- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Charlies Pizza & Cafe
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
177 Allston St(between Commonwealth Ave & Kelton St)
Allston, MA 02134
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
(617) 277-3737
- Nearest Transit:
-
Allston St - Inbound (Green Line)
Allston St - Outbound (Green Line)
Warren St - Inbound (Green Line)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for Charlies Pizza & Cafe
Review Highlights
"The middle eastern food here is fantastic."
(in 7 reviews)
"...the perfect spot for some late night grub on the weekend."
(in 8 reviews)
"...down they have the best chicken shawarma I've ever had."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
43 reviews in English
-
Review from Madhumitha N.
Manhattan, NY
10/31/2011
Yes should accept with others, Pizza was not that expensive if you have coupon you can use that. I ordered Garlic Pizza and Mozzarella sticks. Piza was very fresh and i can smell fresh garlic.
Will try next time.. best thing is this place is opened late in night till 2 am -
Review from Brooke W.
Allston-Brighton, MA
1/28/2012
The guys at the shop are genuine friendly people!
Their hummus wrap is my favorite. Their chicken fingers, burgers, and middle eastern foods are delicious. Their pizza is so-so. I wouldn't recommend their salads. -
Review from Chris C.
10/18/2011 9 Check-ins Here
Cheap prices & decent selection. The staff were nice, but were confused by an online order for pickup. This caused a delay in my food because I think they had actually given it to a driver who had already left the place although the guy wouldn't admit that was the case. Instead I had to wait 5 minutes while he "located" my order.
The only other weird thing is the hamburg pizza topping has a cinnamon smell and taste to it. I didn't mind it, but it was not what I was expecting. -
Review from Dee F.
Boston, MA
1/21/2012
Hummus was fantastic, greek salad was pretty good, pizza was okay, and cookie was nasty. I'd order again.
-
Review from Brian B.
Brighton, MA
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Plenty of Flavorful Variety and Friendly Service
I've been living a couple of blocks from Charlie's for four years now, and it's never skipped a beat.
It's the perfect spot for some late night grub on the weekend. The pizza and subs are good, and I've recently discovered their calzones.
If you're nearby, definitely stop into Charlie's. -
Review from Erik O.
Boston, MA
5/8/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Place Rocks.
perfect late night greasy greek pizza joint.
Staff if super nice.
They have a some good fro yo too.
They deliver, and have online ordering. -
Review from Lily S.
Brighton, MA
1/26/2011
I'm only giving this place 3 stars instead of 2 because after reading some of the other reviews im guessing this place has much better middle eastern food than american...so maybe i shouldnt judge them solely on one bad experience.
I got a calzone from here, which on the upside was huge, but on the downside sucked pretty bad. The oddest thing was the dough...it wasnt like regular pizza dough you expect on a pizza or calzone. so this was no bueno in my book. Also, as i mentioned, it was huge, but when i bit into it, it turned out that only the center was actually filled with toppings...the perimeter of the calzone was just dough.
i also got their "spicy" fries, which were decently spicy--no complaints here. The guy working there was nice too...he noticed i was watching the insider on their tv while waiting and he was kind enough to turn up the volume.
so if you're looking for good middle eastern food, i guess this is the place for you, but if you want an old fashioned calzone, you're better off going elsewhere. -
Review from A R.
Somerville, MA
9/26/2010
Okay so I used to live right around the corner from here and used to get food quite a decent amount. Granted I never had their middle eastern dishes which apparently everyone says to try. BUT! I do have to give kudos to their cheesesteak sandwich which is probably one of the best I've tried in all of Boston. Their pizza ain't too shabby either.
Just make sure to not go after 1am on weekends or else you're bound to be surrounded by drunk Allston retards. -
Review from Ed P.
Brighton, MA
6/22/2010
Holy mixed bag Batman!
