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Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe

429 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA - (617) 536-7669
Posted By Stephen Rushmore on 3/18/2003 9:39:00 PM
Charlie’s is a South End institution that earned a local reputation before desegregation because it was one of the few late night eateries that opened its doors to patrons of all colors. It’s hard not to feel right at home when you walk into this restaurant that looks like a cross between a coffee shop and soda fountain. It has a classic neighborhood-feel: the walls lined with famous signed photos and a counter with spinning stools filled with patrons engaging in friendly chatter. Little has changed since Charlie’s opened in 1927 (except now it serves only breakfast and lunch) – in fact it is one of the few places in Boston that is grandfathered to legally operate without a bathroom.

The specialty dish is turkey hash. It fills the plate like a giant potato pancake, topped with two eggs, any style. I prefer to order the eggs with the yolk runny and use buttered toast to mop the egg/hash mixture. The hash is a unique and filling treat that makes you feel a little less guilty than eating the corned-beef variety.

Charlie’s also serves wonderful omelets and a terrific freshly-ground cheeseburger that can be cooked properly when ordered rare.

13 out of 15 people found the review helpful. Was it helpful to you?

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Scorecard

3 - Overall: Excellent - Worth a Detour
Overall: Excellent - Worth a Detour
Turkey Hash
Hamburger
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Reviewers Photos [Upload Your Photos]

These pancakes weren't
"These pancakes weren't "plate-wide" as described on the menu, but they were mighty tasty and the sausage was cooked to crusty perfection."
Bill Homan





The home fries, while crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, were lacking in flavor.
"The home fries, while crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, were lacking in flavor."
Bill Homan


The awning in front of Charlie's.
"The awning in front of Charlie's."
Bill Homan


I had to arrive very early to get a photo with the place this empty.
"I had to arrive very early to get a photo with the place this empty."
Stephen Rushmore


This turkey hash with eggs is high octane fuel for the body.
"This turkey hash with eggs is high octane fuel for the body."
Stephen Rushmore


Look for this while driving down Columbus Ave while trying to find a parking spot.
"Look for this while driving down Columbus Ave while trying to find a parking spot."
Stephen Rushmore


The burgers are juicy and they cook it correctly when ordered rare.
"The burgers are juicy and they cook it correctly when ordered rare."
Stephen Rushmore


The omelets are light and flavorful.
"The omelets are light and flavorful."
Stephen Rushmore



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