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Categories: Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: South EndPrudential (Green)
Back Bay (Orange)
Mon-Fri. 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Love it! A nice small mom and pop diner feel crowded with locals. The walls are plastered with celeb photos with autographs! The good ol' stool and counter top. Classic!
Breakfast is served anytime is great but I wasn't feeling breakfast despite seeing their Famous Turkey Hash sign. Since it was lunch time, I decided to go with their Chicken Parm Sandwich with a side order of fries! Yummy! Probably the next best thing to home cooking!
Prices are reasonable for a great and satisfying breakfast! I could tell just by looking at what other patrons were ordering. You can see the satisfaction on their faces as they eat and chat with the owners.
Forget about your diet, forget about the grease, and just sit down and enjoy a great meal. If I return to Boston for another visit, I'll definately come back to eat breakfast here.
I complimented the staff before leaving and they were very appreciative!
It took me about 4 attempts to eat at this place because they were either closed for vacation or their strange hours kept getting in the way (closed on Sunday and not open Saturday afternoons??-Huh)
I finally got there on a Saturday morning last week and waited outside in a line in the rain for a half hour as an elderly man in a baseball cap came out and hand picked folks to come in. Once inside this place certainly looks the part of something out of the 1920's. Old wooden cabinets and fridges, lots of ancient memorabilia and a public sink right in the dining area. It certainly has lots of character.
The food was OK in portion size though they expect you to order everything separately instead of doing combinations which gets expensive fast. The cooks are very competent and flip home fries like no others, but I didn't like the blueberry french toast which was covered in a purple liquid-blech (not sauce).
I'll say 4 stars because it's a bit of a rarity and the vintage interior is authentic unlike some places which dress up to look the part. However, know that you're coming here for the experience rather than quick seating or amazing food.
Absolutely incredible. I ate breakfast at Charlie's two out of the three days that I visited Boston. I thought all diners were essentially created equal, but Charlie's is out of this world. They have all the basics that you would expect a diner to have, but they make them very (very well). Both days I had the french toast and a sausage, egg and cheese sandwich. The french toast was wonderful and you could really taste the egg mixture they used to make it. The sandwich was also great with sliced sausage links and perfectly toasted bread.
They only accept cash so be prepared. A note about the service: I had pulled out my credit card the first morning I ate there to pay before they told me it was cash only. I reached into my wallet to get cash and completely forgot to put my card back. I didn't even notice until later that night that my credit card was missing. The next morning I called Charlie's and the lady on the phone was very kind and told me she had picked it up and I can come get it. I was very appreciative that they took the time to retrieve my card and were so kind to me in a moment of panic.
Great little diner that I crave now whenever I go eat at any other diner.
I don't understand the hype! I guess the atmosphere is cool, and it definitely feels like an old-timey breakfast/lunch spot. But the food was mediocre- I could have gone to Friendly's for a cheaper/better breakfast, and it takes a lot for me to compliment Friendly's. I guess this is one of those things that some people get and some people don't, but I'm absolutely one of the ones that don't.
I don't get it. We spent $27 and the service wasn't great, the food was meh, just not worth it. Why would you go there and wait in that line when you could go to Petit Robert and spend the same amount on breakfast for two with coffee? Or maybe Masa? Or Victoria's or Mike's Diner?
Bottom line: dirty, surly staff, overpriced, way too much hype
Four stars for authenticity and maybe three or three and a half for food. The coffee wasn't great and the pancakes - griddle cakes - were good and fluffy. I had banana and pecan griddle cakes, and the three huge pancakes were much more than I could eat - definitely no lunch needed. We sat at the counter and I saw a couple of beautiful big omelets come out - maybe I should have gone that way. Cash only and only open thru lunch - so plan accordingly.
Upon finding this little dineresque restaurant, the boyfriend and I found two cozy stools right at the bar. We scanned the menu, and both decided on the eggs, homefries, and toast... but things soon took a turn for the heavens. And, I mean that in the most heavenly sense.
