Two new restaurants have joined the diverse menu of Afton Village's culinary offerings.

Max’s Ally, a upscale-casual eatery owned by Jon Dressler of highly-regarded Dressler’s Restaurant in Birkdale Village is now serving great taste to local diners and foodies. The 5,000 square foot restaurant located in the center of Afton Village is the largest restaurant in the village, offering a high-end menu, a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and is welcoming to families and serious diners alike. Max’s Ally (named after Dressler’s two children) offers over 125 wines, steaks, ribs, chicken, seafood, pasta, entree salads, a children's menu, a generous appetizer selection and a full bar.

The most distinctive design element of Max’s Ally is its thoughtfully-created outdoor areas, including a water feature in the entry, and intimate dining pavilion with a stone patio that can be cordoned off for live entertainment in the summer months. Says Afton Village developer, David Mayfield, “The restaurant was intentionally designed to create a thoughtful outdoor dining experience, with covered and open areas, a stone fireplace and extensive landscaping. It is also unusual in that the outdoor capacity rivals that of the indoor seating.”

Owner Jon Dressler is excited to see the restaurant opening its doors in the exploding Concord area, "We are excited to offer a nice environment, great food, friendly service and local ownership of an upscale restaurant in Concord. The area is beautiful, and growing rapidly, and we look forward to welcoming everyone."

Joe’s Sports Bar fills another desire for Afton Village residents and their Concord neighbors, a local gathering place to meet for casual conversation or to satisfy a sports fix. Joe’s boasts “the best sports coverage around,” with a massive amount of pay per view channels and HD flat screen televisions to sate the appetite of any sports fan.

 Joe’s is also about bringing people together. “Joe’s gives customers that warm, comfortable place to watch the game on a Sunday afternoon, or to meet friends after work for a beer and some wings. It is cozy, familiar, and easy,” says Afton Village’s Event Coordinator, Raegan Brogdon. Joe’s Sports Bar is easy visible from George W. Liles Parkway, and beckons with a full bar, and pub food.

Afton Village has a history of attracting a variety of quality eating establishments, many boasting international flair. One of the first restaurants making Afton its home was authentic Greek eatery, 'The Gateway to Athens' owners Scott and Rika Gould lived in Greece for seventeen years and interpret national dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, gyros, and tzatzki to perfection.

'E Noodles,' an Asian Bistro and Martini Bar, hoisted its bright red patio umbrellas to serve traditional fare from spicy Pad Thai, to light glass noodles served with shrimp and cilantro, to bold Udon noodle bowls. The menu offers Dim Sum, soups, salads, and noodle plates alongside heartier entrees like Mandarin Pork Chops, Pan Seared Grouper and Shallot Tenderloin.

The Wine Room offers unique wines, light snacks and greart conversation in an entertaining atmosphere. The Ground Floor Coffee House caters to the morning rush, offering eye-opening coffees, muffins, bagels, biscotti and deli sandwiches for lunch.

And for those times when only a real burger will do, BackYard Burgers offers a down home basic burger, or a burger dressed to the nines. Salads, sandwiches and mammoth baked potatoes are also available.

Whether it is on the run, a business luncheon or an evening out, Afton Village entertains every palate with its restaurant choices. Says Raegan Brogdon, “We are so excited about Max’s Ally and Joe’s Sports Bar. They are exactly what Afton needs to complete the puzzle of a well-rounded retail community.”