Charlie's Place Eatery — Restaurant in Galena

The is yet another breakfast place in this same establishment of many over the years, and IMO the best. FOOD QUALITY... The food was absolutely amazing! My son had the berry waffles and could not believe how great they were. They used a strawberry sauce that really added to the flavor. Steak skillet was fantastic, with the steak being decent quality. I got the meat lovers skillet and it fortunately included vegetables as well. All ingredients tasted high quality and fresh. You also had the option of regular hash browns in the skillet or cubed red potatoes. The bacon was cooked well, thick cut and fresh. I had the pancakes as well. The pancakes were huge! ...a solid dinner plate size and light, fluffy, and flavorful. Berries were huge and fresh. They also have a tasty light fluffy butter to use on the pancakes and waffles that was amazing. The orange juice tasted fresh squeezed, which is something I always remembered about this restaurant regardless of owners. SERVICE... I usually don't have an above average experience on service but this place was over the top. We were immediately greeted and they were very friendly and polite. They constantly made sure we were not in need of anything, constantly kept coffee cups full, and it truly felt like they cared about our experience in their restaurant. I cannot say enough good things about this. Probably the best service I've seen in a restaurant in many years! ENVIRONMENT... it was basically one large room, but nicely put together with nice framed murals of Galena and such. The tables were modern and classy. Bathrooms were 2 single locking rooms which i always appreciate. The exterior is simple, nothing really impressive to speak about there. THE BAD... although minor, there are some negative things I should mention. As other reviews had mentioned, it's a little loud, with it being basically one large room. Price was a little expensive for breakfast at around $10-$20. Skillets were $16-$20, a plate of two pancakes with a side was $15. This is basically in line with the area though, and the food quality and experience makes it reasonable IMO. They had some garbage cans outside the front door likely waiting for pickup. This produced an unpleasant smell as you approach the entry door. They should move those or hide them behind a fence or something. Parking can be a challenge during peak times like summer, but not a huge deal breaker for me. OVERALL... fantastic experience for my family and we'll definitely be back. I highly...

Went to Charlie' Place this morning for breakfast with my wife on my 68th birthday and had the strangest experience I can recall at any restaurant in my life. Ordered a meat lovers omelet and hash browns. Both were very overdone to the point of being barely edible. I ate about 20% of the omelet and a couple bites of the hash browns and then advised our waiter that the food was so overcooked I could not eat anymore. The waiter then began to berate me over and over for not telling him sooner and that it was now too late to do anything about it. This went on for several minutes as my wife and I sat there incredulous as at that point we had not asked for a discount/new meal/anything. I finally made it clear to the waiter that we were done listening to him and simply wanted our check. A couple of minutes later another person (owner/cook/manager?) came to our table and said they heard there was a problem with our meal and asked what the problem was. When I mentioned the food was overdone they told me that the food was cooked properly and there was no problem with the food. Both the waiter and other person were almost confrontational so we paid our check - for a meal we didn't completely get - and got out of there! We live in Galena but won't be back to Charlie's anytime soon.

The owner's response to this review is disingenuous at best. I never told the waiter the food was fine but he should have been able to tell as very little was eaten. While the food was a problem it was the confrontational treatment from the staff that was bizarre. My wife and I have eaten out literally thousands of time over the years and have never experienced or heard of anything like it. If this is how the owner responds we are definitely done with Charlie's. Very...

There’s something truly special about Charlie’s Place. Located right on Main Street, it’s the kind of breakfast/lunch spot that makes you feel instantly at home. Charlie, Nia, and their entire team have created more than just a restaurant, they’ve created a place where kindness, care, and community shine.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted like an old friend. Everyone on staff checks in with a smile, making sure your coffee is full and your plate is just the way you like it (spoiler: it always is). The portions are generous, the prices are more than fair, and the food... absolutely delicious. The Reuben is one of the best you’ll ever have, the cheese curds are addictive, and the menu is full of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There’s a rhythm to how they work, like a well-rehearsed dance where every person knows their role and supports the others. Even on the busiest days, there’s no rush. When the check comes, it’s never with a push to leave, but always with a warm “Thank you” and a reminder to take your time.

And if you enjoy a breakfast cocktail, they’ve got you covered: mimosas (my favorite), screwdrivers, Bloody Marys, even a tequila sunrise (my husband's usual)to pair with your eggs.

As a local, I should’ve written this review a long time ago, but maybe it’s fitting now, because I’ve had time to see the heart and consistency behind everything they do. Charlie’s Place is Galena at its best...genuine, welcoming, and unforgettable. If you’re visiting, don’t miss it. And if you’re local and haven’t been… what are you...