2008).
• Named one of Texas Monthly's Top 10 Places to Eat Now (2008).