Charlie's Bar & Grille — Restaurant in Grand Rapids Charter Township

Update 1/30/25 - ok, I loved this place, been there several times, it was our go to for taking the family to eat. Today's experience was subpar. Our waitress took 15 minutes to get to us, she passed by several times and never said "I'll be right with you ", she just ignored us until she was ready. She then wasn't attentive at all. Almost all of our food was cold. We sent back a couple items but really should have sent it all back. Overall, not a good experience. After this time, we'll probably go elsewhere when taking the family out to dinner... so sad, we really thought we'd found the perfect place.

Prior review - Charlie's has to be one of my favorite places to eat ever. Super friendly staff, Charlie herself comes by every single time. Wait staff and bartenders are all great. Tracy was our server tonight, possibly the best service we've ever had! The food was also great, especially the mussels and the potato skins. Fried pollack is hand breaded. Smelt battered in house too. Kids Mac and cheese, Charlie brings candy for the kids. What's not to love? If we could, we'd...

Food is decent, depending on what you're getting. The service is friendly, the people are welcoming, and if you're a frequent flyer they have the decency to remember what you like to drink, eat, etc. Something that's easily lost today with the constant run around. It can be very chill at times, and packed at others. Only reason I gave 3 stars is the food can be touch and go. Sometimes it's really good, other times over done. Menu could be priced a bit more realistic to what's ultimately being served. And lastly lighting/decor..it's rather dark in there and if it's not then you notice how dated the place is. Plus, I personally have a thing with needing to be in a well lit area while eating my food. So! She could use a little pick me up in those regards, but otherwise a decent place to stop and grab some lunch or a drink while catching up with some friends. But I wouldn't make it my Friday night dinner/drink...

My boyfriend and I stopped in here for lunch a couple weeks ago. Their prices were pretty high in general, so we looked at the lunch menue, where the prices were lower. It still wasnt worth it. I ordered the goulash and received a measly portion of food - one that I doubt a child would even be satisfied with. My boyfriend got a burger and fries. We were pretty sure that the fries were stolen from McDonalds. The burger itself was no better - actually, McDonald's burgers looked far more appealing than this pathetic excuse for sustenance. My portion of food was gone within 30 seconds, though my boyfriend's dish lasted longer. . . but only because he couldnt bring himself to eat all of it. Yeah. It was THAT unappealing. We left there feeling like we'd just wasted too much money and a part of our lives.

We didnt sit at the bar though. Maybe their drinks are better, however, we wont be going...