Dry, bland, ego shattering rice pilaf, so so hummus, a meat pie that was edible, the best tabbouli I've ever had and amazing kabob chicken meat- moist, great seasoning, huge bites. I'll probably order again just for the bird, it was that good.
Oh and no pita, WTF! -
Review from Joe J.
Brookline, MA
11/22/2010
My review is based solely on their Middle Eastern dishes. They are great. I had the chicken shawarma plate delivered yesterday. It took 30 minutes to get here, was hot and fresh, and tasted awesome!
Try it!
Can't vouch for their other food tho! -
Review from Brendan B.
Allston, MA
9/24/2007
Let me first start off by saying that I have only had their Middle-eastern food. And let me also say that I am in no way shape or form a connoisseur of the cuisine. With that being said, there's no other place I'd rather go to eat beef or chicken shwarma, kafta kabob, and chicken kabob plates. The staff is very friendly and I would recommend it whole-heartedly, strictly for the Middle-eastern food.
As a sit-down place/restaurant, I would have to agree with some of the other reviews on the site and say that if it could improve on anything, it would be that. But hey, for me, it's all about the food. -
Review from Sarah R.
Somerville, MA
1/23/2008
Technically Charlie's should get 2 stars, but I'm being generous and giving it 3 because it's within stumbling distance of J's.
I've eaten here twice now, and by the other reviews I'm reading, maybe I need to stop ordering pizzas and calzones and start ordering the Middle Eastern fare. The calzone in question was good but was greasier and less doughy than what I like. The pizza was thin and the sauce tasted kind of odd, but still edible. It goes to show how much I'll tolerate when it comes to eating pizza.
A word to the wise: if you're trying to be healthy and order a garden salad, don't do it! $5 gets you a sad little affair of iceberg lettuce (with maybe a leaf or two of actual lettuce thrown in there for color), pale tomatoes and a cursory cucumber slice.
There are certainly better choices in Allston, but when I'm looking for convenience and the least possible distance from restaurant to belly, I'll take Charlie's. -
Review from Garth S.
Allston, MA
1/27/2007
Charlie's should probably get two stars but for the fact that it's the only pizza joint really close to me and it's better than Inbound Pizza, which is next closest. The pizza is adequate although a bit greasy and not completely satisfying. I haven't tried anything else on the menu but the prices seem a bit steep. The guy who runs the place is nice enough but I have to wonder how he makes his money since I'm usually the only customer in the place. I wish Charlie's opened earlier than ten a.m. Next to Harry's Bar and Grill, it's the only close food place and in 1-degree weather, the trip down to Dunkin' Donuts on Harvard Ave is more than I can bear first thing in the morning.
So three stars for the neighborhood pizza joint. -
Review from Greg E.
Tucson, AZ
4/22/2011
This place is actually better than most. The cheese burger is super cheap and quite good, and the baklava can't be beat. Not gourmet food by any means but a lot more than pizza slices.
-
Review from Sarah D.
Somerville, MA
5/6/2008
Chicken Caesar Salad I got last night was possibly the worst chicken caesar salad in the history of chicken caesar salads. No matter how many times I type "caesar" correctly it still looks like I've made a drastic spelling error. But I digress....
Two stars for the fact that the guys behind the counter were super nice. And one star because who orders a chicken caesar salad at a middle eastern pizza place?? That's just wrong. -
Review from Ben A.
Cambridge, MA
11/17/2009
STAY AWAY. My name is Ben and this is my story:
Walked by here late on Saturday night and had the drunk-munchies so i ignored my best instincts and stopped into this run-down shanty.
Upon entering, they told us: "slices only", despite the fact that they had neon signs advertising subs and sandwiches all over the windows. They get one star for abiding to my request for a cold-cut sub. There were a few drunk women with their tits hanging out, and the guy was too busy oggling them to pay much attention to the sub. In fact, he actually gave one of them a high five in the middle of the sandwich-making and then went back to making the sandwich. In other words he wasn't wearing gloves, and didn't wash his hands and was shaking hands with others. For all I know I could've gotten swine flu from eating that thing.
Upon arriving home and unwrapping the sub I was blasted in the face with an unpleasant aroma of extremely cheap vinegar or something to that effect? (smelled more like garlic vinegar) The sub looked limp, as was the hard-on I had previously had for a sub, as the cold-cuts looked like they hadn't been refrigerated properly. The smell was so strong and so unappetizing that I threw it away without taking a bite despite the fact that I had drunk-munchies.
My friends said their slices were lousy as well.. Never again! -
Review from Evan R.
Rochester, NY
8/19/2010
Okay.... so Charlie's isn't super great. But I've got a major soft spot for them because I lived a block away for about 1 year. I was a total regular and frequently picked up my order from Charlie himself (who's a cool guy).
The pizza..... not so great. Not as bad as Natalie's, but not a draw. My old standby was the falafel wrap -- a nice little $5 dinner. When I was boozin' it up and ready to eat like a slob, I'd go for a cheeseburger plate and pig it out. Nothing special about most of their plates... just a big ol' pile.
They don't exactly aim for high quality, but they are surprisingly consistent. Oh... and did I mention they're open niiiiice and late Thur - Sat? -
Review from Melanie K.
Boston, MA
1/8/2009
The only reason I am giving this place a 3 and not a 1 is because the Middle Eastern food is so good. If they only sold that I would give it a 5. If they didn't sell that stuff I would give it a 1.
Hands-down they have the best chicken shawarma I've ever had. I've tried many places including The Shawarma King in Coolidge Corner (which sucks) and this is the most delicious. Their meat and spinach pies are great too, although sometimes they don't have one or the other available. Tabouli is awesome. Unfortunately their hummus is NOT good. It has a weird taste and texture, but the shawarma and everything else makes up for it.
As for their pizza/subs/etc it's all crap. -
Review from Lea C.
12/18/2009
In fairness, I have only tried the Middle Eastern food due to a late-night craving and the general lack of reasonable delivery of that genre. I am from a part of the Midwest that has a seriously high concentration of Lebanese and Persian immigrants, and grew up with access to amazing Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food---so I have pretty high standards.
I had the chicken shawarma plate and the falafel roll-up with babaganoush. On both counts it was the best I've had in Boston thus far. I'm pretty picky about falafel, and this was one of the best I've had anywhere. The chicken was super flavorful as was the tabbouleh. Both my bf (who hates hummus as a rule) and I loved the hummus, and I have yet to really like any of the hummus I've been served in Boston til this one. Not to mention, it was super cheap: $14 for the lot. Just a plate at Shawarma King would have cost more than that. And it was delivered.
I will say that it took about an hour and 45 minutes for delivery, and I seriously live about a 5-minute drive away. So, don't expect the food to come fast. But, if you're not in a rush, it will be worth it. I'll surely be ordering again. -
Review from Stephanie M.
Medford, MA
7/16/2009
I used to live just around the corner from this not so pleasant little sub shop. While doing my laundry at the laundromat next door, I'd usually pop in and grab a quick lunch, or on nights I was feeling particularly lazy my roommates and I would order take out.
For the most part they got to know me and would almost predict exactly what I was going to order. But they'd never do it with a smile. The guys that worked the counter always skeezed me out. Overly pleasant when I was alone, and by pleasant I just mean they didn't tell me to fuck off with their eyes, then if I had a male with me they'd turn into real asses.
Manners only come out when boobs are involved.
The food was never anything to write home about, and the customer service was sub-par at best. -
Review from Eric S.
Boston, MA
Updated - 11/17/2009
I went there again yesterday. They improved their sauce (less acidic than before).
The food was great so I'm upping it to 5 stars from 41 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/5/2009
I like this place although I've only had their pizza. I like thier pizza because they put a lot of… Read more »
-
-
Review from sue k.
