This 'Saved by the Bell' Restaurant Is a Dream Come True for 90's Kids
Saved by the Max is a full-scale replica of The Max restaurant as seen on 'Saved by the Bell.' Image courtesy of Tyler Curtis.
Saved by the Max—a 'Saved by the Bell'-themed restaurant—opens today in Los Angeles
Listen up, Preppy. If you ever spent a Saturday morning watching beloved 90's sitcom "Saved by the Bell," then you'll wanna to snag a reservation at Zack and Kelly's favorite new hang out, Saved by the Max Los Angeles. The "Saved by the Bell"-themed restaurant opens its doors today in Hollywood, Calif., and I couldn't be more excited.
After a yearlong, sold-out run in Chicago, LA marks the official first stop of Saved by the Max's road trip around the country.
"We feel like we're bringing Saved by the Max home to Bayside," said co-founder Zack Eastman during a media preview of the West Hollywood location. "LA was always on our list, and we felt like the culture here would really embrace the Saved by the Max concept and our way of doing things."
The pop-up restaurant is nostalgia central—from the moment diners walk in the door. While waiting for a table, expect to peer in the lockers of your favorite Bayside High students. A.C. Slater's locker, for example, houses his wrestling uniform and a can of Aqua Net, while Screech's locker acts as more of a shrine to his constant crush, Lisa Turtle.
Created by Michelin-starred executive chef Brian Fisher, the menu features themed food and drinks such as A.C. Sliders, Mac & Screech, the Bayside Burger and the Kelly Kapowski Montecristo. A few new dishes, including the Preppy Pastrami and Beat Valley Pancakes, are exclusive to the LA location.
The booking system is a little unusual. Here's the scoop: When you make a reservation online, you'll prepay for an entree and an appetizer ($40 per person), and make your menu selections once you arrive. You'll pay for your drinks (Mark Paul 75, I’m So Excited) on site, after settling into a cozy booth.
Magic happens when you're hanging with Ed Alonzo, who played the role of Max in seasons one and two.
Diners can choose to sit within the full-scale replica of The Max or a fully recreated extension of Mr. Belding’s office. The principal's office is complete with Mr. Belding's very own framed diploma from Bayside High, golf trophies, an appointment calendar and self-improvement posters. You can even sit at his desk and take a photo. Hopefully, someone will yell, "Hey, hey, hey! What is going on here?" when you do.
Mr. Belding was off campus during my visit, but Ed Alonzo, who played Max in seasons one and two of "Saved by the Bell" was hanging out like the old days, talking about his life on set and preforming an occasional magic trick. Alonzo said he'll make cameos at Saved by the Max for special events, certain Sunday brunches and an upcoming filming with the Kardashians.
"If you've never seen 'Saved by the Bell,' Saved by the Max is going to be an amazing diner with excellent food and fun servers," said Alonzo. "If you are a 'Saved by the Bell' fan, this will be your Disneyland."
Since the pop-up restaurant is located in the greater Hollywood area, it's possible that other cast members might drop by for a Zachary Daiquiri. Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, visited the Chicago incarnation of The Max. Dennis Haskins, who played Mr. Belding, happens to be close friends with the co-founders of Saved by the Max and has my vote for Most Likely to Make a Cameo.
But what about Zack Morris?
"Mark-Paul Gosselaar was on 'TMZ' last night and said he was going to come by Saved by the Max. He also gave us shit about not inviting him, but I think it's all in jest," said Eastman, who insists that Zack Morris was, indeed, formally invited. "On the record, Mark-Paul, you are always welcome and you always have a seat at Saved by the Max."
I'll be looking for you, Zack. 😍😍
Saved by The Max's nine-month in West Hollywood takes place at 7100 Santa Monica Blvd. You can make a reservation here.
