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What You Need To Know About Wicker Park's 'Saved By The Max' Diner

By  Alisa Hauser and Kelly Bauer | May 31, 2016 2:43pm | Updated on May 31, 2016 4:36pm

 A "Saved by the Bell" inspired hangout, The Max, opens on Wednesday at 1941 W. North Ave. in Wicker Park.
"The Max' in Wicker Park
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WICKER PARK — The "Saved by the Bell"-inspired diner based off of the late 80s/early 90s sitcom is opening at 5 p.m. Wednesday for a three-month-long pop-up at the base of Wicker Park's iconic Flat Iron building.

The popular show follows a posse of teens who attend fictional Bayside High School. The diner, featuring shiny blue and red booths and a DJ booth, is a replica of a spot called The Max, that was frequented by the school's students.

Located at 1941 W. North Ave., sandwiched between Santullo's and wine shop Liquor Park, the 80-seat Saved by the Max has taken over the former Geek Bar. Just look for the bike racks painted blue and pink out front, or the pink neon signs advertising The Max.

Saved by The Max, 1941 W. North Ave. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]

Can I get a seat?

Dinner tickets are sold out through August, with limited walk-ins for dinner accepted. Late night service and weekend brunch will be walk-ins only, so yes, if you are willing to brace a possible line, there is room.

How much does it cost?

A $35 advance ticket will get patrons an appetizer, entree and dessert — think pulled pork sliders and waffles topped with fried chicken for sustenance and Bang Bang pie for dessert. Drinks are not included in the ticket.

What is the menu like?

Former Schwa chef de cuisine Brian Fisher's menu includes a variety of options that can be ordered a la carte at weekend brunch and late night.

Check out the menu:

What are the hours?

Hours are 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Sunday; 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday. Dinner runs from 5 to 11 p.m. nightly; late-night service is offered from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m./2 a.m. on Saturdays. Weekend brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Max's website is savedbythemax.com.

Will Screech or other stars be making any appearances?

Screech, or Dustin Diamond, the actor that played Screech, was recently released from a Wisconsin jail after allegedly violating his probation. Maybe Wicker Parkers will get lucky if Diamond has time to pop by. Ed Alonzo, the actor who played Max, the cafe's owner, has starred in several YouTube promos for the venture and is booked to be onsite through June 4. More cast appearances will be announced later, a spokesman said.

What kind of weekly events will be on tap?

A "Bayside After Dark" special events schedule will run nightly during late night hours following the ticketed dinner service. Save the date for prom on June 16.

Sundays: The Zack Attack Variety Show
Mondays: Mondays at The Max
Tuesdays: Trivia Night
Wednesdays: TV-Oke night hosted by Jeremy Scheuch
Thursdays: School Spirit Night
Fridays/Saturdays: 80’s vs. 90’s Night

What are the food and drink options?

Dishes include AC Sliders, three mini buns stuffed with Goose-island braised pulled pork and Lillie's Q Golden BBQ sauce ($9); Mac and Screech mac 'n' cheese ($8); Tori’s fried chicken consisting of a waffle topped with Korean fried chicken and drizzled with spiced maple syrup ($14) and more.

A 'Cream for a Day' nonalcoholic drink is made with Red Bull Yellow (Tropical), Vanilla Ice Cream, Club Soda, Cream and Salted Peach Puree ($6).

A "Miss Simpson," the diner's take on an Old fashioned, uses Jameson Black Barrel, Demerara, syrup, Angostura Bitters, Cherry Bitters and Orange Peel ($10).

For dessert, enjoy a "HEY, HEY, HEY PIE OF THE DAY," from a rotating selection made by Bang Bang Pie ($6).

(l-to-r) 'Cream for a Day' nonalcoholic drink; Mac & Screech mac 'n cheese and "Miss Simpson" cocktail. [Provided]

What does it look like?

Well ... it's bright. The diner is full of loud colors and bold patterns. You can also relive those awkward high school days by stopping by the lockers (Kelly Kapowski's is decorated with photos of Zack) and admiring the prom proposal signs.

A look at the diner. [David Miller/Provided]

Kelly Kapowski's locker. [David Miller/Provided]

The diner's interior does not lack color. [David Miller/Provided]

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