The man next to me received his meal, and I could not keep my eyes off that delicious looking hash. I quickly consulted the menu to learn that Charlie's Turkey Hash is Award Winning. So, the order quickly changed, and boy did I make the right decision. I'm not sure what award the Hash has actually won, but it is probably something like, Most Delicious Breakfast Main Dish in the World... wait... no... Galaxy. Ground turkey, onions, carrots, seasoning.... woooooweeee.
The service was what you'd expect at a diner, and the prices were a little higher than normal side-car prices, but hey... it's Boston, right?
Came here to grab a quick sandwich for breakfast on Friday (to bring to work). I ordered a steak/egg/cheese sandwich on whole wheat toast. The lady looked at me funny like I just ordered something ridiculous for breakfast and turns to the chef to ask if he can make it (huh?). come on. you have steak and cheese on the menu. just put an egg on it. all set.
This place is definitely your typical diner with as many tables/seats they can fit in plus a bar to sit at. tables are to be shared so be prepared for that if you don't like it. I guess you can say the service is typical diner service although i had expected typical diner service to be a bit friendlier.
I waited probably 5 minutes for the sandwich and it was pretty good (assuming for the lady's face that they've never made it before) although nothing special and at over $7 for that thing, i'll go somewhere else. WAY too expensive.
So Good. Lots of fresh ingredients and a gazillion different kinds of pancakes. Small space.
This place rocks....
Come here if you are in the mood for a quick , home-made , fresh breakfast or lunch. This place is an institution in Boston ( see other reviews) and damn well worth it !
It has a very old school, back in the day , homey feel to it . Where everyone knows each others name . South End was gentrified not too long ago from projects and tenements everywhere to condo's and very nice brownstones with all yuppies that work in dowtown & Back Bay offices ( by the way , these people RUIN the neighborhoods character !!) but they didn't affect Charlie's
The delicous breakfast I had was 2 eggs overeasy , turkey hash (award winning) and a coffee and wheat toast all for $10.53 +tip .....It is definitley not a Buger King breakfast but SOOOOOO WORTH IT !
I love breakfast anytime of the day, but usually scorn pancakes. Mine usually turn out all knarled up and batter splashed and all kinds of a hot mess. So do Charlie's.
But after sitting at the counter and chatting with the guy making the pancakes, I thought it was kinda cute and homey that his pancake making skills were on par with mine. And they taste way better then they look. The banana pancakes had just the right amount of fresh banana cut into it, just the right amount of sweetness, and just the right amount of fluff. I didn't even need syrup. And I wasn't left with that awesome dog just ate peanut butter sticky feeling in my mouth while eating them.
The Reuben sandwich that was wisked in front of me, in the interum before being placed at it's rightful owner but after being delivered to the wrong table (Slutty Reuben gets around) smelled so delicious, I will return with friends and order one.
3 big ole pancakes. $7.50.
Visiting Charlie's is like stepping back in time.
Great character with solid diner food.
The owner waited on us and gave us the full scoop on the history of Charie's. He was friendly and willing to tell us a dozen plus standout stories that he had witnessed since working there for his father at the early age of eleven.
My roommate ordered the rueben and I ordered a burger and fries. Its great to get a $5 burger that tastes better then many of the $10 burgers I've ordered in the past.
I recommend sitting at the counter and starting up conversation with the staff. All were friendly and interesting to talk with while grubbing on some simple, yet great diner food.
The turkey hash was highly recommended by a woman sitting next to me. She has been visiting Charlie's for decades.
Check it out.
The weekend crowds at this place are amazing. We enjoyed cranberry pancakes and their famous hash breakfast and coffee at the counter.
Best in Boston? .... really ......
Nothing special for the price. I won't bother going back, they obviously have a large loyal fan base.
Ah the local greasy spoon...Lots of really decent food served by decent, friendly people generally interested in your culinary welfare.
Except at Charlies, they don't quite get the friendly part. My girl, my 9 year old nephew and I went for breakfast, and the service was attentive yet unfriendly. The guy was somewhat of a jerk. His scowl was ear to ear.
