It has always been to my utmost delight to partake in the exploration of a genuinely good place to grab some grub. Nothing pleases me more than the experience you receive when you are treated to the tastes and treats of any local dining establishment. There is really nothing quite like walking away from the table, full and satisfied, knowing you just experienced something well worth your time. When your belly belts, “heed the call!”, there is something special in knowing you have done it justice.
For my first review, I chose a place that has newly become dear to my heart and stomach. This establishment exemplifies why I find it worthwhile, important and downright smart to 1) eat at local businesses, and 2) eat here. Many people are ignorant to the benefits of spending money at local businesses. Before I begin describing the exuberance that is this gem of a diner, I want to address the benefits and correlation between spending your money at local establishments and the community.
Did you know that by spending your money at local independent businesses, 68 percent of that money is returned back to the community? Did you know that by eating at nationalized fast food and restaurant chains only 43 percent stays within the community? That’s something to think about. What this means, at least for taxpaying citizens, is that the more money you spend locally results in more money being used to fund your local schools, roads, and people whose income depends on your tax dollars, like Norfolk’s Finest. Local businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60 percent higher rate than chains and Internet retailers. Your dollar can go a long way if you know where to put it. I’m here to tell you to put it in your belly.
Charlie’s Café, located at the corner of 18th and Granby, is one of the oldest standing structures on the historic street. It was built as a residence in 1905 and later incorporated a confectionary within the structure in 1920, beginning its history as a local favorite place to eat. In 1983, the property became “Swanky Franky’s Hotdogs”, which was eventually sold to Charlie Ellison and his mother Gladys. These days, former reality agent Ted Warren owns and operates Charlie’s Café, serving up some of the best dinner food in town.
You know you’ve hit the jack-pot when you walk into a diner and every seat is taken, the servers move like hurdle runners, and what appears to be five pounds of home fries is sitting on the flat top grill waiting to be plated. I’ve never seen so much activity in such a limited amount of space in my life. It was refreshing to see people of all types enjoying a local favorite. Almost immediately, a sense of community presented itself in the smiles of the customers and employees. The entire kitchen is essentially crammed behind the bar, which seats about nine people. Greasy yellow tickets lined up above the grill kept the cook moving at a pace The Flash would most certainly commend. The yellow walls of the dining area were littered with framed posters of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Mimosas and Bloody Marys cluttered tables throughout the room, all served the Charlie’s way, in preservative jars. All drinks, in fact, were served up in these jars, which I thought was a fun and practical use for them. The hustle and bustle was music to my ears. I was right at home.
On an average weekend, Charlie’s goes through around 100 dozen eggs. Judging by the size of the omelets one would think that’d be more, but surprisingly enough, only three eggs are used per omelet. That means Charlie’s serves up around 400 Ultimate Omelets in two days! Upon my first visit, a sensational hangover had me craving one of these magical masterpieces. The toughest part was making a decision. From Ted’s favorite, the Southwestern Omelet (Chorizo sausage, potatoes, jack cheese, topped with warm habanero salsa) to the Mom’s Omelet (American cheese, sausage, bacon, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms and tomato) Charlie’s offers up 11 varieties of omelets. If you can’t make up your mind you can build your own either plain for $5.99 or with two toppings for $6.99. You can choose between five meats and cheeses and ten vegetables. The best part is, all omelets are served with your choice of bread and home fries or grits. In the end, I decided to play it safe and settled on the Charlie’s Special. A moist, fluffy, and extremely appetizing omelet with ham, American cheese, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Charlie’s Café also serves up a swath of other breakfast options from platters, sandwiches, French toast and waffles, to pancakes with chocolate chips, strawberries, pineapples and/or pecans. They even offer vegetarian options such as veggie patties and tofu scramble.
Not feeling breakfast? Charlie’s Café serves up a variety of lunchtime favorites like the Swanky Franky’s Hotdogs, Mom’s Melt (Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and onions on rye) or the Veggie Melt (melted cheese, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and artichokes on your choice of bread), salads, and quarter-pound burgers that will make you an instant Charlie’s addict. The chili is a perfect blend of heat and savory goodness with just the right amount of awesome.
Upon my second visit to Charlie’s, I felt like giving the burgers a try and, without hesitation, chose the Reuben burger. My favorite sandwich on a slab of beef? Yes, please. The quarter-pound meat patty was served up on rye with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing making for a more than scrumptious settling to my afternoon craving.
Here is where things get interesting. Charlie’s Cafe challenges you to the Mom’s K.O. (Killer Omelet) Challenge. Want to eat for free? If you can manage to eat a dozen egg Mom’s omelet smothered with the infamous habanero salsa and an eight stack of pancakes in one hour, without leaving the table, and keep it all down, it’s on Charlie. Don’t eat meat? That’s no excuse to back down from this challenge. Charlie’s will make it a vegetarian omelet just for you. Same rules apply. 47 have attempted this noble feat, but only two have walked away victorious. Do you have what it takes? See for yourself. However, if you fail, you gotta pick up the bill. Don’t worry, it’s only $19.99, which is a more than a fair price for a feast of such magnitude.
If you haven’t been to Charlie’s Cafe, you are truly missing out on a grand experience. Charlie’s will always make sure you are walking away satisfied without making a dent in your wallet. This one-in-million diner is a great place to grab a bite with a group of friends, or break the ice with a date. Like I stated earlier, eating at small local businesses goes a long way. Even Charlie’s Cafe is sure to get their products from local markets, so by eating at Charlie’s, you’re supporting more than just one independent business. If you want to experience true customer service, great food, and a great time, I implore you, heed the call.
But, because I know I hooked you at 75 cent tacos, I'll get straight to the point. On Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 p.m. till close Tortilla West offers beef or black bean tacos, soft or hard shell, with cheese and lettuce on the side, each for 75 cents. Trust, it's the best deal I know in Norfolk. They don't skimp you either. This place makes Taco Bell look like what it really is...dog food.
