05/16/09

Good Local Bar

by aguido

My girlfriend and I have been to Charlie's twice since I moved in the last two weeks. The Mezza appetizer is outstanding and the bartenders and beer selection are up to par with the rest of the Old City bunch. Very low key and relax...but very good food!

• Pros: Nice Waitstaff-Good Beer
• Cons: Limited Bar Seating

07/08/08

Oasis off the beaten track

by peppermichelle

Monday night, we stopped by to dry off during a storm and found a haven. I would never have noticed it on a sunny day and am so glad we stumbled into this quiet, quaint tavern. Our server/bartender dished out towels and we settled down for a draft and some fantastic mediteranean food (they have a variety of food choices from American to Greek). With all the pushy servers we have seen during our trip here, it was a delight to have someone who was attentive yet gave us our space.

We will be going back next time we are in the Philly area.

• Pros: Friendly service, great food

06/09/08

Great place...but dark.

by Skye2

I completely disagree with other negative reviews on this site. The staff is friendly and helpful and I've been going to this place for some time now and observed how the staff treats others so I'm not sure of the level of sobriety of some of the other reviewers of this bar, at least as it extends to their ability to right a cogent. adequate, and informed review. The food is very good and the staff is friendly, outgoing and knowledgeable about the beer and other products for sale. My only complaints have to do with the incredible darkness of the place, which can be offputting unless it is in winter. Also, the hours are a bit limited (why not lunch hours?) and they could also do with more forceful advertising. I don't think they get enough business because they are tucked away in a dark and unwelcoming locale. More street appeal would help them greatly. Other than that criticism I highly recommend Charlie's.

• Pros: Food, Service
• Cons: Ambienc...too dark

06/08/08

Move on! Lots of other bars in Old City!

by PhillyPubLover

Beware! Poor service, unfriendly and unknowledgable staff. If you are going to bartend it is generally good to know what selection of beers and hard ciders you have available, unless you work at Charlie's. There is a $15 minimum for credit cards so this is not the place to stop into for a couple of beers to relax if you aren't carrying cash. Oh, but not to worry, if you don't reach the minimum charge, they will simply tip themselves, generously, to make up the difference. Keep your receipt, you will need it later for the bank dispute...

• Pros: N/A
• Cons: N/A

05/03/08

Unacceptable treatment

by jsparkles

My friends and I were out for First Friday and went to Charlie's in hope of some dinner and quality beer. Upon setting foot in the door, the staff were immediately in our face putting insane amounts of pressure on us to have a table. Given that we were waiting on others, it was unsure as to whether or not everyone would be happy with this choice. As we were trying to determine whether we would stay (at this point 3 different staff approached us, rudely, asking the same question) one of our party used the restroom. Based on the harassment from the staff, we decided not to eat there. When our friend emerged from the restroom one of the servers approached her and said, "What.....you just use the restroom and leave?" Our initial intentions were to meet our other friends at Charlie's, but given this poor treatment, we moved on and vowed never to return. It's not the same neighborhood spot it used to be. I fail to understand why humans treat each other so poorly. These people must hate their jobs.

• Cons: Incredibly rude staff

Old City drinking without the Old City crowds.

by Contributor

In Short
In a neighborhood where the nightlife action is reaching epic proportions, this unassuming bar is an oasis for those who want a drink but are unwilling to brave the usual Old City party mayhem. Thanks to its low-key nature and slightly out-of-the-way location, Charlie's is a pleasantly uncrowded place to sit with friends and enjoy a few drinks in relative peace and quiet. The menu is typical bar fare with a surprising Mediterranean accent.

04/13/06

Service gone wrong

by outandabout22

I used to go there all the time! The food was always decent and the service friendly. BUT... now the service is horrible! The staff is rude and they act like they are doing something soooo special by getting you a beer. It is no longer a great place to go for a simple drink in Old City! Don't waste your time!

• Pros: Great Location
• Cons: Rude Staff

03/12/06

bad service - no longer a nice neighborhood bar

by newphillygirl

I used to go to Charlie's about once a week. The owner and staff used to be friendly. Now he is not around, the wait staff is new, and increasingly rude to the point of obnoxious. Last time we went the girl came over after flagging her down (the place is tiny and it was a weeknight so it wasnt crowded) I asked about new beers on tap and then she said listen if you aren't ready I can go hang out with my mom and have the bartender wait on you. She left and put her and her mom's order in first. We waited 30 mintues for hummus and some fries. The other bartender neglected us.

This service is becoming the norm and I felt I had to finally write about it.

• Pros: off market
• Cons: rude service

06/02/05

User review by reenie22

by reenie22

Charlie's is the best, its old city minus the tiresome trends/cliches of 2nd street. Great music & beer selections, and there's actually specials not including miller lite! The food is amazing, very detailed, & FAR from a deli like it says under business info.

• Pros: ambience, service, food, beer choices, specials,
• Cons: none

06/22/04

Great!

by aschulak

I just moved in to the neighborhood, but apparently this place just got a complete makeover and wow is it great! Looks nice inside and the food is fantastic. Get there now before it becomes THE place to be in the north end of Old City.

• Pros: Good food, Nice ambiance, Fair prices