Boston, MA
5/4/2009
charlie's tastes as average as any other pizza/ sub shop in the area. i've never walked in with great expectations, nor eaten anything worth complaining about. my regular order was a grilled chicken salad about once a week while i did my laundry on the same street. if you're in a rush, or hungry call in your order, as counter orders seem to take last priority.
on less sober occasions (probably about once a week as well), i'd opt for some deep fried goodness and/or pizza. the staff is friendly, the dining area is clean enough, and there's plenty of space to bring your friends and dine-in. they're open and deliver til 2AM on the weekends- thank god, cus while they might not be the best, when it comes to late night nourishment, charlie's is a much better option than redneck's. -
Review from Joe F.
Boston, MA
7/1/2010
It's a stone's throw away from my apartment and I won't go there. Coming from someone who likes pizza a lot that's saying something. It's pretty inconsistent, and the subs weren't stellar. Late night it gets a tad shady. I need to be REALLY hungry or really wasted to even consider this joint.
-
Review from Shruti M.
Bethesda, MD
2/11/2008
so I've tried the Ziti (not sure why ) and the chicken fingers... and while it wasn't the best ever...it was decent and to the point and both times...exactly what i wanted. It gets 3 stars for giving a drunk girl what she wanted when she wanted it...and the fourth star for being an easy drunk walk home :)
-
Review from Kevin H.
Boston, MA
1/12/2007
I would recommend their large cheese pizza. Its cheap and tasty. I live in the area and find myself going back for this simple pie (usually grabbing take-out). Their pizzas have a good amount of sauce on them (which I like). My girlfriend likes their grilled cheese. The calzones are worth skipping and the other sandwiches are hit and miss. The service is great and everyone behind the counter is very friendly. I would agree with the previous reviewer...for what it is, its good.
-
Review from mandi m.
Boston, MA
6/22/2007
While the staff is (maybe a little too) friendly, the food has always been iffy at best. Even though it's very close I never go there. The maintenance guy for my building said he wouldn't even eat there when it was the middle of a blinding snowstorm... that's saying something.
-
Review from Paarin M.
Hartford, CT
5/30/2007
This place has a huge variety of food, and that concerned me at first. How can a place make good pizza, sandwiches, hot wraps, grinders, middle eastern food, smoothies etc etc etc. Since i was hungry and live across the street, i thought I'd give them a try. I wasn't in the mood for pizza, so I ordered a chicken fajita wrap. To my surprise, it didnt come on a standard white wrap, but actually on a pita bread style wrap. The chicken was well marinated, and the grilled onions and peppers were also really tasty. It wasn't too big, but definitely filled me up. While not too traditional of a "fajita wrap", the different wrap actually was an excellent complement. My only complaint is that it was $7, which is kind of a lot for the size.
I don't know what others were talking about when they said it was empty, there was about half a dozen people in there at 10pm on a wed night. The staff there is prompt and friendly. The sandwich was done when i got there 10 min after calling.
They also take credit cards, which is a huge plus. -
Review from Adam L.
Slingerlands, NY
10/19/2007
My roommate and I ate here one night because it's close to our apartment and it was the only place open on a holiday. I can't speak to their other food, because I haven't gone back to try it, but it was far and away the most disgusting pizza I've had since I moved to Boston. The pizza is so greasy and the crust is so thin that each slice is on the verge of falling apart at any moment. The taste was too sweet, almost like antifreeze, and did not settle particularly well afterward. It fufilled a need that one night, but I'm never going back.
-
Review from Beats M.
Allston, MA
10/1/2007
Oh Charlie. Whoa Nelly. You used to make the best Italian sub ever. My last one sucked. What am I to think. Are we broken up or just taking a break?
-
Review from Andrew D.
Boston, MA
3/25/2009
I am mad about this place, because I really think the pizza is pretty okay... at least the buffalo chicken. Except I just ordered a pizza, and when I called to say they delivered the wrong one, their answer was pretty much, "Oh... yeah, I know what happened" and then proceeded to offer us a future credit for a single topping, or to deliver a cup of toppings. Not really what I was hoping for... Too bad I won't be making another order to see if they'll honor the credit. Oh, and they are one of the few places that doesn't even bother to come to the door, and instead of handing us the pizza, they kind of thrust the warming bag toward us and we had to pull it out of the bag.
-
Review from Jackie G.
Boston, MA
2/15/2009
i got take out from here the other night through foodler (love love love foodler). i ordered a steak & cheese and my boyfriend had a cheeseburger grinder. Neither one came with cheese!!! I'm pretty sure the main ingredient in both is cheese, it says it in its name why there was no cheese still baffles me. We both asked for Mayo. Neither came with mayo. i try to branch out and try new places but it always backfires. I'm sorry but if you don't put cheese on steak & CHEESE and a CHEESEburger sub then you probably shouldn't be in business. Oh and their spicy fries were terrible!
-
Review from Chris W.
8/31/2008
Their pizza is better than most places around the area and pretty cheap. Same goes for the subs. But the Middle Eastern food is like the secret no one will tell you about. Just do it! And the staff there is very friendly. Make sure you tip them well.
-
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
7/8/2009
This is a true neighborhood joint. The dudes that work here are total sweethearts and quick at getting your food in order. I can't speak for the pizza as I usually just order from the Middle Eastern menu or get one of their ridiculously large salads. They are very proud of their falafal here and quick to tell you that it's some of the best in Boston. It's super greasy and not too bad. Every time I eat here I end up overfull or slightly full of grease and rolling around the floor - yet I keep coming back...
-
Review from Alex L.
Allston, MA
8/22/2007
The middle eastern food here is fantastic. I haven't tried anything other than their Middle Eastern food, so if I'm looking to get a big plate of beef shawarma, this is where I go. The hummus is fresh, the meat tastes high quality and is seasoned well, and with that on top of some rice... heaven! I really recommend everybody to try out the Middle Eastern food.
-
Review from Jennafir O.
Allston, MA
1/7/2009
This is a place to go when you're too lazy to move farther than a block. The pizza is good, the salads are tasty, the service is nice. Visit it for a pizza, they're open late, which makes me happy.
-
Review from Frank N.
Allston, MA
6/30/2009
I've been here a couple times after stumbling home from Joshua Tree. I could tell this pizza was terrible even when I was drunk and hungry...but they are the only pizza joint that I know of that is open a bit past 2am. My memory of the pizza is um, a bit foggy, so I can't give precise details, sorry. Of course, I ate it anyways.
Shoulda just made ramen.
Sabatino's is so much better, and it's down the street @ kelton and comm, but unfortunately not open late night =( -
Review from Michael L.
Boston, MA
3/9/2010
It's recently become my place for pizza delivery. Pizza is solid and tasty, and delivery has been consistently timely. I've only had pizza so I can't speak for anything else.
-
Review from Sarah P.
Atlanta, GA
7/28/2009
The pizza is terrible simply because the dough is the worst I've ever had. That being said, they make a mean sandwich and I've never been disappointed. Fast delivery makes this place even better. Stay away from the pizza, but give the Italian grinder a go.
-
Review from Jason T.
Brighton, MA
12/30/2009
I moved to Boston from Georgia 5 months ago. I have eaten pizza all over Boston and I have to say that Charlie's is at the top. I love this place. The employees are very friendly. I talked to Arz for a while who is the owner's brother. Def nice guy and the pizza is just good. Go try it.
-
Review from Rahim A.
Boston, MA
6/17/2009
Charlies is awesome! I go there about once a week for their shawarma. It very tasty and satisfying. I definitely recommend either the sandwich or the dinner. Also, the pizza is good and the slices are a good size for their price.
The owners and workers are all really nice and all cater to their customers. I really look forward to my next experience there.
