Charcoal Pit - Wilmington, DE

Posted by Michael Jesse on November 19, 2005

Not much has changed since Michael reviewed Charcoal Pit almost two years ago. The establishment is the quintessential Roadfood stop.

We sampled the staple fare during our visit. The classic cheeseburger had that unique chargrilled taste that you rarely find anymore, even in places that grill their burgers over fire. The cooks will grill to your specifications, so the adventurous can still get some red in their burgers. We ordered ours medium and it arrived with just the slightest touch of pink; the perfect balance to bring out the meatiness of the burger. Your waitress will dress the burger from a condiment station and tear the lettuce from whole heads of crisp iceberg.

We split an order of real (not formed) onion rings fried in a batter that had just the right texture - what you would expect from a classic roadside diner. No thick doughy beer batters here. To top it off, I ordered a classic chocolate malt that completely rounded out my 50’s-era dining experience.

Charcoal Pit will transport you back to your youth. If you're ever driving around Wilmington and see the Charcoal Pit sign, make an immediate stop. You won’t regret it.

Overall: Worth a slight detour

9 out of 9 people found the review helpful. Was it helpful to you?

Reviewers "Must Eats" List

"A small hot fudge sundae, in a glass tulip dish, follows a burger nicely."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle

"The dieter's special (not): cake topped with ice cream topped with gobs and gobs of hot fudge topped with whipped cream and, all but obsured by the foamy rich white crown, a sugary red maraschino cherry."
Michael Stern

"This is the way we like to see a milk shake presented: in a tall silver beaker that holds at least two servings. In the glass are a straw (useless) and a spoon for scooping the extra-thick shake from its icy vessel."
Michael Stern

"A bacon cheeseburger becomes a sandwich tower when all the garnishes are applied."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle

"A classic Deluxe Cheeseburger. This is the standard four-ouncer. A double-size half-pound hamburger is also available. The fries, by the way, are excellent."
Michael Stern

"Most customers come to the Charcoal Pit for cheeseburgers and sandwiches. But the crabcakes are not to be dismissed."
Michael Stern

"The shakes are classics, accompanied by their icy cold steel mixing vessels."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle

"Onion rings are of the large hoop variety."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle

"The dogs are OK (shown here with a little cup of hot sauce) but we prefer the burgers."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle

"There is a menu dedicated to sundaes named for the local high school teams. Click on the photo for a better view."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle

"Booths are equipped with jukeboxes, so you can enjoy some Tammy Wynette with your burgers and shakes."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle

"This sign hanging in the window announces the soups du jour."
Michael Stern

"Charcoal Pit's sign has the snazzy, exotic, ultra-modern angles typical of 50's pop architecture."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle

"Mid-century America by the side of the road. Not seen to the left of the picture is the large and busy take-out window."
Michael Stern

"Take-out is available from the part of the building that looks like it houses a carousel."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle

"The Charcoal Pit on Concord Pike seems to be everybody's favorite. It is one of four C.P.s in the Wilmington area."
Michael Stern

"Ice Cream Creations - for sure! Steaks? This isn't the place."
Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle