Maxim’s on 19th Avenue north of Osborn is really nothing to look at. The sign is faded, the concrete has degraded to gravel, but the magic is on the inside.

Actually, inside doesn’t LOOK much better. White tile floor, a bunch of tables with Sriracha and other condiments, and some photos of their dishes. Oh the dishes!

My husband is partial to the Pho Tai, or noodle soup with beef which comes with a heaping plate of herbs, bean sprouts, jalepenos and lime. I love the Vietnamese pancake made with bean sprouts, shrimp and pork. Both of us are crazy about the spring rolls (the friend ones) that come with lettuce and greens to wrap it all up.

Also a bonus, my husband and I usually leave Maxim’s full, with some leftovers and a bill of around $15.

Below is a seafood noodle soup made with rice noodles…