Orlando Spotlight: Maxine’s On Shine

Maxine’s On Shine is a highly regarded neighborhood restaurant located in the Colonialtown area of Orlando, Florida, just east of Lake Eola.¹

Uniqueness and Atmosphere

Maxine’s on Shine is celebrated for its unique, warm, and intimate atmosphere, which many describe as a “charming,” “cozy,” and “whimsical” experience reminiscent of a friend’s home.² The decor features an eclectic, bohemian, and sultry 40s-style with vintage furnishings, vibrant artwork, and a dark bar.³ The owners, Kirt and Maxine Earhart, aim for the experience to be defined by three words: Sexy, Comfortable, and Delicious.⁴

The restaurant is also known for its:

• Exceptional Service: Staff, including the owners, are frequently praised for providing top-tier, caring service, often greeting guests and making them feel at home.⁵ Owner Kirt Earhart is noted for constantly working the room and being a consummate host.⁶

   

• Live Entertainment: The restaurant features live entertainment, often with local musicians, every day it’s open for dinner and brunch, contributing to its jazzy vibe.⁷

   

• Neighborhood Focus: It is truly a neighborhood restaurant nestled among residential homes.⁸ The owners have actively worked to be respectful neighbors, even cleaning the surrounding blocks after closing.⁹

   

History

The building at 337 N Shine Ave has a long history, having housed over ten different restaurant concepts in the two decades prior to Maxine’s On Shine, including East Side Cafe, Derby Court, and Shine Neighborhood Kitchen.¹⁰ It was also once a 60’s-era wedding venue, and the “red room” in the back was the on-site chapel.¹¹

Current owners Kirt and Maxine Earhart acquired the space after Kirt had been a partner in the previous concept, Shine Neighborhood Kitchen. They drew influence from the building’s 1940s origins for the new concept, which was named Maxine’s after Maxine Earhart, whose “iconic red glasses” are featured in the restaurant’s logo.¹² Maxine Earhart also worked to successfully expand liquor license regulations, which benefited other downtown restaurants.¹³ Maxine’s on Shine has been in operation for over a decade.¹⁴

Customer Feedback and Recognition

Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, often highlighting the exceptional service, charming ambiance, and delicious, excellent food.¹⁵

The restaurant has received significant recognition, including being:

• Named to the Michelin Guide as a recommended restaurant in the inaugural Florida edition.¹⁶

   

• “Orlando’s Best Neighborhood Restaurant” by Orlando Magazine (Critic’s Choice and Readers’ Choice).¹⁷

   

• “A Top Five Brunch Orlando” by Travel & Leisure Magazine.¹⁸

   

• “A Top Ten Independent Restaurant Orlando” by USA Today.¹⁹

   

Specific customer mentions include:

• The “jazzy vibe” and “excellent food” being a delight.²⁰

   

• Service being “exceptional” and comparable to a Sandals resort.
• The food quality and portions being excellent and reasonably priced.²¹

   

Highlight Menu Items

The menu is highlighted by fresh seafood, pastas, meat, and amazing desserts, along with nightly features.²² Signature dishes and popular items mentioned in customer and critic reviews include:

• Rejuicination™ Brunch items.²³

   

• Chicken and Waffle²⁴

   

• Fried Green Tomatoes²⁵

   

• Key West Crab Cakes²⁶

   

• Wagyu Carpaccio²⁷

   

• Skillet Lasagna (available with roasted vegetables)²⁸

   

• Shrimp and Grits (described as a Southern classic elevated with a rich, savory sauce)²⁹

   

• Creme Brulée (described as a classically French dessert).³⁰

   

The restaurant also offers Vegan and gluten-free options, an extensive wine list with 70+ selections, and 40+ beers.³¹

Significant Events

• Michelin Guide Inclusion: Maxine’s was recognized in the inaugural Florida edition of the Michelin Guide as a recommended restaurant.³²

   

• Magical Dining: The restaurant regularly participates in the annual Orlando Magical Dining event, offering a three-course prix fixe dinner.³³

   

• Dinner Shows: They host special events like interactive dinner shows featuring a three-course dinner and a four-scene interactive play with a spooky season theme mentioned in one of the search results.³⁴

   

• Outdoor Pavilion Approval: The City Council approved a plan to construct a covered outdoor pavilion into the restaurant’s parking lot to allow for more spread-out and rain-protected outdoor seating.
• Community Support: A community fundraiser was held in June 2025 (current time context is Oct 2025) to benefit owners Maxine and Kirt Earhart after their home sustained major damage in a fire, an event that showcased the deep community support for the restaurant.³⁵

   

Restaurant Information