Hearts broke when Maxi Coffee Bar announced it was closing its café on Ann Siang Hill. But the team behind the beloved space was quick to reassure fans: they were coming back. And well, that time has come – Maxi Coffee Bar is now open on Club Street in a bigger space and with an exciting new food menu.
The crew seem energised as they move around their spacious new digs. The old address was a charming but small spot with just a handful of counter and alfresco seats. At 64 Club Street, there are three generous sections: a foyer where the crew takes orders and makes espresso drinks; a sleek Filter Bar room with a large terrazzo-topped island, surrounded by bar seats and tables; and a breezy outdoor space with the same iconic blue seats from the old venue that’s custom-made from recycled plastic.
Maxi Coffee Bar doesn’t do anything by halves. To match its bigger, new home, it’s also expanded its menu. The savoury menu is divided into two categories: Prompt, for fast and light snacks, and Proper, for filling sandwiches and toasts. The line-up is all about seasonal ingredients, so we do expect items to rotate in and out. At the moment, there are items like Cashew Butter (miso cashew butter and fruit jam on bread, $7.50), Brown Butter and Ricotta (finished with honey and sage on toast, $12), and Tuna Melt (a secret tuna mix, kewpie mayo, and cheddar on toast, $15).
A chalkboard announces the pastries of the day, which range from key lime pie ($7) to Canterbury apple tart ($7) – great for an after-lunch pick-me-up paired with coffee, which remains the heart of what Maxi does. We ordered the signature iced cereal milk latte ($8) (but, of course) and were stoked to find it better than before: richer, creamier, with more complex, fruity notes. Other “fun stuff” include the iced “dirty” made with oat milk ($8) and cascara cola ($6.5). But you can never go wrong with Maxi’s classic black/white coffees and filtered brews.
Maxi Coffee Bar was popular to begin with, and there’s only more excitement now that it’s reopened. All this to say: have a little patience with the team as you wait to be served or seated. We spotted folks with laptops out during our visit (and joined in as well), but do expect to be gently ushered out after an hour or so, especially during rush hour.
All in all, this is Maxi a little slicker, a little more grown-up, but with the same warm, community vibe that will have us coming back, queue and all. In a time when local F&B need our support more than ever, we encourage you to pay a visit the next time you’re in Ann Siang.
Maxi Coffee Bar is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 8am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 4pm on weekends. Find it on 64 Club Street, Singapore 069438.
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