At one point, a guy came in looking for a job, and the manager/owner and our waiter interviewed him. After the interviewee left, I said to our waiter, try him on a busy Saturday. See if he can cut it, I said, leaning on my 20 years plus of HR experience
'Hey we have been here for 60 years...We got it all figured it out 'was the reply"......Sure you do, I thought..Its always the ones that know it all who are the most ignorant
Its kind of sad really. Charlies could achieve iconic status in the city with its long history in Boston, and the food is pretty good. I will not be back, because there is zero excuse for bad service
really great breakfast food in a diner-esque atmosphere. Doesn't seem like there's much to hide at this place. The food is cooked fresh, and in an open kitchen. The portions are unsurprisingly massive. Orders come out really fast. Everything has it's due amount of grease, but who cares when the food is awesome! It's also quite reasonable, 2 breakfasts and 2 coffees were $21.
I ordered the cajun omelette with egg whites and wheat toast and I highly recommend it (although evidently cajun meant 'spicy' versus the spanish omelette. I did not think cajun was very spicy at all). The bf got the turkey hash which seemed like one of those wonderful proprietary-breakfast-foods-that-everyone-goes-in- for-even-though-they-know-it-is-terrible-for-them- it-is-sooooo-f'ing-good-they-don't-care. The place also brings back great memories for him having worked at the Hancock for a number of years.
Overall, a star deduction for it not being that unique of a place, but that doesn't make it bad at all. Would definitely go back.
After a very poor initial showing several months ago (how is it possible to mess up a grilled cheese with ham???), I decided to give Charlie's Sandwich Shop on Columbus Ave second chance yesterday and have a quick breakfast while waiting to pick up my son from class.
What I confirmed is: This place sucks!!!!
WTF is all the hype about? The food is mediocre, the staff is irritable and unfriendly, the coffee is watery, and I just spent 13 bucks on two eggs, some turkey hash, coffee and tomato juice. Not to mention that my wheat toast was unceremoniously thrown down on the counter about 10 minutes before my meal arrived. "Yes m'am, I'll have the hash and eggs and can you bring me an order of cold wheat toast as an appetizer?"
Best Breakfast in Boston??? My white, Irish Arse it is.
James Beard Award of Excellence winner in 2005??? What a joke! James Beard has been dead for years but I'm sure he would not like his name associated with this establishment.
That's it Charlie's, and all of your unfriendly, ungrateful employess...we are done! Done!
On Saturday I woke up at 6:45 am (hungover), biked from one part of JP to another, changed, and drove to meet an old friend at Charlie's. We had been told to get there before 8am, when the line starts. 8am. 8 in the morning. On a Saturday. A line starts.
So, I get to Charlie's (where, apparently, Sammy Davis Jr. used to hang around outside.) Parking was a nightmare. But I made it, nearly on time. Brian was already seated, though the server had reservations about seating him before I got there. At the table with him were two couples who at first claimed to be his friends. It being 7:30am, I believed them. It was not true.
We get to talking, we get to eating, one man makes me try his turkey hash. Heaven. His wife seems slightly embarrassed, but used to his antics. Later, when my baked apple french toast arrives, he tries my food. Mind you, I do NOT know this man, nor does Brian. We ask the server if the wikipedia article tells the truth, "Is there no bathroom at Charlie's?" There isn't.
Our table-mates leave. We finish up. Wallets come out. And the server tells us "Oh, the other parties who sat with you paid for your meal."
Charlie's is the kind of place where that kind of thing can happen. And when we left at 8:30 about ten people were waiting outside for a table to open.
Someone said...
"Visiting Charlie's is like stepping back in time.
Great character with solid diner food."
Having been there for alot of that time...35 years and breakfasting there every three or four months....it all true. No bathroom, cash only, long lines after 7:30am, do your own water, terse wait staff and seat shortage. BUT, the turkey hash, blueberry pancakes, intra-table communion, perfect eggs, great coffee...like Fenway....there's no place like it. Once you've done it your memory will savor it just like that turkey hash till the Sox win the next World Series.
You want friendly...there IS a restaurant called that try them. You want 'central casting' BOSTON breakfast...Charlies Sandwich Shop!
I was promised the best rueben in Boston by a morning brunch companion. I was led astray, not even close for the best rueben in Boston. Plus all of our food came out at different times. Not fun, I almost drooled on the table watching my friends eat.
