Charlie's Family Restaurant — Restaurant in Escondido

Think back to the last time you saw one of those cute lil family diner places in movies and you’re like, “That’s cute! So cozy and family friendly… I’d love to go to a place like that.” Kind of like the bar in Cheers where everyone knew your name. Down home, friendly, cozy, and well… when we walked through the door, it felt like we just walked into a warm hug. That is EXACTLY how mom and I felt when we walked into Charlie’s.

The menu is full of all the comfort foods you’d find at a local diner in a small town in Texas, but right here in our own backyard of north county. I got the half plate of French Toast with bacon, as I get full fast. Mom on the other hand ordered a Ham and Cheese Omelette. It was huge! She had enough food to take home for another full meal! There were so many different omelettes to choose from. If you can think it, Charlie’s can make and serve it. The plates are so full, everyone was leaving with take home containers of leftovers. You want more bang for your buck? Go to Charlie’s! You won’t regret it and you’ll want to write your own review. They deserve the recognition of quality food and service.

Service was quick, food was great, place was clean,atmosphere was cozy, and the host at front was so cheerful and welcoming, he felt like an old friend glad to see every customer and hoping we’d all return again soon. That is five out of five. So yes, 5 star review. As a matter of fact, just reviewing it, I think I’m ready to take mom back again already! So if you’ll excuse me time to go...

If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! Charlie’s Family Restaurant is a true hidden gem in Escondido. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the kind of warmth and coziness that instantly makes you feel at home. The atmosphere is beautifully nostalgic — an intimate, family-owned diner with classic charm, comfortable booths, and a welcoming counter that feels like it has countless stories to tell. The design is timeless, with little touches that make the space feel both inviting and special. It’s not just a restaurant — it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, connect, and truly enjoy yourself. You can tell that this is a family-owned spot where pride, love, and community are poured into every detail. What I loved most is how personal it feels. The staff are friendly and attentive, and you can sense that they genuinely care about the people who walk through their doors. The whole place radiates a sense of tradition and heart — and that’s rare to find these days. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Charlie’s is the kind of diner that makes you want to stay a little longer, order another cup of coffee, and soak up the atmosphere. It’s cozy, welcoming, and unforgettable — everything a family restaurant should be. Thank you, Charlie’s, for such a wonderful experience. I can’t wait to come back...

service was mediocre at best, food was bland and lacked seasoning, steaks were asked to be WELL WELL DONE were NOT COOKED AS ORDERED came to the table bloody and rare , hashbrowns were made from frozen potatoes not fresh and were gritty cold on the inside, eggs well eggs are hard to screw up so they were ok at best, biscuits and gravy were not good eigther, biscuits were soft but fell apart and crumbled when cut into and the sausage gravy while being obviously made from scratch at some point was gross it tasted of raw flour and had no seasoning at all. Best part of the meal was the pre packaged rye toast and even that was slathered in way way too much butter. I wont even mention the fact that the portion sizes are on the small side and the mens bathroom toilet leaks so profusely that my husbands pants were soaked at the bottoms and half way up the leg and we wont be returning to this restaurant again I paid way too much for the food, portions, service, and to have clothing soaked in toilet waste and water. Charlie's family restaurant all in all honesty is a waste of...