Charlene's Kitchen — Restaurant in Port Lavaca

This is the first time in my life I’ve written a restaurant review, but I feel compelled to do so in order that the next person who relies on ratings won’t fall for a 5-star rating like the one I read about Charlene’s Kitchen.

I am totally baffled! We had a hard time finding the place because Google Maps led us first to a random residence outside of town, then to the general vicinity of the restaurant, but it wasn’t in the exact location indicated.

We hesitated to go in because there was only one vehicle parked outside — not a good sign during peak lunchtime hours. However, since we had driven all over the place to find something so highly rated, we decided to give it a try.

The chicken-fried steak was the worst ever — so tough it was hard to chew. The salad was wilted. The soups in the soup bar looked like leftovers. The baked potatoes had the look and smell of day-old fare.

The only explanation I could come up with was that it was Monday (Labor Day) and perhaps no one knew they were open. There was not another customer inside, so the pickup in the parking lot must have belonged to an employee.

I feel terrible even writing this as I am typically an “encourager,” but I have never been so disappointed in an eating establishment in my life.

The waitress was kind and helpful and the other employees were friendly enough. It was just a sad experience. I’m hoping ours was a one-time thing, as the other reviews have been...

Cute little place.

They do self-serve drinks. They seem to have tea, lemonade, water, and coffee. The staff left us be the entire time, which was also fine.

We got the onion ring appetizer with ranch. (#1) They came out hot and delicious. My favorite part of lunch.

My girl got the chopped brisket sandwich. It was mildly sweet but in a nice BBQ sauce sort of way.

I got a patty melt on rye, it was fine, but the BBQ sandwich was better. It also came with a Claussen-style pickle spear.

They both came with standard chips, and we both got Doritos.

They have an AYCE soup and salad bar, which looked tasty but I didn't get that.

They don't seem to play any music here, which is honestly great. Bathrooms were clean.

No wifi here, unfortunately. Also, the menu hurt my eyes because they are absolutely neon bright lol. Could have been me, as my girl didn't say she was blinded by them.

Overall, this place deserves a visit, and if you're local they do free delivery, according to...

A refreshing addition to our area. Loaded Nachos came out hot and had an amazing taste and flavor. Club sandwich was made with fresh ingredients, lots of meats and had a nice crunch to the outside toasted bread (most places it gets soggy). The Philly cheese steak was "spot on" with plenty of meat and melted gooey cheese topped with grilled peppers and onions on a soft, fresh hogie roll. The onion ring are hand breaded and the flavor is amazing! You better order two batches, because they will be gone before you know it. Nice salad bar with plenty of salad fixings. Over all a great value for the...