The staff was no frills, as was the back of the room water service. Really cool pics of famous visitors plaster the walls. I wish I had known who more of them are, but they all looked important.
My boyfriend's been bothering me to go here forever, but he seems to really like suggesting it on Sundays, which is the day it's closed. One random weekday morning, I got up early and suggested we go there before work. We rolled in just after seven, and there were already plenty of people around. What always looks really good to me when I pass the place by, are the the various strains of pancakes. Cranberry! Walnut! Banana! Ad nauseum, like the Cunningham muffins video on YouTube.
But I'm not really much of a "sweet food in the morning" person. So we go, and I opt for some eggs, toast, and home fries. Everything's actually pretty good, although if those eggs were "over easy" and not "over slutty" I would be surprised (translation: they were super runny). Okay, well, I've since discovered that "over medium" is the way to go. My bad. Anyway, everything was good, but I'd have to come again to get a better read. The coffee was great, though, and service at the counter was spot on.
Ok, maybe if I'd have ordered something other than the turkey hash, I'd have been happier. But, you know, you ought to be able to order the house specialty and not think it utterly gross, so I'm really not inclined to blame myself here.
This turkey hash dish tasted a lot like what I'd expect my mom's Italian sausage soup would taste like, if it was 98% dehydrated, 100% deflavored, and had the pork replaced with turkey.
I will grant the history of this place is cool, though I learned more about that online than actually in the place. (Note, the lack of self-trumpeting isn't necessarily a bad thing, just something worth commenting upon.)
- HUGE classic breakfast selection
- EVERYTHING on the menu is under $15 (and most is actually under $10)
- They seat you at Formica tables with random other people
- AND there are pictures of neighborhood children and the family who runs the place on the wall.
This is MY kind of diner! The only problem being I NEVER get to go here because its always PACKED on Saturday and on the BRUNCH day of the dinning world, they are closed :( Well knowing the lines get long on the weekends I decided to play hookie from work this lovely Friday morning and spend breakfast here.
The menu promises to entertain as "special items" are highlighted by color -- aka the Blueberry Pancakes are in blueish purple and the Veggie Omelet is in Green. Several other "special options" get their own special fonts -- different from the rest of the menu. I decided on a basic, black and regular font option of the Spinach and Feta Omelet with hash browns and wheat toast. It came quickly and I was stuffed by the time I was done eavesdropping on the awkward fighting couple next to me (they joys of sharing a table).
Our waitress was friendly in that, I am busy kinda surly waitress way, and the bill for our meal came to just over $20 with tip, CASH ONLY!
Did you know this place has been there since the 1920's!?!? Well, by the looks of the inside you could guess it! I don't think the menu has changed to much, but thats what makes it so great!
Seeing all the good yelp reviews, and seeing as we hadn't ventured outside of our normal breakfast routines for a while, we decided to trek on over to the South End for a little breakfast at Charlie's this morning. I'm glad that I had read some reviews ahead of time, because I might have been weirded out by the whole sharing-a-table-with-strangers thing, but since I was expecting it, it was ok.
Service was a a little snippy, but I didn't mind. Again, one of those things I've come to expect from tiny diner-type places. I ordered the Cape Cod French Toast, which came with a most delicious cranberry compote (and fresh cranberries too, not that craisin bologna). My boy got the broccoli and cheese omelette. I had a few bites of his homefries, and they were pretty good. With our two juices, the bill came to $26 before tip, a bit pricier than our normal joints, but we had a good experience nonetheless.
A big neighborhood favorite for Saturday brunch. Consistently the best homefries in town--and I take my potatoes pretty seriously.
It's been in the same location for eons--Somewhere on the wall, I think they might have a photo of Jesus enjoying some bananna pancakes... Anyhow, I love that they're still using the same ice boxes from the 20s, that they have nearly worn their way all the way through the cutting block, and that it's exactly the same crew that was working there the first time I went, back in 1992.
4 stars instead of 5 only because there's always a wait, and they're only open until 1 on Saturday, and they aren't open at all on Sunday. Sigh.
