Hungry Charlie's Lunchbox — Restaurant in Waterloo

Had to go to Waterloo for a doctor's appointment and wanted to try something different. I saw good reviews for Hungry Charlie's Lunch Box and decided to check it out. I asked the person at the counter which was better, the Ruben or the Cuban. She informed me that the Ruben had was award winning so I went with that (I later discovered that the Cuban had also won awards. But now I have an excuse to go back.) I got the pablano potato salad at the suggestion of many reviewers. My wife ordered the ham and cheese. I can definitely understand how the Ruben had won awards. It was fantastic! High piled, thinly slicked corned beef was so delicious and there was a generous amount of sauerkraut and dressing. The pablano potato salad was superb. Creamy and flavorful. I asked my wife for a taste of her ham and cheese with lower expectations. I always think of ham and cheese as something you make at home but not worth ordering at a restaurant. Ohmygosh, was I wrong on this one! I couldn't really pick out what made it so amazing from just one bite. But I can honestly say that was the best ham and cheese panini I've ever tasted! The sandwiches had very generous portions- we were full for several hours. Also, the pickles were really good. That's key when eating a good sandwich. Staff was friendly and the owner is a really nice guy who, as my wife said "never met a stranger." We will definitely return on one of our visits to Waterloo. Pro tip: be sure to get a punch card to...

Edit from my previous review:

I decided to give them a second chance as I believe in second chances. The owner and one other guy was in there (sorry I don’t remember your name) They were AWESOME! Super fun personalities, upbeat, cheerful, just amazing! Service was faster, and I was so glad I gave them another chance! 5 star, highly recommend, will be back! Their food is Super delicious and offer food that you normally don’t find. If you love kind of Tex Mex food, definitely try the potato salad! Unique flavors and definitely a twist on traditional potato salad! I love their turkey bacon sandwich! The southwest sauce is very bold, so off you love a good bold flavor, you will love it! I’m glad I came back! Thanks guys! You’re rock stars!!!

Slow service, came on my lunch break, they made 2 orders that came in after me before me, the lady was more interested in chatting than making food. Seriously frustrating when you’re on a lunch break. Very inconsiderate of...

I went to Hungry Charlie's Lunchbox for the first time today and I will definitely be back! I tried the rueben panini and poblano potato salad. As the picture shows, there was a lot of meat in the panini, along with plenty of sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing. So good! It was one of the best rueben's I've had. The potato salad was also very flavorful with large chunks of potatoes in a poblano sauce. Very delicious! The service was excellent as well and I really enjoyed the 1950's decor (as well as the lovely historic building that this restaurant is in! Gorgeous ceiling and building!). Definitely a fantastic restaurant and an inexpensive, delicious meal (my sandwich was $9.99 and the side was $1.99). Can't wait to come back for...