Posted by Stephen Rushmore on March 18, 2003
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.
Overall: Worth a major detour
12 out of 14 people found the review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
Reviewers "Must Eats" List
Turkey Hash
($6.00)
Hamburger
($5.00)
Pancakes
($5.00)
Omelet
($6.00)
"These pancakes weren't "plate-wide" as described on the menu, but they were mighty tasty and the sausage was cooked to crusty perfection."
billyboy
"The home fries, while crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, were lacking in flavor."
billyboy
"The awning in front of Charlie's."
billyboy
"I had to arrive very early to get a photo with the place this empty."
Stephen Rushmore Jr.
"This turkey hash with eggs is high octane fuel for the body."
Stephen Rushmore Jr.
"Look for this while driving down Columbus Ave while trying to find a parking spot."
Stephen Rushmore Jr.
"The burgers are juicy and they cook it correctly when ordered rare."
Stephen Rushmore Jr.
"The omelets are light and flavorful."
Stephen Rushmore Jr.