Oh, also, if you get one of their enormous omelettes, they serve it to you with a weird iceberg lettuce salad. Sure, you don't have to eat it, but its presence there on your plate is slightly unnerving.
A stellar greasy spoon. If you want good diner food in a cramped, "authentic" atmosphere, this is your place. I had the Turkey Hash with eggs - very good. My wife had the banana pecan pancakes - also very good.
Warning: If you go as a small group you may very well be seated with strangers. Roll with it!
It's been a few years since my visit to Boston. I have a friend who was going to college there and I went out to visit. Boston is a real awesome place to be in and I do plan on returning someday.
Anyways, my friend brought me to Charlie's one morning and I fell in love with the place. Looking at all the celebrities on the wall who have ate there must tell you something.
I ordered banana walnut pancakes and that hit the spot times ten! I kid you not, the pancakes literally melted in my mouth. I enjoyed this place so much that I had to have it one last time before I left.
The environment was quiet and calm. From my memory, it was just a beautiful day when we went. Families walking their dogs and playing with their kids. Locals eating their food as they read the paper.
Just amazing to eat at and you will not be disappointed!
The chocolate chip pancakes were great too. A little too chocolaty for some but just right for a chocoholic like me. ;)
Three thumbs up!!!
Comfort, pancakes, great deal, mountains of bacon - these are just a few of the things I love about Charlie's. It's a cute diner with a huge counter full of stools, or you can grab one of their few tables. Their coffee was really good and my man friends weren't even embarrassed to order some chocolate milk. My blueberry griddle cakes really hit the spot. I spotted a "we now have sweet potato fries" sign...I am definitely going back for lunch.
Oh my god, now this is my kind of place!
Small, funky, old-school neighborhood joint that serves up simple, everyday foods.
I went for breakfast, and had an exceptional Steak and Cheese omellete served with great rye toast, side salad, and home-fries to die for. Seriously - the home-fries are so earthy, crisp, flavorful, full of just-grilled flavor....
Really nice people working the counter.
This is an absolute MUST VISIT place when in Boston looking to eat well, eat lots, and eat cheap!!!
Did I mention they have yummy bacon? I had a side of bacon. I'm a bacon whore.
I was so hyped to eat here. A friend has told me about and the closer I got the more I could tell I was going to enjoy eating at this place. As I got closer the anticipation grew... and then CLOSED!!!! It was Sunday. What type of breakfast place it closed on Sunday!?!?!? Just when I was most in need of a hearty breakfast. The menu looked delicious too.
CHARLIE'S, PLEASE OPEN ON SUNDAYS!!! IT WILL BE WORTH YOUR WHILE.
Went for breakfast with friends after hearing some great things - we were not disappointed! I got a pretty basic meal ... bacon and eggs. As my friend pointed out, most places can be pretty stingy when it comes to bacon. Not Charlie's. We got 5 pieces of bacon. Five! I was literally in hog heaven. The people were really friendly and did not mind that we stayed for awhile. I am certainly looking forward to returning (maybe to try their famous rueben!).
I liked it -- the portions are huge, their toast is like toasted in butter - it's almost deep fried, it's awesome. Ummmmm what else... I mean, maybe I did not try enough but the place is like a diner, I bet the rest of the food is good, as well as the omelet that I had. I like it, it's cheap, it's yummy, they have egg white substitute available. So, if you like things healthy, it's for you, too.
Best Diner in Boston!
If you looking for the true Cheers where everyone knows your name, this is it!
Knowing how bland the surrounding restaurants around campus are, I decided to walk down South End to this family diner on Columbus Ave. Friendly staff and definitely make you feel welcome eat here! There are several tables (which can be shared) and a counter you can sit in. There are many things on the menu, on top of the fact that you can have breakfast all day (try their blueberry griddle cakes with bacon)! I had the fried fish sandwich and was very good. Good quality fish and not greasy at all. The iced tea was good as well!
Don't feel like family yet? Maybe this'll help.
http://www.youtube.com...
AMAZING! A total neighborhood dive.
The interior is nothing fancy, the focus is on the food! Breakfast at Charlie's serves as the perfect hangover remedy, and you don't have to dress up to brunch at this South End joint!
Everything I've tried has been totally tasty, and agreeable to my wallet as well!
They close at 2 so lagging is not an option!
I have an incredible love for this place. I grew up in the South End and whenever my parents would take my twin sister and I out, we always demanded Charlie's. This place oozes a cool old school ambiance, this is the kind of place all those chain restaurants try to emulate. The difference is this is the real deal. It's still family run just as it always was, by some of the friendliest Bostonians you'll ever meet.
The food is simple but exemplary with a very comforting homey feel to it. You'll feel warm and satisfied long after you've left the restaurant without the risidual grease or guilt you might find looking for edible comforts elsewhere.
This place serves up an experience that goes far beyond great food and is an essential place to check out while in Boston or for anyone looking for a way to start the best day they'll ever have.
For the record their hours are: Weekdays from 6am-2:30pm and Saturday 7:30am-1pm.
Story time!
I just moved to Boston two days before this last Christmas (A.K.A. 12/23/07). Christmas Eve morning, after spending all weekend moving heavy things (that my girlfriend owns), we were looking for some breakfast. We stumbled upon Charlie's, sat at the counter, and enjoyed our first meal out as Bostonians. I won't count the Cheesecake Factory take-out we had the night before.
Now, I love eating out for breakfast, and maybe it was just because I was happy to be in my new town, but Charlie's hit the spot. I'd recommend it.
Charlie's is great. The Blueberry pancakes with bacon will set you back about $10 and the servings are pretty sizeable. There's a lot of history to the place which you can take in from the photos lining the walls, and bonus points for the owner taking on the Boston Marathon months after having a heart attack.
It's technically a breakfast and lunch place because they close at 2p, but i would say it's really only good in the mornings because the wait after noon can be 30-45 minutes.
Oh, and it's cash only so hit up the ATM on the way.
Sometimes the wait is a little horrendous, especially on Saturday. My friend and I sat at the counter.
I am crazy about omelettes -- the kind that are brimming with veggies!
I loved the omelettes here. They give you a side of toast. I had trouble finishing my food.
My friend ordered the famous turkey hash and it was pretty good.
Closed on Sundays.
I liked this place. The Turkey Hash was perfectly spiced and filled me up perfectly. However, the real gem of my meal was the green pistachio muffins, which are heated on the stove and literally melt in your mouth. They are so sweet and moist-- the perfect end of meal treat. That said, I was really not a fan of the maitre' d. Unbelievably rude! He wouldn't allow us inside when we first arrived because there was a line, but he had made no attempt to introduce himself as an employee and a sign on the front door read to register inside. I'd heard of Boston attitudes but this takes the cake! He was like a cracked out little leprechaun with a large stick up his %$#! His rude comments and prodding throughout our 20 minute wait (and he wouldn't hesitate to prod us whenever he thought we were in the way) really soured what could have potentially been a great brunch. The food was good and the ambiance was pretty pleasant, but I think my friends and I won't fly out of our way to get to this little diner after last Sunday's experience.
Agree with others that this is a classic Boston institution - the quintessential Boston greasy spoon. The food here is okay, but they make up for the quality with quantity and atmosphere.
Everything here has huge portions so bring a healthy appetite! I love looking at all of the quirky signs and framed photos and articles on the wall. They even have an antique icebox that they use for storage now.
Seating at tables or at the counter is available. If you're in a group, then you'll be waiting, but if you're by yourself or with a friend - go for a counter seat to save time.
This is one place that makes you feel like a local.
Okay, you'll have to wait awhile to sit. Order Take out, lunkey-head.
Unless, you are smart, and go off-hours. What do you get then? - you might ask:
To start with, you get seated at a marble top counter. You get to see all your food in glass front refrigerated compartments, and see them making the best sammich, with the best components, inna world. Straight out of the Roaring Twenties- it hasn't changed, at all, since then.
Honestly, if you want to take a time travel experience, go to Charlies, and ask for a Reuben. Heaven!
The breakfast's are meh next to the sandwiches.
Hot baguettes 3 for 1 dollar
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